Page 146 of Since You Stole My Heart

Kashvi reached for the hem of her camisole and pulled it up, revealing the dark bruise spreading across her abdomen.

Maithili’s eyes widened and shock flashed across her face. ‘Kashvi, that looks like a kick mark.’

She fought the memory of those horrifying seconds afterwards, when she couldn’t breathe, before it overwhelmed her.

Maithili continued, ‘Honestly, looking at that, I wouldn’t be surprised if your ribs are sore too. You also hit your head and lost consciousness, so even though I’ve checked you , there could still be a mild concussion. I’d honestly feel much better if you let me take you for an MRI.’

It made sense now why breathing felt like inhaling fire. Still, Kashvi shook her head. ‘I can’t.’

Maithili’s gaze moved over the trashed room before she pointed around her. ‘Do you know who attacked you? Is he the one who did all this?’

Kashvi wanted to answer, wanted to ask for guidance, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Viraj knew personal things about her, her life, and the people close to her. He had attacked her inside her own home. The violation of it still crawled beneath her skin.

She refused to drag danger to Maithili’s doorstep too.

Kashvi lowered her camisole. ‘I do, but I can’t tell you.’

Maithili held her gaze for a moment before asking carefully, ‘Is it Swayam? Did he do this?’

A laugh scraped its way out of her. ‘Oh God, no,’ Kashvi said.

‘Good. I’m sorry to ask that, but you’d be surprised how often I see cases like this, so I had to make sure,’ Maithili said, visibly relieved. ‘But am I right in assuming it’s someone you know closely?’

‘Swayam does,’ Kashvi said, hoping that would be enough.

Understanding flickered in Maithili’s eyes as she leaned back with a quiet sigh. ‘Is that why you refuse to go to the hospital?’

‘If I go to a hospital and it gets out that I was attacked, there’ll be an official investigation, and the media speculation would be endless. I just... need to deal with this by myself.’

Maithili fixed her with a hard stare. ‘That’s how you’ve handled things all these years, and I think it’s safe to say it hasn’t worked out well. I’ve always tried to meet you halfway, but I haveto put my foot down here. You’re badly hurt, you’re clearly in trouble, and you cannot deal with this alone.’

‘You don’t know, I can be thrifty.’ Kashvi pointed to the bloodied shard resting on the folded gauze inside the disposable kit, trying to distract Maithili. ‘I slashed my attacker’s cheek with that.’

Maithili refused to back down. ‘Good, but you also hurt yourself more in the process. That’s probably why the piece was lodged so deep.’

Viraj’s threat had been choking her like poison. It was the only damage she could return. ‘I had to do something.’

‘Kashvi, there’s no wrong move when you’re trying to save yourself from danger. Absolutely none,’ Maithili assured her firmly. ‘But what’s wrong is hiding from your family when you clearly need their help. I nearly called Siya twice myself.’

The ache in Kashvi’s chest deepened, and she went still. ‘Please don’t.’

‘You really think keeping this from her is a good idea?’ Maithili asked, tilting her head in disapproval.

‘You know how my sister is. Probably more than most people. I need to get everything in order before I tell her.’

‘I understand Siya will go on a mission to fix things, and you need time for that. But, I really insist that you talk to Swayam.’

Kashvi lowered her gaze. ‘Did he seem angry at me?’

Maithili frowned. ‘No. Why would you think that?’

‘Nothing.’

Maithili studied her closely. ‘Honestly, Kashvi, he seemed angry, protective, terrified, but all of it was for you. Not once did I get the impression he was upset with you.’

She swallowed against the guilt rising inside her. ‘I hope that’s true.’

‘But you seem convinced otherwise. Why?’ Maithili probed gently.