CHAPTER 58
The next morning, Daadi finished her Puja, as usual, with Shekhar, Anjali, and Rudra standing behind her to receive her blessings. She fed the Prasad to Shekhar and Anjali, then approached Rudra. He took the Ladoo from the plate and offered it to her first. Daadi refused at first, but when she saw the resolute look in Rudra’s eyes, she gave in, taking a small bite.
“Are you trying to butter me up, Rudra? It’s useless,” she muttered. “I’m not changing my decision.”
Rudra set aside the Puja thali and gently slid his arm around Daadi, guiding her out of their small temple space.
“I’m not here to convince you, Daadi,” he said softly. “But I won’t let you leave this house either. Our bond is stronger than anything, and nothing can break it.”
A warm, fleeting smile crossed Daadi’s face.
“So, you’ll give up on this idea of marrying Kashish?” she asked, her voice hopeful.
“I’ve already promised her, Daadi. Marrying Kashish in two months is inevitable.”
Her expression darkened as she shrugged off his arm and walked away without another word. Rudra watched her retreat with disappointment etched on his face.
Shekhar and Anjali exchanged a glance before Shekhar stepped forward to cheer him up.
“Don’t worry, Rudra. She just needs time. She’ll come around eventually. You know how much she cares for you,” Shekhar reassured him.
“Rudra, where’s our party for your half-marriage ?” Anjali, trying to lighten the mood, jumped in.
A lopsided smile tugged at Rudra’s lips.
“Anytime you want,” he replied.
“How about tonight? A private dinner. Just the two Raheja couples, no one else,” Anjali suggested excitedly.
“Looks like you have already made plans,” Shekhar teased, admiring his wife’s enthusiasm.
“Sounds good to me,” Rudra nodded in agreement. “I’ll make the arrangements. It’s been too long since we’ve had a night out together. But what about Daadi?”
“Don’t worry about her. She’s going to a Satsang today and won’t be back until late. I’ll make sure someone brings her home safely,” Anjali assured him with a smile.
“Alright, tonight it is,” Rudra said, looking forward to the evening. With that, the two brothers left for work.
******************
Raheja Office
“Dinner?” Kashish asked, holding her phone to her ear as she listened to Anjali on the other end.
“Yes, your half-husband asked me to convey the invitation,” Anjali replied with a giggle.
Kashish couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ll check my schedule and confirm,” she teased.
“Stop teasing, Kashish! Now tell me, what are you wearing tonight? How about we surprise these Raheja men?” Anjali suggested, excitement bubbling in her tone.
“Surprise? What do you mean?” Kashish asked curiously.
“Well, I was thinking… why not wear something… sexy? I haven’t worn anything like that since my honeymoon,” Anjali confessed. “I was always too shy with Daadi around. But tonight, with just us, it’s the perfect opportunity.”
Kashish laughed.
“I always wondered when you’d wear those dresses you’ve had locked away in your closet for years. Tonight sounds like the perfect chance. I’m sure Shekhar won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“Forget Shekhar, our relationship is old news. But think about Rudra. If you show up in something like that, I don’t think he’ll be able to handle it for long,” Anjali teased. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he whisks you away after dinner… for the whole night.”
Kashish’s face turned red as she imagined the scenario. She glanced around her empty cabin, thankful no one was there to witness her flushed cheeks or the silly grin spreading across her face.
“Shut up, Anju,” she scolded, trying to stifle her laughter.
“I will shut up, Kashish. But who’s going to stop Rudra? You know how he is—it’s either his way or no way. Anyway, think about it. Choose your outfit wisely and let me know. Bye.”
Anjali hung up, leaving Kashish to her thoughts. Her mind wandered, already imagining what the post-dinner night with Rudra could hold!
******************
Rudra sat at the head of the conference table, his attention fully on the presentation. Shekhar was seated next to him, along with several top managers of the company.
“Where’s the profit chart, Mr. Mehta? I need a detailed breakdown of the profits from our last project.”
Mehta flipped through the slides, bringing up the profit chart and launching into his explanation. Rudra’s eyes focused on the numbers, his mind working through the data—until his phone buzzed.
Normally, Rudra hated interruptions during work. But the moment he saw the message was from Kashish, he couldn’t resist reading it under the table, hiding his phone from the others.
What do you suggest I wear for dinner tonight?
A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he typed his reply, glancing at the screen just enough to ensure no one noticed his distraction.
Anything that’s decent enough to keep my hands off you.
He quickly glanced back at the projected screen, trying to maintain his composure. His mind, however, drifted to Kashish’s possible reaction. He could imagine her face, flustered and flushed, as she read his text. And he was right. Across town, Kashish’s cheeks warmed as her fingers trembled over the keyboard, typing her response.
That means no red, no backless, and no short length?
Rudra muttered to himself, suppressing the temptation building up inside him. He quickly typed back, his pulse picking up speed.
Wear something red. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you in that color.
The other end, Kashish’s heartbeat quickened. Was he really that eager to see her in red? The intensity in his reply sparked something inside her. She typed back playfully.
And who will guarantee your decency if I do?
Rudra’s grip on the phone tightened as he read her teasing words. He knew she was pushing him, testing the limits. But he had been holding back for too long. He wanted more, and tonight, he planned to ask for it. He needed to know where she stood.
I’m tired of being decent, Kashish. Can we forget that for tonight?
Kashish, in the middle of drinking water, almost choked as she read his message. The bottle slipped from her hand, and she quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe the spill from her dress. Was he serious? She typed back nervously.
You’re scaring me, Rudra.
He could almost feel her hesitation through the screen. Stroking his thumb over her message, Rudra softened his tone in his reply.
I like you scared when it comes to this.
Kashish’s nerves spiked as she tried to concentrate on her work, but her mind was far from the task at hand. She had never imagined they’d be having such an intense conversation over text.
What do you intend to do? she typed cautiously.
He paused. He didn’t want to push her too far. She was scared, and that wasn’t his goal. He needed to ease her into this, not overwhelm her.
Nothing, if it bothers you. We can stick to Plan A—dinner, and I’ll drop you home. Simple as that.
Her chest tightened as she read his message. Though he had assured her, the underlying tension between them made it hard to think straight. She typed back, almost trembling.
Is there a Plan B?
His response came immediately.
Yes, but only if you’re ready for it. It’s entirely up to you.
Kashish stared at the screen, biting her lip. She knew what her heart wanted, but her mind warred with the societal norms they were bound by. Could she take that leap tonight? Could she let herself give in?
You’re making me nervous again. My palms are sweating, she confessed.
His next reply sent a wave of emotion through her.
Then we’ll stick to Plan A until we’re married officially. I don’t want you to feel pressured, ever.
She released a breath she didn’t know she was holding, but something inside her wasn’t satisfied. She didn’t want to push him away. Maybe she had been the one who started this playful conversation, but now it seemed she was the one who couldn’t stop thinking about it. Would he think she didn’t trust him? That she wasn’t ready for more? Her thoughts raced until her phone buzzed again, making her heart skip.
It was a message from Anjali, asking her about her outfit for the dinner. Kashish’s mind spun back to the conversation she had just had with Rudra. What had started as a casual question about what to wear had spiraled into an intense discussion about their future. Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Rudra.
Stop worrying. It’s Plan A—only Plan A. See you tonight at the restaurant.
Before she could put the phone down, another message from Rudra appeared.
Are you okay, Kashish?
Her emotions churned. She was confused, torn between the physical tension and the worry that she might have hurt him by pulling back. Just as her thoughts settled, her phone buzzed again.
You’re making me nervous now. Should we cancel everything? Even Plan A?
No, she couldn’t cancel. That wasn’t what she wanted. She quickly typed back.
Don’t cancel. Plan A is ON. But… I’m still thinking about Plan B.
Rudra sat in the now-empty conference room, his fingers tapping out a reply with a smirk on his face.
What part of Plan B are you thinking about?
Kashish felt a warmth spread over her cheeks again. He was definitely doing this on purpose now. She was barely able to concentrate, wondering what to reply. And then, another text came from him.
Stop pouting. You know that does something to me.
Her eyes widened. Was he watching her? She glanced toward the open lobby curtains. The meeting room wasn’t too far away. She quickly closed the curtains and shot back a reply.
We need to finish our work, Mr. Raheja, before we even consider Plan A. Let’s leave Plan B for later.
Rudra’s next reply came almost instantly.
So, it’s not a NO to Plan B? I like that there’s still a chance.
Her heart thudded painfully in her chest. This back-and-forth banter was exciting, but she knew tonight would be different. She just wasn’t sure how ready she was. With trembling fingers, she typed back her final message.
Plan B… maybe. Maybe not. Be prepared for both. Now, let me work. See you tonight.
******************
It was 5:30 p.m. Kashish finished her work, cleared her desk, and tucked her laptop into her bag. She had to leave now and prepare for their dinner date—more specifically, for Plan A tonight. But no matter how hard she tried, the bells of Plan B still rang in her ears, sending an undeniable current of tension through her body. She left her cabin, wishing her team a good evening as they exchanged goodbyes.
“Kashish, any plans for the weekend tomorrow?” Roma, one of her team members, asked with a smile.
“Nothing decided yet. Why do you ask?”
She tried to keep her mind off the intense conversation she had with Rudra earlier.
“We’re planning a movie tomorrow. The whole team is coming. Will you join us? It’ll be fun!” Roma suggested excitedly.
Kashish nodded thoughtfully.
“A movie? Sounds nice. I’ll let you know by tonight if I can make it.”
Roma’s smile widened.
“Great! You should come. You never join the team outings.”
Kashish smiled back, knowing that was true. She had always avoided too much socializing. Her phone buzzed in her hand, and when she saw Rudra’s name flash across the screen, she couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat.
What’s being discussed?
Kashish glanced around. Where was he watching her from? She spotted him standing in the lobby, speaking to one of the senior managers. Despite being in the middle of a conversation, his eyes were glued to her. She rolled her eyes. Why did he always have to know what was going on with her? But she replied anyway.
The team’s planning a movie tomorrow. I think I’ll go.
She purposely phrased it to sound final, just to see how he would react.
Don’t, came his immediate reply.
Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. If Rudra was so possessive about her time, why had he gone to Paris in the first place? Did he have any idea how much she had missed him while he was away? Now that he was back, it was as if he wanted every minute of her time.
Sorry, plans made. Can’t change them now, she texted back teasingly.
She waved a quick goodbye to Roma and the others, knowing Rudra was probably fuming. She hadn’t even finished booking a cab when his car screeched to a halt in front of her. Mohan was behind the wheel, and Rudra was seated in the back, his dark eyes watching her through the lowered window.
“Get in. I’ll drop you home,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
“I already booked a cab,” Kashish replied, flashing her phone as proof.
“Cancel it,” he barked, his tone almost too stern.
Kashish’s jaw dropped. “You really need to stop being a control freak, Rudra. It won’t work every time.”
Without a word, he stepped out of the car, and Kashish took a step back, shocked by how serious he seemed. Her cab had arrived, parking right behind his car.
“Are you pulling away from me because of what I said about Plan B ?” he asked, his words made her stomach flutter.
Did he really think she was scared? Kashish squeezed his hand gently, hoping to reassure him.
“I’ve got a salon appointment, and it’s the opposite direction of your route to Raheja Mansion. I didn’t want you to get stuck in traffic and be late for dinner. So, you go ahead. I’ll finish my appointment and meet you tonight.”
Rudra exhaled, visibly relieved. He gently cupped her cheek, not caring about the passersby or anyone who might be watching.
“Shekhar and Anjali will pick you up. I’ll meet you directly at the restaurant,” he said.
“Why aren’t you coming with them?” she asked, curious.
“I promised Daadi I’d drop her at her Satsang. I hardly get to spend time with her, and with my frequent visits to Uttam Nagar, I owe her at least that much.”
He was right, and she admired how he balanced his love for her and his duty to his family. Rudra leaned in and kissed her cheek softly.
“Wear red tonight,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.
She smiled, nodding in agreement. Red was already on her mind.
Kashish got into her cab, and as soon as she did, Rudra’s car took off toward Raheja Mansion. As the cab sped toward the salon, her phone buzzed with another message from him.
I wanted to tell you that I love you.
She smiled warmly, typing back quickly.
I’m flattered. I can’t wait for dinner… and…
Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard as she hit send. Did she really want to continue the conversation they had started earlier? Rudra wasted no time in replying.
And…? Is that about your approval of Plan B?
Her heart raced as she read his words. He wasn’t letting it go. Was he trying to tease her or was he serious? She couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty sent a thrill through her.
You’re scaring me again, she typed, biting her lip.
Rudra smirked as he read her reply. He knew she was feeling nervous, and a part of him enjoyed teasing her, but he didn’t want to push her too far. He needed her to know that he would wait, that he would never rush her into anything she wasn’t ready for.
Yes, I’m waiting in anticipation. I want all of you, Kashish, but only if you’re willing to share yourself with me. Not otherwise.
The cab stopped outside the salon, and she paid the driver, still feeling a tremor of excitement deep in her core.
I’ll see you at dinner, she texted quickly before heading inside.
Rudra pocketed his phone and exhaled deeply. The impatience he had been suppressing was beginning to surface. He wondered how he had managed to control himself for two months in Paris without her by his side.