Page 24 of Since You Stole My Heart

Kashvi winced, though the corner of her mouth lifted as she rubbed the spot. ‘Well, hello to you too.’

‘Stop that,’ Siya snapped, folding her arms. ‘I’m still really mad at you.’

‘What did I do?’ Kashvi asked, trying her best to look innocent.

‘Don’t you dare pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about,’ Siya warned, narrowing her eyes.

‘You’re just pissed off because you missed me. Usually you scold me first and hug me later,’ Kashvi teased, stalling.

‘Shut up. I hugged you to stop myself from strangling you!’

‘Whatever. You know I’m right,’ Kashvi laughed.

Siya pinned her with a glare. ‘I’m glad you think this is funny. Let’s see if you’re still laughing when I tell you there’s no birthday gift from me this year.’

Kashvi sobered immediately. ‘No. That is not a fair punishment.’

Siya pointed at her. ‘If you want your gift, you’ll tell me right now where you’ve been.’

‘I told you, I stayed over at Rhea’s place,’ Kashvi replied, keeping it simple.

She had to stick to her story, and she could trust Swayam to keep his word. He had only hesitated briefly before agreeing not to tell anyone, especially Siya. Only if she went back home with him afterwards.

But that was a problem for later.

Right now, Siya was watching her suspiciously. ‘Why were you avoiding my calls then?’

Kashvi cleared her throat. ‘I just lost track of time. You know how many projects I’m juggling. I forgot to check in, that’s all. I didn’t mean to worry you, Di.’

‘Well, you did,’ Siya argued, exhaling slowly. She tilted her head as she studied her more closely. ‘Have you been sleeping well?’

Kashvi hoped the concealer would hold because she’d applied it hurriedly in the car. ‘Work has been keeping me up, but it’s not too bad.’

‘Kashu… have the nightmares come back?’

There went all her effort. For a moment, she considered denying it, but the way Siya was looking at her made it pointless.

‘Just a few,’ Kashvi admitted in a whisper.

Siya went still. ‘How long?’

‘Just a few nights.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

Kashvi leaned back against the railing, crossing one ankle over the other, trying to appear relaxed. ‘Because I can handle it. I still sleep, just a few hours here and there. It’s not as bad as it looks.’

Siya didn’t look convinced. ‘Have you been journalling them? Maithili said tracking them helps identify triggers.’

‘I have.’

It still wasn’t enough for her. ‘Do you know what triggered them? Maybe I should talk to Maithili tomorrow—’

‘That won’t be necessary, Di,’ Kashvi cut in. ‘I’ve already seen her twice this week. It’s all good. I promise.’

‘Have the seizures come back too?’

Kashvi tightened her grip on the railing. She only shook her head.