Page 103 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘You seem more concerned about his engagement than me,’ he noted sharply, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel.

Kashvi had no answer.

Swayam let out a tense chuckle. ‘Besides, I was there the first time he asked her out at school. I was there through their break-ups, and I stood by them when they told the family about the wedding. I think I can miss one thing.’

‘You also have that girl to meet tomorrow,’ Kashvi blurted.

A vein pulsed angrily in his forehead as he asked, ‘Do you actually think that’s a reason for me to go back?’

Her heart sank as she realised it was the wrong thing to say. She fidgeted with her seatbelt. ‘Why not? The way your maasi was talking about Aisha… she seems perfect for you.’

‘I still don’t hear an answer,’ Swayam said pointedly.

She held his gaze, the weight of it pressing down on her. ‘When it comes to finding a match for life, I do think it’s a good enough reason to go.’

A hint of bitterness edged his voice. ‘Everyone today seems to have an opinion about what I should do with my life. Well, sorry to disappoint, but I have better things to do than waste my time on irrelevant matters.’

‘Like what?’ Kashvi asked cautiously.

‘Like getting home as soon as possible so we can talk about us.’

She couldn’t be alone with Swayam in a room. If he turned that gaze on her, gathered her in his arms, and started asking questions, she wouldn’t be able to lie.

‘We can talk later. Nothing is so urgent that you have to skip family dinner.’

‘It’s urgent enough that I can’t wait,’ Swayam shot back as he drove into the familiar entrance of their society, the guard lifting the barrier with a brief nod.

He turned towards the parking lot, and the reminder that time was running out hit her hard. Her heart pounded as she searched for a way out. She couldn’t afford to fall apart in front of him.

‘Okay, if you really want to talk, we can do it here in the car,’ she said firmly.

The tyres scraped against the concrete, and her body lurched forward, her hand bracing against the dashboard as Swayam brought the car to an abrupt halt in the vacant slot. Then his burning gaze locked onto hers.

‘You want to talk here? Fine, let’s talk,’ he said in a low, gravelly voice, pinning her with a glare. ‘I understand that you weren’t ready to tell my family about us. But what I don’t get is why you thought it was necessary to promise them I’d show up tomorrow to meet someone else.’

‘What’s not to understand? You should go,’ Kashvi said, forcing her tone to stay even despite the turmoil inside her.

‘Oh? Is that why you demoted me to your driving instructor?’ he asked, pain threading through his voice.

If he was hurt, if he was angry enough, maybe he’d walk away for good.

She looked away. ‘I think you should focus on what you’ll wear tomorrow. First impressions matter.’

He stared at her, disbelief colouring his expression. ‘Are you serious right now?’

Kashvi lifted her chin. ‘Why wouldn’t I be? Your maasi clearly thinks she’s a good match for you. I doubt she would’ve chosen Aisha if she didn’t believe you’d be happy with her. She wants what’s best for you.’

‘I can see why Maasi might think that, but I don’t understand why you’re supporting it.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because we’re married. You’re my wife, Kashvi.’ He pressed his fingers against his temple, trying to steady himself.

My wife.

Kashvi clung to the words for dear life. Who knew how long she would have the right to them?

Guilt made it hard to breathe, because she knew she was the reason for the hurt and betrayal darkening his eyes. But Viraj’s shadow still loomed over them, so she whispered, ‘For now.’