Page 171 of One Hellish Love

“I know you love me,” she murmured as Rudra’s grip on her arms loosened. “But can you bear to watch Daadi turn her back on me every single day? Can you endure my tears when she blames me for taking you away from her? Daadi has been your pillar all these years. She’s protected you, loved you, fought for your innocence when the world turned against you. Are you really willing to break her heart for me? Will we ever find happiness under the same roof when the head of the family is against our relationship?”

Kashish’s words struck him deep, but he didn’t want to admit it.

“Fine,” Rudra growled. “If you won’t come back to Raheja Mansion, I’ll stay here with you.”

Kashish let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Why would you add another burden on my conscience? I can’t tear you away from your family.”

Rudra’s frustration grew.

“You won’t come with me, and you won’t let me stay here. How are we supposed to make this work?”

“We’ll figure it out like we did for the past two months. At least we’re in the same city. We’re only a few kilometers apart. We can endure this, Rudra—until Daadi accepts me on her own terms, without pressure.”

Anjali and Shekhar exchanged worried glances. They didn’t agree with Kashish’s plan, and neither did Rudra.

“Kashish,” Shekhar interjected, “we know Daadi well. It could take years for her to change her mind. Are you both really going to wait that long for her approval? It’s a terrible idea.”

Kashish lowered her gaze, unsure of how to make them understand her reasoning. But Rudra sensed her hesitation and decided to put an end to the conversation.

“Two more months,” he declared firmly. “If Daadi doesn’t accept you by then, you’re marrying me with all the rituals and coming back to Raheja Mansion. I’m not waiting any longer.”

Kashish knew two months wasn’t enough time to change Daadi’s heart, but what other choice did she have? She couldn’t live without Rudra either. They would have to make a decision once the deadline arrived.

“Okay,” she whispered.

Anjali beamed with excitement, gripping Shekhar’s hand.

“I can’t wait for these two months to be over,” Anjali said, her smile wide.

“Neither can I,” Rudra muttered possessively, his gaze still locked on Kashish, who looked away, trying to steady her emotions. The bold move he had made today—marking her forehead with his blood—would hang between them for the next two months like an unspoken vow.

Shekhar glanced at his wife, understanding her silent cue.

“Well then, I guess Kashish doesn’t need our help with the kitchen anymore. We’ll head back. Rudra, you can come home later. We’ll let Daadi know you’re back.”

Rudra nodded, forcing a weak smile. Anjali hugged Kashish tightly, whispering something in her ear that made Kashish blush. Then, with a wave, she and Shekhar left the house.

Kashish stood there, utterly nervous. She had so many things to say.

“At least offer me a glass of water,” Rudra teased, breaking the silence.

Kashish headed to the kitchen, with Rudra following close behind. She filled a glass and turned, startled to find him standing so close. In her panic, she dropped the glass, spilling water on his clothes.

“I… I’m sorry,” she stammered, kneeling down to pick up the glass. Her hands trembled as she spoke. “I’ll get a towel to clean this.”

She hurried to the bedroom to fetch a towel, and Rudra followed her there too. She was flustered—meeting him after such a long time, and now dealing with the shock of everything that had just happened. She fetched a cloth and began wiping his sleeves, trying to calm her shaking hands.

Rudra stopped her, gently taking the cloth from her trembling hand and setting it aside. His intense gaze then locked onto her as his fingers brushed a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his thumb grazing her cheek.

“Just relax,” he whispered. “I know it’s hard after being apart for so long.”

Kashish’s heart hammered against her ribs like a caged bird seeking freedom. The space between them crackled with tension, with all the words left unsaid during their separation.

His eyes, those deep pools that had always seen right through her defenses, searched her face hungrily.

“Let me look at you, feel you… to remind myself that we’re together again,” he added.

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