Page 220 of One Hellish Love

“You don’t need to yell at her,” Rudra intervened. “If you’re angry, scold me.”

Daadi turned her head away, refusing to look at either of them.

“Daadi, why didn’t you call us?” Shekhar asked softly, his worry evident.

“There’s no point expecting anything from you all anymore,” Daadi retorted. “I’ve fought all my battles alone, and I will continue to. I don’t need anyone.”

Rudra swallowed the lump in his throat, his heart aching at her words. Tears welled up in Daadi’s eyes, and her voice cracked as she continued.

“You both were the light of my life, and now, neither of you care for me. I’m just a burden to all of you. It would be better if I died.”

“Enough, Daadi,” Rudra interrupted, angry by her choice of words. He sat beside her on the bed and took her hand.

“Death won’t touch you anytime soon,” he said softly. “You still have to meet your great-grandchildren.”

Daadi pulled her hand away from his, her face hardened with sorrow.

“What’s the point? You three don’t care about me anymore. My words, my feelings, my decisions mean nothing to you now.”

Rudra sighed deeply.

“We love you more than you know,” he replied, trying to reach her.

“It’s a lie,” Daadi spat, her gaze falling to the Mehndi stains on Rudra’s hand. It only fueled her anger further. “If you truly cared, you wouldn’t have gone ahead with your pre-wedding rituals.”

Rudra’s eyes narrowed in frustration.

“You’ve supported me my whole life. You know me better than anyone. Why are you ignoring my feelings now?”

But Daadi remained silent. She had explained her reasons countless times, and she wouldn’t do it again.

“Just leave me alone,” she pleaded.

Shekhar signaled to Rudra and Anjali to honor her request. Pushing her any further would only worsen her condition. They quietly left the room, but the frustration and helplessness hung heavy in the air.

“She’ll come around,” Shekhar tried to reassure his brother. “Once the wedding is done, she’ll have to accept Kashish eventually.”

Rudra didn’t respond. He stormed off toward his room, his silence more telling than any words could be. Shekhar and Anjali stood there, feeling the weight of the situation press down on them.

“How are we supposed to handle all of this?” Anjali asked, her voice soft but laced with concern.

“I don’t know,” Shekhar admitted, his frustration clear.

“We don’t want to take sides, but it feels like we have no choice.”

Anjali nodded, worry creasing her brow.

“Tomorrow is the Haldi ceremony,” she reminded him gently.

Shekhar nodded, his mind racing with thoughts.

“Yes, you should stay with Kashish tomorrow. She’s the bride—she’ll need someone by her side.”

“And Daadi?” Anjali asked, her concern evident.

“I’ll handle it,” Shekhar replied.

Anjali agreed, her mind already racing with preparations for tomorrow. There was so much to take care of, and the bungalow where Rudra and Kashish would start their new life still needed finishing touches. But despite all the planning, there was one lingering worry in both their minds—Daadi. They knew she wouldn’t give up easily, and the thought of what she might do next weighed heavily on them both.

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