Page 36 of One Hellish Love

“I’m sure there’s a story behind it,” Pallavi mused. “It’s definitely not a birthmark.”

Kashish saw Rudra leaving his office, unnoticed by her colleagues. She seized the moment to twist the knife a little deeper.

“I heard a girl hit him during his childhood. That’s where he got the scar.” Her voice was just loud enough to ensure he heard.

Rudra stopped in his tracks, his eyes darkening. So, she was starting again.

“A girl?” Pallavi gasped. “Why? Who would want to hurt that handsome face?”

Kashish’s jaw tightened. “Because there’s a devil behind that handsome face, one not everyone can see.”

Rudra’s fists clenched at her words.Devil. She still saw him as nothing more than a demon. He wasted no time storming over to them.

“This company doesn’t tolerate gossiping. Either hand in your resignation letters, or get back to work,” he barked.

Pallavi jumped and scurried away, with Sanjay close behind. Kashish knew she had struck a nerve. She loved the wounded look in his eyes.

“And the demon resurfaces,” Kashish muttered mockingly.

Rudra glared at her. Grabbing her by the elbow, he dragged her into the adjacent room and released her roughly once inside.

“This little stunt of yours is unacceptable,” he growled. “You need to learn the proper way to conduct yourself at work. And that’s why I choseyouto report to me directly. I’m strict with my staff, and you’ll get no leeway. Consider this your final warning—keep your petty remarks to yourself, or I won’t hesitate to dealwith it. You’ve been given a job. Focus on that and stop dredging up the past.”

Kashish’s throat tightened, but she wasn’t backing down.

“The past?” she hissed. “That past destroyed my future.”

Rudra’s gaze hardened. “It destroyed mine too.”

The air between them grew heavier as they realized they were once again treading the same dangerous path they had the night before. Rudra straightened, determined to shift the conversation.

“I don’t discuss personal matters at work. If you want to keep dragging this out, we’ll continue at home. For now, get back to your work.”

She glared as he left the room, her body tense with rage. Kashish sat down but pushed the chair away from the desk in frustration. Every time he was near, she lost control. She needed to get a grip—if she didn’t, she might lose the one thing she had worked so hard for: her career.

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

Kashish and Shekhar drove home together. Throughout the drive, she had been uncharacteristically quiet, clearly distressed. He gave her space, expecting she would eventually open up, but when she remained silent, his curiosity got the better of him. When he finally asked what was wrong, she couldn’t hold back any longer. She vented, recounting her confrontations with Rudra—the one from last night and the clash earlier that morning at the office.

“He wants me to chase after him?” Kashish spat, her anger boiling over. She looked at Shekhar, who appeared just as displeased by the situation. “I thought he’d at least have the decency to avoid me after everything, but no, that man has the audacity to challenge me at every turn.”

Shekhar’s expression darkened. “And you don’t challenge him?”

Her mouth snapped shut. He had a point. She always initiated these confrontations.

“Fine, I do,” she admitted reluctantly. “But—”

Before she could finish, Shekhar gripped her arms firmly, his voice low and serious. “Kashish, listen to me. I’ve known Rudra since childhood. He was always drawn to anything that tested his limits, anything that challenged his mind. But over the years, he’s changed. He’s learned patience. Trust me, you don’t want to push him too far. That old spark, that hyperactive strategist in him, could come back. And if it does, it won’t end well for you. He’s here for four months. Let it pass in peace—for both of your sakes.”

For a few moments, Kashish fell silent, her fury gradually softening. She could see the concern in Shekhar’s eyes, and it made her rethink her approach.

“I’m not afraid of him, Shekhar,” she finally said, her voice quieter now. “He’s already taken my father from me. There’s nothing worse he can do. But... I’ll consider your advice. I’ll try to be patient.”

Shekhar gave a nod, relieved. “Good. Now, let me see if Anjali’s finished cooking—I’m starving.”

Kashish sighed. “I’m not coming down for dinner. I couldn’t focus today, and my work’s piled up.”

“Health comes first, Kashish. I want you at the table. No arguments.”

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