Page 7 of One Hellish Love

“I tried to prepare you for this day. You remember that, don’t you?” He gently lifted her chin, meeting her eyes that brimmed with unspeakable sorrow. “This is the hardest challenge of your life. Don’t let it break you. Don’t let your anger consume you,” Shekhar urged.

For years, his words had been her anchor, giving her the strength to carry on. But today, they felt like fragile promises, impossible to hold onto. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice laced with quiet fury.

“Tell him to stay away from me. It’s for his own good. If he comes near me, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Shekhar swallowed hard. He knew she wasn’t exaggerating. The hatred Kashish held for Rudra ran deep—deep enough to make her a threat to him.

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

Rudra’s flight landed, and he agreed to drop Lavina off before heading to Raheja Mansion. Ever since they had landed here, in India, his heart pounded with worry while Lavina, seated beside him, was buzzing with excitement.

“I can’t believe I’m finally here! It’s been forever since I’ve seen Mom and Dad!” she exclaimed.

But Rudra’s thoughts were miles away.What will happen when I see her?She must be 24 now, a grown woman. Wouldshe understand that the accident wasn’t his choice? Could she ever forgive him? Why did her forgiveness matter so much to him? These questions had plagued him for years, but he had never found an answer. The guilt, the shame, and the scar she left on his forehead—none of it had faded.

Lavina shook him from his thoughts.

“Rudra? Are you even listening?”

He blinked, shaking off the haze.

“We’re almost at your place.”

Lavina frowned at his distraction but let it slide. When the car stopped, she got out, and while the driver unloaded her bags, Rudra stepped out to say goodbye.

“Okay, see you tomorrow at Raheja Mansion,” Lavina said, smiling brightly.

“Call me before you come. I might be... away for a while,” Rudra replied.

“Away? But tomorrow’s our big client meeting, Rudra,” she reminded him.

He gave her a hollow smile. “Mentally away, Lavina. That’s what I meant. Bye.”

He gave her a quick hug and got back into the car. As the vehicle moved toward Raheja Mansion, Rudra’s anxiety surged. His heart raced, and he wished more than anything that he could turn around, head straight back to the airport, and catch the next flight to Paris. He wasn’t ready for this—he would never be.

When the car finally pulled up in front of Raheja Mansion, his stomach churned. Daadi, Shekhar, and Anjali were already standing outside, waiting to greet him. Anjali was beaming—she was about to meet her brother-in-law for the first time. She had rushed back from her mother’s house as soon as Shekhar told her Rudra was coming, eager to be part of this long-awaited homecoming. Though she knew about the tragedy that had torntheir family apart 11 years ago, she chose to remain neutral, not letting the past cloud the joy of Rudra’s return.

Rudra stepped out of the car; his legs shaky beneath him. He forced a smile as Daadi’s eyes filled with tears. She rushed to him, and he bent to touch her feet, taking her blessings. She kissed his forehead, whispering, “My Rudra...”

Shekhar hugged him tightly, clapping him on the back.

“Daadi, hasn’t he grown taller again? And more handsome too!” Shekhar teased, lightening the mood.

They all chuckled, but Rudra’s smile felt strained, fragile. Anjali then stepped forward, circling him with the puja thali, her eyes twinkling with joy.

“Finally, Raheja Mansion will breathe again,” she said, her voice full of hope.

But Rudra knew the truth. Raheja Mansion might breathe, but there would be two souls suffocating inside it—his and hers. His eyes flickered toward the house, searching for the fourth member of this family.Kashish.Of course, she wasn’t here. She wouldn’t join the welcoming party. She hated him too much for that. He steeled himself for the days ahead. He would have to remind himself every day that she wanted nothing to do with him—and he had to respect that.

As they stepped inside the mansion, Rudra was overwhelmed by memories. Everything had changed, yet every corner of the house still echoed with his childhood laughter. He remembered riding his bike around the hallways, making the servants chase him, playing video games with Shekhar on the couch, sitting in the kitchen while Daadi fed him hot parathas. This place had once been full of life, but now it felt like a stranger’s home.

“Your room is still the same, Rudra,” Daadi said softly.

“Ram Prasad has already taken your bags upstairs. Come on, I’ll show you,” Shekhar added.

Rudra shook his head. “I remember where it is, Bhai. I’ll change and come down soon. Excuse me.”

The formality in his tone worried them, but they understood. It wasn’t easy for him to be back. Once he left, Daadi turned to Shekhar, her face tight with concern.

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