Page 221 of One Hellish Love

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Next Day

Kashish had officially taken a week off from work, grateful that no one at office had pried into her reason for the sudden leave. While most of the staff had suspected something brewing between her and Rudra, none of them had the faintest idea that their wedding was the very next day. She dressed in the elegant white lehenga adorned with intricate floral accessories, which Anjali had lovingly designed for her Haldi ritual.

“Kashish… are you ready?”

Anjali called out as she stepped into the room, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw her.

“Oh my God, you look absolutely stunning today,” she exclaimed.

Kashish smiled softly as Anjali came closer and dabbed a little kohl behind her ear for good luck.

“Anju… thank you,” Kashish held Anjali’s hands. “You’ve been my biggest support through all of this.”

“And I always will be,” Anjali replied warmly. “Not just because Rudra is Shekhar’s brother, but because you two are doing the right thing. If you had decided not to marry because of Daadi’s objections, that would’ve been the true mistake.”

Kashish’s face softened, but worry still clouded her expression.

“Daadi is still upset, though. And even if Rudra doesn’t say it, I know he’s hurting because of it.”

“Ssh…” Anjali hushed her gently. “Rudra knows what he’s doing. He’s made his choice, and now you need to focus on today. Even though it’s just us four here for your Haldi, we’re going to make it perfect.”

The doorbell rang, and Anjali quickly glanced toward the entrance.

“They’re here. Come on.”

Anjali rushed to open the door for Rudra and Shekhar. Both brothers were dressed in crisp white, and as soon as Anjali saw them, she couldn’t resist teasing.

“Men in white! You two look dashing,” she quipped with a mischievous grin.

Shekhar raised a brow.

“You started flirting now?”

Anjali playfully shrugged.

“Just testing my new skill.” She dragged them both inside the house.

“Where’s Kashish?” he asked, eager to see her.

“She’ll be out soon, but remember—once the Haldi is over, you’re heading straight home. You won’t see Kashish again until the wedding tomorrow. Got that?”

Rudra frowned at the idea.

“Disapproved,” he grumbled. “I don’t follow these rules.”

“But I do,” a soft voice chimed in. Kashish stepped out of her room, radiant in her white lehenga. Rudra’s eyes widened, mesmerized by her beauty.

“It’s considered inauspicious for the bride and groom to see each other after the Haldi ceremony,” she explained.

“Says who?” Rudra challenged, wasting no time as he slid his arm around her bare waist, pulling her closer. Kashish’s breath caught in her throat.

Shekhar and Anjali exchanged knowing glances, trying to contain their smiles at the intimate scene unfolding before them.

“No one can take that right away from me,” Rudra murmured, his gaze intense.

Shekhar cleared his throat, breaking the moment.

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