Criminal Hearts

Chapter 23

Krish and Ishaani were maintaining a cordial relationship as the days passed by, and the entire team seemed to be functioning smoothly. However, Yash's persistent attempts to flirt with Radhika remained a constant issue. He would seize every opportunity to engage with her, trying to get closer, but Radhika chose to disregard his advances, consistently ignoring him.

Initially, Radhika contemplated confiding in Krish about Yash's behavior. However, she eventually decided against it, thinking it might complicate matters or cause unnecessary tension within the team.

One day during lunchtime, Radhika and Krish found themselves sitting together in the cafeteria, enjoying their meal in each other's company.

Krish: 'Radha...' (He called her in a romantic way)

Radhika: 'Yarr Krish...yahan office mein to mat bolo Radha log kya sochenge... mera mazaak udaayenge...' (She said facepalming)

Krish: 'Accha theek hai baba... mein ek baat bolu (She nodded) ...Maya ka birthday aa raha hai... Actually aa gaya... kal hi hai...'

Radhika: 'Shabaash...aur tum mujhe aaj bata rahe ho... pahle batate toh mein uske liye kuch taiyyari karti na...'

Krish: 'Aree... mujhe yaad aa gaya na vahi bohot hai...award milna chahiye iske liye toh mujhe... Varna har baar voh cake cut karne vala chaku leke mere peeche bhagti hai...' (He said laughing)

Radhika: 'Kyun...?'

Krish: 'Kyunki... mein uska birthday bhool jata hoon...'

Radhika: 'Very bad...Voh tumhari choti behen hai aur tum uske saath aisa karte ho...'

Krish: 'Accha mana meri galti hai par is baar to nahi ki na...chalo ab meri help karo... uske liye gift lena hai...' (He said putting a big gulab jamun in his mouth)

Radhika: 'Toh isme koi bolne vali baat hai... shaam ko office ke baad...mall chalte hain shopping ke liye...'

Ishaani suddenly intervenes...

Ishaani: 'Aree... tum dono mall jaa rahe ho... mein bhi chalun ...meine kafi time se Mumbai nahi ghuma hai... please...?'

Both Krish and Radhika looked helplessly at each other but then agreed.

In the evening, after work, Krish, Radhika and Ishaani were ready to go to the mall.

Radhika and Ishaani were waiting outside the office for Krish. Few minutes later Krish came with his Audi A8.

As Radhika approached the front door, Ishaani unexpectedly beat her to it, swiftly taking the front seat.

A twinge of disappointment washed over Radhika, but she silently resigned herself to sitting in the back.

Krish sensed and noticed her sadness this through the rearview mirror. He just sighed.

As the car set in motion, Ishaani initiated a conversation with Krish, filling the air with her lively chatter. Radhika found herself growing increasingly irritated, longing for a respite from Ishaani's incessant talking.

Seeking solace, she retrieved her AirPods and retreated into her own world, shutting out the external noise.

Finally, they reached the mall.

Ishaani: 'Tumhe kya lena hai Radhika...?'

Radhika: 'Voh meri behen ka birthday hai toh... uske liye gift lena hai...(she said glancing at Krish)

Ishaani: 'Accha...if you don't mind tum akele shopping kar sakti ho... Voh... actually mujhe kuch electronics lene the ghar ke liye toh Krish meri help kar dega...'