In the car,
Rudra asked her, "Are you nervous?"
She replied, "No sir, I'm perfectly ready for the interview."
Rudra said, "That's good to hear."
They reached the college. She was about to leave.
"Radika…" he called.
She turned back. He handed her a small chocolate.
"For you," he said softly. "All the best."
She looked at it for a second, slightly surprised, then took it. "Thank you, sir," she said with a small smile. She didn't know why, but that small gesture made her feel a little lighter.
The interviews started.
All the applicants were present there. One by one, they were being called, and many came out with sad faces as it didn't go well.
Seeing this, Radika started feeling nervous again. Her fingers slowly tightened around the chocolate in her hand.
Just then, Rudra came there. He stood a little far away, watching her.
Radika noticed him. For a moment, she just looked at him. Something about his presence felt steady… familiar. Her breathing slowly eased. She told herself, You can do it.
They called her name. She stood up and looked at Rudra.
"Don't worry. All the best," he said.
Radika nodded and went inside.
She greeted the interviewer politely, and he asked her to sit. She sat down on the chair.
He asked her to introduce herself, and she introduced herself clearly. Then he asked her to give a summary of her project, and Radika explained it in a simple way.
After that, he asked a few general questions related to her studies, and she answered them confidently. At one point, she paused for a second to gather her thoughts, then continued calmly.
He then asked about her future plans. Radika replied that she wanted to build her career step by step and grow in her field. He also asked if she was comfortable with different working timings and locations. She said yes and that she was ready to work as per the company's requirements.
After a short pause, he asked if there were any personal commitments that might affect her career.
Radika stayed silent for a moment.
Her mind went blank for a second.
Should I say it… or not?
Then she took a small breath and answered honestly, "I'm married, sir… but it will never become a hurdle in my career."
The interviewer looked at her for a moment and then nodded, appreciating her honesty. He asked a few more questions, and she answered them calmly.
At the end, he said it was nice talking with her and that he hoped they would meet again and work together.
Radika thanked him, got up, and left the room.
As soon as she came out, her steps slowed down. She walked to a corner of the canteen and sat quietly.
Why did I answer that?What was the need to say it?We don't even have a future together…What was I thinking at that moment?
She kept questioning herself, her thoughts getting heavier.
Just then, her friends entered.
Sara said, "Finally, it's over!"
Hima added, "Yeah, Sara… what should we do now?"
Radhika looked at them and said, "We just completed our interviews, not our college. Did you forget we still have final exams? And we don't even know whether we passed the interview or not. It's not over yet."
Sara made a face. "Radhika, you are the villain of our happiness."
Hima laughed. "Seriously, why are you like this? Just enjoy the moment."
Radhika smiled a little. "Sorry, girls… I'm just saying the truth. Okay, fine, I won't talk like that. Now tell me, how were your interviews?"
Sara said proudly, "I answered every question."
Hima said, "They even said our project was good!"
Rohan nodded. "Mine went well too."
Then they all looked at Radhika.
"What about you?"
"Mine…" she paused for a second, her thoughts still stuck somewhere else, "it was good."
Sara suddenly said, "We've been so stressed these days… how about we go on a trip for relaxation?"
Hima's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect! We can take a small break and enjoy."
Rohan smiled. "Then I'll be the bodyguard for you beautiful ladies."
Sara laughed. "Of course, you can."
Then Hima turned to Radhika. "What about you?"
Radhika hesitated. "Me… I don't think I'll come. You guys go and enjoy."
Sara immediately said, "If you don't come, we're not going either. You have to come."
Radhika sighed softly. "Sara, don't say like that… Just give me some time to think, okay?"
They all looked at each other and nodded. "Okay… take your time."
Hima said, "We'll decide the place after Radhika says yes."
Sara agreed. "Done."
After that, they all left for home.
At home, as soon as she entered, aunty asked, "How was your interview, dear?"
Radhika smiled a little. "It went well, aunty."
Rudra also looked at her, waiting for her answer.
She sat down and started telling them everything — how the questions were, how she answered, how the interview went smoothly. But she didn't mention that one question… the one about her marriage.
Aunty felt relieved. "That's good, dear. I'm sure you did your best."
Radhika nodded.
After some time, silence filled the room.
She remembered Sara's words about the trip.
She wanted to ask.
Her lips parted slightly… but no words came out.
Should I ask…?
She looked at aunty… then at Rudra.
Something held her back.
"It's nothing…" she said softly, shaking her head.
And she walked away to her room.
At the dinning table....
TO BE CONTINUED......