Page 72 of One Hellish Love

“Where is Ram Prasad?” Daadi asked, her voice sharp.

“He’s busy with some other work,” Kashish replied, setting the trolley beside the bed and preparing to leave when Daadi’s voice stopped her.

“I need your help,” Daadi commanded, her tone brooking no argument.

Kashish paused, taken aback. “Help? From me?” Her brow furrowed in confusion. “What kind of help?”

Daadi’s gaze was piercing as she stood and walked toward her. “This morning, when you suggested that Rudra should get married, I gave it some thought. And I believe you’re right.”

Kashish stiffened, her stomach tightening. Where was this going? She remained silent, waiting for Daadi to continue.

“If Rudra marries, his focus will shift entirely to his wife. That would benefit both of us, wouldn’t it? He’ll stop interfering in your life, and he’ll have someone else to occupy his mind.”

Kashish understood the implication immediately. Yes, she wanted Rudra to stop meddling in her affairs. And clearly, Daadi had her own reasons to want the same. But still... “Even if we agree on that, what exactly do you expect me to do?”

Daadi stepped closer. “You have to convince him.”

Kashish’s eyes widened in disbelief, and annoyance flared in her chest. “What? Why me? You have Shekhar, Anjali, and even yourself. Why should I be the one to convince him?”

“Because we both know that if he listens to anyone, it’s you.”

Kashish’s heart skipped a beat.Listens to her?Considering how Rudra had been acting lately, cold and distant, he wouldn’t even grant her the courtesy of a conversation, let alone listen to her advice. And worse, if Anjali’s suspicions about Rudra’s feelings for her were true, this was a recipe for disaster. How could she, the woman he might harbor feelings for, ask him to marry someone else? It was madness. She had no intention of walking into that mess.

“That’s not going to happen,” Kashish snapped, turning on her heel. “Find someone else to convince him.”

“Kashish, think again.” Daadi’s voice rose, her words laced with desperation. “If I had another option, you would be thelastperson I’d ask for help with this.”

Kashish didn’t stop, her pulse racing as she closed the door behind her and hurried back to her bedroom. No matter how badly she wanted Rudra out of her life, she wasn’t about to involve herself in convincing him to marry someone else. This was one battle she would never fight. Not in a million years.

CHAPTER 26

Next Day – Raheja Office

“Secret Valentine?” Kashish asked, her brow arched in curiosity. “Isn’t that usually called Secret Santa?”

Jay Mathur nodded but shrugged off the difference. It wasn’t his idea, after all—the staff had come up with it in a brainstorming session.

“What’s in a name, Kashish? Christmas is gone, and Valentine’s Day is here. It’ll be fun,” he replied with a grin.

Kashish rolled her eyes, unimpressed but mildly intrigued.

“Alright, so what’s the plan?” she asked.

“We’ll have a pot filled with chits, each with a staff member’s name on it, including the bosses and housekeeping. We’ll all gather, and everyone picks a chit. Whoever’s name you pick, you have to get them a Valentine’s gift—without telling anyone who it is, of course. I’ll collect all the gifts, and at the Valentine’s Day party, we’ll hand them out. The fun part is the secrecy,” Jay explained with enthusiasm.

Though Kashish wasn’t particularly keen on Valentine’s Day, the idea wasn’t bad. She didn’t have anyone special in her life to celebrate with, and usually kept herself detached from social events. But this year, perhaps joining the office festivities wouldn’t be so terrible. It might offer her a break from the heavy emotions clouding her lately.

“When’s the drawing?” she asked.

“3 p.m. sharp. The bosses will be free then.”

That part piqued her interest. The bosses? That meant Rudra would be part of this as well. He didn’t have time to discuss how she should repay him for paying off her house loan, but he had time for childish games? Typical. She knew he was doing this on purpose, trying to stay close yet maintain his distance in the most infuriating way possible.

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

At 3 p.m., the entire staff gathered in the large auditorium. Jay and a few colleagues had already prepped the pot, filled with chits bearing everyone’s names. Kashish noticed Shekhar entering alongside Rudra and Lavina. The room, which had been filled with light chatter, suddenly fell silent as they walked in. Lavina, as usual, was full of excitement. Every time Kashish saw Rudra and Lavina together, she couldn’t help but think they made a striking pair—both so well-matched in style and charisma. It wouldn’t surprise her if they had a history together. Maybe she should suggest this match to Daadi. Then again, she didn’t want to dig her own grave by getting involved in Rudra’s personal life.

“Oh my God, Rudra! This is my favorite game!” Lavina giggled. “We used to play this back in college, remember?”

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