Page 195 of Since You Stole My Heart

Kashvi gave a faint smile, unsure of how to respond. ‘Hi, I’m Kashvi.’

Vedika quickly waved the introduction away and gestured towards the café. ‘Oh, I know. Welcome to my family bookstore.I’m organising the event today, so please make yourselves comfortable.’

Unable to hold herself back any longer, Kashvi asked eagerly, ‘When is Ira getting here?’

Vedika chuckled. ‘She’s already here.’

Just then, the door to the staff room opened, and a woman stepped out.

‘Ira, they’re here!’ Vedika called out.

Ira glanced at them, then crossed the room with an easy, assured stride.

She wore a fitted crimson knit long sweater paired with jeans that hugged her long, slender legs. Rich burgundy strands of her hair were twisted into a neat, effortless bun, while a few loose wisps softened the delicate oval of her face. Kashvi couldn’t decide what was more striking, her kohl-darkened grey eyes or the soft dimple in her cheek.

Kashvi’s anticipation instantly turned into confusion when Ira pulled her into a friendly hug. ‘Kashvi, thank you for coming.’

‘You know my name?’ Kashvi asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

‘I know a lot about you, and I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you,’ Ira teased.

‘What...? How?’

‘Oh, come on. I’m not going to ruin the fun now. You’ll find out soon enough,’ Ira said, a soft smile playing on her rosy lips.

‘Okay, I’m scared now,’ Kashvi blurted out, her thoughts scrambling to catch up. ‘But let me tell you first that I’m a huge fan. I’ve read all your books, and I still can’t believe I’m finally standing in front of Ira Advay.’

Ira’s gaze softened immediately. ‘The honour is all mine. I’ve only met a handful of my readers in person.’

Something warm unfurled in Kashvi’s chest. ‘That makes me feel really special.’

‘If you really want to feel special, you should know I only write under Advay. My actual last name is Kulvardhan.’

Swayam shot Ira an unimpressed look. ‘It took you four years to trust me with that tidbit.’

Vedika nudged him in the arm. ‘Kashvi is a reader, so she’s one of us.’

Swayam rolled his eyes. ‘And what am I? A troll?’

The bell above the front door chimed softly as it opened, and Ira’s smile faltered. ‘What the hell is he doing here?’

A man entered the bookshop with a cocky, arrogant stride, as if he owned the place. He looked older than Ira, maybe in his early thirties. Recognition struck Kashvi at once because she had just seen his photo in the article she read on the way over.

Danish Sinha, the controversial story spinner.

Draped in an expensive long coat, his gaze locked onto Ira as he approached them. ‘Surprised to see me?’

Ira crossed her arms. ‘Of course. I didn’t think you’d take time out of your busy schedule of stealing other people’s work.’

Danish clicked his tongue. ‘The judge said it was inspired, not plagiarised. Don’t throw accusations around, or this time I’ll sue you.’

Vedika’s glare was sharp enough to cut glass. ‘You’re not welcome here, Danish.’

Danish scoffed. ‘I only wandered in because I heard the great Ira Advay is holding her first ever preview. But did you have to do it in a lowly joint like this?’

Vedika lifted her chin. ‘Unlike you, she’s not vain. And you’re also stupid if you think I’ll let you insult my bookshop.’

‘What else should I call it? There are barely six people here.’