Page 45 of One Hellish Love

Fifteen minutes later, Sanjay returned, looking a bit deflated. Kashish was still nearby, chatting with Pallavi.

“Sanjay, what happened?” Kashish asked, her curiosity piqued.

Sanjay sighed heavily, taking a seat. “I’ve been moved to Akshay’s team. Rudra said they needed someone, so he transferred me,” he explained, gulping down some water.

Kashish froze, her blood boiling.This is Rudra’s doing. He’s trying to push Sanjay away from me.The thought ignited a storm of fury within her. Pallavi’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“Sanjay, it’s no big deal. The management can move us around as they need. And Akshay’s team is full of senior resources. You’ll gain a lot of experience there,” Pallavi reassured.

“I know,” Sanjay sighed, “but I’ll miss you guys. Especially you, Kashish,” he said with a wink.

Kashish forced a smile, though inside, her anger simmered. She knew Sanjay’s flirty remarks meant nothing, but Rudra’s interference infuriated her. Trying to maintain her composure, she replied, “We’re still in the same office, Sanjay. We’ll see each other around. Now let’s get back to work. We’re wasting time.”

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and headed toward her cabin. Her thoughts raced. Rudra Raheja did this. He moved Sanjay to another team. She stopped at her cabin door, indecision gnawing at her.Should I confront him? Why not? He meddles in my life; I can confront him about this.

Determined, she marched toward Rudra’s cabin and barged in without knocking. Jay Mathur was inside, discussing something with Rudra. Shit. She hadn’t expected company. Jay looked startled by her intrusion, about to say something, but Rudra waved him off.

“Jay, I’ll handle this. You may leave,” Rudra said calmly, which surprised Jay. He gathered his things and left, casting a confused glance at Kashish before exiting.

“You’ve broken the rules again, Kashish,” Rudra said. “Barging into the boss’s office without permission is not allowed.”

Kashish crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with defiance.

“And transferring an employee just because the boss feels insecure—is that allowed?”

Rudra pushed off his desk, strolling toward her with casual arrogance, his hands sliding into his pockets.

“My company. My rules,” he said, his voice laced with icy confidence.

She glared at him, speechless for a moment.

“Next time you neglect your own safety, I’ll step in, whether you like it or not. Be thankful Sanjay’s still in this office. I could’ve fired him. And if he tries to get too close to you again, I will,” Rudra warned, his words sharp and unforgiving.

Kashish’s jaw dropped.

“Who the hell are you to decide who can approach me and who can’t?” she shouted, her voice trembling with rage. The soundproof glass walls ensured no one outside could hear their heated exchange.

Rudra’s jaw clenched. How he longed to tell her why he cared so much. But he knew that would only provoke her further. Instead, he ended the conversation with a curt command.

“Get back to work.”

He turned away from her, sitting back down at his desk, his attention shifting to his laptop as if she were nothing more than a brief distraction.

Kashish was livid. He was testing her patience, pushing her limits. She promised herself she wouldn’t let him win. Furious, she stormed out of his cabin.For now!

CHAPTER 17

“You killed someone?” the 15-year-old boy, Nilesh, shouted across the yard, his voice dripping with mockery. “Amol, Tushar, Ram, come here! Look who’s joined us!”

The other boys raced over, eyes gleaming with malicious curiosity, circling around Rudra like vultures.

The 16-year-old Rudra, clenched his fists, feeling the weight of their jeers. He tried to move, but they blocked his path, their smirks full of disdain.

“How’d you kill him?” Amol sneered.

“Did you stab him?” Tushar taunted.

“Or shoot him?” Ram teased.

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