Page 167 of One Hellish Love

Her hands shook as she opened the note and read it.

“This gift shouldn’t be a surprise to you. I’ve always wanted this, Kashish. From the moment I first saw you, my desire has never changed. Happy birthday to the most complicatedwoman I’ve ever known. One day, I’ll lay the happiness of the entire world at your feet.”

Her heart clenched painfully. How could he send her such a profound gift, write such beautiful words, and still not call her? She had hoped, even prayed, that he would reach out today, on her birthday. But no call came. They hadn’t agreed to avoid direct contact. She had wanted to give him space, hoping he would understand why she had made those choices. But day after day, the silence stretched on, and she realized this was his way of punishing her—making her wait, making her yearn for him the way he had for so long.

She had promised herself that she would endure whatever tests he put her through. She would prove to him that her love was strong enough. But the longer he stayed away, the deeper her fear grew. What if one day, he stopped loving her? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Losing him would be the end of her.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Shekhar. She quickly wiped her tears and answered, trying to sound composed.

“Hello?”

“All settled in? How’s it going?” he asked.

She took a deep breath.

“Still settling. There’s… there’s a lot of cleaning left.”

“I didn’t think about that. Let me send someone over to help.”

“No,” she interrupted. “I’ll manage on my own. It’s not much.”

“Kashish, don’t act like we’re strangers. Whether you live with us or not, you’re still family.”

Kashish swallowed the lump in her throat.

“I know. But I need to do this on my own. This is my first chance to stand on my own two feet. Let me figure it out.”

Shekhar didn’t argue.

“Alright. Just remember, we’re always here. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you, Shekhar,” she whispered, hanging up.

She looked around the house, now her new reality. The silence loomed, but she had no choice. If she didn’t start working now, she wouldn’t make it to the office tomorrow.

For the next two hours, Kashish cleaned the house, ordered food from a nearby restaurant, and mentally prepared herself for the tasks ahead. She walked into the bedroom—the room she had shared with her father. Memories flooded back, especially the night she had waited for him, never realizing he was never coming back. That stormy night when he left for good, intending to end his life. It still hurt, but she pushed those memories aside. Sleep soon claimed her, exhaustion numbing her thoughts.

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Raheja Office

The next morning, Shekhar waited outside the office for Kashish, eager to see how she had handled her first night at her home alone. When she stepped out of the cab, she immediately plastered a smile on her face, hiding any trace of her emotions.

“Hi,” she greeted.

“Hi, belated birthday girl! How was the second half of your birthday?” he asked, curious.

“Good. Didn’t realize how fast time flew. I spent most of it cleaning. I’m planning to buy some groceries tonight.”

Shekhar nodded.

“How are Anju and Daadi? I bet Daadi’s happy I left.”

“Anju misses you, but Daadi... she’s neutral,” he replied, making them both chuckle.

“I’m glad Daadi approved of my decision for once,” Kashish joked, but Shekhar’s next words wiped the smile off her face.

“But Rudra didn’t approve it.”

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