CHAPTER 57
As the evening rolled in, the Raheja office began to empty. Kashish remained behind, engrossed in her work. There was a presentation she had to finish, and she couldn’t leave without it being done. Rudra knocked on her door.
“I’m not finished yet,” she said, glancing up from her laptop.
Rudra checked his watch, clearly impatient.
“I told you I had plans for us tonight.”
“I can’t miss this deadline, Rudra. Please,” she pleaded, her fingers flying over the keyboard.
Rudra sighed, exasperated but trying to be patient.
“Fine. Take an hour. I’ll wait.”
“Thanks. But you don’t need to wait here. Go home, change, and pick me up from my place in two hours. We’ll go wherever you’ve planned.”
That seemed reasonable enough for him.
“Are you sure? I could drop you home first,” he offered.
“I’ll be fine, Rudra. I’ve told you many times—I can manage getting home on my own. Go,” she insisted.
“Alright,” he agreed. “See you in two hours.”
Rudra finally left, heading back to Raheja Mansion with Shekhar, leaving Kashish to finish her work.
****************
Raheja Mansion
Daadi paced anxiously in the living room, her thoughts consumed by the intense conversation she had with Kashish earlier. She had never seen Kashish so defiant, so bold, especially when it came to her love for Rudra. Ever since Rudra returned, it was as though Kashish had drawn strength from his presence. If this continued, Daadi feared, the day was fast approaching when Rudra would marry Kashish and bring her back into this house. The very thought rattled her.
“Daadi, aren’t you ready yet? We need to leave for the temple,” Anjali asked, noticing her restlessness.
Daadi, still distracted, turned to Anjali, deciding to ask her the burning question that had been gnawing at her all day.
“Anjali, tell me honestly, what really happened in Uttam Nagar yesterday? Has Rudra promised Kashish that he will marry her soon?”
Anjali hesitated, caught off guard. Should she tell Daadi the truth—that Rudra had almost taken that final step last night?
“Daadi, please don’t worry. You know Rudra has always been serious about Kashish,” she replied cautiously.
“I know that,” Daadi snapped, frustration seeping through her calm facade. “But today, I saw something different in Kashish’s eyes. I went to see her this morning, to warn her to stay away from Rudra, but she refused to take me seriously. She’s become... defiant.”
Anjali was shocked. She hadn’t known that Daadi had gone to see Kashish.
“Daadi, this situation is no longer in our control,” Anjali said, trying to soothe her. “Kashish is a good woman. She and Rudra love each other deeply—what more could we want? I really think it’s time you accept them. Someone has to bend here, Daadi. If both you and Kashish keep pulling Rudra in different directions, he’ll break. He’s made his decision, and we need to respect that.”
Daadi frowned realizing no one seemed to be on her side anymore. Everyone was rallying behind Rudra and Kashish’s love.
“If Rudra brings that girl into this house as his wife, then I will no longer stay in this family.”
Just as Daadi declared this, Rudra and Shekhar walked in, overhearing her ultimatum.
“Daadi?” Rudra’s face hardened, his control barely holding. “You plan to leave this house? To leave... me?”
Daadi’s resolve faltered for a moment, but she held firm.
“What choice have you left me, Rudra? You’ve put that girl above everything. After all these years, after all the love and care I gave you, you’re choosing her.”
Rudra’s frustration exploded.
“Her place in my heart doesn’t diminish yours, Daadi. I want both of you in my life.”
“I will not share you with her,” Daadi snapped. “Any other woman, Rudra—any woman but her. She and her father are the reason we lost our peace. I will never accept her as part of this family.”
Rudra had anticipated Daadi’s resistance, but her harsh ultimatum—her threat to leave them—was beyond anything he’d imagined. Shekhar tried to calm Daadi down, but her stance was unyielding. Her eyes stayed locked on Rudra, waiting for him to decide, to choose between her and Kashish.
Without another word, Rudra turned and stormed to his room, too furious and hurt to continue the argument.
****************
Uttam Nagar
Kashish was ready. She had hurried home an hour ago after finishing her work, changing into blue denim jeans and a soft pink top. She didn’t know where Rudra planned to take her tonight, but she was already feeling the thrill of it. After the emotional distance of the past two months, this would be the first time they’d spend real time together again, and the anticipation had her heart racing. Sitting on the sofa, she glanced at the wall clock. Where was he? Why was he so late?
Her fingers hovered over her phone, tempted to call him. But no—she didn’t want to seem desperate. Sighing, she set the phone back down, leaning her head against the couch.
“Come soon, Rudra,” she murmured softly, closing her eyes. “I’m already missing you.”
****************
An Hour Later…
Kashish jolted awake, her phone vibrating incessantly. It was Shekhar calling. A glance at the clock told her she had dozed off for almost an hour. Where was Rudra? Was this why Shekhar was calling? She quickly answered, a sinking feeling gnawing at her.
“Shekhar?”
“Kashish, hi… Are you okay?”
“Why? What happened?” She stood up feeling a dull ache shoot through her body from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position.
“Rudra didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?” she pressed.
“Uh… nothing. I’m not sure if he’s planning to tell you himself…”
“No, Shekhar, wait. What’s wrong? Where’s Rudra?” Her voice grew sharper, a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.
“He’s at home, in his room.”
“What? How? He was supposed to come here. I’ve been waiting for him.”
Kashish’s frustration flared.
“Kashish, Daadi really crossed the line today…” Shekhar exhaled deeply.
He told her everything—about Daadi’s ultimatum, her declaration to leave the house if Rudra brought Kashish into Raheja Mansion as his wife. Kashish’s heart raced in anger and disbelief. How could Daadi not see their happiness? Was that why Rudra hadn’t come? Was he… was he bowing to Daadi’s wishes? Was he really ready to sacrifice their love?
She couldn’t stand the thought. Without another word, Kashish ended the call, threw on her shoes, and rushed out. Within thirty minutes, she was outside Raheja Mansion. The servants greeted her with surprise, but she had no time for pleasantries. Her heart thudded as she hurried to Rudra’s room, pushing the door open. There he was—sitting on the recliner, lost in thought. His eyes widened in shock as he saw her storm in.
“Kashish?”
Without a word, she marched over to him and grabbed the collar of his shirt, shaking him.
“Is this it? Is this how it’s going to end, Rudra Raheja?” she shouted. “Daadi says something, and you just decide to sacrifice me? Sacrifice our love? Is that why you came back from Paris?”
Rudra stared at her, confused, trying to grasp the situation.
“Calm down,” he murmured, reaching for her face, but she shoved his hands away, her anger uncontainable.
“Do you even know what I’m going through right now? All these months, you fought to make me accept your love. Then you left because you wanted me to love you without anyone’s influence, not Daadi’s or anyone else’s. And now, when I love you more than anything in this world, you’re just going to give me up?”
Rudra’s jaw clenched, his eyes darkening with frustration.
“Who told you that?” he demanded.
“Who needs to tell me?” she shot back. “You were supposed to pick me up. I waited for you like a fool, and you didn’t even have the decency to let me know the plans had changed. What am I supposed to think? Did Daadi succeed in tearing us apart?”
She shoved him in anger, but Rudra caught her arms before she could push him further, pulling her close.
“I texted you an hour ago,” he said through gritted teeth.
Kashish blinked in confusion. He sent her a message? How had she missed it? She remembered waking up to Shekhar’s call and hadn’t even thought to check her inbox. Rudra released her arms, pulling out her phone. He showed her the screen—there it was, an unread message from him, saying he couldn’t make it tonight and that he missed her. Damn it! How could she have missed that?
Rudra tossed her phone on the bed and cupped her face between his hands, his eyes intense and filled with anguish.
“I am never leaving you, Kashish. Not for Daadi, not even for God,” he whispered fiercely. “I just needed time—time to figure out how to stop Daadi from pushing us apart. That’s why I canceled our plans tonight.”
Kashish bit her lip, the shame of her impulsiveness hit her.
“I... I’m sorry, Rudra. Shekhar called, and when he told me about Daadi’s ultimatum, I panicked. I didn’t even think to check my phone or call you. I just rushed here…”
“Look at me, Kashish.” Rudra’s grip tightened on her cheeks, his gaze never leaving hers.
She shook her head, refusing to meet his gaze as the tears spilled down her cheeks. It was all too much. Rudra, sensing her distress, released her face and gently took her hands, guiding them to his chest. Her eyes widened in shock. He had always hated being touched there. His haphephobia had been an obstacle they could never overcome before.
“You have me, Kashish. All of me,” his voice softened, a vulnerable tremor beneath his words. “I can’t give you a better proof than this. You’re my heartbeat. What you’re feeling now, under your fingers—that’s yours.”
Kashish closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the realization of what he was doing. She could feel his heart beating beneath her palm. He was letting her in, breaking down the very barriers that had once stood between them. She let out a soft sob as she stroked her fingers across his chest. She felt him flinch slightly at first, but he didn’t pull away. He was giving her this right, giving her everything.
Tears streaming down her face, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace. Rudra gently lifted her off the ground, rocking her back and forth. This moment—this raw, tender connection—was unlike any they had ever shared. She was the center of his universe, and he would never let her forget it.
“I love you,” she whispered into his ear as her arms tightened around his neck.
Her feet dangled above the ground, suspended in his strong hold, and her heart raced, beating in sync with his.
Rudra smirked as the words slipped from her lips. Their love didn’t need constant confessions, but every time they did, it reignited something even deeper between them, something primal.
“I love you too.”
He pulled her tighter, his grip possessive, and she let out a small squeal of surprise.
“Ow, put me down!” she patted his back, wriggling against him, trying to land her feet back on the floor. But she wasn’t really fighting—she loved the way his arms made her feel, safe, adored.
“Say sorry first.”
“Sorry? For what?”
“For doubting my love,” he whispered brushing his lips at the corner of her ear. The sensation made her blush deepen. His teasing, coupled with his undeniable intensity, was driving her wild.
“Seriously?” She couldn’t help but laugh again, even though her body ached to be closer to him. “Come on.”
“Say it,” he urged, pulling her even closer until her soft body was pressed fully against him. The warmth, the closeness—it was all too much.
“Okay, fine. Sorry!” she finally surrendered, her voice breathless, though it felt like more than just an apology. It was giving in, letting go, letting him have her.
But he wasn’t satisfied yet. He slowly lowered her back to the ground, his hands sliding from her waist to cup her face.
“Not enough,” he murmured, his dark eyes locked onto hers, filled with a burning intensity that made her breath hitch. “I need more.”
Her giggles faded as she gazed up at him, her lips parting slightly. The way he looked at her made her knees weak—like she was the only thing in his world, like he needed her as much as the air he breathed.
Without another word, he lowered his lips to her cheek, pressing a kiss there—soft, lingering. Then another kiss on her other cheek. She could barely keep herself standing when his lips brushed her forehead, her nose, and finally, they hovered dangerously close to her mouth.
Her body ached for him to close the distance and he did. When he finally kissed her lips, it was slow, deliberate, filled with everything he had been holding back. The kiss was soft but intense, and as she kissed him back, she could feel every ounce of his longing, his desperation to be with her.
She gripped his wrists as if grounding herself in the overwhelming sensations, her body pressing against his, wanting more. But just when she thought he would pull away, he deepened the kiss, taking it further, and her restraint broke. She kissed him back harder, her fingers sliding up his arms to his shoulders, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt. His hands slid from her face to her waist, pulling her even closer as if he could never have enough of her.
Rudra’s mouth traveled from her lips to her jaw, trailing down to her neck. He kissed the soft skin there, his lips lingering at her neckline, sending shivers of desire coursing through her. Kashish tilted her head back, surrendering to the feel of his lips against her skin, her breathing growing heavy. His mouth dipped lower, his kisses now trailing toward her collarbone.
She tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer as his lips brushed her neckline, leaving a trail of warmth wherever they touched. A gasp left her lips when his mouth dropped to the sensitive skin near her cleavage.
“Rudra…” she whispered, but the word was lost as his hand brushed the edge of her breast, his touch gentle yet electrifying. Her body ached for more, for him. She arched into him, her hands clinging to his shoulders, her lips seeking his once again. This time, she kissed him with all the love and desperation she had been holding back, her lips soft but fervent against his.
Each kiss, each touch was a promise—of love, of commitment, of never letting go. It wasn’t just desire; it was the deep, overwhelming connection they shared, a bond that couldn’t be broken.
When they finally pulled back, both breathless, their foreheads touched as they stood there, lost in each other.
“Don’t ever think I’d leave you, Kashish,” he whispered. “If I were capable of that, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”
“I know.” Her eyes brimmed with love.
She pressed her lips to his once more, sealing that promise.
“Thank you for giving me all of you.”
Her hands moved to his chest again, her fingers stroking his skin with a tenderness that stirred something deep within him.
It had been an impossible decision for Rudra—facing his deepest fears head-on. He had spent years running from them, but now, he realized that for them to truly move forward, to build a future, he had to open up, let her in, and let her help him face those fears. Only by working together on their insecurities could they fully grow as a couple.
“I should leave before Daadi finds me here,” she said quietly, pulling away.
“I’ll drop you home,” he insisted.
“No, Rudra. Daadi won’t like it,” she warned.
But Rudra wasn’t listening. He laced their fingers together, holding her hand firmly as he led her downstairs. Luckily, no one was around to see them leave. They slipped into the backseat of his car, sitting close, with Mohan driving them away from Raheja Mansion. Kashish leaned her head against his shoulder, and Rudra absentmindedly played with her fingers.
“You need to cut your nails,” he muttered, rubbing his thumb over the sharp edge of her fingernails.
She lifted her head, her eyes locking with his.
“You don’t like sharp nails?” she teased.
He caught her gaze, his grin softening into something more intimate.
“Oh, I don’t mind at all,” he murmured, “but I can’t help wondering how they’ll feel when they dig into my skin. You lose yourself when we kiss... and those nails, they leave their mark on me—just like you do.”
His smile grew deeper as he gently brushed his thumb across her hand.
“But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Her face flushed crimson, and she playfully swatted his arm. He caught her wrist, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. Kashish gestured to the front, warning him that Mohan could see them through the rearview mirror. But Rudra’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he gave her an I don’t care look and kissed her wrist again, slower this time.
When they arrived at Uttam Nagar, Rudra squeezed her hand before she got out.
“Don’t stress about Daadi’s decision. I’ll handle it.”
“And you don’t shut me out, Rudra,” she replied. “When you don’t share with me every detail, it makes me feel like I’m on the outside.”
He exhaled, nodding. “Okay.”
Kashish smiled softly before waving goodbye, heading toward her house. She glanced back as she reached the door, waving one more time before disappearing inside. Rudra watched her until she was safely in, then sighed as he leaned back in his seat, signaling Mohan to drive back to Raheja Mansion. Their good days together were finally here!