Page 131 of One Hellish Love

She swallowed hard, still refusing to look back at him. “If you’re so good at reading my mind, why don’t you figure it out yourself?”

He smirked at her challenge. “Alright, if you insist, I’ll give it a try.”

She looked at him, her curiosity piqued despite herself. Rudra pretended to read her face before making the first guess.

“You’re probably tired of making pancakes for me. It’s become a chore, hasn’t it?” he teased.

Kashish sighed, rolling her eyes. “Wow. You’ve really outdone yourself with that one,” she replied sarcastically.

“No?” he feigned innocence, enjoying the game. “Okay, let me try again.”

She pretended to be indifferent, but deep down, she was curious about what he’d say next.

“You’re planning to avoid checking me in my room at night because you don’t want to end up sleeping next to me again,” he added, a playful glint in his eyes.

Kashish’s eyes widened, taken aback by how close to the truth he had come. She hadn’t expected him to bring that up.

“What nonsense,” she snapped.

He grinned at her reaction. “So that’s ‘nonsense,’ is it? Meaning you don’t actually mind it happening again?”

“Last chance, Mr. Raheja,” she warned. “And this time, you’ll see just how far off you are.”

Rudra didn’t hesitate. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a knowing murmur.

“You’re thinking about my proposal. And if I’m not wrong, you’re on the verge of saying yes.”

Kashish felt her heart slam in her chest, heat flushing her skin. How did he know? Maybe he trulycouldread her mind. The first two guesses had been mere distractions, but this one... he was too close to the truth for comfort.

The car rolled to a stop outside their bungalow, and she realized he was waiting for her to confirm his guess. But she wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. She wouldn’t let him know how much he affected her.

“You missed all your chances, Mr. Raheja. None of your guesses were right,” she lied before hurriedly getting out of the car, leaving him behind. She knew he didn’t believe her, but at least, for now, she had bought herself a little more time.

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Raheja Mansion

At Raheja Mansion, Savitri Raheja was restless. Ever since Rudra had left for Jaipur, anxiety gnawed at her, especially knowing he was staying under the same roof as Kashish. Though she knew Rudra had feelings for the girl, Savitri couldn’t bring herself to trust her. Kashish could easily hurt her grandson, intentionally or not, and that fear consumed her.

“Change the curtains in all the rooms, Ram Prasad,” she instructed, watching the servant bustling around. “And where is Anjali?”

“She went to meet her friend, Daadiji,” Ram Prasad replied.

Savitri nodded absently, already dialing a number. On the other end, the maid she had discreetly placed in the bungalow where Rudra and Kashish were staying answered.

“How is Rudra?” Savitri asked her.

The maid lowered her voice, ensuring no one could overhear.

“He’s doing well, Madam. In fact, he seems happy.”

“Happy?” Savitri’s voice brightened. “How so?”

“Kashish Madam has been making him pancakes every morning,” the maid explained. “It was her decision, not his, and she’s been very attentive to him. I’ve noticed they’re getting closer. She eats quickly, but she always waits for him to finish.”

Savitri sat back, surprised. Kashish making breakfast for Rudra? And waiting for him to finish his meals? That didn’t sound like the girl she had known. Something had shifted. Was it possible Kashish’s attitude toward her grandson had softened? But why? What was behind this sudden change?

“Keep updating me,” Savitri ordered, before ending the call. She needed to get to the bottom of this.

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