Page 199 of Since You Stole My Heart

Kashvi caught the strain in his voice and that he had only answered one of her questions. The anguish in his eyes and his rigid posture were so far removed from the easygoing Luv she knew.

With growing dread, she asked, ‘What happened between the two of you?’

Before Luv could respond, Vedika’s voice rang out through the mic. ‘Hey, everyone. We’ll be starting in a minute, so please take your seats.’

Everyone turned back towards Luv, but he lifted a hand to stop them. ‘Listen, I know you all have questions, but not now.’

‘Fuck that. I’m your twin. How do you not tell me something like that? I want answers right now,’ Kusha snapped.

‘Kush, not now,’ Luv repeated, his lips pressed in a tight line. ‘We’ll talk later.’

‘Fine. But as soon as your so-called wife is done on the stage, we’re talking,’ Kusha fired back before marching out of the bookshop.

Luv exhaled harshly and strode towards the far wall. He crossed his arms and leaned against it, his gaze locked onto Ira on the stage.

‘Do you have any idea what the hell just happened?’ Kashvi asked Swayam.

He watched his friend with concern. ‘No. But I’ve never seen him like this before.’

Just then, Ira greeted everyone, and Swayam whispered in her ear, ‘I hope you’re ready, baby.’

He tugged Kashvi by the hand as they took their seats in the last row. Everyone else settled into the front few seats. Ira smoothed down her sweater as she took her seat on the chair.

‘Thank you all for being here today. Welcome to the preview of my upcoming novel,Where The Stars Remember Us.’

Applause rippled through the cosy space, and Kashvi felt anticipation curl in her chest.

Ira continued, ‘Today, I’ll be reading the first five chapters of the novel, and I really hope you don’t mind that I’m slightly nervous.’

Kashvi flashed her a quick thumbs up, and Ira’s grey eyes softened.

‘My readers often ask me how to tell if someone is truly in love with you, and I never had a simple answer. But from now on, I’ll tell them to read the dedication of this book. My editor, Akshar, wrote this poem for the woman he loves, and if someone sees you this way, that’s love.’

Ira opened the book on her lap and flipped through the first few pages. ‘The other thing they ask me is the real identity of Akshar. I wish I could tell you, but as my readers know, our magic lies in mystery, so he’ll remain unnamed. But I will say this… his Kash is a very lucky girl.’

Ira looked directly at Kashvi as she said it, making her gasp.

Kashvi immediately turned to Swayam, searching his face, and he only blew her a playful kiss in response.

With a soft smile, Ira began to read the dedication.

I worshipped words,

My devotion lay in ink,

My life ruled by language,

Until I met her.

Now I worship her honeyed gaze,

Hear scripture in her laughter,

Lose myself in the melody of her voice,

And find salvation when she whispers my name.

Like a foolish man, I hoped to live forever.