Page 130 of One Hellish Love

An hour later, as promised, Dr. Akash called. Kashish made sure she was in a quiet, isolated room to speak openly.

“Yes, Kashish, how can I help? Is Rudra alright?”

“Yes, Doctor, he’s fine,” she replied, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. “He had a nightmare recently. I don’t know if it’s something recurring or just a one-off, but it seemed intense. He doesn’t really talk about these things, as you probably know.”

“Yes, I’m aware. Rudra’s not the type to open up easily. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t. Maybe someone needs to help him do that,” Akash suggested gently.

Kashish understood the unspoken implication—she had to take the lead in this.

“I know therapies take time, Doctor, but it’s hard to watch him go through this alone.”

“Therapies do work, Kashish, but emotional healing isn’t just about treatments. Sometimes, it’s about the people around you. You play a more significant role in his recovery than you realize.”

A bittersweet smile tug at her lips. His words were comforting but made her feel even more responsible.

“Thanks, Doctor. Actually, there’s something else I wanted to discuss, and it’s why I reached out in the first place.” She hesitated, then continued, “Rudra has proposed to me.”

There was a brief pause, then Akash chuckled.

“Well, congratulations. That’s quite a step for him. People with haphephobia often struggle with intimate relationships, but it seems like Rudra is taking strides. It’s a good sign.”

Kashish’s stomach twisted with unease.

“It’s not that simple, Doctor. Our history is... complicated. Rudra was involved in the accident that took my father’s life. Even though I know his feelings for me are genuine, how can I reconcile all of that?”

Akash’s tone grew more serious. “So, it’s not that you doubt his love—it’s that you doubt whether you can accept it, given your past?”

Kashish closed her eyes, struggling to find the right words.

“I trust him,” she admitted. “But after everything that’s happened... can love really heal all of that?”

“Kashish, from what little I’ve noticed, Rudra’s emotional wounds run deep, but love—real love—has the power to heal him in ways no therapy ever could. Medications and sessions can calm his mind, but they can’t erase the demons inside him. That’s something only you can do.”

She froze. Love? Could she love him, despite everything?

“Your love, Kashish,” Akash continued, “could be the key to his permanent recovery. If he’s already proposed, it means he’s found something in you that makes him believe he’s worthy of that kind of future. But if you turn him away now, it could have the opposite effect. He might never pursue another relationship. It could send him spiraling further into depression, and that would be devastating for him and his family.”

Tears stung her eyes. Rudra’s family had already suffered enough because of her father’s actions. Could she really bear to add to that pain by denying him the love he so desperately needed?

“I understand, Doctor. I’ll think about it,” she murmured, her voice trembling.

“Take your time. And remember, I’m always here if you need to talk.”

After she thanked him and ended the call, Kashish sat in silence. It felt like Dr. Akash had just shifted the weight of theworld onto her shoulders.Herlove could be Rudra’s salvation? Was she even capable of giving him that? Or would accepting his proposal only deepen the guilt that already consumed her?

As voices stirred outside the room, she quickly wiped away her tears, determined not to let anyone see her break. Least of all, Rudra Raheja.

CHAPTER 44

Kashish sat quietly in the backseat of the car, her mind lost in thought as they drove home. Dr. Akash’s words about Rudra’s proposal echoed relentlessly in her head. Beside her, Rudra noticed her uncharacteristic silence. At first, he resisted the urge to ask, but when her mood remained heavy for too long, he finally broke the tension.

“You seem stressed,” he remarked, his eyes fixed on her, concern lacing his tone.

Kashish snapped out of her thoughts, meeting his gaze. Could she really tell him she was stressed because of him? Because of everything that was swirling in her mind abouthisproposal?

“No... I’m fine,” she lied, turning her face toward the window, avoiding him.

“You can’t lie to me, Kashish. I read your mind better than you do.”

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