RIPPLE

The morning sun filtered softly into the office of Niharika Groups of Company. Rishi stood tall, professional as always, as he introduced Niharika to the rest of his team. "Everyone, meet Niharika Sharma. She's recently joined us and will be working closely with me. Please cooperate and make her feel comfortable."

The team clapped politely. But someone clapped a little too long.

"Wow Rishi bhai, you never mentioned your new staff would be so beautiful," Raj said with a cheeky grin. winking at Niharika.

As the team clapped politely. Raj leaned in from his seat. flashing his trademark grin. "Technically, I met her before any of you," he whispered loudly enough for the room to hear. "Remember. Rishi? That night on the road? My ghost theory turned out to be a damsel in distress."

Niharika let out a faint smile, recalling the chaotic night. Rishi rolled his eyes. "Yes, Raj. You're the hero of horror movies," he said dryly.

Despite the theatrics. Niharika adjusted to office life quickly. She worked with quiet efficiency, winning respect in no time. Raj never missed a chance to flirt lightly-though always in a way that made her laugh, not cringe.

One week later. Rishi called for a meeting.

"We've been invited to the Global Product Launch Expo in Paris." he announced. "A golden opportunity to showcase our innovation."

Excitement replica across the room. Raj practically jumped from his seat. "Paris?! Bonjour, baguette. Eiffel Tower, I'm ready!"

Rishi looked at him with mock seriousness. "You're not going."

Raj's face fell. "Wait... what? No-why?!"

Rishi smirked. "Because you're too excited. But relax, I'm joking. How can a trip be fun without you embarrassing me in a foreign country?"

Raj clutched his heart. "Man, don't play with my emotions. I saw my passport weeping in the drawer!"

Raj grinned ear to ear, grabbing Niharika's hand and spinning her. "You're lucky, madam! I'm bringing glamour to Paris!"

Everyone laughed. Then Rishi continued, "I've selected Anjali from marketing. Kunal from logistics, and... that's all."

Raj blinked. "Wait... what about Niharika?"

Rishi turned serious. "She's new. It's better she stays here and manages the office."

A brief silence fell. Niharika's face fell slightly, though she didn't say anything. Raj gave Rishi a look but didn't push further.

That evening, Rishi returned home. Raj tagging along. They were greeted by the scent of curry from the kitchen and the sound of the TV running. But what caught their attention was the man sitting in the living room stern, and unfamiliar.

Niharika was frozen . Her voice trembled. "That's... my brother

The tension in the room thickened.

"I've come to take you back." her brother said coldly.

"She's not going anywhere," Rishi replied firmly.

Her brother stood up, stepping forward aggressively. "And who are you to stop me?"

Without warning, he raised his hand. Raj tried to intervene but got a punch straight to his face, falling back with a loud thud.

"Why do good guys always get punched?" Raj muttered from the floor. "No justice in this world."

Niharika rushed to help him up. "Are you okay?"

He grinned through the pain. "With you here, madam. nothing can hurt me."

Meanwhile. Rishi grabbed Niharika's brother by the collar and shoved him back. "You want to talk? Then talk. Don't raise your hand in my house."

Niharika stepped between .Her eyes were fierce now - no longer scared.

"Why now?" she asked her brother. "Where were you when I begged for help? When I told you those men were trying to sell me and dad was involved you ignored me. You helped him."

Her brother's face twitched.

"And now you want to take me home because you suddenly care?" she said. "I'm building a life here. I'm safe. And I will call the police if you ever try something like this again."

Her words hit like thunder. Her brother said nothing, just glared at Rishi.

"You'll regret this." he warned before storming out.

As the door shut, silence filled the room.

Then Raj broke the silence, holding an ice pack to his cheek. " He hits like a truck. Next time. I'm charging bodyguard fees . "

Niharika gave a small laugh, tears still in her eyes.

Later that night, over dinner. Laxmi aunty turned to Rishi.

"I heard the office trip is to Paris," she said casually over dinner.

Rishi nodded. "Yes. Just work."

"Then take Niharika with you." she said. "She needs a break. A new place might help her heal."

Raj, still holding the ice pack, added dramatically, "You can't leave her behind, man. What if another brother punches me while you're gone?"

Rishi was quiet. He looked at Niharika. She wasn't saying anything just quietly eating.

Raj chimed in, still rubbing his jaw. "She's stronger than we think. And honestly, she's earned it."

Rishi shook his head, smiling despite himself. "Fine," he said softly.

Then he turned to Raj. "Book her ticket."

Raj leapt from his seat, raising both hands. "This is what I live for! Eiffel Tower, here we come! I'm doing it now before you change your mind!"

He sprinted toward his laptop with the energy of a man booking tickets to heaven.

Niharika looked at Rishi, a silent "thank you" in her eyes. And though he didn't say it out loud, the smallest nod from him said it all.

Something was changing - slowly, silently, beautifully.

To be continued...