Page 100 of One Hellish Love

Daadi called her name, snapping her back to reality.

“Yes, I’m listening,” Kashish replied, trying to shake off the heavy thoughts.

“Good. Come home and start planning how to bring Rudra and Ruchi together.”

Without another word, Kashish hung up. The cab had arrived, but her original plan to visit Uttam Nagar would have to wait. She needed to return to Raheja Mansion. No matter how much she dreaded it, she knew her presence there was equally important.

As she stepped into the house, Anjali quickly joined her.

“Thank God you’re back. Ruchi has been driving me insane,” Anjali whispered.

“Why? What’s she been up to?” Kashish asked.

“She’s trying everything under the sun to get Rudra’s attention,” Anjali sighed. “But he just got home, went straight to his room, and didn’t even acknowledge her presence. He’s furious with Daadi for bringing her here.”

Kashish nodded in understanding. She knew Rudra better than anyone now, and deep down, she knew this plan wouldn’t work. But still, she freshened up and went to see Daadi. Unfortunately, with Ruchi present, she couldn’t explain her doubts about forcing this match.

“Is she helping us?” Ruchi asked Daadi, her tone laced with irritation.

“Yes,” Daadi replied, “Kashish is going to assist us.”

Ruchi scoffed. “Why do we need her? I can win Rudra’s heart. I don’t need anyone’s help, especially hers.”

Kashish clenched her fists, suppressing the urge to lash out. Anjali was right—this woman was insufferable.

“Ruchi, Rudra has a special bond with Kashish in this house,” Daadi tried to explain.

“Special? He should hate her! She must remind him of all the terrible things that happened in the past,” Ruchi spat, her words like daggers.

Kashish gritted her teeth. Yes, Rudra should hate her, just as she once hated him. But fate had twisted their lives in ways no one could control. It worked on its own terms, regardless of human emotions.

“If she doesn’t need my help, I’ll gladly step back,” Kashish interrupted, ready to wash her hands of this whole charade.

“No!” Daadi snapped. “You can’t back off now.” She quickly convinced Ruchi that Kashish’s involvement was necessary.

Ruchi, though begrudgingly, gave in. “Fine. For you and Rudra’s sake, Daadi, I’ll tolerate her.”

Kashish stared at Ruchi with disbelief.Tolerateher? The nerve. But she couldn’t lose her composure, not in front of Daadi.

“Shall we begin?” Kashish asked.

“I’ll start,” Ruchi cut in, brimming with overconfidence. “Men like Rudra are suckers for a woman’s tears. All I need to do is shed a few, and he’ll be at my feet.”

Kashish couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “That plan is doomed to fail.”

“Who asked for your opinion?” Ruchi snapped.

Kashish had had enough. She stepped forward, locking eyes with Ruchi.

“If no one cared about my opinion, Daadi wouldn’t have asked for my help. So, here’s how it’s going to be—you follow my lead, or you can forget about winning Rudra. Got it?”

Her words hit Ruchi like a slap, and the arrogance in her expression faltered. She reluctantly nodded.

“Good,” Kashish said firmly. “Now come with me.”

She led Ruchi to the kitchen, where Ram Prasad was preparing a tray with black coffee for Rudra.

“Ram Prasad, is this for Rudra?” Kashish asked.

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