Page 142 of One Hellish Love

Rudra reached across the table, taking her hand in his.

“I trust you more than I trust myself. And that’s exactly why I’m warning you—don’t ever lie to me, Kashish. If something’s bothering you, talk to me. Don’t keep it buried inside. We’ve had enough complications between us already. Let’s not add more to it.”

Was that a warning? Her throat tightened, but she kept her expression neutral, hiding the truth behind a reassuring smile.

“We’re getting late for work. I’ve got a team meeting at 9:30 a.m. that I can’t afford to miss.”

Rudra released her hand, though his eyes lingered on her, studying her intently. She returned to her meal, pretending everything was fine. But in his heart, Rudra wasn’t convinced. Was she hiding something?

As they reached the office, Kashish saw Rudra slow his pace, lingering behind. She turned back, confused.

“I need to make a call,” he explained. “You go ahead.”

Kashish nodded and hurried inside, leaving Rudra in the lobby. He quickly dialed Shekhar’s number.

“Rudra?” Shekhar’s voice came through, cheerful. “You rarely call me first. What’s going on?”

“I need a favor,” Rudra replied.

“A favor? That sounds intriguing. What do you need?”

“You remember Maa’s bangles?” Rudra asked.

“The bangles she saved for your future wife?” Shekhar teased. “Of course. Why?”

“I need them. Send them here through someone.”

Shekhar wasn’t too surprised. He had a pretty good idea of who Rudra intended to give them to.

“Ah, I see where this is going. Alright, but what do I get in return?” He chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment.

Rudra bit his lip, stifling his own smile.

“Just send them, okay? Bye.”

He hung up before Shekhar could protest further. On the other end, Shekhar burst out laughing. Somewhere in that short conversation, he glimpsed the old Rudra—the bossy younger brother he hadn’t seen in years.

Shekhar quickly searched for the bangles. When Anjali walked in, she saw him rummaging through the closet.

“What are you looking for?” she asked.

“Rudra called,” Shekhar explained, grinning. “He wants Maa’s bangles. I think he’s planning to give them to Kashish.”

Anjali’s face lit up with excitement. She was thrilled at the idea of Rudra and Kashish’s relationship progressing. She quickly found the box and handed it to Shekhar.

“Thanks, Anju. I’ll have Jay take these to Jaipur right away.”

Their excitement was contagious. Both Shekhar and Anjali couldn’t wait for the day Kashish would officially become part of their family.

“I can’t wait for that day,” Anjali admitted. “It’ll be such a big moment for all of us.”

“I agree,” Shekhar said. “After all the bitterness and pain Rudra’s been through, he deserves this happiness.”

But suddenly, Anjali grew pensive.

“Shekhar, I still don’t understand how Daadi came around so easily. She’s always hated the idea of Rudra and Kashish being together. She blames Kashish and her father for all the pain Rudra has endured. What changed her mind?”

Shekhar’s smile faded as he, too, became serious.

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