Page 179 of One Hellish Love

Daadi, still distracted, turned to Anjali, deciding to ask her the burning question that had been gnawing at her all day.

“Anjali, tell me honestly, what really happened in Uttam Nagar yesterday? Has Rudra promised Kashish that he will marry her soon?”

Anjali hesitated, caught off guard. Should she tell Daadi the truth—that Rudra had almost taken that final step last night?

“Daadi, please don’t worry. You know Rudra has always been serious about Kashish,” she replied cautiously.

“I know that,” Daadi snapped, frustration seeping through her calm facade. “But today, I saw something different in Kashish’s eyes. I went to see her this morning, to warn her to stay away from Rudra, but she refused to take me seriously. She’s become... defiant.”

Anjali was shocked. She hadn’t known that Daadi had gone to see Kashish.

“Daadi, this situation is no longer in our control,” Anjali said, trying to soothe her. “Kashish is a good woman. She and Rudra love each other deeply—what more could we want? I really think it’s time you accept them. Someone has to bend here, Daadi. If both you and Kashish keep pulling Rudra in different directions, he’ll break. He’s made his decision, and we need to respect that.”

Daadi frowned realizing no one seemed to be on her side anymore. Everyone was rallying behind Rudra and Kashish’s love.

“If Rudra brings that girl into this house as his wife, then I will no longer stay in this family.”

Just as Daadi declared this, Rudra and Shekhar walked in, overhearing her ultimatum.

“Daadi?” Rudra’s face hardened, his control barely holding. “You plan to leave this house? To leave... me?”

Daadi’s resolve faltered for a moment, but she held firm.

“What choice have you left me, Rudra? You’ve put that girl above everything. After all these years, after all the love and care I gave you, you’re choosing her.”

Rudra’s frustration exploded.

“Her place in my heart doesn’t diminish yours, Daadi. I want both of you in my life.”

“I will not share you with her,” Daadi snapped. “Any other woman, Rudra—any woman but her. She and her father are the reason we lost our peace. I will never accept her as part of this family.”

Rudra had anticipated Daadi’s resistance, but her harsh ultimatum—her threat to leave them—was beyond anything he’d imagined. Shekhar tried to calm Daadi down, but her stance was unyielding. Her eyes stayed locked on Rudra, waiting for him to decide, to choose between her and Kashish.

Without another word, Rudra turned and stormed to his room, too furious and hurt to continue the argument.

****************

Uttam Nagar

Kashish was ready. She had hurried home an hour ago after finishing her work, changing into blue denim jeans and a soft pink top. She didn’t know where Rudra planned to take her tonight, but she was already feeling the thrill of it. After the emotional distance of the past two months, this would be the first time they’d spend real time together again, andthe anticipation had her heart racing. Sitting on the sofa, she glanced at the wall clock. Where was he? Why was he so late?

Her fingers hovered over her phone, tempted to call him. But no—she didn’t want to seem desperate. Sighing, she set the phone back down, leaning her head against the couch.

“Come soon, Rudra,” she murmured softly, closing her eyes. “I’m already missing you.”

****************

An Hour Later…

Kashish jolted awake, her phone vibrating incessantly. It was Shekhar calling. A glance at the clock told her she had dozed off for almost an hour. Where was Rudra? Was this why Shekhar was calling? She quickly answered, a sinking feeling gnawing at her.

“Shekhar?”

“Kashish, hi… Are you okay?”

“Why? What happened?” She stood up feeling a dull ache shoot through her body from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position.

“Rudra didn’t tell you?”

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