Page 189 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘Oh, come on, you love me,’ Swayam said, his tone teasing.

‘I do,’ Kashvi said, and meant it with all her heart.

He slipped an arm around her shoulders. ‘Then how about I take you home?’

Siya nodded at once. ‘I think we should call Maithili over too. I don’t like how pale you look, so let’s get you checked.’

The last of Kashvi’s adrenaline bled away at the thought of being prodded and examined any further, leaving behind only bone-deep exhaustion. Her limbs felt heavy as she leaned into Swayam and rested her head against his chest.

Swayam held her close, his hand settling firmly at her waist. ‘Before you get any more brilliant ideas, let me make one thing clear. I’m taking Kash home, and you’re going back to yours.’

Siya stared at him. ‘What the hell? I get to make sure she’s okay. She’s my sister.’

‘And she’s my wife,’ he shot back. ‘She needs rest, Siya. The doctor can wait till tomorrow.’

‘Di, he’s right,’ Kashvi said gently. ‘It’s really late, and all I want to do is sleep. I’m fine.’

‘You’re lucky I like you,’ Siya muttered to Swayam before looking back to her sister. ‘But I’m coming over tomorrow. Don’t even think you can stop me.’

‘I’ll be there too,’ Dhruv announced in a tone that left no room for protest.

Swayam chuckled. ‘I’ll keep breakfast ready for both of you.’

Siya clasped Kashvi’s hand.

‘Kashu, do you remember Maa’s last words to you? She told you to hold on, and I think you should do that. Hold on to her love for us, and hold on to her memory with love.’

Kashvi missed her mother with the kind of ache time could not soften. But today, in this house that had once held her mother’s laughter, she felt closer to her than she had in years.

Holding onto that warmth blooming in her chest, she said, ‘I will, Di. I promise.’

‘Take care of yourself, okay? Remember, you’re our girl,’ Abhay said, pulling her into a quick hug.

‘You got it, Jiju.’

Swayam took her hand from Siya’s and flashed her a grin. ‘Shall we, baby?’

‘Hell, yeah.’ Kashvi gave him a faint, tired smile.

An hour later, by the time they reached their apartment, the night had fallen into a deep hush.

Kashvi kept her arm looped loosely around his neck, leaning into Swayam as they climbed the last flight of stairs. ‘I think weshould grab a few clothes and go to Di’s place. There’s no way we can stay here.’

‘Why not?’ he asked, his arm firm around her waist as he carried most of her weight with effortless ease.

She frowned. ‘Do you not remember what the house looked like? How exactly do you plan to sleep?’

‘With you in my arms.’

Heat curled low in her belly despite the fatigue as his dark gaze flickered briefly to her lips.

Swayam turned the key and pushed the door open. Kashvi steeled herself for the wreckage waiting in the living room, but the moment she stepped inside, she stopped short.

Every trace of Viraj’s destruction was gone.

The broken furniture had been cleared away. The scattered glass and shattered television no longer littered the floor. The room looked almost bare now, save for the lone sofa in the corner beside the bookshelves. A single lamp stood nearby, spilling warm golden light into the otherwise dark room.

Kashvi moved closer and realised the splintered sections in the bookcase had been replaced. There were still a few scratches in the wood, but it was still intact.