Page 106 of One Hellish Love

Kashish bit her lips holding her cries. While she’d been living with the Rahejas, getting used to her new life, Rudra had been going through all this horrible stuff. She’d had no idea.

“I see... So why didn’t you tell any of this to your family?” Akash asked, his voice probing yet gentle.

Rudra rubbed his forehead, his fingers pressing against the tension that had built up.

“I didn’t want Daadi to feel more powerless. She was already going through a lot back then.”

Akash nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. But the lack of proper counseling and family support during that time only worsened the trauma. It allowed your fear to take root and grow stronger. If you had received help earlier, I’m certain this phobia wouldn’t have such a hold on you now. But that’s in the past, and we’ll work through it. For now, I have just a few more questions, not about your past but your present. Are you currently in a relationship, Rudra?”

Kashish felt the shift in his energy, sensing the turmoil that question stirred within him.

“No. I’m not,” he answered slowly.

“And why is that?” Akash pressed gently. “Is it because you fear that a woman you get close to might demand more from you than you can give?”

Rudra let out a soft, bitter chuckle.

“No. It’s not that. Iwantto give her the world, Dr. Akash... It’s just that she doesn’t wantme.”

Kashish stiffened, unease spreading through her body. Why was he dragging this into the conversation now? Did he have to make everything so personal? Was this even relevant to the therapy? Akash chuckled lightly, sensing the tension but choosing to steer the conversation forward.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that you’re not entirely closed off to the idea of a relationship despite the trauma. That’s a good sign. We’ll start with a tailored therapy plan in our next session. Don’t miss it. One last thing—do you still experience flashes of that incident during your sleep?”

Rudra nodded slightly. “Sometimes.”

“All right. I’ll have my assistant schedule the next session. In the meantime, I’ll prescribe some medication for when the nightmares become too overwhelming. Use them only when necessary, not regularly. Okay?”

Rudra nodded in agreement, while Kashish began to relax slightly, relieved that the session seemed to have gone well. Hopefully, from next time, Rudra would manage these visits on his own. She wouldn’t have to keep escorting him. With the prescription in hand, they both exited the clinic, walking in silence until they reached the parking lot.

It was Kashish who broke the silence.

“I need to go to Uttam Nagar. I have some work there.”

Rudra stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharpening.

“What kind of work?”

Kashish frowned at his sudden interest.

“You don’t need to know everything.”

Rudra glared at her, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. She could go to such lengths to help him, but wouldn’t allow him a glimpse into her own life? Why was she so guarded? As if he didn’t already know the reason...

“Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll have Mohan drop you off. Come.”

Without waiting for her response, Rudra led the way to the car, and they rode in silence until they reached Uttam Nagar. As the car came to a halt, Kashish stepped out a little away from her old home. It had been years since she’d set foot here, not since her father’s death. Now, with the key her father had left for her in Veeru Kaaka’s care, she had no choice but to confront the past. She couldn’t delay this any longer. The truth had waited long enough.

As she walked away from the car, Rudra followed suit, stepping out as well.

“I’ll wait for you here,” he said firmly.

Kashish spun around to face him. “No. I’ll be a while.”

“I don’t mind waiting.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t want you to wait. I’ll be fine.”

Rudra reluctantly agreed.

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