Page 238 of One Hellish Love

The next morning when Kashish woke up, she heard Rudra on the phone. Her first thought was of Jay. If there was anyone who could stir a flicker of jealousy in her heart, it wasJay.

Jay got to hear Rudra’s voice more than anyone else, spent more time with him than anyone else. Not even their honeymoon in Paris could break that tradition—Rudra always made time for work, be it through phone calls or video conferences.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and slid out of bed. As much as she was enjoying their time together in Paris, she couldn’t help but miss Shekhar and Anjali, and she was certain Rudra missed them too. Most of all, he must miss Daadi.

In four days, they’d be returning to Delhi, and she already knew she would miss this time dearly.

Tiptoeing to the bathroom, she quietly pushed the door open. Rudra stood in front of the large mirror, probably interrupted during his beard trimming by the call. As she listened closely, Kashish realized this wasn’t Jay he was talking to—it was Daadi. That surprised her. Rudra spotted her through the reflection in the mirror and motioned for her to come inside. She walked over and perched herself on the marble counter in front of him, tucking him between her legs, her eyes never leaving his as he continued his conversation.

“In four days, we’ll be heading back,” Rudra informed Daadi over the phone.

Kashish sighed as she picked up the trimmer that Rudra had abandoned. When he noticed, he raised a brow and shook his head, clearly unsure if she could handle doing this but when she pouted, giving him her best pleading eyes, he finally gave in. With a relieved sigh, she turned on the trimmer again, carefully beginning to trim his beard. Her hands trembled at first, but she soon found her rhythm. Rudra, ever the multi-tasker, continued speaking to Daadi, asking if she was taking her medications, attending her Satsang, and keeping her doctor’s appointments. Kashish marveled at how effortlessly he managed to juggle so many relationships with such care. When he finished his call and set the phone aside, she was halfway through.

“How’s it looking?” Kashish asked, admiring her handiwork.

Rudra ran his hand over his jaw, examining her work in the mirror.

“You’ve got skills, Mrs. Kashish Rudra Raheja,” he teased with a satisfied smirk.

His compliment fueled her confidence, and she resumed her task with renewed focus. A few moments later, Rudra broke the silence.

“You were snoring last night,” he teased.

“I was tired,” she muttered defensively, still concentrating on the trimmer.

“Tired?” Rudra teased. “I don’t see you doing anything so strenuous that would make you tired at night.”

Kashish’s cheeks flamed, her face heating up at his playful accusation. She shot him a warning glare.

“Don’t tempt me to cut your skin,” she threatened him.

Rudra laughed, the deep sound rumbling through the bathroom.

“Alright, alright. Continue.”

Once she finished, Rudra wiped his face with a towel and took a good look in the mirror, clearly impressed.

“Mind-blowing,” he said. “You’ve got the job—you’re trimming my beard for the rest of my life.”

Kashish pressed a finger to his lips, her expression softening.

“Our life,” she corrected him with a smile.

Rudra’s gaze softened as well. “Yes… our life,” he agreed, pulling her into a warm embrace.

She sent him off to shower, deciding to surprise him by laying out his clothes—something he never let her do. He was always so self-sufficient, never needing anyone for the little things. But today, she wanted to do this for him. As she opened his closet and started picking out a T-shirt and pants, something fell—a diary. She bent down, picking it up curiously.

“What’s this?” she murmured to herself, flipping it open.

It was filled with Rudra’s handwriting, a collection of heartfelt poetry. Kashish stared in amazement. She never knew he could write like this. Shayari, full of depth, longing, and unspoken emotions. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the pages.

‘Zakhm jo jism pe hai, unhe dikhana aasaan hai,

Par dil ke dard ko kaise bayaan karun?

Woh thi meri kahaani ka har ek hisa,

Kaise main chand lafzon mein usse bayaan karun?’

---