Page 126 of Since You Stole My Heart

A violent wave of self-loathing crashed through him, and he drove his fist straight into the wall. The impact burst through bone and muscle, pain blooming outward in hot, jagged spikes. Skin split across his knuckles under the force, cutting through the helpless fog building inside him.

‘Shit,’ he muttered, staring at the blood dripping down the side of his hand.

The switch flipped on, light flooding the dim space.

Vihaan stood at the doorway, his expression tight with concern. Prateek hovered behind him with sharp, assessing eyes.

Dhruv swallowed before forcing out the words. ‘That bastard is threatening Kashvi.’

Vihaan nodded, his voice gravelly. ‘We figured something was wrong. We stayed outside in case you needed help.’

Dhruv cursed under his breath. ‘He’s been stalking her for weeks, and he also had the fucking audacity to hurt her. There’s a bruise on her elbow.’

‘Who is he?’ Vihaan asked, frustration coiling through his low voice.

‘Swayam’s cousin. He’s messing with their heads and their lives. It’s some kind of sick game.’ A bitter taste settled at the back of Dhruv’s tongue as he said resolutely, ‘He needs to be stopped.’

Vihaan didn’t hesitate. ‘Then we stop him. Tell me what you need. I’m in.’

She had come to him once. She had reached for him, and he had done nothing.

Not this time.

Dhruv wasn’t going to waste this chance.

Vihaan stepped into the room and shut the door after Prateek entered. ‘Where do we find him?’

‘Obsidian Plaza. That’s where he’s getting engaged tonight,’ Dhruv said.

Prateek’s head snapped up. ‘The one I work at?’

He nodded.

Prateek stepped forward. ‘What do you need?’

Dhruv hesitated. ‘I don’t want to drag you into this. If this blows back on you—’

‘Relax. All he has to do is get us his room number. We’ll handle the rest,’ Vihaan cut in.

Prateek didn’t wait for more discussion, already pulling out his phone from his pocket.

Dhruv turned to Vihaan, studying him. ‘Are you sure about coming along?’

‘Are you sure about doing this? Kashvi might not be okay with it when she wakes up,’ Vihaan asked instead.

Dhruv sighed. ‘Maybe this will make her hate me more for butting into her life, but I can’t sit around doing nothing. Otherwise, I won’t be able to live with myself.’

Vihaan’s gaze drifted towards where Kashvi slept. ‘Then why would I want to miss out on teaching this asshole a lesson?’

The loud ping of an incoming message cut through the room, pulling their attention towards Prateek.

He glanced down at the screen. ‘Room 907.’

Dhruv looked at Vihaan. ‘Ready?’

‘I was ready five minutes ago. Not sure you’re going to do much damage with that, though,’ Vihaan said, pointing to the blood smeared across the back of his hand.

‘Yeah,’ Dhruv muttered, trying to flex his fingers. The movement sent a sharp pulse of agony up his arm.