Page 100 of Since You Stole My Heart

Swayam went still beside her, his lips set in a firm line.

Dhanush went on, ‘See? I can’t even remember. It’s some new generation thing, but I doubt it pays much. I don’t understand why Rishi has such high hopes for the boy. Not everyone can be like our Viru.’

The old man was getting on Kashvi’s nerves, just like Viraj, who was trying to smother a smile.

Malini jumped in. ‘Oh please, Swayam is well settled in life. Besides, men always take a little time to stand on their own feet.’

Dhanush shook his head. ‘Just because he earns money doesn’t mean he will manage to find a good wife. You just take pity on the boy because he’s a stray.’

Malini clasped her hands together in delight. ‘No, but he will! That’s exactly why I’m so excited for tomorrow. I have a good feeling about Aisha, Swayam. I think you two might get along well.’

Kashvi looked away, clearing her throat as tears sprang to her eyes.

Swayam furrowed his brows. ‘Maasi, what are you talking about?’

‘Oh, I can just imagine it,’ Malini went on, turning back to Dhanush. ‘Both of my boys getting married and settling down in life is my dream.’

The image formed too vividly in Kashvi’s mind: Swayam standing beside another woman, moving into a life that did not include her. It lodged there, clawing at her, making it harder to breathe. She should have told Swayam to introduce her as his wife when she had the chance. Now it was too late.

‘Maasi, listen to me. What are you talking about? What’s happening tomorrow?’ Swayam asked firmly.

Malini laughed, reaching out to pat his arm. ‘You badly need a woman in your life because you always forget important things. We’ve arranged for you to meet Aisha Sinha tomorrow, and if you agree to the match, we’ll get you engaged right away along with these two,’ she said, gesturing at Lavanya and Viraj.

Kashvi kept her expression neutral, but inside, something cracked. Tomorrow, if he agreed, this fragile thread between them would be ripped apart.

Swayam was already shaking his head before she finished. Before he could deny it, Kashvi said, ‘Oh, he’s been talking about it non-stop all week. I don’t think we had a single lesson where he didn’t bring it up.’

He instantly turned to her. ‘Kash, what are you saying?’

Kashvi shrugged, forcing the words out. ‘What? There’s no point in hiding that you’re excited to meet her. He just doesn’t want to seem eager.’

Malini’s face lit up with relief as she glanced at Dhanush. ‘See? I told you, he just needs a little push.’

Swayam turned to her, his eyes searching her face, trying to piece it together. Kashvi kept her gaze fixed ahead, hiding behind the wall of lies she was building between them.

Dhanush pointed a finger at Swayam. ‘Make sure you wear something appropriate if you want to be a groom. Don’t forget that how you show up reflects on the men of this family.’

‘In that case, maybe I shouldn’t come at all,’ Swayam said through gritted teeth.

Dhanush’s gaze hardened. ‘Don’t you get clever with me. Aatish Sinha is a highly respected businessman in our community. You have to look worthy of being his son-in-law if you want to be one.’

‘Maybe I don’t want to be his son-in-law,’ Swayam shot back.

Dhanush took a step forward, but Malini placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘Arey, leave all that. Fufa ji may speak harshly, but Aisha is a wonderful girl. She’s well educated and cultured. You won’t find someone like her easily.’

Kashvi hated how this girl was starting to look like the better choice compared to someone who came with complications and shadows from her past.

Though Lavanya looked shocked, she tried to ease the tension. ‘I know this was all a bit last minute. We don’t have toget you guys engaged tomorrow if you need time to sort things out. I’d prefer not to share my limelight too.’

Dhanush glared at her, making her drop her gaze to the floor. ‘This is not a matter for jokes. Swayam will show up tomorrow, and they will get hitched. Just go and get yourself a nice kurta in the morning.’

‘He’s already planned for it.’ Kashvi jumped in. ‘Luv will pick him up in the morning.’

She felt Swayam’s gaze on her, insistent, and had to swallow the apologies threatening to spill out.

Dhanush snapped his fingers at her. ‘I cannot rely on him or some friend of his to make the right choice. I’d send Lavanya, but she will be busy, so you will go with him. Make sure he gets something that makes him look decent.’

‘I… I can’t,’ Kashvi stammered.