Page 82 of One Hellish Love

Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and walked to the elevator. This was her workplace, and she had to focus on being productive. No more letting him distract her.

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Kashish wrapped up lunch with her team when Jay approached them, a playful grin on his face.

“Don’t forget to hand in your gifts by the day after tomorrow, everyone,” he reminded them.

The team agreed, and chatter erupted over who had bought their gifts and who was still scrambling to find something. Amid the gossip, Pam dropped a more intriguing question.

“Who do you think is the Boss’s secret valentine?”

Kashish resisted the urge to smirk.That would be me.She felt the temptation to reveal it but decided against it. Let them wonder.

“Forget that,” Sim chimed in with a sly smile, “I’m more interested in knowing whoheis gifting. Maybe it’s me?”

She felt a flicker of curiosity herself. Whose name had Rudra pulled from the chits? Of course, Rudra wouldn’t be the one physically choosing the gift; his staff would handle that for him. He was only participating because he couldn’t brush off the office’s bonding activities. Whatever the case, she had to choosesomething for him by tonight. Lavina had given her a few ideas, and she planned to use them.

As she stepped out of the washroom, drying her hands, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Daadi. A picture of a beautiful woman appeared on her screen with a caption beneath it.

‘This is Ruchi, my friend’s granddaughter. I want you to convince Rudra to consider her seriously.’

Kashish stared blankly at the photo, trying to imagine this woman beside Rudra. They would look good together, but her thoughts quickly spiraled. What about the fear Rudra carried deep inside? Could this woman handle it?

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Later that evening, Kashish reached a local gift shop in Uttam Nagar, looking for a gift for Rudra. A new store had opened recently, and she decided to check if it had anything unique at a reasonable price. As she walked in, her attention was drawn to an elderly man mopping the floor with a large stick. Something about him seemed familiar, and it struck her suddenly.

“Veeru Kaka?” she called out.

The old man paused, lifting his head with a puzzled expression. How did she know his name? She stepped closer, offering a warm smile.

“Kaka, it’s me—Kashish. You used to be my father’s friend.”

Recognition slowly dawned on him. “Your father?”

“Yes, Keshav Bedi. I’m his daughter, Kashish.”

Veeru’s face lit up with happiness as he blessed her.

“Kashish! You’ve grown up so much. I didn’t recognize you. You were just a little girl the last time I saw you.”

Kashish chuckled. “I recognized you because of your moustache!”

Veeru smiled, but his expression quickly turned somber.

“I’ll never forget your father. He was a great man. He loved you dearly. If only... he hadn’t died.”

Kashish’s smile faded. Her heart clenched at the mention of her father. Veeru glanced at her with concern.

“Are you still living with the Rahejas?” he asked, lowering his voice.

She nodded. “Yes. Just a few more months. Once I turn 25, I won’t have to stay there anymore.”

Veeru nodded thoughtfully, scanning her face for any signs of distress. “Do they take care of you?”

“Yes, they are good to me.”

Veeru swallowed hard, his next words surprising her.

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