Page 186 of One Hellish Love

She waved a quick goodbye to Roma and the others, knowing Rudra was probably fuming. She hadn’t even finished booking a cab when his car screeched to a halt in front of her. Mohan was behind the wheel, and Rudra was seated in the back, his dark eyes watching her through the lowered window.

“Get in. I’ll drop you home,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

“I already booked a cab,” Kashish replied, flashing her phone as proof.

“Cancel it,” he barked, his tone almost too stern.

Kashish’s jaw dropped. “You really need to stop being a control freak, Rudra. It won’t work every time.”

Without a word, he stepped out of the car, and Kashish took a step back, shocked by how serious he seemed. Her cab had arrived, parking right behind his car.

“Are you pulling away from me because of what I said aboutPlan B?” he asked, his words made her stomach flutter.

Did he really think she was scared? Kashish squeezed his hand gently, hoping to reassure him.

“I’ve got a salon appointment, and it’s the opposite direction of your route to Raheja Mansion. I didn’t want you to get stuck in traffic and be late for dinner. So, you go ahead. I’ll finish my appointment and meet you tonight.”

Rudra exhaled, visibly relieved. He gently cupped her cheek, not caring about the passersby or anyone who might be watching.

“Shekhar and Anjali will pick you up. I’ll meet you directly at the restaurant,” he said.

“Why aren’t you coming with them?” she asked, curious.

“I promised Daadi I’d drop her at her Satsang. I hardly get to spend time with her, and with my frequent visits to Uttam Nagar, I owe her at least that much.”

He was right, and she admired how he balanced his love for her and his duty to his family. Rudra leaned in and kissed her cheek softly.

“Wear red tonight,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

She smiled, nodding in agreement. Red was already on her mind.

Kashish got into her cab, and as soon as she did, Rudra’s car took off toward Raheja Mansion. As the cab sped toward the salon, her phone buzzed with another message from him.

I wanted to tell you that I love you.

She smiled warmly, typing back quickly.

I’m flattered. I can’t wait for dinner… and…

Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard as she hit send. Did she really want to continue the conversation they had started earlier? Rudra wasted no time in replying.

And…? Is that about your approval of Plan B?

Her heart raced as she read his words. He wasn’t letting it go. Was he trying to tease her or was he serious? She couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty sent a thrill through her.

You’re scaring me again,she typed, biting her lip.

Rudra smirked as he read her reply. He knew she was feeling nervous, and a part of him enjoyed teasing her, but he didn’t want to push her too far. He needed her to know that he would wait, that he would never rush her into anything she wasn’t ready for.

Yes, I’m waiting in anticipation. I want all of you, Kashish, but only if you’re willing to share yourself with me. Not otherwise.

The cab stopped outside the salon, and she paid the driver, still feeling a tremor of excitement deep in her core.

I’ll see you at dinner,she texted quickly before heading inside.

Rudra pocketed his phone and exhaled deeply. The impatience he had been suppressing was beginning to surface. He wondered how he had managed to control himself for two months in Paris without her by his side.

CHAPTER 59

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