Page 26 of Since You Stole My Heart

Kashvi exhaled sharply, her gaze fixed on the city below. ‘I don’t see why he needs to be involved at all.’

‘He’s friendly with the kids there. Having someone they know might help them settle in. And because Dhruv is… he’s our brother.’

‘Stepbrother!’ Kashvi snapped.

Siya gently rubbed her back. ‘I know things are still complicated between you.’

‘I wouldn’t say that,’ Kashvi said quickly.

‘Then what would you call it?’

Kashvi clasped her hands behind her back to hide their trembling. ‘I would call it having a very good memory of the past.’

Siya sighed, looking up at the sky. ‘I think he’s trying to make up for those bad memories.’

‘And what does he want in return, a parade?’

‘Kashu.’

‘You want me to pretend everything is fine? It’s too late for that.’ Kashvi counted to ten in her mind to steady herself. ‘Just forget about Dhruv for now, okay? You and Jiju are doing something wonderful. That’s all that matters.’

‘Adoption isn’t easy. I just hope it all works out,’ Siya admitted, fidgeting with her sapphire ring.

‘If anyone deserves to be parents, it’s the two of you,’ Kashvi said, her sincerity clear.

Siya turned to her hesitantly. ‘I want the same for you too.’

Kashvi bit the inside of her cheek. ‘You know how I feel about that, Di.’

‘Yes. You’ve told me many times that you don’t wish to get married. But every year, I keep hoping you’ll tell me why.’

‘There’s nothing to talk about.’

Siya didn’t let it go. ‘I’m not saying it has to happen tomorrow or even next year. But someday… I want to see you with someone who loves you the way you deserve to be loved.’

Do I?

Kashvi shook the thought away. ‘I know you see a different future for me, but this is what I want. It’s simple. I don’t want to get married. Ever.’

‘You’ve been saying that since you were a teenager. I’m starting to think you might actually mean it.’

Kashvi met her gaze steadily. ‘Welcome to the party.’

Clearly unsettled, Siya went on, ‘You’re still young. People change their minds.’

Kashvi stood firmly by the decision her younger self had made. ‘Not about things like this. I’m sure about this choice.’

Siya rubbed her temple. ‘I don’t want you to spend your life alone.’

Kashvi gestured towards the men laughing in the living room. ‘I won’t be alone. I’ll have you, Jiju, and those cartoons out there to keep me company.’

‘That’s not the same thing as having a partner in life.’

Kashvi had spent years coming to terms with that truth. ‘It’s enough for me.’

‘But why?’

Kashvi thought for a moment, weighing how much to say. ‘Just because you and Mihu found two exceptional men doesn’t mean I will.’