Page 129 of One Hellish Love

“Are you okay?” Rudra snapped his fingers to break through her internal chaos.

“How can I be okay when you’re around?” She glared at him.

His expression darkened as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him.

“Exactly,” he whispered, closing the space between them. “How can you be okay when I’m close to you? Because every time I’m close, your heart starts beating louder.”

Her breath hitched.

“W-What nonsense,” she stammered, trying to move away, but Rudra pulled her hand over her chest.

“Feel it,” he murmured. “Your heart... it’s racing. Now tell me I’m wrong.”

Her heart thudded violently under her palm. She couldn’t deny it. Her entire body betrayed her.

“Our hearts beat in sync when we’re together, Kashish. They don’t just beat louder—they beat as one.”

She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself, but every part of her felt overwhelmed by his nearness.

“That... that only happens in books and movies,” she protested, her voice weak.

Rudra sighed.

“Your words and your expressions don’t match, Kashish,” he said softly. “Which one should I believe?”

Kashish knew he wouldn’t stop pushing her. He was too persistent, too determined to get the truth out of her.

“It’s not my problem. Right now, we’re late for work, and mybossdoesn’t like it when I extend my working hours. So, if you don’t mind, I’m leaving.”

Rudra smirked again, his eyes gleaming.

“Since when did you needmypermission to leave? You came here becauseyouwanted to. You can leave whenever you like, Kashish. But if you ask me... I’d never let you leave.”

Flustered and desperate to escape, she pulled away from him and hurried out of the room. Every moment spent with him felt like a trap, a trap she was afraid to admit she was falling hard into. But as she walked away, something gnawed at her—leaving him no longer brought the relief it once had. Instead, it left her feeling breathless, as though something inside her was slowly breaking apart. And the worst part? She didn’t know why.

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Jaipur – Mehta’s Office

The meeting had begun, and Kashish was in full presentation mode, showcasing her designs to the client in the conference room. Yet, despite her focus, she couldfeelRudra’s intense gaze on her. It made her restless yet she glanced back at him. There was a spark there, a fire of passion she couldn’t ignore. He didn’t care that there were others around, his stare burnt straight through her.

Although she tried to focus, it wasn’t easy knowing Rudra was watching her like that, with the kind of attention that made her insides churn. Somehow, she managed to continue explaining the sketches while he leaned back in his chair, never breaking eye contact.

The meeting finally ended. The summer collection designs were approved, and Rudra walked out with the Mehtas, leaving Kashish alone in the conference room. She sank into her chair, releasing a long, shaky breath. His presence had begun to affect her in ways she could no longer ignore. And she knew he was well aware of it. But it was all wrong. How could she entertain the thought of being with the man whose life her father had destroyed? It was unimaginable.

Just as she was lost in these troubling thoughts, her phone rang.

“Ma’am, I’m calling from Dr. Akash’s clinic. There’s an appointment for Rudra Raheja scheduled for tomorrow. I wanted to confirm if you’ll be able to make it or should we reschedule?” asked the receptionist.

“We’re not in Delhi right now, so yes, please reschedule,” Kashish replied, her voice faltering slightly.

“Okay, Ma’am. Thank you.”

She hung up wondering if he should speak to Dr. Akash about Rudra? Maybe he could shed some light on the confusion that had been swirling in her head. She had his personal number from the last time they visited the clinic, and withoutoverthinking it, she sent him a message, asking if he could speak with her when he was available.

To her surprise, Dr. Akash instantly responded, offering to call her in an hour. Grateful, Kashish thanked him and hoped for some clarity from their conversation.

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