Page 136 of One Hellish Love

He shook his head, focusing back on his breakfast. She glanced at the clock anxiously, knowing Daadi must have already landed in Jaipur. She wanted Rudra far from the house before Daadi arrived.

“I’ll see you this evening,” Rudra said, wiping his lips as he stood to leave.

Kashish nodded, watching him go. Just as he was about to walk out, he paused and turned back to her, his eyes softening.

“Are you hiding something from me, Kashish?” His voice was gentle, but it held a weight that made her heart race.

“I’m not hiding anything.” She swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure. “I just… need time to think carefully about your proposal.”

Rudra’s lips tightened for a moment, then relaxed as he stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek.

“I might’ve pushed too hard last night, wanting you to say yes. But don’t stress yourself. I can wait, you know that.”

Kashish offered him a weak smile. Yes, she knew. This man would wait a lifetime just to hear her say yes. But she couldn’t let him wait that long. She would make her decision about their future today.

“You’re going to be late,” she reminded him softly.

His heart ached at the thought of leaving her like this, but he knew he couldn’t hover over her every moment. She needed space to think, and he would give her that. With one last glance, he headed out to his car. In minutes, he was gone, leaving Kashish standing alone in the quiet house. She sat on the couch, waiting for what she knew was coming.

Half an hour later, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. Daadi had arrived. Kashish braced herself, shutting her eyes briefly to gather strength. When the door opened, Savitri Raheja stormed in. Kashish stood from the couch, feigning surprise.

“Aap?” (You?)

“Where is Rudra?” Savitri’s gaze was sharp, her tone colder than ever.

“He left early for work,” Kashish replied.

“Good. What I have to say doesn’t need his presence.” Savitri nodded curtly.

With a forceful flick of her wrist, Savitri tossed a piece of paper onto the table—the suicide note from Kashish’s father.

“What do you have to say about this?” she seethed.

Kashish picked up the note, her hands trembling slightly, pretending to be shocked. She glanced at Savitri, who was practically trembling with fury.

“You knew all these years, didn’t you?” she accused.

Kashish shook her head.

“I found this note just a few days before we came to Jaipur.”

“Don’t lie to me!” Savitri spat, her fury undiminished.

“You and your father have done enough damage. Your father fooled us all, plotted this entire charade to get you into a rich family. You think I’ll stand by and do nothing?”

Kashish flinched at her accusations. But she knew she had to face this.

“My father’s decision ruined Rudra’s life,” Kashish said softly. “I know that. I accept that.”

Savitri’s eyes flashed with hatred. “Ruined? Your father destroyed my grandson. Rudra spent years in that hellhole, nearly got molested and robbed of his smile. All because of your father’s selfish decision.”

Kashish’s heart sank. Everything she said was true. Rudra’s pain, his nightmares, the life he lost—all of it traced back to her father’s fateful choice.

“I will show this letter to Rudra,” Savitri hissed. “He will throw you out of his life, out of this house.”

“He won’t,” Kashish whispered.

Her eyes filled with tears, but she wiped them quickly, determined to stay strong.

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