Page 101 of One Hellish Love

“Yes,” he confirmed.

“Leave it. Ruchi will take it to him.”

Ram Prasad left, and Kashish handed Ruchi the tray.

Ruchi stared at it, her face scrunching up in disgust. “Why should I? There are servants for this.”

“You need an excuse to start a conversation with him. This is your chance—don’t waste it.”

Kashish pushed the tray into her hands.

Ruchi hesitated.

“Are you trying to scare me?”

“Consider it a warning. Now go! He doesn’t like waiting,” Kashish commanded, her voice sharp.

Ruchi gulped, knowing she had no other option. Kashish watched as she nervously made her way toward Rudra’s room, wondering just how long this charade could possibly last before it all crumbled apart.

Ruchi trembled as she hurried toward Rudra’s bedroom, with Kashish following closely behind. She couldn’t believe how she’d abandoned her own important plans just to play matchmaker for the man who had feelings for her. It was ridiculous! Yet, here she was, making sure Ruchi didn’t mess up while trying to impress Rudra.

Inside the room, Rudra sat on the recliner, typing away on his laptop, oblivious to who had entered.

“Leave the coffee and go,” he commanded.

Ruchi’s hands shook as she placed the tray in front of him. When Rudra finally looked up, he seemed surprised to see her.

“You?”

“Yes, it’s me,” Ruchi replied, trying to force a smile.

Rudra stood up, glancing toward the door, sensing Kashish’s presence lingering just beyond it. He hadn’t yelled at Ruchi yet, but he seemed on the verge.

“Why did you bring the coffee?” he asked, suspicion lacing his tone.

“Kashish asked me to,” Ruchi blurted out, immediately realizing her mistake. Kashish closed her eyes in frustration. Rudra’s eyes darted back toward the door, his annoyance growing.

“I mean... Ram Prasad was busy with something for Kashish, so I thought I’d bring it,” Ruchi quickly covered, her voice trembling. “Someone told me you don’t like to be kept waiting.”

Rudra smirked. “Strange. The same person who told you that is the one who never listen to me.” His gaze shifted toward the door again, making Kashish clutch her dress tightly. Did he know she was eavesdropping?

Ruchi, oblivious to the tension, pressed on.

“Rudra, we haven’t had a proper introduction yet. I’m Ruchi. My grandmother and yours are close friends, so don’t you think we could be good friends too?”

Kashish, watching from the doorway, grudgingly admired Ruchi’s attempt to strike up a conversation. Maybe she wasn’t completely hopeless. Ruchi extended her hand for a handshake, but Rudra didn’t take it.

“I don’t make friends, Ruchi.”

His blunt response made Ruchi’s face fall, and Kashish immediately knew he was trying to push her away.

“You don’t? Why not?”

“Not every ‘why’ has an answer.”

Ruchi chuckled, giving him an appreciative look. “Wow, Rudra. Your words are so intense. I wish we could become friends and share our secrets someday.”

Rudra’s expression shifted slightly as he thought about her words. He smirked again.

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