CHAPTER 10
Satisfaction radiated from Kashish’s face as she relished the victory over her only enemy. She strode back to the elevator with a sense of triumph, while Rudra remained frozen in place, rooted to the parking lot. This act of hers—this calculated humiliation—was beyond anything he could have imagined. She had nurtured her hatred for him over the years, and now it was as venomous as ever. His body tensed, his fists clenching as he shut his eyes, inhaling deeply to regain control. She had the power to destroy him if that’s what she wanted.
The blare of a car horn snapped him back to his surroundings. Shaking off the feeling, he walked toward the office, forcing himself to redirect his energy into work. But no matter how hard he tried to focus on the meetings, her face kept invading his thoughts— that smirk, that devilish smile as she confessed her role in orchestrating the party disaster just to humiliate him. She had done it to drag him back into the past he was trying so hard to escape. The realization hit him like a storm: at this point in his life, pain, anger, and hatred were his only companions. He grabbed the paper in front of him and crumpled it in frustration, tossing it aside.
Lavina, who was leading the presentation, noticed the gesture. She could see the root of his anger, the reason for his distraction. The meeting pressed on, with the organizers raising questions and Shekhar and Lavina handling everything, shielding Rudra from the concerns. He remained lost in his own world, unable to snap out of it.
Once the meeting ended and the attendees cleared out, Lavina nodded toward Rudra, who was still locked in deep thought. Shekhar walked over, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
“Rudra?”
Rudra flinched at the touch, snapping back to reality.
“The meeting’s over,” Shekhar said gently.
Rudra nodded, barely acknowledging him, and hurried out of the room.
As he left, Shekhar sighed. “He’s still deeply affected by what happened at the party last night.”
Lavina, still piecing things together, shook her head.
“Even after knowing him for so long, I had no idea about his past. The accident... that he was convicted for it? Juvenile Detention for two years? That’s... heartbreaking.”
Shekhar was silent for a moment. Lavina had only recently learned bits and pieces of Rudra’s history—the reason behind his isolation from the family.
“I don’t know how to pull him out of this grief,” Shekhar admitted, his voice heavy. “He’s shut everyone out. Not just me, but the whole family. He won’t talk to anyone about what’s eating at him. How can we help him if he won’t let us in?”
Lavina’s eyes softened. “Let me try talking to him. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”
Shekhar nodded. Lavina had always been his last hope in helping Rudra, though even he didn’t know that the only person who could truly heal Rudra’s pain was the very one responsible for it.
Lavina followed Rudra into his office.
“Rudra, wait,” she called after him.
Rudra barely glanced at her. “Lavina, contact the marketing team and manage the evening media conference,” he said curtly, trying to stay focused on work.
“But you were supposed to attend the conference with me,” she reminded him, stepping closer.
“I’ve got other matters to take care of,” he replied, his tone dismissive, trying to avoid further conversation.
“Other matters?” she asked, her voice tinged with frustration. “Or are you just going to sit and brood over the past?”
Her words hit him like a slap, and his sharp gaze locked onto her, silencing her immediately.
“That’s none of your business, Lavina,” he growled.
She swallowed hard, taken aback by the venom in his voice. “I thought we were friends, Rudra. And friends are supposed to be there for each other, to share their sorrows and pain.”
Rudra slammed his fist on the desk, rising from his chair with an intensity that made her flinch.
“I am not in grief!” he shouted, his voice harsh and unrecognizable. “Do you hear me? I don’t need pity. I don’t need sympathy. And I sure as hell don’t want anyone discussing it— ever. ”
Lavina stood frozen, stunned by the cruelty in his tone. This wasn’t the Rudra she knew. He sounded so much colder, more distant than ever before.
“And tell that to everyone else who thinks they know me. It’s a lie, Lavina,” he continued, his voice seething with bitterness. “I don’t want to talk about my past. Not now, not ever. Is that clear?”
She nodded silently, picking up the file from his desk. Without another word, she left him alone, her heart heavy with the realization that Rudra was burying himself deeper into his pain.
Once she was gone, Rudra ran a frustrated hand through his hair, pacing the room. He shouldn’t have lashed out at her like that. Lavina wasn’t the one to blame. But it didn’t matter—he would push away anyone who tried to dig into his past. He wasn’t ready to confront it. Not with others. Not even with himself.
*****************
Kashish had spent the first half of her day engrossed in training and later met with Tanuja, their new client. Tanuja had been thoroughly impressed by both Kashish’s designs and her confident demeanor, predicting her swift rise in the fashion industry. Despite the success, the day had been exhausting, and Kashish and Shekhar finally returned home. Their car, now serviced, meant they didn’t need Rudra Raheja’s help anymore, much to Kashish’s relief.
But as they entered the house, the tension was thick. Savitri Raheja stood in the living room, her eyes blazing with fury. Kashish instantly sensed something was wrong.
“Stay right there,” Daadi commanded, her voice sharp with anger.
Both Shekhar and Kashish stopped in their tracks. Anjali emerged from the kitchen, curious to see what had stirred Daadi’s temper. Savitri’s expression alone spoke volumes—there was a storm brewing, and Kashish knew it was about to hit.
“So, all that drama... was your doing.” Daadi’s words weren’t a question but a cold, hard statement.
Kashish didn’t flinch, nor did she deny it. Fear wasn’t in her vocabulary. She wasn’t afraid of the consequences, even if the entire truth was laid bare before them all.
“Daadi, what are you saying? Why are you accusing her?” Shekhar intervened, trying to diffuse the situation.
“These are not accusations, Shekhar,” Daadi retorted. “I’ve seen everything myself. You think I’d stay silent after such a spectacle in my own house?”
Shekhar’s confusion deepened, and he turned to Kashish, seeking clarity.
“Ask her, Shekhar!” Daadi pressed on, her voice rising with each word. “Ask her what Sheetal Sinha was doing here. None of us invited her. Sinha is our competitor! So, ask Kashish—did she invite Sheetal to that party or not?”
Shekhar knew that Sheetal and Kashish had been friends, having studied together for a couple of years. His trust in Daadi was unshakable, but Kashish’s friendship with Sheetal didn’t necessarily make her guilty.
“Daadi, even if she invited her, that doesn’t mean Kashish is responsible for what happened. Sheetal was drunk—”
But Kashish cut him off, her voice calm and resolute. “No, Shekhar. She’s right. I did it.”
Her confession hit like a lightning strike. Shekhar and Anjali were left speechless, the shock and disappointment evident in their faces. Daadi’s anger only grew.
“I called her,” Kashish continued, unafraid. “I called Sheetal to stir up that scene because I wanted him”—her eyes flicked toward the direction of Rudra’s room—”to be humiliated in front of everyone he knows. And no, I’m not sorry for it. If you want to punish me, go ahead.”
Daadi’s expression darkened. “Did you hear that, Shekhar? Did you hear what she just said?” Her voice trembled with rage. “I knew... I always knew there was a thorn growing between us, and it’s her. You’re the one who always defended her, cared for her. But who gave her the right to play with Rudra’s emotions? Who gave her the right to torment him? He stayed away from this house for 11 years because of her, and now that he’s finally back, she can’t let him have a moment’s peace?”
“Enough!” A commanding voice boomed from behind them, cutting through the tension like a blade.
The room fell silent as Rudra stepped forward. He moved between Kashish and Daadi, facing his grandmother with an unwavering gaze.
“Kashish is a part of this family,” Rudra declared, “and she has every right to turn against me.”
Daadi’s mouth fell open in disbelief. What was he saying?
“I gave her that right,” Rudra continued, his eyes locking with Daadi’s, “the moment I ruined her life.”
Kashish stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat. He wasn’t facing her, but she could hear every word as if they were meant solely for her. The guilt, the weight of his past mistakes, echoed in his voice.
“From now on,” Rudra’s voice grew harder, more resolute, “no one— no one —will point fingers at her for my problems. I’m more than capable of handling my own guilt. She is free to deal with this however she chooses. If her hatred for me is her way of healing, then let her have it. Let her take her revenge.”
Daadi’s eyes filled with tears. This was not the same Rudra she had known as a boy—the one who always demanded attention and care. He was standing tall now, strong in his vulnerability, ready to bear the weight of his own actions.
“Rudra... what are you saying?” Daadi whispered, her voice cracking.
“I’m saying this family needs to be free from the past,” Rudra replied, his tone softening slightly. “If it’s me she hates, let her direct her anger at me. No one else is responsible for what I did. If this is how she finds peace, I won’t stand in her way.”
Kashish, standing behind him, blinked in disbelief. And then she began to clap—slowly, mockingly.
“Wow,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I thought I was the one who knew how to put on a show, but it looks like you’re the real master here, Rudra Raheja.”
She met his eyes for the first time since the confrontation began, challenging him with every word.
“I don’t need your noble words to ease my pain,” she spat. “This won’t lessen my hatred for you. And let me make one thing very clear... I am not part of this family. I never was, and I never will be.”
Rudra’s face paled, the light fading from his eyes as her words sliced through him. But he said nothing as Kashish turned on her heel and stormed off to her room, leaving the others standing in stunned silence.
And yet, as she walked away, a faint smile tugged at Rudra’s lips. She was fierce, strong, and unrelenting—everything her father would have wanted her to be. In some twisted way, he was proud of her. Proud of the woman she had become, even if her hatred for him would never change.
******************
Later that night, Kashish heard the soft strumming of a guitar coming from Rudra’s room. The same haunting melody he played every night. She clenched her fists, trying to block out the sound, but it was useless.
How could he act so normal? she seethed. She had crushed his ego, humiliated him before everyone, and yet, here he was, defending her in front of his family. Why? He couldn’t be this good-hearted. Not him. Not the man who had ruined her life.
Rage burned inside her, hotter than ever. She had been waiting for this moment for years—waiting to tear down the man who had destroyed her world. And yet, even after everything, he refused to break. He refused to let her win.
But Kashish vowed it wasn’t over. Not yet. She would keep going until Rudra Raheja was completely shattered. Until there was nothing left of the man who had taken everything from her.
****************
The next morning, Kashish made sure to leave for the office early, deliberately avoiding the morning puja. She had already caused enough tension in the household and didn’t want another confrontation with Daadi. The wounds were still fresh, and time was the only balm. She also avoided asking Shekhar for a ride to the office—she couldn’t bear to accept more favors from the same family whose grandson she was still plotting her revenge against.
Her routine was clear: half the day would be spent in training, and the other half working on design sketches as per Tanuja’s requirements. They had even assigned her a small cabin, where she could work independently—a space of her own.
But as Jay led her to the cabin, her heart sank. It was right next to Rudra Raheja’s, separated by just one glass wall.
“Is there... no other cabin I could use?” Kashish asked, her discomfort obvious.
Jay looked confused. “Why? What’s wrong with this one? It’s the best on this floor—spacious, great ventilation, and right next to the design team. Perfect for your work.”
Her mind screamed; I don’t want to see his face every second. But she bit her tongue, aware of her professional boundaries.
She hesitated before nodding. “It’s fine. I’ll manage. Thanks, Jay.”
Jay smiled. “No problem. If you need anything, just let me know.”
As soon as he left, Kashish immediately slid the curtains closed, shutting herself off from Rudra’s view. She settled into work, her mind consumed by the sketches, losing track of time.
By 6 p.m., she was still engrossed in her designs when Shekhar knocked on her door.
“Kashish, let’s wrap it up for today. We can head home together,” he suggested.
“No, Shekhar,” Kashish replied, not even looking up. “I still have work to finish. You go ahead.”
“Can’t you finish this at home?”
“I’ll lose my flow if I stop now,” she insisted. “You go on. I’ll come later.”
Shekhar frowned. “You avoided riding with me this morning too. What’s going on?”
“I don’t want to burden you with more favors,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “I don’t need Daadi thinking—”
“What she thinks doesn’t matter,” Shekhar interrupted gently. “We’re not narrow-minded, Kashish. You should know that by now.”
Kashish smiled weakly. “I appreciate that, but I’ll finish up and come later.”
Shekhar sighed in resignation. “Fine, but at least let me send the car for you.”
“I’ll manage,” she insisted again. “I’m not a kid anymore. I can get home on my own.”
He hesitated but finally relented. “Alright, fine. Be safe.”
Shekhar locked her cabin door behind him and left. An hour later, Rudra was preparing to leave the office when he noticed the lights in Kashish’s cabin were still on. Curious, he called Jay to check.
“Boss, I’ve told her to leave twice already, and Shekhar Sir even asked her to come with him, but she’s still working. She said she’ll finish up and head home later,” Jay explained.
Rudra nodded. “Alright.”
Jay was about to leave, but Rudra stopped him. “Hold off on getting my car. I just remembered I have some things to finish up.”
Jay didn’t think much of it and said his goodbyes, leaving Rudra alone in the office.
By 8:15 p.m., Kashish had finally wrapped up her work. She noticed the rumbling thunder outside, signaling an imminent downpour. She needed to hurry. Gathering her belongings, she rushed out of the building, already trying to book a cab.
But just as she stepped outside, the skies opened up, and it began to rain heavily.
“Damn it!” she cursed under her breath. “Not now...”
There was nowhere to seek shelter. She was already outside the office gates, and going back in wouldn’t make a difference—she was soaked. Shivering in the cold, she checked her phone. The cab was still 10 minutes away.
Her teeth chattered, and she wiped the rain from her face, her legs trembling from the cold. Just then, she realized something— the rain wasn’t hitting her anymore . She turned around, startled to see Rudra standing behind her, holding an umbrella over her head.
He was completely drenched, yet he held the umbrella only for her.
RAIN .
It was a force that connected them in ways neither could ignore—a reminder of the pain, the tragedy that had forever linked their fates. Ever since that night, the rain had become a bitter enemy to Rudra. The storm had blurred his vision that fateful evening when he lost control of the car and destroyed her life. The boy who once loved running in the rain to play football had grown to despise it with every fiber of his being.
But tonight, as he saw Kashish shivering in the rain, he couldn’t stop himself. He rushed to shield her from the downpour, despite his own aversion.
The water dripped from their faces, their bodies tense. Kashish’s blood boiled with anger at the unwanted help. She was about to step away, determined to reject his protection, when Rudra gripped the umbrella and placed it firmly in her hand.
“Rain has never been kind to either of us. You’ll get sick... And to make me suffer, you’ll need to stay fit... So, take it.”
His words struck her harder than the cold rain ever could. She stood there, gripping the umbrella, watching him turn back and walk away, completely drenched. The shock of his actions left her rooted in place, unsure of how to react.
By the time she considered dropping the umbrella and storming off, her cab arrived. She folded the umbrella mechanically and got into the car.
Help. From him. The last thing she ever wanted, the last thing she’d ever accept.
The man who had destroyed her childhood... How dare he protect her now?
The cab drove away, but her thoughts remained with him, replaying the strange encounter. Why? Why would he help her? Why wouldn’t he let her hate him fully, completely, without question?
This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.