Page 216 of One Hellish Love

“Where is he? Why hasn’t he come yet?”

“I’m not sure. Shekhar checked with Jay who said Rudra left the office. He must have stopped by Raheja Mansion to change,” Anjali reassured her.

Kashish’s heart clenched. Every time Rudra was with Daadi on such important occasions, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy. She never knew what Daadi might plot to try and stop this marriage.

“I don’t know, Anju. I’m starting to feel that hiding all of this from Daadi is like deceiving her. She’s older than us, and Rudra keeps saying he doesn’t want to hurt her, but by keeping these rituals a secret, aren’t we doing just that?”

Before Anjali could respond, Shekhar walked in, his expression somber.

“And what do you want us to do, Kashish? Tell her everything so she can come here and ruin it? Or plan something more drastic to stop the wedding entirely?”

Both women exchanged worried glances. The truth was, Daadi did have the power to disrupt everything if she wanted.

Shekhar sat next to Kashish and took her hand gently.

“Look, I understand this doesn’t feel right, but we’re doing the best thing under the circumstances. Daadi’s actions are wrong, and she needs to realize that. She won’t see it until she witnesses you and Rudra married.”

Kashish stayed quiet, overwhelmed by everything happening in their lives. How was it that in the happiest moments of your life, there was always something lurking to try and tear it apart?

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Raheja Mansion

Rudra descended the stairs at Raheja Mansion, adjusting the traditional outfit he had changed into for the evening. He quickly texted Shekhar, letting him know he was leaving for Uttam Nagar. Just as he slipped his phone back into his pocket,Daadi stepped into his path, her piercing gaze scanning him from head to toe. She seemed to sense something.

“Where are you going, Rudra?” she asked, her voice sharp.

Rudra hated lying to her and he had already decided to be honest this time.

“I’m going to meet Kashish,” he replied plainly.

Her face fell, and the disappointment was clear in her eyes.

“In such traditional attire?”

Rudra felt a knot form in his stomach. He could see the realization dawning on her, just as he had expected. She had always been perceptive, and with the wedding deadline nearing, she must have calculated that the rituals were starting soon.

“So, you’ve begun the wedding rituals, haven’t you? That’s why Shekhar and Anjali aren’t home.”

Rudra swallowed hard, choosing his words carefully.

“You’re invited too, Daadi. You are the eldest in our family. Without your blessings, none of this would feel complete.”

Daadi narrowed her eyes.

“Then don’t do it, Rudra. If you truly care for me, don’t marry Kashish.”

“Daadi, this is madness. I’ve listened to you all my life, given in to most of your wishes, but this one? This one is not negotiable. I’ve made a promise to Kashish. This marriage will happen.”

Without waiting for her response, Rudra turned and walked away, leaving Daadi standing there in a storm of her own emotions. She trembled with rage and helplessness. Everything she had tried—every ploy, every plea—had failed. Was she truly losing this battle? Her grandsons, the same boys she had raised with such love and care, were now standing against her. They were going to bring Kashish into this family, and it felt like a personal defeat.

Her thoughts raced. What would happen now? What would she tell Suman, who had trusted her throughout this entire ordeal? Would Rudra truly leave this house, leave her behind, just to marry this woman? The very thought of it made her feel faint.

Gripping the railing of the stairs for support, she shut her eyes, fighting off the wave of dizziness. It was as if the walls were closing in on her, her world shrinking as her family drifted farther away. Tears stung her eyes. She had never imagined a day like this would come. A day when her own grandsons would defy her. She felt so utterly alone.

She lowered herself onto the stairs, breathing heavily, wondering if she had the strength to keep fighting or if it was time to surrender.

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