Page 138 of One Hellish Love

Lost in her tangled thoughts, Kashish was startled by the sound of Rudra’s voice. He was back from work. She quickly composed herself, determined not to let him see the turmoil raging inside her.

“Just coffee, Suman,” Rudra told the maid before hurrying towards the stairs. But as soon as he saw Kashish descending, his steps slowed.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. The events of the day had left Kashish shaken. She felt an overwhelming urge to confess everything to him—but how could she? How could she hide the storm of pain behind her calm façade? He studied her face for a few seconds before breaking the silence.

“You look pale. What did you do all day?” His voice was gentle but probing.

Kashish stood frozen, unable to form a response. Words seemed to choke in her throat. Rudra moved closer, trailing the back of his finger softly along her cheek. The gesture sent a shiver through her, but she didn’t pull away. The fact that sheallowed his touch felt like a silent surrender—like she was slowly letting him in.

“Did you miss me?” he asked.

“I was too busy to miss you,” she lied, trying to keep her tone steady.

Rudra smirked, seeing right through her words.

“What’s that?” she asked, pointing at the invitation card in his hand.

“This?” He glanced at it. “Well, the Mehta couple are hosting a Puja at their home tonight. They’ve invited us.”

Kashish exhaled slowly.

“I don’t think I can come.”

Rudra shook his head knowingly. “I understand. After the accident, you lost faith in God.”

She blinked, surprised by how well he understood her. How did he know that?

“It’s been clear from your actions, Kashish,” he explained, reading her thoughts. “Every time you joined the morning Puja at Raheja Mansion, you only did it out of duty. Your heart wasn’t in it. I could see that.”

He knew everything—things about her she hadn’t even fully acknowledged herself.

“So, I won’t push you to come,” he added.

“Younever stopped praying?” she asked as they started walking upstairs toward his room.

“I used to pray with Daadi every day before the accident. Sometimes for good marks, sometimes to win a football match, sometimes for Daadi’s health. After the accident, I didn’t pray as often, but that doesn’t mean I ever stopped believing.”

Kashish was astounded. After everything this man had been through, he still held onto his faith.

“Wantingyouin my life is what kept my faith alive,” he admitted softly.

Her breath caught in her throat. How did he always manage to connect everything so deeply?

“So... your entire life revolves around me?” she asked.

The eagerness in her tone was unmistakable.

“Yes,” he whispered as they reached his room. “And your growing interest in me is equally fascinating. Now, may I ask you a favor?”

Kashish raised her brows slightly, already sensing where this was going.

“Will you come with me to the Mehta’s home?” he asked, his eyes pleading. “If not for the Puja, then at least to give me some good company.”

She hesitated, wanting to refuse, but the look in his eyes made her falter.

“Okay,” she finally agreed.

The smile that spread across Rudra’s face lit up the entire room. She hadn’t seen him this happy in weeks, and it was because she had simply agreed to be with him. She returned to her room to get dressed. Why had she agreed so quickly? Maybe it was because of the feelings she had been nurturing for him. But even as those feelings grew stronger, she reminded herself of the wall Daadi had erected between her and Rudra—before she could fully acknowledge her love for him. That invisible line would always be there, holding her back.

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