Page 18 of Since You Stole My Heart

Sorry I broke my promise to you about not disappearing again?

Sorry for letting you believe I wouldn’t worry you like this again?

Swayam brushed his fingers over her knuckles in a soft, grounding touch. It cut through the spiral of anxious thoughts, and her shoulders relaxed a little.

Kashvi found him watching her as he said softly, ‘Breathe. You’re thinking too much.’

‘You have no idea.’

A soft chime echoed through the elevator, and the doors slid open. Kashvi spotted the man leaning casually against the wall outside and let out a breath of relief.

‘There she is. Welcome home,’ Abhay said warmly.

Kashvi stepped forward into his open arms, giving him a quick hug. ‘Hi, Jiju.’

‘Ah,’ he hummed, patting her back. ‘That reaction tells me you’re very happy to see me instead of your sister.’

Kashvi pressed her lips together, feigning innocence. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Enjoy this peace while you can. Your torture begins the moment Siya gets back from her board meeting.’

‘I’m not afraid of her,’ she declared, but Swayam snorted behind her, ruining the effect.

‘Relax,’ Abhay said, gesturing towards the living room. ‘You’ve got time to come up with a good story.’

Kashvi groaned softly. ‘I plan to avoid that conversation for as long as possible.’

Swayam shut the door and followed them inside. ‘Bold strategy.’

Abhay shot him an amused glance over his shoulder as he walked ahead.

Kashvi slowed after only a few steps, her attention caught by a large portrait hanging on the wall.

The photo had been taken on Abhay and Siya’s wedding day, when he’d fastened the anklets around her feet. Smaller frames surrounded it, capturing moments of celebration and joy from the same day.

‘When did these come in?’ she asked.

‘Earlier this week. Siya spent an entire evening deciding where each frame should go,’ Abhay said with a hint of fondness.

‘That sounds like her,’ Kashvi replied.

She understood why it mattered so much to her sister. Growing up, their father had never allowed photographs, trophies, or anything that marked milestones in their lives to be displayed. Only his pictures and his achievements adorned the walls of their family townhouse.

The first thing they had done after moving into their new apartment was cover an entire wall with their favourite framed memories. Seeing Siya’s new home filled with milestones and happy memories felt like a quiet victory.

‘Come on,’ Swayam said, noticing she had fallen behind.

Kashvi nodded and followed him into the living room. Warm yellow light pooled across the plush rug. The large grey sectional sofa was already occupied, suit jackets tossed carelessly over the backrest.

Luv lounged in one corner, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up to his forearms, popping pistachios into his mouth. Raghav sat beside him, one ankle crossed over his knee, scrolling through his phone.

They both looked up when she walked in, and Luv’s brows shot up.

‘Well, well,’ he said with a wide grin. ‘Look who finally decided to return to civilisation. I was starting to forget what you look like.’

Kashvi narrowed her eyes. The idiot had dropped her home barely a few hours ago. Clearly, he needed a reminder.

‘Oh?’ she hummed with a smile. ‘In that case, let me refresh your memory.’