Page 241 of One Hellish Love

“I’ve heard from Shekhar that Rudra is no longer taking his medication for his phobia,” Daadi began, her tone steady.

Kashish nodded.

“Yes, that’s because he’s improving.”

“I know,” Daadi muttered, surprising Kashish with her knowledge. “I’ve been keeping a close eye on him—his routine, his psychologist visits, even his self-defense training. I’ve seen his reports. He’s becoming the man he once was. And all of this… it’s because of you.”

Kashish swallowed hard. Did Daadi just acknowledge her efforts?

“Daadi, I didn’t—”

“Don’t interrupt me,” Daadi said, raising a hand. “You’ve always been the right woman for him, and I see that now. None of this would have been possible without you. I needed time to judge you properly. And now, after watching closely, I’ve come to my final decision.”

Kashish’s heart raced as Daadi’s words sank in. Was this real?

“I don’t need anything else if Rudra is happy. You’ve made him happy, both emotionally and physically. You might carry the burden of your father’s mistakes, but what I see now goes beyond that. Your love for him has conquered everything that stood between you.”

Kashish felt her chest tighten, unsure of where this conversation was leading. Daadi’s face softened, and she took Kashish’s hand in hers, pressing it gently.

“I proudly accept you as Rudra’s wife and a member of the Raheja family, Kashish. I’m here today to take you and Rudra back to Raheja Mansion, where you belong—where Rudra wanted you to be. This time, with my full blessing.”

Tears welled in Kashish’s eyes, her heart swelling with emotions she had longed to feel. She bent down, touching Daadi’s feet in gratitude. This time, Daadi blessed her, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. At that moment, Rudra stepped into the room, witnessing the exchange. His eyes widened with disbelief, and as Kashish stood up, her face glowing with joy, she rushed to him.

“Rudra… did you hear?” she asked, her voice trembling with happiness.

He nodded, his eyes moist with relief. Without wasting another moment, he strode over to his Daadi and embraced her tightly.

“I knew you would change your mind,” he whispered, his voice filled with love.

Daadi patted his back, her sternness melting away.

“Go and pack your things. We’re going home.”

Rudra smiled.

“We can always pack later. Getting home, where the family is, is more important.”

Daadi agreed, finally at peace with her decision, and clasped both Rudra and Kashish’s hands. Together, they prepared to return to Raheja Mansion—this time, for good.

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

Two months had passed since they moved back into Raheja Mansion, and life had taken a pleasant turn.

Kashish had asked Rudra if he would consider driving again, and, to her delight, he took the request seriously. He wasn’t completely confident behind the wheel just yet, but he was driving again—cautiously, keeping a strict eye on the speed limit. It gave her hope that one day, he would drive without fear, the way he used to. Every small victory in his recovery felt monumental.

Anjali’s pregnancy news had brought even more joy to the household, and everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the new family member. Ever since then, Daadi had been hinting that she couldn’t wait for Kashish to share similar news. But Rudra wasn’t ready for that step yet. He wasn’t willing to share Kashish, and she understood. She wasn’t in a rush either. She wanted to give him all of her, everything he deserved, before they took on the responsibility of a child.

That night, as she lay beside him, watching him sleep peacefully, Kashish marvelled at how much had changed. He looked like a Greek god—handsome, strong, and serene. She traced her fingers softly over his face, down to his neck, and finally rested her hand on his chest. Rudra stirred, taking a deep breath, but instead of recoiling in fear like he used to, he simply shifted closer, pulling her into his arms. He had come so far—fearless again, like the boy he used to be.

A smile touched her lips as she nestled into his embrace. Love had transformed him. The man who once believed he didn’t deserve her love, because of the darkness in his past, wasnow loved unconditionally by the same woman. If this wasn’t a miracle, she thought, then what was?

“Stop admiring me and get some sleep,” Rudra murmured, his voice husky as he pulled her even closer, his arm protectively sliding around her waist. “You haven’t slept much last night.”

Kashish giggled softly, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his chest.

“Whose fault was that?”

He tilted his head down to look at her, his eyes half-lidded but filled with warmth.

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