Page 183 of One Hellish Love

“How about tonight? A private dinner. Just the two Raheja couples, no one else,” Anjali suggested excitedly.

“Looks like you have already made plans,” Shekhar teased, admiring his wife’s enthusiasm.

“Sounds good to me,” Rudra nodded in agreement. “I’ll make the arrangements. It’s been too long since we’ve had a night out together. But what about Daadi?”

“Don’t worry about her. She’s going to a Satsang today and won’t be back until late. I’ll make sure someone brings her home safely,” Anjali assured him with a smile.

“Alright, tonight it is,” Rudra said, looking forward to the evening. With that, the two brothers left for work.

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

Raheja Office

“Dinner?” Kashish asked, holding her phone to her ear as she listened to Anjali on the other end.

“Yes, yourhalf-husbandasked me to convey the invitation,” Anjali replied with a giggle.

Kashish couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ll check my schedule and confirm,” she teased.

“Stop teasing, Kashish! Now tell me, what are you wearing tonight? How about we surprise these Raheja men?” Anjali suggested, excitement bubbling in her tone.

“Surprise? What do you mean?” Kashish asked curiously.

“Well, I was thinking… why not wear something… sexy? I haven’t worn anything like that since my honeymoon,” Anjaliconfessed. “I was always too shy with Daadi around. But tonight, with just us, it’s the perfect opportunity.”

Kashish laughed.

“I always wondered when you’d wear those dresses you’ve had locked away in your closet for years. Tonight sounds like the perfect chance. I’m sure Shekhar won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

“Forget Shekhar, our relationship is old news. But think about Rudra. If you show up in something like that, I don’t think he’ll be able to handle it for long,” Anjali teased. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he whisks you away after dinner… for the whole night.”

Kashish’s face turned red as she imagined the scenario. She glanced around her empty cabin, thankful no one was there to witness her flushed cheeks or the silly grin spreading across her face.

“Shut up, Anju,” she scolded, trying to stifle her laughter.

“I will shut up, Kashish. But who’s going to stop Rudra? You know how he is—it’s either his way or no way. Anyway, think about it. Choose your outfit wisely and let me know. Bye.”

Anjali hung up, leaving Kashish to her thoughts. Her mind wandered, already imagining what the post-dinner night with Rudra could hold!

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

Rudra sat at the head of the conference table, his attention fully on the presentation. Shekhar was seated next to him, along with several top managers of the company.

“Where’s the profit chart, Mr. Mehta? I need a detailed breakdown of the profits from our last project.”

Mehta flipped through the slides, bringing up the profit chart and launching into his explanation. Rudra’s eyes focused on the numbers, his mind working through the data—until his phone buzzed.

Normally, Rudra hated interruptions during work. But the moment he saw the message was from Kashish, he couldn’t resist reading it under the table, hiding his phone from the others.

What do you suggest I wear for dinner tonight?

A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he typed his reply, glancing at the screen just enough to ensure no one noticed his distraction.

Anything that’s decent enough to keep my hands off you.

He quickly glanced back at the projected screen, trying to maintain his composure. His mind, however, drifted to Kashish’s possible reaction. He could imagine her face, flustered and flushed, as she read his text. And he was right. Across town, Kashish’s cheeks warmed as her fingers trembled over the keyboard, typing her response.

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