Page 15 of One Hellish Love

“That’s because I have to talk for you too. You never speak enough.”

“I don’t like people doing favors for me,” he growled, his tone darker now.

“Friends don’t do favors, Rudra.”

“We’re not talking about friendship here. This is business. And I intend to deal with itmyway.”

Lavina sighed, finally giving in.

“Fine, have it your way.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow at the office.”

Lavina chuckled, her voice playfully conspiratorial. “You’ll see me before that, actually.”

“I hate surprises, La,” he warned.

“That’s why I told you, idiot. Daadi invited me for breakfast. Though, to be honest,youshould have been the one inviting me.”

“Don’t you dare share any of my secrets with her,” Rudra grumbled, but the humor in his voice was unmistakable.

Lavina giggled mischievously, fully aware of what “secrets” he was talking about.

“Relax, I know exactly what to share and what to keep hidden. Now, goodnight. And give your guitar a break.”

She was sharp, quick to pick up on the fact that he’d been playing even at this late hour. Lavina wasn’t a huge fan of music, but whenever Rudra played, even she found it hard to ask him to stop.

After hanging up, Rudra’s fingers returned to the strings. The melody resumed, but his thoughts were elsewhere—on Kashish, who never left his mind.

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

Kashish found herself at a crossroads, torn between accepting the offer from Raheja Designs or walking away. She might have considered it—might have given it a second thought—ifhehadn’t returned. The very name, Tanuja Mehra, was enough to stir excitement in the hearts of budding designers like her, those desperate for a breakthrough in the fashion industry. Working for “Talaash Boutique” was a dream many in her profession would kill for. But that path led straight through Raheja Designs—the empire of the man who had brought her life to ruin. And that was something she couldn’t stomach. She had no desire to use Raheja Designs as a stepping stone to her success. Yet this decision wasn’t just hers anymore. Shekhar, who had stood by her side unwaveringly for the last 11 years, would bear the consequences if she declined. He had been her rock through every storm, and now, it seemed, it was her turn to shoulder some of the burden and help him.

The next morning, Kashish followed her usual routine, coming down for the morningpuja. Rudra, however, had taken to avoiding this time of day, not wanting a repeat of the uncomfortableprasadincident from his second day back. He would make sure to only appear after the ritual was over. But today, as he descended the stairs, he found her there, in the living room. A sudden tension gripped him—an awkwardness he couldn’t shake. Whenever Kashish was near, something in him faltered. It was as though her presence could wound him in ways he wasn’t prepared for, and he knew the feeling was mutual.

Kashish hadn’t acknowledged him yet.

Anjali spoke up, breaking the silence.

“Daadi has invited Lavina for breakfast today, which explains the extra dishes.”

Kashish raised an eyebrow.

“Lavina? Isn’t she the one who liked my designs and showed them to Tanuja?”

Anjali nodded.

“Well then, I’ll have to meet her,” Kashish remarked, surprising Anjali with her willingness to step out of her isolation.

Anjali smiled, glad to see Kashish making an effort to break out of her cocoon.

“You’ll love her, Shekhar says. I haven’t met Lavina either, but he’s told me a lot about her.”

Kashish helped Anjali set the table, casually asking,

“She lives in Paris, right?”

“Yes,” Anjali replied. “She works closely with Rudra on his projects there.”

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