Page 12 of One Hellish Love

“It’s like stepping into my Paris office,” Rudra murmured, taking in the familiar layout.

Jay’s eyes gleamed with barely concealed satisfaction.

“We aimed for an exact replica, sir. Is it to your liking, or shall we make adjustments?”

Rudra’s lips quirked in begrudging admiration.

“This will suffice for my stay. No need to fuss.”

He sank into the chair and soon immersed himself in the details of their latest high-profile client.

******************

Lavina stepped inside the conference room where the client meeting was about to begin shortly. The client hadn’t arrived yet when she saw a few eye-catching fashion designs.

“These are exquisite, Jay,” Lavina breathed, her finger tracing the intricate lines. “Who’s the designer?”

“Kashish Bedi,” Jay replied.

Lavina’s eyes sparkled with possibility.

“I need to meet her. Immediately after this meeting - I want to see what other gems she’s hiding.”

Before Jay could respond, Shekhar’s voice cut through the air like a knife.

“Kashish isn’t a full-time employee.”

Undeterred, Lavina’s smile only grew.

“That can be changed. Talent like this shouldn’t go to waste - we’ll make her an offer she can’t refuse.”

Shekhar’s face darkened.

“It’s not that simple, Lavina. We’ve been down this road before. There’s nothing that will convince Kashish to join us full-time.”

Lavina leaned back, her dimpled smile a challenge.

“Perhaps you just haven’t found the right motivation. Leave it to me - I’ll bring her into the fold.”

“You won’t.” The words, sharp as steel, sliced through the room. Rudra stood in the doorway, his presence filling the space like a gathering storm.

He marched forward and took his place at the centre of the conference table.

“Rudra, please. Just look at these designs! We can’t let a resource like this slip through our fingers. Give me one chance to-”

“She isnota resource, Lavina,” Rudra interrupted, his voice low and dangerous. “This discussion ends now.”

The room fell silent. Lavina’s eyes narrowed. Why was he so determined to keep this woman at bay?

Rudra had always been acutely aware of Kashish’s contributions from afar, her talent undeniable. But bringing her fully into the Raheja fold? The very thought sent a chill down his spine. Better to keep her at arm’s length, like a brilliant star just out of reach.

****************

It had been two agonizing days since Rudra’s return to the house, and after the explosive incident during the morning puja, Kashish had made it a point to avoid him completely. Her demeanour had shifted dramatically from the moment Rudra stepped back into their lives. Once someone who found solace in preparing meals, especially dinner, Kashish now refused to even step into the kitchen. Her breakfasts were confined to her room, as if she was building invisible walls around her. She immersed herself in her designs, constantly sketching, driven by an almost obsessive need to finish each one. Her designs, stored meticulously on her laptop, were her escape, her passion. Despite Shekhar’s repeated pleas for her to join the family business, she steadfastly refused. If it were any other company, she might have reconsidered. But this washiscompany—the company of the man who had shattered her life. She would never lower herself to be a part of it.

******************

Today,‘Talaash Boutique,’Raheja’s prestigious new client, was at their office to finalize their contract. They were in the process of selecting a designer from Raheja Designs to craft their new women’s apparel line. The head of their team, Tanuja Mehra, was scrutinizing the designs Jay had presented. Rudra, Shekhar, and Lavina sat tensely, waiting for her decision.

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