Page 163 of One Hellish Love

“Don’t go,” she begged again as reached for his hand, but Rudra slowly pulled away.

“I have to,” he whispered back.

He walked to the door, and Kashish could only watch with tears streaming down her face as he left.

She had done everything she could to stop him. But he still chose to leave. His eyes, once filled with love, now seemed foreign, distant. She lost him, even after confessing her love. Why did it hurt so much? Would they ever find their way back to each other?

CHAPTER 53

Two months later – Raheja Mansion

The soft chime of the temple bells echoed through the early morning silence, startling Daadi awake. Confusion swept over her. No one but her ever rose this early to perform the morning Puja. Quickly dressing, she rushed downstairs to investigate. Entering the temple room, her eyes widened in shock—Kashish was standing before the deity, leading the Puja.

Daadi didn’t interrupt her. She stood frozen, recalling Kashish’s journey in this house. When Kashish first arrived, her faith had been shattered. She had lost all hope in God, anger festering within her heart after her father’s death. Slowly, due to the family’s routine, she started attending the morning prayers, though always as a passive participant. But after Rudra left for Paris, Kashish’s devotion shifted. She became an active part of the rituals, and today, she had even taken over the role that always belonged to Daadi—leading the Puja.

Anjali and Shekhar entered the temple room, equally stunned to see Kashish performing the Aarti with such devotion. Daadi signaled for them to remain silent, despite the rage building within her. The last thing she wanted was to insult the sanctity of the prayers. Together, they all recited the chants after Kashish.

As the prayers concluded, Kashish turned, offering Prasad with a serene smile. She was genuinely glad to see everyone gathered. They accepted the Prasad and began to leave, butDaadi couldn’t hold back any longer. She stopped Kashish in her tracks.

“What is this new drama? Who gave you the right to take my place in the temple room?”

Kashish met her gaze, unflinching, without a trace of fear or guilt.

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Daadi. I’ve lived in this house for so many years and never felt compelled to lead the prayers. But today, I couldn’t help myself. It’s a special day for me.”

Her explanation went right over Daadi’s head, but Shekhar suddenly realized.

“It’s your birthday. Oh, Kashish, how could we forget? Happy birthday.” He hugged her joyfully.

Kashish’s face lit up as Anjali joined in, wishing her as well. She then bent to touch Daadi’s feet for blessings.

“God bless you,” Daadi muttered, her face impassive.

Ever since Rudra had left for Paris, Kashish hadn’t tried to rebuild her bond with Daadi, but she also hadn’t been hostile or avoided her. Instead, Kashish had been following the family’s rules as if nothing had ever gone wrong between them. It confused Daadi—what was her true motive? Had she truly accepted the end of her relationship with Rudra?

But Daadi was bound by Rudra’s request. Before leaving for Paris, Rudra had made Daadi promise never to force Kashish out of the house, even after her 25th birthday, when the court order permitting her stay expired. It was the only way to regain her grandson’s trust, and now, even though today was the day Daadi had long awaited to sever ties with Kashish, she was helpless.

“Shekhar, I need to hurry to work. The meeting got preponed,” Kashish muttered.

Shekhar checked his watch.

“At least let me drive you to work today.”

Since Rudra’s departure, Kashish had avoided using the family cars, managing everything herself.

“Don’t spoil me. I’ll manage,” she replied, grabbing a pancake off the table as she rushed out the door.

“She’s handled her heartbreak so well,” Anjali commented, watching her leave.

Shekhar shook his head.

“It’s not heartbreak, Anjali. They’re just apart physically, but their hearts still beat for each other.”

Anjali smiled knowingly.

“Do you think Rudra is keeping tabs on her?”

“He is. Like me, even Jay is in touch with him, updating him on Kashish. Rudra may have left, but he’ll never stop looking out for her.”

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