CHAPTER 70
Mohan was driving them back to the bungalow, but Kashish’s focus was solely on Rudra. She intertwined her fingers with his, her eyes brimming with love and pride as she stared at him.
“What’s Mrs. Raheja thinking about?” He raised their joined hands and kissed the back of her palm softly.
“Every time I think I know you completely, you show me a side I never expected,” she replied, her voice filled with awe.
Rudra wasn’t entirely sure what she meant, but he knew she would explain.
“You had the perfect opportunity to have me and Daadi under the same roof, and yet you turned it down. Daadi almost welcomed us back into Raheja Mansion, and you still refused,” she added.
Rudra smiled warmly.
“You heard my reasons,” he muttered. “I couldn’t compromise when it comes to your dignity, Kashish. Accepting Daadi’s offer would’ve given me what I want, but it wouldn’t have been fair to you. I want her to accept you with her whole heart, not just because you’re my wife.”
Kashish’s grin widened.
“See, I told you. Every time you say something like that, I fall in love with you all over again.”
Rudra gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, gazing at her like she was the most cherished thing in his life.
“That’s the plan. To make you fall in love with me infinitely.”
She chuckled at his cheesy line before kissing the top of his nose. In a few more minutes, they reached home.
As they entered the living room, a large bouquet of flowers rested on the center table, caught their attention. Kashish picked it up, reading the attached note, and smiled.
“It’s from Suman,” she said, “Wishing us on our wedding.”
Rudra raised an eyebrow, surprised, but not completely. He knew Suman wasn’t a bad person—she just didn’t love him enough to consider the risks of trying to win him over. No one could love him the way Kashish did. This woman, standing by his side, had embraced not only his strengths but also his deepest flaws.
His phone rang, breaking the moment.
“It’s Jay,” he mouthed to Kashish before answering. After a brief conversation, Rudra hung up with a satisfied smile.
“What did Jay say?” Kashish asked, setting the bouquet down.
Rudra grabbed the TV remote and turned on the news. To Kashish’s astonishment, their wedding was being broadcast all over the channels.
“Oh my God!” she gasped, covering her mouth in surprise.
“I asked Jay to make it public,” Rudra said, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “Everyone should know you’re mine now.”
Her heart raced as she saw their wedding photos flashing across the screen. This was a new experience for her. She had always lived a simple life, and now her face was being splashed across every channel. But this was part of being married to a business tycoon.
She stood there, nervously watching the news. While some channels celebrated their union, others had dug up their past, questioning how a woman could marry her father’s so-called “murderer” sparking debates among the anchors.
Kashish abruptly switched off the television.
“What nonsense!” she snapped, furious. “They have no idea what they’re talking about. How can they make a spectacle out of our personal choices?”
“That’s what the media sometimes does, Kashish,” Rudra said, trying to calm her down. “We don’t need to let it bother us.”
But Kashish’s mood soured. Rudra could sense her distress. He had expected her to be excited about their wedding news going public, but he hadn’t accounted for the negative backlash.
“Rudra,” Kashish whispered, her eyes locking onto his.
“Yes?” he responded, gently playing with a strand of her hair.
“I think people should know the truth.”
“What truth?” he asked, though he already had an inkling.
“The truth about my father’s death,” she clarified. “I can’t stand them accusing you of something that wasn’t fully your fault. They need to know about the suicide note.”
Rudra froze.
“They need to know it,” Kashish insisted. “It may not change anything now, but at least it will stop them from blaming you.”
“Kashish...” he started, but she cut him off.
“You’ve already paid the price, but people need to understand. They’ll keep quiet once they know the full story.”
“It won’t make them quiet, Kashish,” Rudra snapped. “They’ll just turn their venom on you. They’ll dig into your father’s actions, and blame you for it. You really want that?”
“I don’t care,” she said firmly.
“But I do!” His voice roughened. “I can’t stand the thought of them throwing dirt on your name. It would destroy me. Do you want that? Do you want me to hurt because of you?”
Kashish’s heart clenched. She cupped his face, feeling the immense love this man had for her, always prioritizing her well-being over his own.
“Why do you love me so much?” she murmured, resting her forehead against his.
“Because you’re worth it,” he whispered back.
She pulled back slightly, a teasing grin playing on her lips.
“No... I need more than that. Give me a full explanation. Why do you love me so much? What do you see in me?”
Rudra rolled his eyes dramatically.
“Women!” he groaned. “Always fishing for compliments. All of you!”
Kashish laughed, crossing her arms.
“I’m waiting. Let’s hear it.”
Rudra sighed, pretending to think deeply.
“Alright… you’re smart, sharp, with powerful thoughts and a heart of gold. You stand up for yourself, and I admire your strength, even when it annoys me.”
Kashish pouted playfully, but continued listening intently.
“You care deeply for the people in your life,” he continued, his voice softening as he stepped closer. “You’re strong, independent, and you admit your mistakes. And you’re… breathtakingly beautiful.”
He let his fingers trail softly along her face, making her shiver.
“But most of all, you make my heart race every time I even think about you. Whether you’re right here or miles away, you have a hold on every single piece of my heart.”
Her lips parted.
“Say that again,” she urged.
Rudra’s eyes darkened with desire as he leaned closer, his breath grazing her ear.
“I’m going to say it a thousand times tonight when I make love to you, baby. Over and over until it’s etched in your soul.”
Before she could respond, Rudra scooped her into his arms, his movements smooth and effortless as if she weighed nothing. Kashish let out a soft gasp, but it quickly turned into a smile, her heart swelling with love. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her back to their room, without breaking their eye lock. Kashish didn’t need to say anything—her heart spoke for her. She knew Rudra would keep his promise. He always did.
*******************
It was late evening when Shekhar and Anjali arrived to discuss the details of their wedding reception. After considering everyone’s input, they all agreed to host it over the coming weekend, allowing plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements.
“Daadi will have her own guest list, of course,” Shekhar noted. “Ever since you both left after taking her blessings this morning, she’s back to her usual self. When Anjali asked if she wanted to invite her friends for the reception, she didn’t refuse.”
Rudra felt a wave of relief hearing this. Kashish, meanwhile, touched the necklace she wore, the one Daadi had given her earlier. It still surprised her how Daadi had honored their family tradition despite her earlier resistance.
“So, what’s the plan after the reception? Are you whisking Kashish away for a honeymoon?” Shekhar asked with a grin, shifting the conversation.
Rudra glanced at his wife, catching the blush creeping over her face.
“I’m thinking about it,” he answered, holding her gaze.
“Where to?” Anjali chimed in excitedly. “Kashish, give him some suggestions. These Raheja men have no clue how to pick the perfect spot! Remember where Shekhar took me?”
Kashish giggled, recalling how Shekhar had taken Anjali to a rather spiritual destination instead of a romantic one for their first trip as a couple.
“I wanted to seek blessings for our new life,” Shekhar defended with a sheepish smile. “I thought it would make our first trip unique.”
Anjali playfully patted his arm. “You were just too shy to even say the word ‘honeymoon,’ Shekhar.”
Rudra smirked at the exchange, amused by his brother’s innocence.
“Alright, can we focus on the newlyweds now?” Shekhar said, trying to redirect the conversation. Anjali stifled her laughter and nodded in agreement.
“I’ll take her to Paris,” Rudra announced with certainty. “Unless she has another destination in mind?”
Kashish shook her head.
“Wherever you want to go, I’ll follow. It doesn’t matter if it’s just next door, Rudra. You are my world. Ever since you came into my life, I’ve had everything I need.”
The room fell silent. Shekhar, Anjali, and even Rudra were taken aback by her open confession. Kashish had never been one to express her feelings so boldly. Rudra’s eyes softened as he kissed her forehead, his heart full of affection.
“Paris, it is,” he murmured, and Kashish simply nodded, her heart swelling with joy.
Shekhar and Anjali exchanged a knowing glance, clearly moved by the moment.
“We should take some notes from them, Anju. What do you think?” Shekhar teased.
“Totally agree,” Anjali replied with a smile.
The couple rose to leave.
“Okay. We will see you both tomorrow again,” Anjali declared.
“Not in the morning, Anju.”
“Why?” Rudra asked, curious about what Kashish had planned.
“We have plans,” she said with a mischievous grin, leaving her husband clueless but intrigued.
********************
Next Morning
Rudra was locked in combat with his Krav Maga opponent, his muscles straining as he pushed the attacker’s arm away from his throat. With a surge of strength, he landed a punch square on the attacker’s nose, sending the man tumbling to the ground in defeat.
Kashish watched in awe from the sidelines. She had never seen him fight like this before. It had been her idea to enroll Rudra in Krav Maga again, a continuation of the lessons he had left unfinished in Paris when he had rushed back to her. She knew these self-defense sessions were crucial, not only for his physical strength but for rebuilding his confidence and helping him manage his fears.
“That’s enough!” the instructor called out, clapping his hands. “Well done, Rudra. You’ve clearly trained before. You’ll be back in top form in no time.”
Rudra wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel, nodding at the instructor.
“See you next week,” the man said, shaking Rudra’s hand before leaving. Kashish rushed over, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“You were amazing!” she beamed.
Rudra shot her a mock glare.
“This wasn’t what I expected when you told Shekhar and Anjali to see us in the evening, not the morning.”
Kashish giggled, her eyes twinkling. Of course, he hadn’t expected her to sign him up for Krav Maga, but it was necessary. She had seen the fear in his eyes the other night when she touched him unexpectedly. It was a fleeting moment, but the panic had been real. She needed him to work through that fear, and this was part of the solution.
“What did you have in mind for this morning then?” she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Rudra’s irritation melted away as he held her close.
“Making love,” he whispered, not caring about the others practicing nearby.
Kashish’s grin widened as she glanced at her watch.
“We still have four hours and twenty-five minutes before Shekhar and Anjali show up.”
“Then we better hurry,” he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her out, both of them laughing as they dashed home.
********************
Later That Week
The wedding reception went off without a hitch—simple, intimate, and attended by a select few. Kashish, standing beside Rudra, faced the cameras for the first time as his wife. To their relief, the reporters refrained from dredging up the past, focusing instead on the joyous occasion. Daadi introduced Kashish to her friends with genuine warmth, behaving as though she had always been on board with this marriage. The couple was even treated to a surprise performance by Shekhar and Anjali, who sang a special song for them, much to everyone’s delight.
Two days after the reception, Rudra woke Kashish early, asking her to get ready. She pressed him for details, but he remained secretive. After getting dressed, they climbed into the car with Mohan, who drove them to an unexpected destination—a temple.
“Why are we at a temple?” Kashish asked, bewildered.
Rudra smiled softly as he helped her out of the car.
“Every year, on this day, your father used to come here to offer prayers and food to the poor. Today is your mother’s death anniversary.”
Kashish’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t known. Having never met her mother, she had only ever mourned her father. Now, knowing this was the day her mother had passed, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
“How did you find out?” she asked.
“Your father’s old friend, Veeru Kaka, mentioned it to me during the reception,” Rudra explained.
Kashish nodded, remembering how Veeru Kaka had attended the reception with his wife. She was grateful Rudra had taken the time to uncover this part of her past, something she herself had never known.
“I’ve already arranged everything—food and clothing for the poor, just like your father used to do. Come,” Rudra said, guiding her to the temple’s courtyard.
Together, they prayed and then distributed food and clothes to those in need. The people blessed them before leaving, and when it was over, Kashish was overwhelmed. She rushed into Rudra’s arms, tears streaming down her face.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Rudra held her close.
“Did I thank you for all the ways you’ve helped me reclaim my life?” he asked softly.
Kashish looked up, meeting his gaze.
“We’re one, Kashish. Body and soul. And that’s how we’ll always be.”
She nodded, tears of gratitude filling her eyes. Rudra kissed her forehead tenderly before leading her back to the car. They had to start packing soon—Paris awaited them the next day.