Twin Inferno

37.six months of hell or heaven?

Esha’s POV

The sound of my heels echoed in the hallway as I approached the courtroom, my heart racing in my chest. Today was supposed to be the end of this—my marriage, my nightmare with Rudra. I’d been waiting for this day for months. But as I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside, a sense of dread crept over me.

Rudra was already there, leaning casually against the table on his side of the room, looking as composed as ever. His sharp suit was perfectly tailored, his hair slicked back like he hadn’t lost a night of sleep over this. His eyes flickered over to me, and there it was—the familiar smirk that made my blood boil.

I hated him. Hated how calm he looked while my life was falling apart. But most of all, I hated that, even now, my heart stuttered at the sight of him. I shook off the feeling, holding my head high. This wasn’t the time for weakness. I was here to end this.

The judge entered, and the proceedings began. I barely listened as my lawyer laid out our case—irreconcilable differences, years of mistrust, and emotional distance. All I could think about was walking out of here with my freedom.

Then, the judge spoke.

"I'm afraid I cannot grant this divorce today."

My stomach dropped. What?

"You’ve both demonstrated unresolved issues that require further resolution before a divorce can be granted. As such, I am ordering a six-month reconciliation period where you two will live together to work on your differences."

I froze. *Live together?* My head spun. Six months? With *him*?

I glanced at Rudra, hoping for some sign of disbelief, but he just stood there, arms crossed, eyes gleaming with amusement. Of course. He was enjoying this.

“Your Honor,” I started, trying to control the tremor in my voice. “This is a mistake. We’re beyond reconciliation. Living together won’t change anything.”

The judge didn’t even blink. “You have six months. If, after that time, there is no improvement, I will grant the divorce.”

Six months. It felt like a death sentence.

Rudra’s voice cut through my panic, smooth and smug. “If that’s what the court orders, I’ll comply.”

Of course he would. He was loving this. I wanted to scream, but instead, I clenched my fists and forced myself to stay calm. The decision was made, and now I was trapped.

As soon as the judge dismissed the case, I stormed out of the courtroom, barely holding myself together. The moment I reached the hallway, I felt Rudra’s presence behind me.

“Esha,” he called out, his tone mocking. “Running away already? That’s not going to work anymore.”

I spun around, fury bubbling inside me. “You planned this, didn’t you? You knew the judge would order this. You *wanted* this.”

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just want what’s fair.”

“What’s fair?” I snapped. “There’s nothing fair about this. We’ve been done for years, Rudra.”

His expression hardened for a second, but then the smirk returned. “Seems like the court disagrees. Maybe they think there’s something left to fix.”

“Fix?” I scoffed. “There’s nothing to fix. And now, thanks to you, I’m stuck in this mess for another six months.”

Rudra took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “I’m stuck too, sweetheart. Don’t think I’m thrilled about sharing space with someone who makes life hell.”

“Oh, please,” I shot back. “You’ve been making *my* life hell since the day we met.”

His smirk faltered, just for a moment, and I felt a small sense of victory. But it was short-lived.

“Look,” he said, voice colder now. “We both hate this. But we’ve got no choice. So either we make this bearable or spend the next six months trying to kill each other.”

“Bearable?” I laughed bitterly. “The only thing that’ll be bearable is when this is over.”

He sighed dramatically. “Well, if we’re going to live together, we might as well set some ground rules.”

I crossed my arms. “Rule number one: stay out of my way.”

“Rule number two,” he replied with a smirk, “try not to throw things when you’re angry. Last time, I nearly lost an eye.”

“Rule number three,” I said, narrowing my eyes, “don’t talk to me unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

He gave me a mock salute. “Fine by me. But let’s be honest, you’ll be the one breaking that rule first.”

I glared at him. “You wish.”

“Trust me,” he said, smirk deepening, “the last thing I want is to spend any more time with you than I have to.”

“Good,” I spat. “Stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours.”

We stood there in silence, glaring at each other like two enemies about to go to war. And that’s exactly what this was—a war. Six months of living under the same roof, fighting for every inch of space, every moment of peace.

I walked away, but not before hearing Rudra’s final taunt. “This is going to be fun.”

there was a part of me who loved him and it liked it bt I hate that part of me.