Page 154 of One Hellish Love

Rudra didn’t hesitate. He looked into her eyes, answering with a calm intensity that sent chills through her.

“We are marrying tonight,” he replied simply.

Kashish felt the ground shift beneath her.

“Marrying?” she stammered, wide-eyed.

“Yes, that’s the next step in love,” he declared firmly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Panic welled inside her. She loved him, yes, but she couldn’t forget the promise she had made to Daadi. How could she marry him knowing she was meant to leave him one day? Guilt and fear intertwined in her heart—Rudra had suffered so much because of her father’s sins, and now, despite her love, she felt unworthy of him.

“Rudra… we… we can’t do this,” she managed to say.

“Why not? We love each other, and you said you trust me. Trust me on this, Kashish. It’s for us. For our love.”

But Kashish shook her head, tears stinging her eyes.

“No… it’s not about trust. You’re rushing into this.”

But Rudra wasn’t going to back down. She saw the frustration building in his eyes, his jaw tightening as anger rose in him. He had always been patient, but tonight, something had shifted.

“Why are you denying me?”

Unable to meet his gaze, Kashish lowered her eyes, knowing she couldn’t reveal the truth.

Rudra gripped her arm, forcing her to face him.

“Tell me, why are you backing off?” he demanded.

Kashish shook free from his grip, her frustration mounting alongside his.

“I’m not backing off!” she insisted.

“Then marry me!” he demanded once more.

“I can’t,” she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Rudra’s expression hardened.

“Give me one reason,” he said through gritted teeth. “One good reason, and I’ll walk away.”

“I can’t,” she repeated.

Fury darkened Rudra’s face.

“Under normal circumstances, I would have gone down on one knee and asked for your hand. But not anymore. I don’t understand why you won’t marry me when you love me so much. So, this is happening, Kashish, whether you like it or not.”

Before she could react, Rudra swept her into his arms and began circling the fire.

“How many circles do we need to take around the holy fire? Seven, right?”

“Rudra, please stop!” she cried, struggling in his arms. But he ignored her pleas, counting as he circled the fire.

“Two done. Five more to go,” he said darkly.

Panic surged through Kashish. She knew he was angry, hurt, but this wasn’t the way. He couldn’t force her into this, not like this.

“Rudra… listen to me,” she begged. “I do have a reason.”

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