Her teeth clenched in anger.
“You’re doing this on purpose. This isn’t about work—it’s about keeping me away from the family so they don’t find out about my father’s note. That’s what hurts me the most.”
Rudra stepped closer, his smile widening.
“Are you sure that’s what’s hurting you the most?” he teased. “Because I think what will hurt you more is staying away from me.”
Her face flushed with anger, her fists tightening at her sides.
“In your dreams, Mr. Raheja. And you know what? You’re right—I should go to Jaipur. Maybe some distance will make you realize how pointless your proposal is.”
She grabbed her file and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Rudra smirked, satisfied. He’d pushed just the right buttons to make her accept the trip, and he’d won. And who said she’d be going without him? He had no intention of staying apart from her anymore.
Heading to Jay’s cabin, Rudra made his next move.
“Book my flight to Jaipur with the team,” he ordered.
Jay raised an eyebrow. “Boss, why book a flight when you have your private jet?”
“Just do as I said. And keep it quiet. The team doesn’t need to know I’m joining them.”
Confused, but obedient, Jay nodded and began making the arrangements.
********************
Raheja Mansion
“Jaipur? For two months? That’s such a long time, Kashish!” Anjali lamented as she watched her friend pack.
Kashish nodded, zipping up her bag.
“I know. But I’ll visit when I can, or you can come see me. I need this, Anju. I need to drown myself in work right now.”
Anjali sighed and hugged her tightly.
“You’re going to do great there. I know it.”
Kashish returned the hug with a soft smile. “Thanks.”
Downstairs Shekhar and Daadi were discussing the same.
“But can she travel without a family escort? Isn’t that against the court’s terms?” Daadi asked worriedly.
Shekhar smiled reassuringly. “She’s not going alone, Daadi. Rudra is going with her.”
Daadi’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? Rudra? Why does it have to be him?”
“Relax, Daadi,” Shekhar replied, amused. “If he’s serious about winning Kashish over, this is his best chance. Don’t we all want him to be happy?”
Daadi sighed but saw the truth in Shekhar’s words. “I suppose you’re right,” she muttered, reluctantly allowing things to proceed.
As Kashish prepared to leave, she was surprised Rudra hadn’t come to see her off. Perhaps it was better this way. Maybe, once she was gone, he’d finally understand there was no future for them. Taking a deep breath, she resolved to embrace this new chapter in her life. Little did she know, this trip would bring with it the most unexpected, thrilling turn of events she’d ever faced.
CHAPTER 41
Delhi-Jaipur Flight
“You’ve been upgraded to Business Class, ma’am,” the flight attendant informed Kashish with a bright smile. Kashish, startled by the news, frowned in confusion.