Page 148 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just relieved he found you in time.’ Maithili checked her watch, then stood, slipping the strap of her bag over her shoulder. ‘I’ve got an appointment. Try not to strain your hand too much for the next few days. Keep it dry and take your medication. If the pain worsens, call me.’

‘Yes, doctor.’

‘I’m serious,’ Maithili said, narrowing her eyes.

‘I know.’

Maithili reached over and brushed a gentle hand through her hair. ‘I’m really glad you’re okay. I was worried too.’

‘Thank you,’ Kashvi whispered, fighting back tears.

Maithili gave a firm reminder. ‘This kind of incident can scar you. If anything triggers your seizures, you call me. I don’t care what time it is.’

‘I will.’

The reminder sent a cold unease through her. God, the last thing she needed was for her body to betray her. She had too much to handle now.

Maithili leaned forward and wrapped her arms gently around her. ‘Take care of yourself.’

Emotion clogged Kashvi’s throat, so she quietly returned the hug.

Maithili carefully picked her way through the wreckage scattered across the floor and headed towards the door.

Just before she opened it, Kashvi said quietly, ‘Will you please tell Swayam to come in?’

That made Maithili laugh. ‘I really don’t think anybody can stop that man from barging in here at this point.’

With a small goodbye wave, she slipped out of the room.

The sudden silence turned suffocating, and her nerves felt frayed at the thought of telling Swayam everything. Trying to distract herself, she looked around the room.

Immediately, she regretted it.

The full extent of the destruction hit differently now that the panic had faded enough for her to really see it. Every broken object, every ripped photograph carried the dark shadow of Viraj’s rage. Her room barely looked like hers anymore.

No matter how desperately she tried to outrun it, this threat had carved itself into her home, her memories, and her body. Tears sprang to her eyes because Maithili had been right again.

This would leave a scar.

Chapter 28

The bedroom door shut with a thud, and fear shot through Kashvi before she turned sharply towards it.

Swayam carefully walked towards the bed and said gently, ‘Hey, it’s just me.’

The tension drained out of her body so fast it almost made her dizzy. She nodded quickly, patting the empty spot next to her.

He took one look at the mess around the room, and rage and grief crossed his expression so openly that Kashvi felt them too.

His heavy silence scraped at her nerves.

‘I know some college kids who help out with cleaning and organising at the foundation for a stipend. I’ll ask them to come tomorrow. Don’t worry, we can put it back the way it was,’ Kashvi said carefully.

His gaze stayed fixed on the wreckage. ‘I don’t think anything can go back to the way it was after something like this,’ he said, lowering himself onto the edge of the bed.

Her exhausted mind immediately twisted his meaning, and her throat tightened painfully. She straightened despite thesharp ache in her stomach. ‘Swayam, I know I have a lot to explain, and I know I hurt you, but if you let me—’

‘Shh,’ he interrupted softly, gathering her hand between his. ‘Right now, all I want to know is how you’re feeling.’