Page 168 of One Hellish Love

She froze, staring at him in shock. “You… you told him?”

“Of course, I did. He has other sources who would tell him if I didn’t. And he’s my brother. I can’t hide something this important from him, especially when it concerns you. I know what you mean to him.”

Kashish’s heart sank.

“But I didn’t want him to know… not yet.”

Shekhar laughed bitterly.

“There’s no keeping secrets from Rudra. And he’s already taken steps to protect you. He had made Daadi promise not to force you out of the house, even after your 25th birthday.”

Kashish’s eyes widened. Of course, he had. He would go to any length to protect her, to ensure she was safe.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“He made me promise not to. None of us wanted you to leave, Kashish. But now that you have, I had to tell Rudra. And honestly, I have no idea what he’s planning to do next.”

Kashish felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She knew how far Rudra would go to protect her, but now that she had made her decision, she wasn’t going to bend easily. Whatever he planned next, she would have to face it head-on.

**********************

Anjali called Kashish in the middle of her workday.

“How are you planning to manage all the groceries and set up the kitchen by yourself? Let me come over and help,” Anjali suggested, determined.

Kashish sighed.

“Anju, I’ll handle it.”

“I know you can, but you’re like a sister to me, Kashish. If I don’t do this much for you, I won’t feel at peace. I’m coming over this evening to help you arrange everything,” Anjali insisted.

Kashish didn’t argue further, knowing how persistent Anjali could be.

“Okay, I’ll buy the groceries and have everything ready. Once you’re there, we can get started. Happy now?”

“Yes,” Anjali finally relaxed, her smile evident through the phone. They spoke for a few more minutes, before Kashish returned to her work.

At exactly 5:30 p.m., Kashish wrapped up her day and prepared to leave. She had plenty to buy, and thankfully, her salary had been credited just a few days earlier, allowing her to comfortably manage the expenses. She wasn’t planning to splurge, though—only the essentials.

After work, she headed straight to the market. As she roamed the aisles, selecting what she needed, she found that keeping herself busy made it easier to push thoughts of Rudra’s actions out of her mind, though the questions lingered. He wouldn’t stay quiet for long. What could he possibly do from Paris to disrupt her plans to settle down alone in Uttam Nagar? This question gnawed at her throughout the shopping trip, never leaving her thoughts.

By the time she arrived home, her arms were heavy with bags. She unlocked the door, stepped inside, and dropped the groceries on the floor, exhausted from the day. Shopping alone was more draining than she had imagined. She sank onto the couch, desperate for a moment to relax. But just as she began to unwind, a glass of water appeared in front of her, held by an unfamiliar hand.

It was Rudra.

He stood there, holding the glass, his intense gaze locked onto hers. Was this real?

How did he get into the house she had locked? Or was she hallucinating him? She had imagined him so many times in his absence, picturing his face, his touch, but this... this felt real. His presence was overpowering. She stood up, her breath catching in her throat.

When she didn’t take the glass, Rudra put the glass down, his arms crossing over his chest, never breaking eye contact. The emotions in his eyes were raw—anger, longing, and frustration all battling for dominance. He had flown all the way from Paris.For her.

“How... how did you get in?” she stammered.

“That’s not important,” he replied as he took a step toward her. She instinctively stepped back, creating a distance between them.

Rudra stopped, surprised by her retreat. Was it the shock of seeing him after so long, or was she deliberately pulling away?

Kashish tried to steady her breath, forcing herself to be composed. She knew why he was here. He was going to drag her back to Raheja Mansion, and that was the last thing she could allow.

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