Page 21 of One Hellish Love

“I need it back,” she said, her voice tense.

Shekhar looked up, confused. “What?”

“The anklet,” she clarified, her frustration barely contained.

Understanding dawned on Shekhar. “Why didn’t you just take it when he offered it to you?”

“That’s not the point now,” she snapped, clearly not in the mood for a lecture.

“Itisthe point,” Shekhar said, standing up from his chair. “Do you realize how much it must have hurt him when you threw it back in his face like that? And in front of people, no less?”

“Please, Shekhar, I don’t want to discuss what happened,” she interrupted, trying to keep the conversation focused.

“No, Kashish,” he countered firmly. “You need to think before you act. You can’t just lash out without considering the consequences.”

“Fine! I made a mistake,” she admitted through gritted teeth. “Now will you help me get it back?”

Shekhar thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Sorry, that’s between you and him now. I’m not taking sides. You lost it, and if you want it back, you’ll have to face him yourself.”

Kashish’s heart sank. The thought of walking into Rudra’s room and asking him for the anklet made her stomach churn. The last thing she wanted was another confrontation with him.

“I can’t do that,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I can’t even stand being in the same room with him, let alone ask for something.”

“Then forget about the anklet,” Shekhar replied simply. “Buy a new one.”

“It’s my mother’s!” she shouted, the anger flaring up again.

“Then go get it from him. It’s that simple.”

“Fine,” she snapped, turning away. “I’ll ask Anju to do it.”

Shekhar shrugged. If Anjali decided to help, that would be her choice, but he wasn’t going to get involved in this battle. Kashish would have to confront Rudra sooner or later, whether she liked it or not.

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“What? Me? No, Kashish, I can’t ask him that,” Anjali replied, her voice firm.

Kashish had spent the last few hours trying to convince Anjali, who was engrossed in organizing the welcome party. Despite Rudra making it clear to Daadi that he wanted the event canceled, she had refused. Canceling now would be a humiliation, and Daadi had pleaded with Rudra until he reluctantly agreed to attend, sacrificing his own wishes.

Kashish’s desperation flared. “Anju, you know why I need it back. It’s my mother’s. The only piece of her I have.”

Anjali sighed in disappointment, torn between her friend’s plea and the obvious difficulty of the situation. “Fine. I’ll get it from Rudra—this time. But please, Kashish, act wisely from now on.”

Relief washed over Kashish. “I lose my common sense when he’s around. I can’t help it. Anyway, nice saree.”

Anjali smiled softly. “Shekhar bought it for me last month. Remember?”

Kashish nodded, absentmindedly.

“What are you wearing tomorrow?” Anjali asked. “You should wear that maroon dress.”

“I’m not coming to the party,” Kashish interrupted, her tone sharp.

Anjali wasn’t surprised but sighed in frustration.

“Kashish, we live in the same house, the same family.”

“This is not my home. This is not my family,” Kashish shot back. “Apart from you and Shekhar, no one here is part of my life. And I’m certainly not attending a party towelcomehim.”

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