Page 10 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘I must say, I find your sister’s friend group quite fascinating. I look forward to hearing their stories,’ Maithili said.

‘They’ve come to be like family to me too. It amazes me sometimes how at ease I feel around them. Swayam and Meera, especially. Luv too.’

Maithili suggested gently. ‘Maybe you should hang out with them more often then.’

Kashvi caught sight of her reflection in the mirror on the wall behind Maithili, and she nearly gasped.

The sleepless night showed in the shadows beneath her deep brown eyes and the puffiness around her cheekbones. Her long dark hair fell over her shoulders in an unruly, tangled mess, and her slender frame only made her look more fragile than she wanted. Even the bright yellow dress she wore could not hide the dullness in her skin.

‘Yeah, maybe,’ Kashvi murmured. ‘Meet me for coffee someday. I’ll tell you their top ten stories.’

‘Can’t wait,’ Maithili laughed. She handed her the printed prescription and said, ‘Make sure to keep the tablet with you at all times. If you need to talk, call me. It doesn’t have to wait until the next session.’

‘I will,’ Kashvi said sincerely.

‘Take care of yourself.’

Kashvi inclined her head. ‘I’ll see you next week.’

She picked up her purse and walked to the door. Just as she twisted the handle, Maithili called out her name.

Kashvi turned around to see the unwavering belief in her eyes. ‘You don’t have to do this alone. Isolating yourself won’t heal your old wounds, so don’t do that. You deserve a far better life than this.’

Maybe in my next life.

‘I got it,’ she said instead.

With a nod, Kashvi closed the door behind her, but she still couldn’t stop the words from following after her.

Chapter 2

Kashvi stepped out of the air-conditioned high-rise into the thick afternoon heat and winced.

The harsh sunlight made her vision go dark for a moment, and she rubbed slow circles against her temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain. She spotted Luv’s SUV at the far end of the row and, with a sigh, began to walk towards it.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she cupped her palm over the screen to read the message.

I spent last night wishing you were in my bed with me. When do I finally get to see you, babygirl?

Even in the sweltering, afternoon heat, a chill ran down her spine when she saw the message had come from a new private number. She immediately hit the block option and shoved the phone into her purse as she reached the car.

Luv rested one arm against the wheel, typing something on his phone. He looked up as she approached, quickly pocketed it, and unlocked the door from inside before she could reach for it.

Despite her best efforts, Kashvi couldn’t match the warmth of his smile as she got in.

‘Hey,’ Luv greeted, easing the SUV into drive. ‘You want to stop somewhere for coffee or snacks?’

‘Just home,’ she replied.

‘Home as in where you live with Swayam or…?’

Kashvi rolled her eyes, but a sharp ache unfurled beneath her ribs because she couldn’t go back. Not yet.

‘No, just drop me where you picked me up this morning.’

She wasn’t ready to face Swayam. The idea of seeing his smile and hearing his voice both comforted and terrified her.

‘You alright? You’re quieter than usual.’