Page 189 of One Hellish Love

The next hour passed in light conversation, with occasional glances and touches between Rudra and Kashish. He fed her dessert and she accepted each bite with a knowing smile. The two couples spoke about the future, their plans, and especially about how they would handle Daadi’s resistance.

“I think Daadi and Kashish need to be locked in a room together for an hour,” Anjali suggested playfully. “They’ll work it out.”

Kashish gasped.

“No way! She’ll eat me alive!”

“You think I’d let that happen?” Rudra cut in, his voice protective.

“I’m scared of her, Rudra. Before, I didn’t care what she thought, but now… now I want her to see that I’m the only one who can make her grandson happy.”

Rudra’s eyes warmed, his fingers gently tapping her nose.

“You are the only one. But you don’t need to prove anything. Time will heal things between you and her.”

After a while, Shekhar checked the time and suggested they head home. They paid the bill, and as they stepped outside, Rudra made it clear: “I’ll ride Kashish home.”

Anjali hugged Kashish, whispering something teasing in her ear that made Kashish blush and roll her eyes.

Once inside the car, Kashish leaned her head on Rudra’s shoulder. His fingers brushed through her hair as he instructed the driver.

“Take us to Uttam Nagar.”

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Kashish’s house. She unlocked the door, and they stepped inside. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow across the room. Rudra leaned casually against the closed door, watching her with a knowing smile. Her palms were sweaty, her heart pounding. She couldn’t shake the nerves, but as she turned to face him, she realized something.

“Oh! I should turn the lights on,” she stammered. “I can’t believe I forgot.”

In her haste, she stumbled against the table, wincing in pain.

“Careful!” Rudra called out, laughing as she brushed off the ache.

“I’m fine,” she mumbled, limping to the switch. But as she reached for it, she banged her hand against the side lamp. “Ouch!”

Rudra couldn’t help but laugh, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

“What’s gotten into you tonight?”

She finally turned on the lights, pouting.

“I don’t know! I’m just… fine.”

But as soon as she said it, she lost her balance again, thanks to Rudra who held her on time.

Rudra laughed harder, and though Kashish felt embarrassed, she couldn’t help but smile. His laughter was contagious, his happiness radiating through the room. She watched him, realizing in that moment that she wanted him to be this way—joyful, carefree, and hers.

“I should ask Mohan to take me back to Raheja Mansion. You need rest.” His thumb grazing her cheek.

But Kashish wasn’t nervous anymore. She grabbed his arm. Besides, she had made her decision.

“I want you to stay tonight.”

He cocked his head, a grin playing on his lips.

“Plan B?”

“Plan B.” She nodded.

Without a second thought, Rudra dialed Mohan.

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