CHAPTER 59
Uttam Nagar
Shekhar honked the car horn, signalling Kashish to hurry. From the window, she waved back, gesturing for two more minutes. She still needed to turn off the lights and lock the door. Before leaving, she glanced at herself one last time in the mirror. She had chosen a simple yet striking knee-length red dress—no other colours, just pure, deep red. Exactly how Rudra liked it. Her hair, usually straight, had soft curls cascading down her shoulders. She wondered briefly if he would prefer her natural straight hair instead. What if he wasn’t a fan of curls? The thought sent a jolt of nervousness through her. Tonight had to be perfect. She couldn’t bear to ruin their long-awaited dinner date.
The car horn blared again, pulling her out of her thoughts. She quickly grabbed her keys and hurried outside, locking the door behind her. Anjali stepped out of the car, smiling, and the two women embraced.
“Red, huh? Me too,” Anjali teased, showing off her elegant red gown.
Kashish laughed.
“You look stunning, Anju. I bet Shekhar hasn’t stopped showering you with compliments—and maybe even kisses?” she teased back, raising an eyebrow.
Anjali blushed. “Yeah, sort of.”
“That explains why you two are late to pick me up,” Kashish added and the two giggled again.
Shekhar honked the horn a third time, his voice carrying an impatient edge.
“Ladies, we’re running late. Get in.”
Kashish slid into the backseat while Anjali took the front next to her husband.
“Has Rudra already reached the venue?” Kashish asked, her nerves creeping back as they pulled away.
“He should be there by now,” Shekhar replied. “He had to drop Daadi at her Satsang first. She doesn’t know about tonight’s plans, though.”
“I hope she won’t be upset if she finds out later,” Kashish said, her concern evident. “I feel bad… we’re sort of leaving her out.”
“Kashish, spending time with your family isn’t wrong,” Shekhar reassured her. “Don’t worry so much. Relax.”
Feeling a bit more at ease, Kashish pulled out her phone and sent Rudra a quick message:
Started.
Anjali caught Kashish’s reflection in the rearview mirror, her curiosity piqued.
“Shekhar,” she began playfully, “don’t you think we should’ve let these two go on their date alone?”
Kashish frowned.
“Anju, stop teasing me. I’m already nervous enough.”
“Nervous?” both Shekhar and Anjali echoed, turning their attention to her.
Kashish bit her lip. There was no way she could tell them about Plan B —that was something only she and Rudra shared, their private secret. She quickly shifted the topic.
“I mean, this dress... I hope Rudra likes it.”
Anjali grinned knowingly.
“Why wouldn’t he? Rudra adores everything about you.”
That’s true. She couldn’t wait for this evening—for the intimacy of the night, and for the memories they’d create. Tonight, would be etched into her heart forever.
******************
Restaurant
Rudra stood by the reserved table, deep in conversation with the manager, when he felt a sudden shift in the air, a gust of wind brushing past him. Something pulled his attention, and when he turned, his heart skipped a beat. There she was—Kashish—in a red dress that set his pulse racing. She had kept her word. The colour alone was enough to ignite the heat between them, but the way she wore it—the confidence, the grace—left him breathless. Shekhar and Anjali took their seats, but Rudra only had eyes for Kashish. He mouthed a soft hi , and she responded with a shy smile as he pulled out a chair for her, sitting close but deliberately refraining from touching her. He could feel the tension between them already, the subtle charge that Plan A was in motion.
“Rudra, did you notice how stunning and young these ladies look tonight? You’d never guess they’re married,” Shekhar teased, his voice light with humour.
“Half married, in my case,” Kashish quickly interjected with a smirk, earning an amused grin from Rudra.
“We should have more of these group dates,” Rudra commented, leaning back slightly. “It’s the only time they bring out these stunning outfits of our women. On solo dates, they never take the risk.”
Anjali laughed along, shaking her head.
“That’s not relevant to me, Rudra. The last time your brother took me out for a date was seven months ago, and it didn’t even last an hour! He got an urgent call from the office and rushed back, leaving me to pay the bill.”
Everyone burst into laughter, but Kashish stiffened as she suddenly felt Rudra’s warm hand resting gently on her thigh. She tensed, her heart beating faster, and he noticed right away.
Leaning in, he whispered, “Are you okay?”
Kashish nodded, but Rudra, sensing her discomfort, began to withdraw his hand. However, just as he started to pull away, she placed her hand over his, entwining their fingers and keeping his touch in place. He glanced at her mischievously as a soft smile spread across her face again.
“I’m fine,” she murmured, her eyes filled with affection. The warmth of their intertwined fingers over her thigh made her pulse race.
Shekhar opened a bottle of champagne, and the conversation moved on.
“For the new couple of Raheja family!” he toasted, pouring the champagne into their glasses.
Rudra handed Kashish a glass, but she hesitated.
“I don’t drink this,” she confessed softly.
“It’s non-alcoholic fruit champagne,” Rudra assured her. “No worries. You won’t get intoxicated.”
Kashish accepted the glass, but her heart was already racing.
“I’m already intoxicated,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Sitting next to you, with your hands on me… It’s doing things to me.”
Rudra raised his eyebrows, caught off guard by her openness. She had never been so bold before. He leaned closer.
“Maybe we should cancel Plan B, then. “I don’t take advantage of intoxicated women,” he teased, watching as her face fell just slightly.
He smirked, noticing her disappointment.
“And what if the intoxicated woman wants you to take advantage of her?”
Rudra’s breath hitched, his heart racing as he gripped his glass.
“Stop tempting me.”
“I’m serious. Plan B it is.”
His hand tightened around the glass, and he downed the champagne in one gulp, never breaking eye contact. His fingers trailed softly down her cheek, his touch electric, and Kashish felt herself melting under his gaze. He leaned in, his breath warm on her skin, and she closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment.
“I want you to know,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear, “you can change your mind about Plan B anytime.”
Her heart swelled at his words—he was always thinking of her, putting her first. She opened her eyes just as his fingers caressed her lower lip. Overwhelmed by his tenderness, she turned toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a desperate embrace. He pulled her close, his hand trailing up her spine as he pressed a soft kiss to her hair.
They stayed like that, locked in each other’s warmth, forgetting the world around them. When Kashish finally pulled away, her face flushed, she realized with embarrassment that Shekhar and Anjali had been watching the whole time, their expressions full of affection.
“Anjali, you were right,” Shekhar teased. “We should’ve let them have a solo date. This group date is clearly not cutting it.”
“There’s still time,” Anjali chimed in, laughing. “We can leave and give them the night.”
“No, please!” Kashish quickly interjected, flustered. “Let’s order the food.”
The next hour passed in light conversation, with occasional glances and touches between Rudra and Kashish. He fed her dessert and she accepted each bite with a knowing smile. The two couples spoke about the future, their plans, and especially about how they would handle Daadi’s resistance.
“I think Daadi and Kashish need to be locked in a room together for an hour,” Anjali suggested playfully. “They’ll work it out.”
Kashish gasped.
“No way! She’ll eat me alive!”
“You think I’d let that happen?” Rudra cut in, his voice protective.
“I’m scared of her, Rudra. Before, I didn’t care what she thought, but now… now I want her to see that I’m the only one who can make her grandson happy.”
Rudra’s eyes warmed, his fingers gently tapping her nose.
“You are the only one. But you don’t need to prove anything. Time will heal things between you and her.”
After a while, Shekhar checked the time and suggested they head home. They paid the bill, and as they stepped outside, Rudra made it clear: “I’ll ride Kashish home.”
Anjali hugged Kashish, whispering something teasing in her ear that made Kashish blush and roll her eyes.
Once inside the car, Kashish leaned her head on Rudra’s shoulder. His fingers brushed through her hair as he instructed the driver.
“Take us to Uttam Nagar.”
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Kashish’s house. She unlocked the door, and they stepped inside. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow across the room. Rudra leaned casually against the closed door, watching her with a knowing smile. Her palms were sweaty, her heart pounding. She couldn’t shake the nerves, but as she turned to face him, she realized something.
“Oh! I should turn the lights on,” she stammered. “I can’t believe I forgot.”
In her haste, she stumbled against the table, wincing in pain.
“Careful!” Rudra called out, laughing as she brushed off the ache.
“I’m fine,” she mumbled, limping to the switch. But as she reached for it, she banged her hand against the side lamp. “Ouch!”
Rudra couldn’t help but laugh, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
“What’s gotten into you tonight?”
She finally turned on the lights, pouting.
“I don’t know! I’m just… fine.”
But as soon as she said it, she lost her balance again, thanks to Rudra who held her on time.
Rudra laughed harder, and though Kashish felt embarrassed, she couldn’t help but smile. His laughter was contagious, his happiness radiating through the room. She watched him, realizing in that moment that she wanted him to be this way—joyful, carefree, and hers.
“I should ask Mohan to take me back to Raheja Mansion. You need rest.” His thumb grazing her cheek.
But Kashish wasn’t nervous anymore. She grabbed his arm. Besides, she had made her decision.
“I want you to stay tonight.”
He cocked his head, a grin playing on his lips.
“Plan B?”
“Plan B.” She nodded.
Without a second thought, Rudra dialed Mohan.
“Head back to Raheja Mansion. I’ll call you when I need a ride.”
The call ended, and without breaking eye contact, Rudra scooped Kashish into his arms and carried her effortlessly into the bedroom. Kashish wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her. There was something electric in the air between them, the years of tension and longing finally coming to a head.
He set her down gently, but even after her feet touched the ground, he didn’t let go. His hand remained at the small of her back, drawing her closer.
“Are you sure about this?” he whispered, his voice husky, his eyes searching hers.
Kashish’s heart fluttered. She could see it in his eyes—the longing, the love, the restraint he’d held for so long.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything,” she whispered back, her hand reaching up to touch his cheek. Her thumb grazed his lower lip, feeling the softness of it, and her body responded to the closeness.
Rudra exhaled sharply, his arms wrapping around her more securely. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead, then her cheek, and finally her lips. The kiss was tender at first, a gentle exploration. But as the seconds ticked by, the restraint they’d both been holding on began to loosen. His lips moved more urgently against hers, as if afraid she might slip away if he didn’t hold on tight.
Her hands slid up his biceps, feeling the strength in them, the muscles that had always drawn her in. Rudra’s arms traveled up her spine, igniting fires wherever he touched before his fingers unzipped her dress, inch by inch.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment,” he murmured against her lips, pulling her flush against him.
Kashish smiled against his mouth.
“Then don’t wait anymore,” she whispered, giving him permission to let go of the careful restraint he’d always shown her.
That was all it took. Rudra’s mouth descended on hers again, this time with a hunger that mirrored her own. With her dress quickly discarded, Rudra pushed her on the bed, before unbuttoning his shirt. Kashish kept her eyes locked with his but after discarding his shirt when his fingers fumbled with his pants zip, her breath caught in her throat, her gaze automatically dropping to his fingers, watching his every move. This was really happening and she couldn’t wait.
Desires burned hotter as he shrugged off his pants and hovered over her in one quick move. But he paused for a moment, his chest rising and falling heavily as he took in the sight of the woman he had loved for so long. Every second he had dreamed of this—her, in his arms, wanting him just as much as he had always wanted her. She was now finally his. His eyes glistened with tears at that thought.
“I still can’t believe this is real,” he whispered.
Kashish, equally breathless, reached up, her fingers tracing the contours of his jaw.
“It’s real,” she whispered back. “We’re real.”
Rudra lowered his forehead to hers, their breaths mingling.
“I love you,” he murmured.
“You have said that to me before,” she replied, her own eyes tearing up at his confession. “Now make love to me.”
He let out a soft groan before he kissed away her unshed tears. Kashish let out a soft gasp as his lips then moved to her neck, pressing warm, lingering kisses against her skin, sending shivers coursing through her. Her hands tangled in his hair, and she pulled him closer, needing more, wanting to be consumed by him.
Every touch, every kiss, felt like an affirmation of their love, of the struggles they’d overcome to get here. As his hands roamed over her skin, he took his time, savoring each second, memorizing the feel of her beneath him. Unable to control himself further, he unclasped her bralette and tugged it off her body. Her breath came in shallow gasps as his lips found her breasts, kissing them softly before he finally gave in to the passion surging between them, kissing and kneading them to his heart’s content. She was everything he had ever wanted, everything he had fought for, and in this moment, nothing else mattered.
Kashish felt her body responding to his every touch. When he almost tore away the last piece of lace covering her lower body, there was no hesitation anymore, no doubt, only pure, raw love.
“Rudra,” Kashish whispered, her voice breathy and filled with desire, as his fingers stroked her sensitive flesh. Her hands clutched his broad shoulders as he moved against her. She had never felt more vulnerable, more connected, than she did in this moment.
He leaned down, kissing her deeply, his fingers still stroking her, bringing her to the edge.
“Feel me,” he murmured between the kisses, his eyes glued to the blissful expressions on her face as he pleased her.
“More,” she gasped, holding his wrist, trying to control the rhythm of his fingers but the next instant he stopped. Before Kashish could register why, he moved lower latching his mouth to where she ached for him. Her entire body exploded at the visual of Rudra pleasing her in such an intimate way, worshipping her body with such finesse like doing this was the only thing that kept him alive so far. Within minutes, her breathing turned choppy and every nerve in her body tingled.
“Please,” she whimpered before an explosion of ecstasy shattered through her.
Her body shuddered before she felt his withdrawal again. With haze filled eyes Kashish looked at him to know why he moved. Rudra discarded the last piece of fabric from his body before opening her up. Their gaze locked again as he lowered himself over her. Their bodies fit together perfectly. Yet, he paused for a moment, looking into her eyes as if silently seeking for her permission. She arched against him, feeling the heat of his skin against hers, and Rudra got his approval. He moved inside her, slow, unhurried and with utmost care to not hurt the woman he loved.
The sensation was overwhelming, almost too much to bear, but Kashish didn’t want it to stop. She wanted to stay in this moment forever, wrapped in his arms, lost in the depth of their love. It wasn’t just the physical act of making love—it was the joining of two souls that had always been destined for one another.
Rudra’s breath came in ragged gasps, his face buried in the crook of her neck as he moved inside her. He whispered her name again, over and over, like a prayer. Kashish held him tighter, her own heart swelling with love for this man who had fought so hard to be with her, who had never given up on them, even when she had been lost in her own doubts and fears.
When they finally came together, it was like nothing either of them had ever experienced before. Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes as he realized that this wasn’t just a dream—it was real and a glimpse of their coming future. Kashish felt her own tears spill over, her heart full and complete as she held him.
Rudra rolled beside her and kissed the top of her head, his hand stroking her hair.
“I’ve waited my whole life for this moment,” he whispered. “And now that I have you, I swear I’ll never let go.”
Kashish smiled, her heart feeling full and complete for the first time in years.
“You don’t have to,” she whispered back, snuggling deeper into his arms. “I’m not going anywhere either.”
With that promise, they drifted off into sleep, their hearts finally at peace—two souls, once scarred by the past, now healed and whole in each other’s love.