Page 83 of One Hellish Love

“I’m glad my decision was right.”

Kashish frowned. “Decision? What decision, Kaka?”

Veeru’s face tensed, and he immediately tried to change the subject.

“Nothing. I need to get back to work, or the manager will be after me.”

But Kashish wasn’t letting it go that easily.

“Kaka, it’s been so long since we’ve met. I’m not letting you leave just like that. Where do you live now? Are you still at the same place?”

“No, we moved. My kids are in college now. It’s just me and my wife.”

“Give me your address, I’d love to visit Kaaki too,” Kashish said, smiling warmly.

Veeru scribbled down his address and handed it to her. She thanked him, bidding him goodbye as she left the store, once again forgetting all about buying a gift for Rudra. Perhaps the right moment for that would come later.

CHAPTER 29

Kashish entered Raheja Mansion, feeling utterly drained. The day at work had been relentless, and on top of that, she had spent what little energy she had left searching for a gift for Rudra. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the couch, her body too tired to even make the short walk to the kitchen for water. Her eyelids grew heavy as she shut her eyes, her breath coming out in shallow, fatigued sighs. The surge pricing of cabs had been ridiculous, forcing her to take public transport home, which only added to her weariness.

Just then, she heard the sound of water being poured into a glass. Startled, she opened her eyes to find Rudra standing before her, holding out a glass of cold water. Without a word, she took it from him, not even bothering to refuse. She downed it in one long gulp, the cold liquid soothing her dry throat as she set the empty glass aside and wiped her lips.

“Thanks,” she murmured.

“Where were you?” he asked, his tone anything but friendly.

“It shouldn’t concern you where I go,” she retorted, standing up to leave. But Rudra stepped in her path, blocking her way. Her eyes narrowed, and when he still didn’t move, she sighed in frustration. “Why should I report my schedule to you?”

“That’s not the answer I’m looking for,” he bit back, his gaze intense.

Kashish clenched her jaw. She could tell he was on edge, likely suspecting she had spent the day trying to find a bride forhim. His frustration amused her. The very man who tormented her at work was now getting worked up over her late return home. She decided to use this moment to mess with him a little.

“I got a part-time job,” she said, suppressing a smirk.

Rudra’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m serious. It’s a cool gig, actually,” she teased, holding back a laugh. “Matchmaker.”

His eyes darkened with realization, understanding exactly what she was hinting at. “Kashish, enough!” he barked.

Her laughter faded as she became serious again.

“Okay relax. You know, I won’t take that role—yet. Not because I don’t want to help Daadi. I do. But before I do that, I need to fix you.”

Rudra’s expression hardened. “Fix me?”

“Yes,” she replied, her eyes flickering to his chest for a brief second. She hadn’t forgotten how he recoiled when she’d tried to touch him in the car earlier. His fear of being touched by a woman was something he’d never be able to hide, and it would only create more problems when he married. Could any woman live with a man who carried such heavy scars?

Rudra shook his head, his voice laced with warning.

“You can’t fix it.”

“Maybe not,” she said, undeterred. “But I’ll find a way. You know very well—when I decide on something, I don’t back down.”

She reached into her purse, pulling out a business card. Rudra’s eyes narrowed as he watched her, his face impassive but his mind racing. Why was she suddenly so determined to get involved in his issues? What game was she playing?

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