Page 231 of One Hellish Love

They had originally planned to visit Rudra and Kashish today to take them out for lunch, also thinking about how to announce their marriage to the rest of the family. So far, no one outside their immediate circle knew about the wedding.

“They’re coming here.” Anjali shared her concern.

Shekhar frowned. “Here? But what about Daadi?”

“They’re coming to seek her blessings. I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Anjali added, worry lining her face.

“I agree. Let me call Rudra and see if he can change his mind,” Shekhar said, pulling out his phone. But before he could dial, Ram Prasad appeared.

“Sir, they have arrived.”

Shekhar and Anjali exchanged a glance before rushing to the entrance. Kashish was dressed in a saree, the bright red Sindoor glistening in her hair, the long Mangalsutra hanging proudly around her neck. She and Rudra were holding hands.

“Where is Daadi?” Rudra asked, as he looked at his brother.

“Upstairs,” Shekhar replied. “But, Rudra... I don’t think it’s wise for you to see her today. She needs more time to accept this. I promise Anjali and I will talk to her—try to understand her feelings.”

Rudra met his brother’s gaze, determination gleaming in his eyes.

“Bhai, I know you two would do that for us. But we need her blessings today. Kashish and I have entered a new phase in our lives, and it won’t mean anything if Daadi isn’t part of it.”

Anjali, understanding their need, gave Shekhar a nod. Reluctantly, Shekhar sighed, stepping aside.

“Alright...see what she says.”

Rudra and Kashish made their way to Daadi’s room. She was seated in her armchair, gently rocking, lost in thought. Kashish tightened her grip on Rudra’s arm, and he gently squeezed back, offering silent reassurance.

As they stepped into the room, Daadi’s eyes fluttered open. For a moment, her gaze softened, filled with the love and warmth she had always held for her grandson. But when hereyes landed on Kashish, the warmth vanished, replaced by cold disdain.

“Why are you both here?” she asked.

“We’ve come to seek your blessings, Daadi,” Rudra replied gently.

Daadi let out a sarcastic sigh.

“Blessings? I don’t think you need them. You’ve clearly proven you can live your life without anyone’s approval. I have nothing to give you.”

Rudra released Kashish’s hand and knelt before Daadi’s chair. Daadi tried to maintain her stern expression, but the battle within her was visible. He was her grandson—her heart. No matter how hard she tried to stay angry, seeing him like this melted something inside her.

“Please, Daadi. Don’t do this. I can’t imagine my life without your blessings,” he pleaded.

“Even if you’ve broken my heart, my blessings will always be with you,” she admitted quietly.

Rudra offered her a weak smile.

“Then you can’t send me away empty-handed this time. Kashish and I are happy, but our happiness is incomplete without you being a part of it.”

Daadi swallowed hard, her tears threatening to fall.

“I have nothing to give you both,” she muttered again.

Rudra glanced at Kashish, gesturing for her to come closer. Together, they touched Daadi’s feet. Daadi’s tears fell freely now, her hands trembling as she hesitated to bless them both. She managed to place her hand on Rudra’s head but hesitated when it came to Kashish. Rudra took Daadi’s hand and gently placed it on Kashish’s head.

“All my happiness comes from her. Without your blessing for her, it means nothing to me,” he said firmly.

Daadi’s resistance crumbled. She finally blessed Kashish, her voice barely above a whisper. “Stay happy.”

Kashish hadn’t expected Daadi’s blessing today, but knowing how much it meant to Rudra made it all the more precious. For him, Daadi was a vital part of his life, and now, she had accepted Kashish—however reluctantly.

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