Page 78 of One Hellish Love

Kashish sighed. “A pen, maybe?”

“He hardly writes. The man’s all about typing. You could gift him a pair of fingers,” Lavina joked.

Kashish chuckled, imagining the absurdity, and continued browsing.

“A keychain, then?” she asked, trying again.

Lavina’s face grew serious. “He doesn’t drive anymore. Not since the accident.”

Both women went silent, the mood in the store shifting. Lavina immediately regretted mentioning the accident.

“I’m sorry, Kashish. I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

Kashish nodded, understanding. But Lavina couldn’t resist asking a question that had been on her mind for a while.

“Kashish... do you think you’ll ever forgive him?”

Kashish felt her throat tighten. Why did everyone seem so eager for her to forgive him? She turned to Lavina, her eyes darkening.

“Do you think what he did is forgivable? Could any girl in my position forgive so easily?” Kashish shot back.

Lavina fell silent, allowing Kashish to continue.

“He took away my only family, my father. Even though he gave me his own family in return, that doesn’t make up for it. They can’t replace the love my father gave me,” Kashish said, her voice hard.

Lavina nodded, understanding her pain.

“I get it, Kashish. It’s a sin that can’t be forgiven easily. But you should know something. Rudra would give his life if that’s what it took to satisfy your need for revenge.”

Kashish knew this to be true. She’d seen it firsthand when he had stabbed himself in front of her. Lavina continued, her voice soft with sympathy.

“That’s the most anyone could do to punish themselves for their mistakes.”

Kashish looked away, unwilling to admit that she’d started to accept this truth. But Lavina wasn’t done.

“And look at what life has already done to him. He spent two years in a juvenile home, enduring unspeakable torture. I don’t think he’s ever really left that place, mentally. The nightmares, the fear... he just covers it all with fake smiles and bravado. But inside, he’s still that sixteen-year-old boy who just wanted to be safe with his family.”

Kashish’s heart clenched as she listened. Lavina continued, almost to herself.

“You might move on one day—get married, have a family. But Rudra? I don’t think he ever will. He’ll always be afraid of a woman’s touch. Starting a family for him is unimaginable.”

Kashish froze, her mind racing. “Wait... what did you just say? He’s afraid of what?”

Lavina looked startled by Kashish’s reaction. “Oh... I didn’t mean to share that. I thought you knew.”

“I knewsomething. But not this,” Kashish admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Lavina sighed. “Yes. It’s called Haphephobia. It’s the fear of being touched. In Rudra’s case, by women. Any time a woman gets too close, he recoils. I even suggested he see a psychiatrist, but of course, he refused. I can only hope someone comes into his life who can heal that wound.”

Kashish was stunned. She had no idea his trauma ran this deep. And here she was, planning with Daadi to marry him off.

CHAPTER 28

Raheja Mansion – Night

Kashish lay in her bed thinking about Rudra’s Haphephobia – his fear of being touched. It seemed impossible. He always acted so normal, but now she knew the truth.

She hadn’t bought him a gift today. She couldn’t focus on shopping, not after learning this. Someone had hurt him when he was young, touched him in wrong ways. The thought made her sick to her stomach. No wonder he was still scared of people touching him.

---