Page 236 of One Hellish Love

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Later That Week

The wedding reception went off without a hitch—simple, intimate, and attended by a select few. Kashish, standing beside Rudra, faced the cameras for the first time as his wife. To their relief, the reporters refrained from dredging up the past, focusing instead on the joyous occasion. Daadi introduced Kashish to her friends with genuine warmth, behaving as though she had always been on board with this marriage. The couple was even treated to a surprise performance by Shekhar and Anjali, who sang a special song for them, much to everyone’s delight.

Two days after the reception, Rudra woke Kashish early, asking her to get ready. She pressed him for details, but he remained secretive. After getting dressed, they climbed into the car with Mohan, who drove them to an unexpected destination—a temple.

“Why are we at a temple?” Kashish asked, bewildered.

Rudra smiled softly as he helped her out of the car.

“Every year, on this day, your father used to come here to offer prayers and food to the poor. Today is your mother’s death anniversary.”

Kashish’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t known. Having never met her mother, she had only ever mourned her father. Now, knowing this was the day her mother had passed, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

“How did you find out?” she asked.

“Your father’s old friend, Veeru Kaka, mentioned it to me during the reception,” Rudra explained.

Kashish nodded, remembering how Veeru Kaka had attended the reception with his wife. She was grateful Rudra had taken the time to uncover this part of her past, something she herself had never known.

“I’ve already arranged everything—food and clothing for the poor, just like your father used to do. Come,” Rudra said, guiding her to the temple’s courtyard.

Together, they prayed and then distributed food and clothes to those in need. The people blessed them before leaving, and when it was over, Kashish was overwhelmed. She rushed into Rudra’s arms, tears streaming down her face.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Rudra held her close.

“Did I thank you for all the ways you’ve helped me reclaim my life?” he asked softly.

Kashish looked up, meeting his gaze.

“We’re one, Kashish. Body and soul. And that’s how we’ll always be.”

She nodded, tears of gratitude filling her eyes. Rudra kissed her forehead tenderly before leading her back to the car. They had to start packing soon—Paris awaited them the next day.

CHAPTER 71

Paris

“This is our home,” Rudra Raheja declared, standing in the middle of the expansive living room, with Kashish by his side. They had just arrived after a long flight, and the air between them buzzed with excitement of new beginnings.

Kashish looked around, her eyes taking in every corner of the beautiful space.

“So, this is where you stayed last time?” she asked, her voice soft.

“And the time before that… and the time before that too,” he replied with a touch of nostalgia. “It feels like I’ve lived here my entire life… it holds all my growing years.”

Kashish shook her head slowly knowing why Rudra had escaped to Paris, distancing himself from his own family, and from her. This house, spacious yet intimate, had been his refuge when he lacked the courage to face the world—especially her. But now, standing here together, it felt different. It was no longer just a house. It was their home.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

“Not as beautiful as you,” Rudra murmured, cupping her face before pressing a hard, passionate kiss to her lips, as if sealing his promise to her.

When they finally pulled apart, Kashish’s gaze wandered to the corner of the room, where a guitar rested. The sight of it sent a ripple of memories through her. Rudra had played thatvery instrument back at Raheja Mansion. Back then, she had slammed her door shut, blocking out both the music and her heart, because she had hated him. But now? Now, he was the man she loved more than anything in the world. It amazed her how much had changed in such a short span of time.

She touched the guitar softly, yearning to hear him play again. Sensing her thoughts, Rudra wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a tender embrace.

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