Page 113 of One Hellish Love

“Daadi, he had a meeting, but I’ve made sure he left the office. He’ll be here soon,” Shekhar replied.

Everyone settled at the table, and Kashish took the vacant seat beside Daadi. Shekhar and Anjali were deeply engaged in conversation with Ruchi, providing Kashish the perfect moment to reveal the truth about her father’s letter to Daadi. She knew she couldn’t leave this family without first clearing Rudra’s name. But then, she hesitated. Would this confession ruin thedinner Ruchi had arranged? Her fingers fidgeted, and Daadi noticed.

“I had so many hopes for you, Kashish. But lately, I don’t know what’s keeping you so distracted. You haven’t even thought about Rudra and Ruchi’s match. I had to step in and take care of things myself,” Daadi said sharply.

Kashish’s heart sank.

“You had to step in? What do you mean…what are you planning?”

“You’ll see once Rudra arrives,” Daadi replied with a cryptic smile.

An uneasy feeling settled over Kashish. Whatever Daadi and Ruchi were planning, she knew it wouldn’t sit well with Rudra. He was already close to making it clear to Ruchi that he wasn’t interested. If they pushed him further tonight, things could spiral out of control.

“Daadi, please, just tell me what you two are up to,” Kashish urged.

“Why? So you can ruin things again?” Daadi snapped. “Ruchi told me how you didn’t let her and Rudra talk the other day. You deliberately interrupted them. What is it you want, Kashish? Do you even want this match to work?”

Daadi’s frustration was understandable, but her words stung. Kashish opened her mouth to reply when Rudra appeared out of nowhere and took a seat on the opposite side of Daadi. He had overheard enough of the conversation.

“Well, Kashish?” Rudra asked. “Answer to Daadi. Do you really want me and Ruchi together?”

Daadi was startled by his sudden intrusion, but Kashish was even more unnerved. She shot him a glare, trying to brush off his question.

“I was talking to Daadi,” she reminded him coldly.

“I know. And I’m asking the same thing. Do you think Ruchi is right for me?” Rudra pressed, his eyes locked on hers.

Daadi sat awkwardly between their silent battle of wills. She could sense something deeper going on but was too afraid to figure it out. Rudra’s questions seemed to be aimed at drawing something out of Kashish. But before she could retort, Ruchi’s excited voice cut through the tension.

“Rudra,” Ruchi beamed. “I’m so glad you made it!”

Rudra flashed her a half-hearted smile.

“What’s this dinner about?” he asked coolly.

Ruchi blushed, glancing at Daadi, who subtly signaled for her to stay quiet.

“Let’s order first. I’m sure everyone’s hungry,” Ruchi suggested.

Shekhar called over the manager, and the orders were placed. As the food arrived, everyone dug in. Kashish tried to focus on eating, but her mind was racing. She reached for the bottle of tomato sauce, only for her fingers to brush against Rudra’s at the exact same time. Their timing was uncanny. Startled, she quickly withdrew her hand, but so did Rudra. They both let go of the bottle simultaneously. Daadi, sitting between them, watched their awkward exchange closely.

Kashish, seeing that Rudra had backed off, reached for the sauce again. But this time, Rudra’s hand came down over hers, gripping the bottle along with her. Kashish shot him a furious glare, but Rudra only smirked back. Daadi, watching intently, put down her fork, her suspicions deepening. What was happening between them? Rudra’s teasing grip, Kashish’s nervousness—something wasn’t right.

Kashish again tried to pull her hand away discreetly. Sensing her tension, Rudra finally released her hand, but the moment lingered. Daadi was now more convinced than ever that something was brewing between the two. But what disturbedher more was Kashish’s response—or lack thereof. The Kashish she knew would have reacted more aggressively. Why was she holding back? Daadi’s thoughts returned to her plans with Ruchi. After seeing Rudra’s gestures tonight, she feared things could unravel if she wasn’t careful.

Once everyone finished their desserts, Ruchi cleared her throat and stood up.

“Okay, now for the main reason we’re here,” Ruchi announced, a nervous excitement in her voice.

Daadi shifted uncomfortably, trying to intervene.

“Ruchi, maybe we should talk later—”

“Daadi, please. I don’t want to wait anymore,” Ruchi insisted.

Rudra leaned back in his chair, sensing the same unease, while Shekhar and Anjali exchanged confused glances.

“You’ve all been wondering why I arranged this dinner, right?” Ruchi began, pulling a small velvet box from her purse. She opened it, revealing a ring.

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