Page 176 of Since You Stole My Heart

Kashvi nodded. ‘I guess he did that at a lot of parties. He’s been threatening and stalking me for a while now.’

‘But I don’t understand. Why did you go? Why didn’t you tell me anything after?’ Siya’s voice rose as her patience snapped.

Kashvi spoke in a low voice, her breathing turning ragged. ‘I just... wanted to have some fun with my friends, so I snuck out. After the party, I was scared and ashamed to tell you about the camera and for lying to you. I’m sorry, Di. Whatever punishment you decide for me, I’ll accept it.’

The idea seemed to devastate Siya even more. ‘I don’t want to punish you. God, Kashu, I just wish none of this had ever happened to you. I wish Maa was still here with us.’

A sob clawed up Kashvi’s throat because there was nothing in the world she wanted more. ‘I wish that too, every damned day of my life,’ she admitted shakily.

Siya stood and wiped angrily at her cheeks. ‘The only thing that matters now is putting this asshole behind bars and bringing Maa justice.’

‘I’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.’

Siya studied her closely before glancing at Abhay. He gave her a small nod, prompting her to continue. ‘Then you’ll do exactly as I say,’ she instructed.

Kashvi nodded instantly.

Abhay handed his phone to Siya, and she immediately started typing.

‘What does that mean? What are you doing?’ Swayam asked carefully.

‘Texting Dad that we’ll be at the Kashyap townhouse in an hour.’

Kashvi frowned. ‘He’s not going to agree to that.’

A ping rang out, and Siya lifted the phone. ‘He already did, because I told him you’re ready to hand over the money, but only in cash.’

Kashvi stared at her in shock. ‘What? Di, no.’

‘Just follow my lead,’ Siya said, her eyes still on the screen.

‘Di, this is dangerous,’ Kashvi urged. ‘I don’t have that kind of money. And Viraj attacked me to get my phone so I can be blamed for leaking my own pictures. Nothing will happen to them, especially Dad, because all those rich people he has dirt on will come running to save him.’

‘And we’re one of those rich people,’ Abhay interjected without a trace of vanity. ‘Believe me, no one’s going to want to cross us.’

A flicker of fury crossed Siya’s face at the reminder. ‘We’ll deal with mini Karthik too. I told Dad to bring Viraj there as well.’

Swayam’s gaze sharpened as he straightened. ‘You’re sure he’ll actually show up?’

Siya scoffed. ‘His reply says they’ll be waiting. Trust me, he’ll be there.’

Swayam rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck and. ‘Good. I’ve got a few things to settle with my dear old cousin as well,’ he said flatly.

Siya considered it. ‘If you’re planning to hit him, make sure he swings first. Then I can get you a lawyer for self-defence if he sues. But remember, I can’t do much if you throw the first punch like an idiot.’

‘You got it.’ Swayam nodded.

Dhruv rubbed a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh. ‘Wish I knew that yesterday.’ He lifted his chin towards Swayam. ‘You need help?’

‘No. You had your shot. Now it’s my turn,’ Swayam vowed, curling his fingers into fists.

‘Di, listen to me,’ Kashvi said, gripping Siya by the shoulders. ‘The best way, the only way, to end this is to put Dad behind bars. Once and for all.’

Siya shared a heavy look with Abhay before saying, ‘And he will be. Because I’ll call the police once we’re there.’

Swayam stepped in, his jaw clenched. ‘What the hell, Siya? She was a child!’

Dhruv immediately backed him up. ‘Siya, I understand you’re hurt. And honestly, you have every right to be furious. But Kashvi was six. She didn’t know what she was doing.’