Page 182 of One Hellish Love

“I’ll drop you home,” he insisted.

“No, Rudra. Daadi won’t like it,” she warned.

But Rudra wasn’t listening. He laced their fingers together, holding her hand firmly as he led her downstairs. Luckily, no one was around to see them leave. They slipped into the backseat of his car, sitting close, with Mohan driving them away from Raheja Mansion. Kashish leaned her head against his shoulder, and Rudra absentmindedly played with her fingers.

“You need to cut your nails,” he muttered, rubbing his thumb over the sharp edge of her fingernails.

She lifted her head, her eyes locking with his.

“You don’t like sharp nails?” she teased.

He caught her gaze, his grin softening into something more intimate.

“Oh, I don’t mind at all,” he murmured, “but I can’t help wondering how they’ll feel when they dig into my skin. You lose yourself when we kiss... and those nails, they leave their mark on me—just like you do.”

His smile grew deeper as he gently brushed his thumb across her hand.

“But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Her face flushed crimson, and she playfully swatted his arm. He caught her wrist, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. Kashish gestured to the front, warning him that Mohan could see them through the rearview mirror. But Rudra’s eyestwinkled with amusement as he gave her anI don’t carelook and kissed her wrist again, slower this time.

When they arrived at Uttam Nagar, Rudra squeezed her hand before she got out.

“Don’t stress about Daadi’s decision. I’ll handle it.”

“And you don’t shut me out, Rudra,” she replied. “When you don’t share with me every detail, it makes me feel like I’m on the outside.”

He exhaled, nodding. “Okay.”

Kashish smiled softly before waving goodbye, heading toward her house. She glanced back as she reached the door, waving one more time before disappearing inside. Rudra watched her until she was safely in, then sighed as he leaned back in his seat, signaling Mohan to drive back to Raheja Mansion. Their good days together were finally here!

CHAPTER 58

The next morning, Daadi finished her Puja, as usual, with Shekhar, Anjali, and Rudra standing behind her to receive her blessings. She fed the Prasad to Shekhar and Anjali, then approached Rudra. He took the Ladoo from the plate and offered it to her first. Daadi refused at first, but when she saw the resolute look in Rudra’s eyes, she gave in, taking a small bite.

“Are you trying to butter me up, Rudra? It’s useless,” she muttered. “I’m not changing my decision.”

Rudra set aside the Puja thali and gently slid his arm around Daadi, guiding her out of their small temple space.

“I’m not here to convince you, Daadi,” he said softly. “But I won’t let you leave this house either. Our bond is stronger than anything, and nothing can break it.”

A warm, fleeting smile crossed Daadi’s face.

“So, you’ll give up on this idea of marrying Kashish?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

“I’ve already promised her, Daadi. Marrying Kashish in two months is inevitable.”

Her expression darkened as she shrugged off his arm and walked away without another word. Rudra watched her retreat with disappointment etched on his face.

Shekhar and Anjali exchanged a glance before Shekhar stepped forward to cheer him up.

“Don’t worry, Rudra. She just needs time. She’ll come around eventually. You know how much she cares for you,” Shekhar reassured him.

“Rudra, where’s our party for yourhalf-marriage?” Anjali, trying to lighten the mood, jumped in.

A lopsided smile tugged at Rudra’s lips.

“Anytime you want,” he replied.

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