Page 70 of One Hellish Love

Kashish caught the underlying message and couldn’t resist poking at Rudra. “Funny, noteveryonehere seems to think I can handle things on my own.”

Rudra finally turned, meeting her gaze. “I’m noteveryone,” he retorted, his eyes locking with hers in a silent challenge.

While Shekhar was used to their veiled barbs, Tanuja sensed something more—a spark that might ignite into something explosive. Shekhar quickly stepped in.

“Tanuja, we still need your signature on that other agreement. Shall we?” he suggested.

Tanuja agreed, and they left the room. Rudra and Kashish were left alone, their heated stares lingering. He knew why she had taunted him—she felt belittled by his actions, by him paying off her mortgage. But he hadn’t done it to make her feel small. He did it to protect her, to ease her burden.

He turned to leave, hoping to escape the conversation that was surely coming, but Kashish wasn’t ready to let him go.

“You got my email?” she asked, her voice cutting through the silence.

Rudra hesitated, his jaw clenching as he looked at her.

“Get back to work, Miss Bedi.”

His voice was cold, but his emotions were anything but. Kashish’s frustration mounted as he walked away. Why couldn’t he just talk to her and settle the matter? Maybe he didn’t want to discuss personal issues at work. That had to be it. She sighed in exasperation and returned to her cabin, still fuming.

Rudra, on the other hand, felt more in control than he had in a long time. He had been letting his emotions dictate his actions for too long—hurting himself, hurting those who cared for him. But now, he would return to his principles. He had to maintain distance, handle the situation with care. Once the contract ended in two months and he returned to Paris, everything would settle. It had to.

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

That evening, at home, Anjali couldn’t ignore the restless energy radiating from Kashish since she had returned from work. Something was clearly bothering her. They were both in the kitchen when Anjali decided to address it.

“Did something happen at work today? You seem so tense, Kashish,” Anjali asked, watching her beat the eggs with unnecessary force.

Kashish didn’t pause. “Who do you think is responsible?”

Anjali stayed quiet for a few seconds before cautiously speaking up again. “What did he do now?”

Kashish stopped and looked at her. “He didn’t do anything. And that’s exactly what’s bothering me.”

Anjali let out a sarcastic chuckle.

“I’ll never understand the two of you. When he does something, you hate it. When he doesn’t show any interest, you don’t like that either. So, tell me, Kashish—what do youreallywant?”

“Husband,” came Rudra’s voice from the doorway.

Both Kashish and Anjali jolted at his sudden intrusion. Rudra stood leaning against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on them. Kashish shot him a sharp, incredulous look.Husband?Did he really say that? Was he playing games?

Rudra, sensing her thoughts, stepped further into the room and looked at Anjali. “Your husband is waiting for you outside. He’s ready to leave.”

Anjali exhaled in relief, smiling at the clarification. Kashish, however, wasn’t convinced. Had he really just meant that, or was there more to his words?

“Oh, right. He hates waiting,” Anjali responded quickly. She hugged Kashish, pulling back with a smile. “We’re invited for dinner at a friend’s place tonight, so we’ll be late. Don’t worry about Daadi, I’ve told Ram Prasad what to serve her.”

Kashish nodded. “Enjoy your dinner.”

“Bye.” Anjali waved, giving Rudra a brief smile before leaving the kitchen.

Rudra made a move to leave too, but Kashish wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” she asked, her voice steady but determined.

He paused but didn’t turn. Instead, he waited, unwilling to engage.

“This is home,” she continued. “We need to communicate.”

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