Page 99 of One Hellish Love

He narrowed his eyes at her, but before either of them could say more, Kashish decided to tackle the topic that had been lingering in her mind.

“And if you have so much free time to argue with me, why don’t you spend some of it with your guest at home? You didn’t even greet her this morning, let alone acknowledge her.”

Rudra clenched his jaw, stepping closer, forcing her to take a step back. Her heart pounded in her chest, cursing herself for starting this conversation.

“You really want me to spend time with her?” His voice was cold, almost mocking.

She stammered, “Y-Yes. I mean… two people who are supposed to spend the rest of their lives together should start by getting to know each other. It brings them closer.”

Kashish cringed at her own words.What am I doing?This was the same man she once wanted to destroy, and now she was practically pushing him towards another woman.

Rudra stopped advancing and raised an eyebrow.

“In that case, let’s start with coffee today. We can plan lunch or dinner tomorrow.”

Her jaw dropped. “What?”

“You just said two people need to spend time together to get closer, right? Well, you should know me better before attempting to fix my phobias,” he replied coolly, his words dripping with sarcasm.

Kashish gritted her teeth, realizing he was playing with her. “Stop twisting my words. Go home and spend time with Ruchi. She’s staying for a week, at least.”

Rudra shook his head, his smile sharp. “I could make her leave in an hour if I wanted to.”

Kashish stared at him, her chest tightening. “What are you talking about?”

“I’d just have to tell her what I told you on Valentine’s night—that she’s 11 years, 3 months, and 17 days late to make me fall for her,” he said, his voice low and taunting. “I’m sure she’d get the message.”

Kashish felt her pulse quicken. He remembered the exact day they met? His words, his unapologetic confessions, left her feeling raw and exposed.

“You won’t say that to her,” she tried to warn him.

Rudra’s expression hardened. “Oh, I will. Because no other woman will ever take the place I’ve already given to someone else.”

Urgh! This man—his intensity, his defiance—it rattled her to her core. “You… you’re being insane, Rudra. Stop this madness.”

His eyes darkened, and in one swift move, he gripped her arms tightly, pulling her close.

“Forcing me to marry someone I don’t love is madness. Don’t push me, Kashish. You don’t have the right to play matchmaker for someone who’s already given his heart. You can’t love me,fine. But don’t expect me to ever feel this way for anyone else. The sooner you realize that, the fewer hearts will be broken.”

With that, he released her and stormed off, leaving Kashish standing there, her mind swirling with guilt, confusion, and an undeniable pull toward the man she never thought she could care for.

CHAPTER 34

Kashish stepped out of the office, planning to go to Uttam Nagar, to search for the trunk where she used to hide her favorite doll, and finally discover the message her father had left for her. The mere thought of stepping inside that house filled her with dread, but she knew she had no choice. This was something she had to face.

Her phone buzzed, and seeing Daadi’s name flash on the screen, she sighed, knowing she couldn’t avoid this call.

“Hello?”

“Where is Rudra?” Daadi asked without any pleasantries.

Kashish rolled her eyes, her temper rising. “I’m not here to spy on him. How would I know where he is?”

“I’m not asking you to track his every move, but you promised to help fix his marriage. Now that Ruchi is here, it’s time you step up. Your real responsibility begins now.”

Daadi’s words hit hard, but Kashish’s mind drifted back to her earlier conversation with Rudra.

“Forcing me to marry someone I don’t love is madness. Stop it before everything turns ugly, Kashish. You have no right to play matchmaker for someone who loves you. You can’t love me, fine, but don’t expect me to feel the same for anyone else.”

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