CHAPTER 69
Sleep was the last thing on her mind. It was already 3 a.m., but Kashish couldn’t take her eyes off her husband— her Rudra. After making love, they had spent hours talking about their future together, and somewhere in the midst of it, he had dozed off. She didn’t mind. He had been through so much that day, both physically and emotionally. The fake note, the unexpected driving in a panicked state—it had drained him. She could only imagine the terror he must have felt when the brakes failed and he crashed the car into a construction site, memories of that tragic night likely haunting him all over again.
The only good thing that had come out of this day was their marriage, despite all of Suman and Daadi’s attempts to prevent it. But love always wins. It may take time, it may exhaust your heart and soul, but when love triumphs, nothing feels more powerful or pure. Kashish Bedi...no, Kashish Rudra Raheja ...was overwhelmed with that very feeling right now. She traced her finger delicately along Rudra’s face, careful not to wake him. Her eyes were heavy with sleep, but the sheer joy of knowing he was hers, forever, outweighed everything.
She had faced her own set of challenges that day. She had sensed something terrible was about to happen. Every second of Rudra’s delay in arriving at the temple had felt like a dagger to her heart. And Daadi’s smug taunts only deepened her dread. But when Rudra finally arrived—bloodied, injured—the terror she had felt was indescribable. Everything that had happened today had been a test, not just of their love but of their endurance. And they had passed.
Kashish hadn’t noticed that her fingers, which had been gently tracing Rudra’s face, had drifted down to his chest. Suddenly, Rudra’s eyes flew open, his reflexes snapping into action as he grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back. A sharp cry of pain escaped her lips, and Rudra froze. Realization hit him like a wave, and he immediately let go, his expression filled with guilt as he cupped her face.
“Kashish...I...I’m so sorry,” he pleaded with remorse. “I wasn’t prepared. I thought...someone was trying to touch me again.”
Despite the pain, Kashish understood. She knew that while Rudra had given himself fully to her, his trauma still lurked beneath the surface, waiting to resurface if he was touched unexpectedly. The fear that had once controlled him could still flare up when caught off guard.
“It’s okay,” she reassured him, placing her palm gently on his cheek. “I should have been more careful.”
“No,” he murmured, shaking his head in frustration. “I hate myself for reacting like that, especially with you. Did I hurt you?” His fingers tenderly held her wrist as he pressed a soft kiss to it, guilt clouding his features.
“I’m fine, Rudra. Really, I am,” she said, trying to reassure him with her eyes, which he studied intently until he was sure she wasn’t scared or hurt.
With a sigh, he dropped his head back onto the pillow, and she cuddled close to him, resting her head on his arm.
“Why haven’t you slept yet?” he asked, stroking her hair gently.
“I’m too happy to sleep,” she confessed. “It feels like I’ve won a sexy trophy in my life.”
Rudra chuckled softly. “A sexy trophy?” he teased.
She laughed, hugging him tighter.
“Absolutely. The best kind.”
But his smile faltered. She could sense the tension creeping back into his body. She knew what he was thinking—it was Daadi. Kashish remembered how she had fiercely scolded Suman and blamed Daadi for Rudra’s near accident. They were fortunate that nothing worse had happened, but it had been close.
“Are you thinking about Daadi?” she asked softly.
He blinked, his gaze distant.
“She must be feeling alone. After everything that happened today, she’s probably blaming herself. I don’t want her to feel like that. She’s been like a mother to me, Kashish. Without her, I wouldn’t have made it through any of this.”
Kashish knew how much Daadi meant to Rudra. Despite their differences, despite everything that had happened, his heart always held compassion for those he loved. He would never stop caring for her, no matter what.
“You should go see her tomorrow,” Kashish suggested gently.
Rudra met her eyes, thinking over her words for a moment.
“No, we should go see her tomorrow,” he corrected.
Kashish swallowed hard, unsure if Daadi would even accept her after everything.
“We need her blessings,” Rudra continued. “Whether she gives them or not, she’s still elder to us. We should try.”
Kashish gave him a weak smile, her heart swelling with love.
“That’s why I love you so much,” she whispered. “You always think of others before yourself. You put their pain above your own. There aren’t many people like that in the world.”
Rudra didn’t reply. He simply pulled her closer, relaxing into her warmth. Slowly, the tension melted away, and they both drifted into a peaceful sleep, their hearts finally at rest.
********************
The next morning, when Rudra came downstairs searching for his wife, he found her in the garden, plucking flowers for the morning Puja. She wore a simple salwar kameez, and to anyone else, she might not even appear as a newlywed, except for the dozens of bangles adorning her wrists, the dark Sindoor marking her forehead, and his personal favorite—the Mangalsutra resting on her neck.
Rudra approached her and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
“I thought you’d wake me up with tea in bed,” he muttered into her ear.
Kashish chuckled softly. “Like a typical wife?” she teased, still focused on the plants.
“Hmm.” He nuzzled his nose against her shoulder, breathing her in.
She smiled, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief.
“When our love is so untypical, how can we act like a typical married couple?”
Rudra rolled his eyes, amused by her quick wit.
“You’ve got quite the sharp brain.”
“Thank you, I’m honored.”
“Are you hungry?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Starving. What about you?”
“Famished,” he replied, stepping back, his gaze lingering on her. “You finish up, and I’ll make something for us.”
Kashish blinked in surprise.
“You’re going to make breakfast? On our first morning as husband and wife?”
Rudra kept stepping backward, eyes locked on hers, a grin tugging at his lips. “Didn’t you just say we’re untypical ?”
She giggled blowing him a playful kiss. He caught it in the air, placing it over his heart with a flourish before heading inside.
********************
An hour later Kashish stepped out of the shower, her skin still glistening with droplets of water, wrapped in nothing but a plush Turkish robe that barely grazed her knees. The soft fabric clung to her damp skin, accentuating her curves as she walked toward the dressing mirror. She hummed softly to herself, her hands working the lotion into her arms and legs, oblivious—or so it seemed—to the effect she was having on her husband.
Rudra, on the phone with Jay, was trying his best to focus on the conversation, but the sight of Kashish fresh out of the shower stole his attention. His voice trailed off mid-sentence as his eyes roamed over her form—her hair still damp, the curve of her legs peeking out from beneath the robe. Her movements were slow, deliberate, and when their eyes met in the mirror, Kashish couldn’t help but hide a mischievous smile. She knew exactly what she was doing to him.
Rudra’s grip tightened on his phone as he watched her rub the lotion into her skin, her robe inching higher, exposing the smooth expanse of her thigh. That was all it took to break his concentration. Without even a word to Jay, he dropped the call, tossing the phone onto the bed, his full attention now on his wife.
“You really know how to make sure I’m focused only on you, don’t you?” he said, his voice deep and rough with desire.
Kashish, not even bothering to turn around, feigned innocence, still working the lotion into her skin.
“I’m just doing my routine,” she said casually, her tone teasing. “If you can’t concentrate, that’s not my problem.”
He wasn’t buying her act for a second. Rudra crossed the room in a heartbeat, grabbing her arms and spinning her around, pressing her firmly against the wall behind them. The suddenness of his movement made her breath hitch, but she kept her expression nonchalant, though her heart was racing. She knew exactly where this was headed, and yet, she loved playing this game.
She rolled her eyes, feigning boredom.
“If you’re just going to kiss me, get it over with,” she said coolly with teasing disinterest. “I’ve got things to do. Plus, we are getting late to go to Raheja Mansion.”
Rudra’s gaze darkened, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He could see right through her. She wasn’t in any hurry, and the playful challenge in her eyes only fueled his desire more.
“You can pretend all you want,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear as his hands moved to grip her waist. “But we both know that in the next three minutes, you’ll be begging me for more.”
Kashish bit her lip, her body betraying the act she was trying to put on. His touch was intoxicating, the heat between them building with every second. She tried to keep her composure, but her pulse quickened as his hands explored her, squeezing the curves of her hips, sliding down the length of her waist. She still tried to play it cool, even though every nerve in her body was on fire.
Rudra was on a mission now. With one swift pull, he untied the sash of her robe, letting it fall open. The robe slid down her shoulders, pooling at her feet, leaving her exposed before him. His eyes roamed over her body, his gaze filled with unrestrained hunger.
Kneeling before her, Rudra placed his hands on her thighs before picking her one leg and putting it over his shoulder. He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her core as he whispered, “We’re not going anywhere until you beg me for more, Kashish.”
Before she could even process his words, his tongue swept through her wet swollen flesh. She gasped, grabbing his shoulders for support. He spread her apart with his fingers, his eyes closed in pleasure as he licked her deeper. Kashish’s eyes rolled back in her head.
This was so…hot.
He was so…hot.
She clung to his shoulder as he relentlessly worked her up, bringing her to the edge of actually begging him for more.
“Rudra…” she moaned, her fingers fisting his hair, angling his head for more friction.
Whatever he did to her body, he always excelled at it.
“More,” she begged wanting him to take her to the edge and relieve this ache that she so desperately needed to release.
The heat between them ignited like wildfire as Rudra rubbed his thumb over her sweet sensitive spot, without breaking the contact of his lips on her swollen flesh. That’s all it needed for Kashish to shudder as her release ripped through her. Her sight nearly blacked out as she moaned his name louder than she ever had so far.
But Rudra had no plans to stop. He got back on his feet and picked her up like a sack of rice before taking her to bed. Despite the just out-of-body experience she had just felt, Kashish was ready for him. Somewhere in her haze she heard his pants unzip and then he slid inside her, deep into her body.
“I need you,” Rudra panted, before thrusting inside her.
Her body began to bounce on the bed with each thrust. Rudra was insatiable when it came to her and she couldn’t want any less from him either.
This feeling they had…for each other… coupled with all that longing was their nirvana.
He kissed her deeply, getting harder and harder inside her. She swallowed hard, her fingers curling on his back, for more friction between their bodies. And soon, the delicious ache returned, and so did the beautiful blinding stars as she reached her peak. Rudra came seconds after her, his own grunts echoing in the room.
When they opened their eyes, she stared at his sweaty face in awe. She was confident they did look like a newly wed couple thoroughly utilizing their days and nights to the most. He kissed her forehead before meeting her eyes again.
“You begged me thrice…”
Did she? Kashish held her blush.
“I didn’t know you were counting amidst all that,” she replied stroking his jaw.
“Your husband is a multi-tasker, baby, and he doesn’t miss anything that’s related to his wife. The number of times you bite me, moan my name, every little detail is saved here.” He pointed at his head before rubbing her sensitive flesh with his other finger. And the delicious ache began to spread again in her body wanting more.
********************
Raheja Mansion
Anjali hung up the phone with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Rudra and Kashish had just called to say they were on their way to Raheja Mansion, seeking Daadi’s blessings. But Anjali wasn’t sure if this was a good idea. Since Daadi had returned from the temple and realized Rudra had married Kashish against her wishes, she had become eerily quiet. It was as if Rudra no longer existed in her life. Daadi acted normal around everyone else but refused to even acknowledge Rudra or his marriage.
“All set?” Shekhar entered the kitchen, noticing his wife’s distracted expression.
They had originally planned to visit Rudra and Kashish today to take them out for lunch, also thinking about how to announce their marriage to the rest of the family. So far, no one outside their immediate circle knew about the wedding.
“They’re coming here.” Anjali shared her concern.
Shekhar frowned. “Here? But what about Daadi?”
“They’re coming to seek her blessings. I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Anjali added, worry lining her face.
“I agree. Let me call Rudra and see if he can change his mind,” Shekhar said, pulling out his phone. But before he could dial, Ram Prasad appeared.
“Sir, they have arrived.”
Shekhar and Anjali exchanged a glance before rushing to the entrance. Kashish was dressed in a saree, the bright red Sindoor glistening in her hair, the long Mangalsutra hanging proudly around her neck. She and Rudra were holding hands.
“Where is Daadi?” Rudra asked, as he looked at his brother.
“Upstairs,” Shekhar replied. “But, Rudra... I don’t think it’s wise for you to see her today. She needs more time to accept this. I promise Anjali and I will talk to her—try to understand her feelings.”
Rudra met his brother’s gaze, determination gleaming in his eyes.
“Bhai, I know you two would do that for us. But we need her blessings today. Kashish and I have entered a new phase in our lives, and it won’t mean anything if Daadi isn’t part of it.”
Anjali, understanding their need, gave Shekhar a nod. Reluctantly, Shekhar sighed, stepping aside.
“Alright...see what she says.”
Rudra and Kashish made their way to Daadi’s room. She was seated in her armchair, gently rocking, lost in thought. Kashish tightened her grip on Rudra’s arm, and he gently squeezed back, offering silent reassurance.
As they stepped into the room, Daadi’s eyes fluttered open. For a moment, her gaze softened, filled with the love and warmth she had always held for her grandson. But when her eyes landed on Kashish, the warmth vanished, replaced by cold disdain.
“Why are you both here?” she asked.
“We’ve come to seek your blessings, Daadi,” Rudra replied gently.
Daadi let out a sarcastic sigh.
“Blessings? I don’t think you need them. You’ve clearly proven you can live your life without anyone’s approval. I have nothing to give you.”
Rudra released Kashish’s hand and knelt before Daadi’s chair. Daadi tried to maintain her stern expression, but the battle within her was visible. He was her grandson—her heart. No matter how hard she tried to stay angry, seeing him like this melted something inside her.
“Please, Daadi. Don’t do this. I can’t imagine my life without your blessings,” he pleaded.
“Even if you’ve broken my heart, my blessings will always be with you,” she admitted quietly.
Rudra offered her a weak smile.
“Then you can’t send me away empty-handed this time. Kashish and I are happy, but our happiness is incomplete without you being a part of it.”
Daadi swallowed hard, her tears threatening to fall.
“I have nothing to give you both,” she muttered again.
Rudra glanced at Kashish, gesturing for her to come closer. Together, they touched Daadi’s feet. Daadi’s tears fell freely now, her hands trembling as she hesitated to bless them both. She managed to place her hand on Rudra’s head but hesitated when it came to Kashish. Rudra took Daadi’s hand and gently placed it on Kashish’s head.
“All my happiness comes from her. Without your blessing for her, it means nothing to me,” he said firmly.
Daadi’s resistance crumbled. She finally blessed Kashish, her voice barely above a whisper. “Stay happy.”
Kashish hadn’t expected Daadi’s blessing today, but knowing how much it meant to Rudra made it all the more precious. For him, Daadi was a vital part of his life, and now, she had accepted Kashish—however reluctantly.
“Wait here,” Daadi commanded, rising from her chair. She walked to the closet and returned with a big box. Opening it, she revealed a necklace set. “These too belonged to Rudra’s mother. Every new bride in our family wears them. If Rudra’s mother were alive, she would have given these to you.”
Kashish’s eyes widened in shock, and she looked at Rudra, who nodded, silently encouraging her to accept the gift.
“Thank you, Daadi.”
Daadi took a deep breath.
“Don’t think I’m suddenly melting. I still don’t approve of you as Rudra’s wife, but I’ve always fulfilled his wishes, and I failed to change his fate this time. You were meant to be his wife, and now you are. Keep him happy. If anything goes wrong between you two, I will be the first person you’ll have to answer to. No more hurting my grandson—he’s been hurt enough.”
It was a stern warning, but Kashish knew it came from a place of love. She nodded firmly.
“I promise. I would never hurt him. Not even in my dreams.”
Daadi offered a weak smile before turning to Rudra.
“My love for you is stronger than my hatred for her,” she admitted. “You can bring her to this house. I won’t stop you.”
Both Rudra and Kashish were stunned. This was more than they had expected.
But Rudra shook his head.
“No, Daadi. Until you accept her fully, I won’t bring her here. I’m sure that day will come, but until then, we’ll stay away.”
His response left both women stunned. Daadi had fully expected him to agree, but how could she forget? Rudra was her grandson—just as stubborn as she was. He was determined to bring his wife into this house with the respect and dignity she deserved, and until that day came, he would keep Kashish away. Fine! If that was his decision, Daadi decided to wait for her own perspective to shift. In the meantime, this would also give the newlyweds some space to themselves.
Rudra pulled Daadi into a hug, grateful for her understanding.
“But meanwhile, you know you’re always welcome at our home too,” he added softly.
She nodded again, this time wrapping her arms around him tightly.
Kashish watched them, her heart full of warmth and affection. She could see how deeply they cared for each other. A part of her longed to ensure that bond between them remained intact forever. She knew she had work to do to help heal their relationship, but even if Daadi never fully accepted her, it didn’t matter as long as Rudra received the love he needed. That was enough for her.