Page 46 of One Hellish Love

“No, no,” Nilesh chimed in, “he smashed him under his car!”

Their words tore through Rudra. They were just kids like him, no older than 17, but they spoke of death like it was a joke, as if a life lost meant nothing. They were mocking him, playing with his torment like it was some sport. Rudra’s jaw tightened, fury mixing with the crushing guilt that never left him.

“Move,” Rudra growled, trying to shove past them, but Amol shoved him back, sending Rudra crashing to the ground. Laughter exploded around him.

“This one thinks he’s tough,” Amol barked, eyes glinting with cruel amusement.

“Beat him,” Nilesh commanded.

Fists and kicks rained down on Rudra, each blow digging deeper into the guilt that had consumed him since thatnight. He deserved this—this pain, this punishment. He was a murderer. A killer. He screamed for them to stop, but the words were swallowed by his torment until a guard rushed over, yanking the boys away. Rudra lay on the cold floor, beaten and bleeding, unconscious as darkness swallowed him whole.

Rudra woke up, drenched in sweat, the terror clinging to him like a second skin. His heart pounded, the phantom pain of those kicks still fresh. He sat upright, burying his face in his hands. The nightmares, the memories—they never left. Every night, he relived those two horrific years in the juvenile detention center. His psychologist had tried to make them go away, but nothing worked. Maybe they’d only end when his life did.

He glanced at the clock. 2:00 a.m. The house was quiet, everyone peacefully asleep, while he was haunted. Again. He turned to his laptop, desperate for work to numb the torment.

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

It was payday. Kashish’s first salary had just hit her account. She whipped up her favorite dessert, Jalebis, and shared them with everyone—family members, the maids, everyone in Raheja Mansion. Shekhar and Anjali congratulated her warmly.

Shekhar placed his hand gently on her head in blessing.

“May you achieve all the success you deserve.”

Kashish’s eyes shone with gratitude as she hugged him.

“Thank you, Shekhar.”

Rudra watched it all from the living room, phone pressed to his ear but his attention fixated on her. The way she beamed, jumping with joy, kissing Anjali’s cheek between bites of Jalebi—it was captivating. She deserved so much more, he thought. For someone so dedicated, her future was limitless. He tried to focus on his call with Jay, but his gaze never left her.

“Did you give Daadi any?” Anjali asked.

“I went to her room, but she was busy with her prayers,” Kashish said casually. It didn’t seem to bother her that Daadi had rejected her offering.

“And Rudra?” Shekhar added.

Kashish’s expression hardened, shocked by the suggestion. Why would Shekhar ask that? He knew how much she hated even being in Rudra’s presence. Why would she share her happiness with the man she loathed most?

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Shekhar continued. “But he’s also your boss. If you’re sharing your happiness with everyone related to your personal and professional life, I think he deserves it too.”

Kashish glanced at Rudra, who was engrossed in his phone call again. Reluctantly, she grabbed the plate of Jalebis and walked toward him. Anjali shot a concerned look at Shekhar.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Anjali whispered. “You know how Rudra feels about her. You’re just encouraging his hopes. These little interactions will only break his heart later.”

Shekhar sighed, knowing she was right.

“I want his heart to break sooner rather than later. Kashish needs to make him understand that he’s chasing something impossible. He’ll only takeherwords seriously, not ours.”

He had a point, but they both knew—once Rudra’s heart shattered, it might push him further into isolation, away from the family. And this time, there might be no pulling him back.

Kashish approached Rudra, holding out the plate. He hung up, his brow furrowing in confusion as he looked at her.

“Shekhar thinks you deserve your share of this,” she said flatly.

Rudra studied her, amusement flickering in his eyes.

“And what do you think?”

She hesitated, unsure how to respond.

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