Page 18 of One Hellish Love

“Just the two of us?” she asked quietly. “I don’t want anyone else joining.”

Shekhar frowned, understanding her unspoken wish. “I can’t stop Rudra from coming with me.”

“Then I’ll take a cab,” she replied.

Shekhar sighed. “Again, I’m caught between the two of you.”

“You can never have us on the same side, Shekhar. You’ll always have to choose one. And I prefer you choose him, because I refuse to be the cause of any rift between brothers. Daadi already blames me enough for that.”

“Stop it,” Shekhar cut her off. “Rudra and I may have drifted apart, but we’re still brothers, bound by blood. Nothing can break that.”

But Kashish remained unconvinced, her silence betraying her doubts.

“The Rudra I once knew is still in there, hidden away. I hope, in the months ahead, I’ll get my younger brother back.”

Kashish avoided responding. She and Shekhar continued talking for a while longer before finally retreating to their rooms. As they disappeared inside, Rudra emerged from the shadows, stepping forward to stand where she had been just moments ago. Her scent still lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of her presence.

Staring up at the stars, he silently questioned the universe.Would she ever speak to him in this lifetime?He had no answers. Why did it matter so much? Why did her silence cut him so deeply? He had kept her image—faded and blurred—locked away in his heart for years. But now, after seeing her again, living under the same roof, those dormant feelings had awakened, burning like a slow fire inside him, threatening to consume everything.

The woman who had lived in the shadows of his mind was now very real, and she was complicating his emotions in ways he wasn’t ready to confront.

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

Daadi was far from pleased when she learned Kashish had decided to join Raheja Designs. She confronted Shekhar, who explained how Tanuja Mehra had been captivated by Kashish’s designs. Shekhar reassured her that he would ensure Rudra wouldn’t be hurt in the process. Though reluctantly convinced, Daadi couldn’t hide her unease. The next morning, after thepuja, when Kashish handed her theprasad, Daadi issued a warning.

“I have no issue with you working in our office,” Daadi said, her voice cold as she met Kashish’s gaze sharply. “But leave your hatred here. I don’t want the world to see how much you despise my grandson.”

Kashish’s eyes darkened, her grip tightening on theprasadplate before she set it aside.

“I’m surprised, even after 11 years, you still underestimate my hatred for your grandson. It’s not something I can just drop at will. This hatred is a part of me—it will never leave, not in this lifetime.”

Daadi fumed, but words failed her. She had long carried the burden of Kashish’s care, anxiously waiting for the day the court’s ruling would no longer bind Kashish to this house. At 25, Kashish would finally be free to leave, and Daadi was counting down the days.

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

Rudra, aware that Kashish would resist sharing a vehicle with him, deliberately left for the office early. He texted Shekhar to inform him but left out the real reason for his early departure. Kashish and Shekhar later drove together. Kashish, clearlynervous, fidgeted with her sketches, checking them repeatedly. Shekhar noticed her unease.

“Tanuja won’t be asking for your designs today. Relax,” he said gently.

“Is it that obvious?” Kashish replied, her voice betraying her anxiety. “It’s my first job, and…”

Shekhar placed a reassuring hand on hers. “Everyone feels nervous on their first day. You’ll be fine.”

Kashish smiled, her nerves easing. “I’m lucky to have you guiding me through this.”

Shekhar beamed at her words of appreciation and proceeded to outline her week.

“Your first week is all about induction and skill development, according to the company’s policy for new hires.”

“All day?” Kashish asked.

“Yes, but you won’t be alone. There’s a new batch of designers joining today too. You’ll be trained together. You’re more experienced than most, but it’s a formality—like polishing a diamond to make it shine even brighter.”

Kashish chuckled. “You and your idioms.”

“Don’t knock my idioms,” Shekhar grinned. “That’s how I won Anjali over.”

Kashish laughed, “I know.”

---