Page 32 of One Hellish Love

Shekhar exchanged a glance with Daadi before she spoke again. “You’re turning 28 soon.”

“That’s how time works, Daadi. We grow older, we age, and then we die.” His tone was flat, but beneath it, he sensed something more serious brewing.

Savitri Raheja didn’t appreciate the mention of death.

“Forget the death talk, Rudra. Let’s get to the point. Have you thought about marriage?”

Rudra froze. Marriage? His mind recoiled at the word.

“I’m not ready,” he said firmly, trying to end the conversation before it spiraled.

“No one is ever really ready,” Shekhar interjected. “But if you don’t do it now, you won’t come back to India anytime soon. You know that.”

He was right. Once he left, there was no reason for Rudra to return. Not even Kashish could tether him back here. Or could she? The thought of her leaving the Raheja mansion crossed his mind. She was nearing 25, and by court order, she’d soon be free. But where would she go? She had only just started her career. A wave of concern for her future bothered him, momentarily distracting him from his own dilemma.

Savitri broke his train of thought.

“Rudra, are you listening?”

Rudra shook his head slightly and looked at her.

“Let’s drop this conversation for now. I have calls to make.”

Savitri’s eyes flickered with disappointment.

“Always stubborn, aren’t you?”

He sighed. “We can talk next week, Daadi. But don’t get your hopes up—I’m still not ready for marriage, and I won’t be anytime soon.”

Savitri, sensing a small victory, smiled. “Promise me you’ll think about it?”

“I promise, we’ll talk. But that’s all I can offer.”

Content with his response, she left the room. Shekhar, however, lingered. Rudra could feel his brother’s eyes on him and finally addressed the unspoken tension.

“Did you put this idea in her head?”

Shekhar didn’t even try to deny it. “Yes. I did.”

Rudra’s jaw clenched. “Why?”

With a heavy sigh, Shekhar leaned forward. “Because I see what’s happening, Rudra. You’re opening your heart to Kashish, and I know where that will lead. I won’t let you destroy yourself over someone who can’t—no, won’t—ever return your feelings.”

Rudra’s eyes flashed with anger.

“I don’t need your protection, Bhai. I make my own choices.”

Shekhar remained calm, knowing his brother’s temper all too well.

“Rudra, shehatesyou. You can’t even measure how deep her hatred runs. There’s no point in waiting for something that will never come.”

Rudra’s voice turned cold. “Who said I’m waiting?”

Shekhar blinked in surprise. Before he could respond, Rudra continued, “But marrying me off to someone else won’t change how I feel about her.”

Shekhar was stunned. The coldness of Rudra’s admission sent a chill through him. This wasn’t mere affection. Rudra’s feelings for Kashish ran far deeper than he’d feared.

Handing Shekhar the contract file, Rudra added, “I’ve signed the contract. Look it over.”

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