A week had passed since Radhika joined BS. She wasn't yet given any real assignment or something that would let her explore her writing skills. Yet she patiently did whatever was assigned to her, Piyali walked into the centre of the working place and clapped once making everyone turn their attention on her. ''Folks we have an urgent project from a CPG company for their new mosquito replant spray. I don't care which department you work with...you have an idea good enough to explore mail it to me in 2 hrs...understood'' everybody nodded and suddenly the office of full of discussions..Radhika watched as Zubin Kritika and Teji walked behind Sam into a room...it was their so called brain storming room. Neil who crossed her desk halted; ''why aren't you joining''

Radhika didn't wanted to see more hated glances directed at her, lowering her head she responded; ''let me earn that invite an place  on my own'' Neil stared at her face, he smiled caressing her head; ''you amaze me...fine girl. But remember I have your back..'' Radhika nodded and walked into the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. Moving on to the terrace she allowed her eyes roam over the city visible from there...sipping her coffee she kept the cup down leaning on the railing. Closing her eyes she allowed the jumbled words in her mind to rearrange themselves...

Arjun seemed to have no work other than watching Radhika , his eyes followed all her gestures big or small. He hated when she laughed with Neil and Teji .He would smile when sometimes he would find her lost humming an old song busy in her work. He saw her leaving her place moving to cafeteria , he followed her after few minutes.

Now he stood tall infront of her lean figure admiring her beautiful face. She was standing with her eyes closed lost in her own world. He hated the way she was treated by the mean people around her . Arjun smiled at his thought; 'One day I will take this BS from Khannas and gift it you my love...you can live all your dreams then. For now how I wish you open those chocolate eyes of yours and look at me 'But she didn't, she stood there rooted lost in her own world.  Arjun couldn't stand the silence more..he had to know if she had forgiven him; ''what's up Radhika''

Surprised by sudden intrusion Radhika squeaked jumped broke her cup and was about to fall when Arjun gripped her arm hard pulling her close. Arjun watched all lost as her hair danced along the smooth line of her flawless face... Radhika blinked all startled and then she started twisting her arm to get free; ''Please....let me go sir''

Arjun left her arm suddenly coming to senses; ''So what are you doing here''

Radhika somehow was still annoyed of his lie, she didn't wanted to do anything with him. But he was her boss , no way she could go rude on him...she replied calmly; ''I was taking a break...now going back'' As Radhika walk passed him Arjun grabbed her wrist; ''Can you please give me a chance'' But her answer knocked him off; ''I think we shouldn't be talking here as here you are my boss and as you said all are EQUAL for you. Remember you gave me the this reason for being rude...so don't you think we shouldn't be talking like friends here'' with that she walked off...Arjun smiled watching her retreating figure , she was a little spitfire and he was loving it. Arjun knew exactly how to win her trust...he was just waiting for a chance...

Walking down to his cabin he was smiling all lost when he collided with Sam. ''Someone is happy '' Arjun was back to his stubborn arrogant self smirking he replied; ''why shouldn't be....I have my prize right infront of me'' His words were directed to Radhika whom he watched over Sam's shoulder but Sam thought it to be for her ..she blushed; ''I had few things to be discussed''

Arjun leaned closer to her ear; ''How about in Private'' there was cracking sound ...Arjun-Sam turned their eyes in the direction of sound. Neil held Sam's eyes in a painful eye-lock gripping the two pieces of pencils in his firm grip. He could see Sam was falling for Arjun's charm harand fast. But Sam wasn't aware nor she noticed that Neil was breaking every moment. Neil quickly moved to his cabin locking it from inside...he needed time to gather himself..

Piyali had been checking on all the mails which pooled her in box with ideas....she had been marking few and deleting others when finally she came across Radhika's mail. While others 'had written paragraphs she had just put a sleeping kid pic with a line ' A good slumber to build a beautiful future'

Piyali smiled, yes the message was clear, everybody needed a good relaxed sleep to fight a new day. All excited she walked out again standing in the middle...Piyali looked at Radhika who was again busy with some work given to her my Zubin...she smiled and felt proud of herself for hiring the young girl. ''Attention everyone...I want all here'' Arjun Neil Sam and Samrat all walked out of their cabins...''first good effort everyone...I got some amazing ideas...but I also got one excellent one...'' Walking to Radhika she smiled; '' ' A good slumber to build a beautiful future'....brilliant job Radhika...a single line says it all and guess what...client loved it'' The place broke into applauds and cheers. Neil whistled giving Radhika thumbs up Piyali raised her hand to calm everyone; ''And you are permanent ...I will ask the HR to work on your letter.'' Turning to Neil Piyali smiled; ''you wanted Radhika as your protege ...now she is...she will no more will be working with Sam starting this moment'' She was about to leave but then stopped; ''Ok tomorrow party at my place...all are invited. Reason being Arjun's welcome and he got us a big client Maybelline''

Sam was shocked, glaring at Radhika she followed Piyali into her cabin; ''You got this thought Radhika..so the credit goes to my team....how can you just hand her over to Neil''

Piyali looked up; ''Wow !! a few days  back you didn't even want ed her around . For last one week you guys gave her no work other than making her do some silly reports, today also you didn't include her in your team discussions...do you think I didn't notice ?? Piyali got up and walked to Sam ; ''face it Sam you are insecure of that girl'' Sam was about to speak but Piyali cut her off ; ''...plus Radhika's entry came as an individual...she trusts Neil more than you. And I am not going to lose a good asset to your false pride...'' Sam knew she had nothing to say..but this somehow increased her resentment towards Radhika... her mind kept blaming Radhika for her current problems with her mother. Storming out she picked her bag and marched home....Sam had made her mind up to leave her parents place for good. 

Neil gave Radhika a plastic cup filled with soft drink and bought himself one; ''Cheers to our friendship...now bottoms up'' Radhika giggled and finished her cup in one go...Neil wiped his mouth; ''lets go i will drop you home''

Radhika refused; ''No Neil...my aunt keeps snooping around . If she sees you she will throw me out and mom will call me back'' Neil agreed and left after greeting her..Radhika picked her things up and walked out . Arjun who had been waiting to congratulate Radhika. Heard her discussion with Neil standing at the distance... walking out of the corner  he watched her moving  ''Sorry Radhika you will have to leave Mumbai, I will bring you back once I am done. I will help you in living your dream ....but for now you have to go. I want to bring BS down.....but you seem to save them every time...first in Hrishikesh and now again....see you after party''

Sam went home and dumped her stuff into a bag. ''you are going some where?'' Came Samrat's voice from behind. Sam took a moment ; ''yes , Dad I am moving out . I am tired of Mom's hate and I guess we both need some time. May be this distance gives us that much needed break''

Samrat was livid; ''but where would you go''

Sam held his hand; ''for now I am going at Neil's place , I spoke to Prerna aunty and she seemed to be fine...I have spoken to a gent also . He will show me houses around . In two days I will finalize one in a day or two....'' Hugging Samrat Sam emotionally spoke ; ''take care Dad..I will keep in touch'' Sam squeezed her father's hand before walking out...she tried getting a cab but to her dismay it was late and none of the cabs payed heed to her calls. Sam dragged her luggage along moving a little ahead in a hope of getting a cab. Sam felt someone following her she stopped and turned....at some distance stood a white SUV. She couldn't recognise the driver as the head lights blinded her. Sam ignored and walked ahead so did the SUV...Sam turned mad, picking up a stone she herald it at the vehicle cracking the front glass; ''Just come out coward...I am not scared''

Arjun stepped out....Sam blinked and the frowned; ''why were you following me '' Arjun stared at the cracked glass...smiling he walked towards her; ''was trying to keep you safe. I was worried when I saw you leaving all livid ''

Sam was upset, even Arjun's presence couldn't sooth her bruised heart; ''Arjun I am not a damsel in distress..I can take care of myself . You don't have to follow me around..goodnight''

Arjun stopped her by holding her arm; ''Sam I can arrange a house for you and can solve your issues..but you have to come on date with me''

Sam turned her yes to him watching him for sometime; ''Really???? Arjun you cannot bribe  my time, if it has to happen it will happen on my terms and will. Didn't knew you would turn out worst than a school boy....Goodnight''

With that Sam walked off...Arjun banged his fist on the bonnet. all his work went in drain , he had to start all over again....he thought she was already in his control but no Sam wasn't easy. He decided to follow her....at some distance he found Sam getting into a car...she seemed to know the driver. Arjun followed the vehicle and realized it was Neil...''to bring you to me I have to cut you off from Neil...hmm Bonnie will do the job for me'' Arjun pulled his phone out; ''Bonnie from tomorrow you need to keep Neil busy....'' Smiling he drove off...

Neil made Sam comfortable in the guest room and walked into Prerna's study; ''Thanks Mom for allowing Sam to stay with us''

Prerna closed the book she was reading and got up from the chair  and moved to the book shelf without looking at Neil she responded; ''I didn't do it for you , Samrat and Piyali are family friends. I did it for them' Turning around she looked into Neil's eyes; ''But I am glad I allowed her...atleast for her you decided to see your mother''

Neil closed his eyes for moment to control his irritation...looking straight at his mother he pleaded; ''why can't we talk like normal family, I am your son ....''

Prerna smiled with tears in her eyes; ''you remember that you are son but forgot I am your mom.'' Turning away she ended the conversation; ''Good night Neil...I hope Sam must be waiting for you to pour her heart and even you look anxious '' Neil stood there watching his mother who stood there wither her back to him, silently shedding tears....it was after 2 weeks that Neil came and spoke to her. But for Sam...Prerna felt lonely very lonely and to her dismay her own son least cared about it..

Arjun after coming back dialled Radhika, he wanted to speak to her desperately...but she din't answer instead he disconnected . Arjun kept dialling finally she answered; ''Yes Sir''

Arjun was angry; ''why can't you simply pick my call...I am apologising yet you can't forgive why''

Radhika calmly replied; ''Sir, I don't consider you my friend anymore...please don't call me after office..'' with that she disconnected. Radhika pulled her blanket over her head ; 'trust is the biggest thing, which you lost. I am not a fool Arjun Mehra'

Arjun pulled his hair and then took a deep breath; 'Calm Arjun Calm....after tomorrow  she will be gone and then you can handle both of them  simultaneously .....Radhika will come around...' with that decision he called out the day...

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Next; Radhika gets thrown out of her house....Neil confronts Sam..Beginning of Sam -Radhika's friendship

Do let me know how was this.