Page 214 of One Hellish Love

“I couldn’t have found a better woman for my grandson. Even knowing he’s in love with someone else, you’ve trusted me enough to follow through with this decision. That shows your strength.”

Suman just smiled. The night Rudra had revealed his relationship with Kashish while dropping her home, she had thought long and hard about it. Despite the red flags he had raised, she’d made the choice to stick by Daadi’s side. She truly believed Rudra wouldn’t break his grandmother’s heart. Though he had clearly asked her not to keep any hopes, she persisted. After all, Daadi had confided in her, even revealing Rudra’s plan to buy a new home to live with Kashish. That’s when Suman made up her mind to confront Kashish directly, setting the stage for what she believed would be her victory.

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Rudra mentioned Suman’s visit to Kashish to Shekhar as they drove back from work, his frustration barely concealed. Shekhar, equally taken aback, shook his head.

“Suman knows? And she’s still backing Daadi’s plan?” Shekhar asked, disbelief coloring his tone.

Rudra sighed, his weariness evident.

“This whole thing is a disaster. At first, I thought we were being unfair by keeping Suman in the dark about Kashish and me, but now… now I’m just frustrated. And what was the point of her confronting Kashish? She and Daadi are crossing limits, Bhai. We need to stop this before it gets out of control.”

Shekhar, always the voice of reason, nodded slowly. “I know, Rudra. Daadi has always been our weak spot.”

Rudra recalled how upset Kashish had been earlier, her sudden insistence to get married immediately. She had been so anxious, and if she had stood firm, he would have married her then and there. In his heart, Kashish was already his wife. Theformal wedding was just for the world to see. A thought struck him.

“Bhai,” he interrupted, “I want you and Anjali Bhabhi to organize our pre-wedding rituals next week.”

Shekhar’s face lit up with surprise and approval. “Of course. We’d be honored to do that for you both.”

Rudra nodded, feeling a flicker of relief. He could already picture Kashish’s happiness once the rituals began. It was something she needed—something they both needed.

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Raheja Mansion

“Shekhar, where is Rudra?” Daadi asked as soon as Shekhar walked through the door after work.

“He stopped by Uttam Nagar,” Shekhar informed her, watching her reaction closely.

Daadi’s expression darkened with anger. Shekhar noticed the priest seated on the couch, waiting for further instructions from Daadi.

“Panditji, my grandson will be late,” Daadi said as she handed the priest Rudra and Suman’s horoscopes. “But you can still begin matching their Kundalis.”

Shekhar’s shoulders slumped in disappointment as he watched Daadi’s actions. Anjali joined them, bringing a glass of milk for the priest, her expression equally troubled. She exchanged a knowing glance with her husband.

Once alone in their room, Shekhar voiced his frustration.

“Why didn’t you tell me Daadi had invited a priest?”

“I didn’t know either,” Anjali replied, exasperated. “She’s keeping everything a secret now because she knows we’re on Rudra and Kashish’s side.”

Shekhar let out a deep sigh.

“Did the Kundalis match?”

“Almost 80%,” Anjali said, her voice filled with disbelief.

“This is ridiculous,” Shekhar groaned. “By the way, Rudra asked us to arrange his and Kashish’s pre-wedding rituals. He wants them to start next week.”

Anjali’s face lit up.

“That’s wonderful! Kashish has been so stressed lately. She needs this. I’ll get started on her shopping. Or should we let them handle that while we take care of everything else?”

“Whatever you decide,” Shekhar said with a chuckle. “I’ll look for another priest and make the necessary arrangements.”

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