Page 51 of One Hellish Love

Rudra saw where her attention had drifted and quickly stepped in front of the easel, blocking her view.

“Get out of my room,” he commanded, his voice harsh.

But her focus had shifted.

“What have you drawn?” she asked, ignoring his demand. She was no longer concerned with the incident in Uttam Nagar. Her curiosity was piqued by the sketch—by the possibility that he had drawnher.

Rudra’s jaw tightened. He cursed himself for leaving the drawing board exposed. He knew what she would do if she saw it. She’d tear the sketch to pieces, accuse him of intentions he couldn’t explain, and it would only escalate her hatred.

“I said get out,” he repeated, his voice even more commanding.

Kashish, undeterred, tried to push past him to get a closer look. But Rudra grabbed her arm, stopping her. He couldn’t let her see it. Not now. Not ever. He knew this confrontation would only end badly, with more accusations, more hurt. She would never understand.

Without another word, he dragged her to the door and pushed her out, gently but firmly.

“The next time I tell you to leave, you leaveimmediately,” he warned, shutting the door in her face.

Kashish stood there, stunned. His reaction had confirmed her suspicions—the face on the sketch was hers. But why? Why had he drawnherface? Was she haunting him? Was he obsessed with her image, seeking some twisted form of forgiveness? Or... was there something else?

Her thoughts spiraled, and a dark possibility crept into her mind. Could he have some other interest in her? Her bloodboiled at the thought. He had killed her father. How could he even dare think of her that way?

She clenched her fists, trying to push the disturbing thoughts aside. She was overthinking—surely. But the unsettling feeling lingered.

Rudra leaned against the door inside, his heart racing. Did she suspect something? Had she recognized her own face on that sketch? Hell, no! He couldn’t let this complicate things further.

CHAPTER 19

Next Day

“How can I stay calm after seeing my sketch in his room, Anju?” Kashish snapped.

Since yesterday evening, the image of her own sketch hanging in Rudra’s bedroom haunted her relentlessly.

“I don’t even know what to make of it,” she added, pacing back and forth, unable to shake off the unsettling sight.

Kashish hadn’t intended to share this with anyone, but this frustration had become unbearable. Anjali had picked up on her mood quickly, and after persistent prodding, she managed to drag the truth out of Kashish.

“I hate it when he does anything related to me. And drawing my sketch? That’s beyond infuriating, Anju!” she yelled, her temper flaring.

“Yes, it’s odd, but why are you letting it get to you? There’s nothing you can do about it,” Anjali replied, trying to diffuse the situation.

But Kashish’s mind refused to rest. She wasn’t the type to just sit back, and this time, she was determined to take matters into her own hands. There’s always something I can do. She wasn’t going to calm down until she had erased that sketch from existence.

The next day, after Rudra left for work, Kashish sneaked into his room. Her pulse raced as she crossed the threshold—she had a mission: find the sketch and destroy it. He had no right to drawher, not when she loathed him with every fiber of her being. She started with the bedside drawers—empty. Then, she turned her attention to his closet.

Luckily for her, the closet wasn’t locked, despite being a state-of-the-art model designed specifically for Rudra. Kashish couldn’t help but scoff. For someone so private, he’s careless, leaving this open.

She slid the door open, revealing a massive collection of suits and formal shirts, all meticulously arranged. The sight of them made her stomach churn. Touching those felt like touching him. Her hands hesitated for a moment, but she couldn’t afford to let her emotions stop her now. She pushed the suits aside, revealing a hidden drawer. A wave of frustration hit her as she noticed it was password-protected.

Really? For a sketch? How paranoid is he? She shook her head, knowing there was no way the sketch would be locked away in there. There had to be another place.

She continued her search, checking drawers filled with ties, neatly stacked socks, and perfectly polished shoes. Her search yielded nothing. Defeated, she was about to close the closet when her gaze landed on an envelope lying on the floor.

What’s this? She picked it up, her curiosity piqued. Against her better judgment, she opened it. As she unfolded the letter, her breath caught. It was some letter from Uday Khatri—directed to Rudra about some unfinished business with her father, Keshav Bedi.

Who is this man? What did they talk about? So, this is why Rudra was in Uttam Nagar yesterday. He went to meet Uday Khatri. Her mind raced with questions.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps and hushed voices approaching from outside the room. Her heart leaped into her throat.Damn! It’s Rudra’s voice.Why is he back so soon? He was supposed to be at the office!Panic surged through her veins.

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