Page 96 of One Hellish Love

His words left her speechless. She had hoped this conversation would break whatever bond he thought existed between them, but instead, he had only solidified his resolve. Rudra stared at her for a few more moments, his eyes softening slightly before he turned and walked out of the room. Kashish remained frozen, her back pressed against the wall, her mindreeling. She didn’t know how to handle the emotions he had stirred, but one thing was certain—he wasn’t going to let her push him away that easily.

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Next Day

Kashish’s head had been spinning since the night before, and Rudra’s intense confrontation earlier in the day had only amplified her restlessness. Still, that didn’t stop her from keeping her promise to Veeru Kaaka. Despite wanting to hide away in her room, Kashish knew she had to honor her word. Now, standing at the door of Veeru Kaaka’s home, she rang the bell, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions.

Veeru Kaaki answered, her appearance almost unchanged from a few years ago, except for a little more weight around her middle. Kashish smiled and folded her hands respectfully.

“Namaste Kaaki, I’m Kashish...”

Her face lit up in recognition, and she welcomed Kashish inside with warmth. Soon, Veeru Kaaka joined them, and they spent a pleasant time chatting over tea and snacks. For a brief moment, Kashish felt a sense of belonging, connecting with someone from her father’s side. It was a rare joy.

But the warmth of the evening was quickly interrupted when Veeru Kaaki spoke.

“So, how have you managed to stay with that family for so many years? I heard their killer grandson is back.”

Kashish’s heart clenched at the wordkiller.For reasons she couldn’t fully understand, it stung to hear Rudra spoken about that way.

“Yes... he’s back. We live in the same house. You know I can’t leave until the court-specified time elapses,” Kashish replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “But they’re good people. Shekhar, the elder grandson, has been a constant support, and his wife, Anju, is a dear friend now.”

“And what about Savitri Raheja? I’ve heard she’s quite strict. Has she ever mistreated you?” Veeru Kaaka asked, his tone sharp.

Kashish shook her head, feeling a mix of emotions. “No. We didn’t talk much in the beginning, but even that has changed. She’s not bad, Kaaka. She’s just fiercely protective of her grandsons... especially Rudra.”

The room grew quiet for a moment, and Kashish sensed the conversation turning toward more painful territory. She quickly shifted gears.

“Kaaka, you mentioned there was something you wanted to give me... something that belonged to my father?”

Veeru Kaaka nodded, his expression growing serious as he stood from his chair.

“I’m sorry for holding onto it for so long. But your father made me promise not to give it to you until you had grown into a woman capable of understanding his sacrifice.”

Sacrifice?Kashish’s heart pounded in her chest. What sacrifice? Her pulse quickened as unease took over her thoughts. She hoped that whatever revelation was about to unfold wouldn’t shatter everything she had come to believe about her past and the life she had been living with the Rahejas.

CHAPTER 33

Veeru Kaaka returned, holding a small wooden box. “This is it,” he said, handing it to her.

Kashish stared at the box, her confusion deepening. What could it possibly contain?

“I’ve never opened it. It belongs to you,” Veeru Kaaka assured her.

Kashish trusted him completely. The wrapping on the box was still intact, aged but untouched, suggesting it had been preserved for years. With trembling hands, she carefully unwrapped the box and opened it. Inside, nestled on a soft cloth, was a small key.

“A key? What is this for?” Kashish murmured, staring at it in bewilderment.

Veeru and his wife exchanged puzzled glances. “We have no idea,” Veeru Kaaka replied softly.

Kashish spotted a small folded note tucked beneath the key. Her father’s handwriting was unmistakable, and as she unfolded the paper, memories flooded back. She read the note slowly, her heart clenching with emotion.

“This key belongs to the same trunk where you used to hide your doll.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. The note was like a fragile thread pulling her back to her father, to a time when everything was simple, and he was still with her. She broke down, sobbinguncontrollably, the emotions too heavy to bear. Veeru Kaaki rushed to her side, gently rubbing her back.

“Kashish, please compose yourself. Your father loved you dearly, and he wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

Kashish struggled to regain control, wiping her tears as best she could.

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