Page 25 of Since You Stole My Heart

Siya gave a sceptical hum. ‘What if they do? Maybe I should stay with you, or you could live here for a couple of weeks.’

Panic shot through Kashvi. She needed to shut this down, fast. ‘Di, I skipped our group dinner last night because I went shopping and clubbing with my friends. Do you really think I’d do that if I was worried about having a seizure?’

‘I don’t know… would you?’ Siya asked, doubt ringing in her voice.

Kashvi reached out, rubbing her arm gently. ‘Trust me. I’ve got things under control.’

Siya studied her intently, and Kashvi knew she was facing the lawyer in her sister now, the one who could spot lies like a neon sign. ‘You’re sure?’

Kashvi held her gaze. ‘Yes.’

Silence lingered between them for a moment before Siya sighed, ‘Still, I don’t understand what’s going on with you. I feel like you’re hiding something from me, and it’s driving me nuts.’

‘You worry too much over little things. Maybe you should pick up another project, or maybe a hobby…’ Kashvi murmured, pretending to think.

Siya took a slow breath. ‘You know, I try very hard to remember that I’m your sister, not your mother. But moments like these make me wish you were my kid so I could properly scold you.’

Guilt twisted sharply through Kashvi’s chest. She knew how complicated that word had become for Siya.

The horde of bitter memories rose with brutal clarity. The merciless fire, the violent crash of the car, the harsh glare of hospital lights afterwards.

They had survived, but the cost had been far too high.

Kashvi cleared her throat, dragging herself back to the present. ‘Well, when that day comes, I promise I’ll fulfil my sacred duty as the aunt and help your kid escape your lectures.’

‘You make me sound terrifying.’

‘You are terrifying, which is why I’ll have to save them.’

‘You sound very confident. That’s good, because that time might come pretty soon,’ Siya said, her eyes glinting. ‘Abhay and I have been talking about it.’

Kashvi turned fully towards her. ‘Wait, you mean you guys might finally…?’

‘Uh-huh,’ Siya said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ‘We might adopt a baby soon.’

Kashvi clapped her hands before engulfing her sister in a hug. ‘Oh Di, that’s awesome!’ she exclaimed with joy that made her chest feel full.

‘Abhay made some very convincing arguments,’ Siya said with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

‘Which is why he’s perfect for you,’ Kashvi teased.

‘I let him win,’ Siya replied, patting her back. ‘Don’t get your hopes up just yet. It’ll still take time to finalise things.’

‘That doesn’t matter. The fact that you’re even considering it is huge. You’re going to be an incredible mother,’ Kashvi said, squeezing her hands tightly.

Siya hesitated. ‘You think so?’

‘I know so.’

‘Nothing is official yet. We’re still talking to Vihaan.’

Kashvi’s brows shot up. ‘Vihaan? Dhruv’s friend?’

‘Yes. We’re thinking that adopting from Lenora Home here in the city might make the transition easier for the child. Dhruv set it up.’

Kashvi scoffed. ‘Of course he felt the need to involve himself.’

‘He was just trying to be supportive.’