Page 188 of One Hellish Love

“Rudra, did you notice how stunning and young these ladies look tonight? You’d never guess they’re married,” Shekhar teased, his voice light with humour.

“Half married, in my case,” Kashish quickly interjected with a smirk, earning an amused grin from Rudra.

“We should have more of these group dates,” Rudra commented, leaning back slightly. “It’s the only time they bring out these stunning outfits of our women. On solo dates, they never take the risk.”

Anjali laughed along, shaking her head.

“That’s not relevant to me, Rudra. The last time your brother took me out for a date was seven months ago, and it didn’t even last an hour! He got an urgent call from the office and rushed back, leaving me to pay the bill.”

Everyone burst into laughter, but Kashish stiffened as she suddenly felt Rudra’s warm hand resting gently on her thigh. She tensed, her heart beating faster, and he noticed right away.

Leaning in, he whispered, “Are you okay?”

Kashish nodded, but Rudra, sensing her discomfort, began to withdraw his hand. However, just as he started to pull away, she placed her hand over his, entwining their fingers and keeping his touch in place. He glanced at her mischievously as a soft smile spread across her face again.

“I’m fine,” she murmured, her eyes filled with affection. The warmth of their intertwined fingers over her thigh made her pulse race.

Shekhar opened a bottle of champagne, and the conversation moved on.

“For the new couple of Raheja family!” he toasted, pouring the champagne into their glasses.

Rudra handed Kashish a glass, but she hesitated.

“I don’t drink this,” she confessed softly.

“It’s non-alcoholic fruit champagne,” Rudra assured her. “No worries. You won’t get intoxicated.”

Kashish accepted the glass, but her heart was already racing.

“I’m already intoxicated,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Sitting next to you, with your hands on me… It’s doing things to me.”

Rudra raised his eyebrows, caught off guard by her openness. She had never been so bold before. He leaned closer.

“Maybe we should cancel Plan B, then. “I don’t take advantage of intoxicated women,” he teased, watching as her face fell just slightly.

He smirked, noticing her disappointment.

“And what if the intoxicated woman wants you to take advantage of her?”

Rudra’s breath hitched, his heart racing as he gripped his glass.

“Stop tempting me.”

“I’m serious. Plan B it is.”

His hand tightened around the glass, and he downed the champagne in one gulp, never breaking eye contact. His fingers trailed softly down her cheek, his touch electric, and Kashish felt herself melting under his gaze. He leaned in, his breath warm on her skin, and she closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment.

“I want you to know,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear, “you can change your mind about Plan B anytime.”

Her heart swelled at his words—he was always thinking of her, putting her first. She opened her eyes just as his fingers caressed her lower lip. Overwhelmed by his tenderness, she turned toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a desperate embrace. He pulled her close, his hand trailing up her spine as he pressed a soft kiss to her hair.

They stayed like that, locked in each other’s warmth, forgetting the world around them. When Kashish finally pulled away, her face flushed, she realized with embarrassment that Shekhar and Anjali had been watching the whole time, their expressions full of affection.

“Anjali, you were right,” Shekhar teased. “We should’ve let them have a solo date. This group date is clearly not cutting it.”

“There’s still time,” Anjali chimed in, laughing. “We can leave and give them the night.”

“No, please!” Kashish quickly interjected, flustered. “Let’s order the food.”

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