Page 178 of One Hellish Love

Kashish’s frustration simmered beneath the surface.

“I believe in completing the rituals, not the half-measures we went through last night.”

“I can finish those rituals for you right now if you want,” he growled, his impatience palpable.

Kashish took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. He always wanted things his way—there was no middle ground with Rudra. She glanced at the clock on his desk, realizing she had work to finish. This argument wasn’t going to end any time soon.

Without another word, she untied her hair and let it fall over her forehead, hiding the lipstick mark. It was the only solution to avoid unnecessary questions.

“I’ll ask Jay to get you another coffee. This one’s probably cold by now,” she muttered, reaching for the mug.

But before she could take it, Rudra grabbed her wrist, snatched the mug from her hand, and downed the cold coffee in one swift motion.

“Why did you drink it?” she asked, baffled.

“I didn’t want your effort to go to waste,” he said, finishing the last drop and handing the mug back to her. “Finish your work quickly. I have plans for us this evening,” he added.

“What plans?”

“You’ll find out.”

He returned to his chair, picking up where he had left off. Kashish sighed, still not understanding him fully, but knowing better than to push for answers. She walked out of his office, making sure her hair still covered the lipstick mark.

CHAPTER 57

As the evening rolled in, the Raheja office began to empty. Kashish remained behind, engrossed in her work. There was a presentation she had to finish, and she couldn’t leave without it being done. Rudra knocked on her door.

“I’m not finished yet,” she said, glancing up from her laptop.

Rudra checked his watch, clearly impatient.

“I told you I had plans for us tonight.”

“I can’t miss this deadline, Rudra. Please,” she pleaded, her fingers flying over the keyboard.

Rudra sighed, exasperated but trying to be patient.

“Fine. Take an hour. I’ll wait.”

“Thanks. But you don’t need to wait here. Go home, change, and pick me up from my place in two hours. We’ll go wherever you’ve planned.”

That seemed reasonable enough for him.

“Are you sure? I could drop you home first,” he offered.

“I’ll be fine, Rudra. I’ve told you many times—I can manage getting home on my own. Go,” she insisted.

“Alright,” he agreed. “See you in two hours.”

Rudra finally left, heading back to Raheja Mansion with Shekhar, leaving Kashish to finish her work.

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Raheja Mansion

Daadi paced anxiously in the living room, her thoughts consumed by the intense conversation she had with Kashishearlier. She had never seen Kashish so defiant, so bold, especially when it came to her love for Rudra. Ever since Rudra returned, it was as though Kashish had drawn strength from his presence. If this continued, Daadi feared, the day was fast approaching when Rudra would marry Kashish and bring her back into this house. The very thought rattled her.

“Daadi, aren’t you ready yet? We need to leave for the temple,” Anjali asked, noticing her restlessness.

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