Page 28 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘Why are you not keeping any of it?’ Siya asked.

Because it’s blood money.

Kashvi said, ‘I don’t need it. I earn enough to get by.’

Siya simply hummed in response.

Kashvi flipped through the pages quickly and handed the file back without another word. Unable to look at it any longer, she turned towards the city, watching the thin stream of headlights along the distant highway like drifting fireflies.

After a heavy pause, Siya asked, ‘Kashu, tell me honestly… are you really okay?’

Kashvi closed her eyes and tightened her grip on the railing. She knew the answer she should give, but she couldn’t force the words out.

There are only so many lies I can bear to tell her.

‘I’m trying my best to be okay. That’s the most honest answer I can give you right now, Di.’

Siya slipped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her closer. ‘I have a right to know if something’s bothering you. You’ve always been my first priority.’

Until her baby comes.

Kashvi pictured her sister months from now, holding a child, her world revolving around feeding schedules and bedtime routines. Her priorities would change, like it should.

And she would never demand space in that world.

‘I mean it when I say I’ll handle things. Just trust me, Di.’

The balcony door slid open, and Abhay leaned through the gap. ‘Hey, we’ve warmed the dinner.’

‘We’ll be out in a minute,’ Siya replied.

He blew her a kiss before sliding the door shut again.

She turned back to Kashvi, smoothing her hair the way she used to when they were younger. ‘I’m taking your word for it. But you can talk to me about anything, anytime. Remember, you’re my kiddo, so take better care of yourself. Got it?’

Kashvi nodded, blinking rapidly to hold back her tears. ‘I promise.’

Guilt sparked deep inside her soul, because she already knew it might become another promise she would break.

Chapter 6

By the time Swayam drove back towards their apartment, the city had fallen quiet and the roads were nearly empty. Kashvi sat curled in the passenger seat, her head resting against the window as she watched the streetlights blur past.

Dinner had been lively, and the board games had kept them entertained late into the night, but Siya’s words still echoed in her mind.

Swayam adjusted his grip on the wheel and glanced at Kashvi again. She looked close to drifting off. Reaching forward, he lowered the volume of the radio until the music faded into nothing.

The sudden silence stirred her. She blinked and straightened a little in her seat. ‘How much longer?’

He glanced at the navigation. ‘Five minutes. Less if the lights stay green.’

Kashvi groaned, rubbing her eyes. ‘I need coffee.’

‘Now? Why?’

‘Too sleepy. I need to wake up.’

Swayam quickly checked the rearview mirror before suddenly hitting the brakes.