Page 73 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘Well, that works in my favour, because I’ve got you right where I want you,’ he said, nuzzling into the crook of her neck. His arm tightened securely around her as he pulled her closer.

Swayam pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. ‘Good morning, my birthday girl.’

Her heart stuttered.

‘So, what would you like this year?’ he asked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

‘You’re asking me that on my birthday?’ Kashvi scoffed. ‘It’s a bit late to be looking for presents, don’t you think?’

Swayam gave her a cocky smile. ‘I already got your present, and I know you’re going to love it. I just wanted to know if there’s something else I could get you.’

She narrowed her eyes at him, curiosity mingling with suspicion. ‘You sound very sure of yourself.’

Swayam shrugged. ‘I know you well. So yes, I am.’

‘What if I don’t like it?’

‘Then I’ll get you something you do like,’ he said simply. ‘But I don’t think I’ll have to.’

Kashvi waved a hand, unimpressed by his confidence. ‘Of course you’d say that. You’ve been there for the last five years of my birthdays. This isn’t new territory for you. I’ve trained you well.’

‘That you did, but this isn’t like before. This is the first time I get to call the birthday girl my wife.’

Kashvi hid her face against his chest. ‘You’re dangerous,’ she whispered.

‘Look who’s talking,’ he chuckled, holding her close to his heart. ‘I know you’re particular about your birthday, so tell me something you’d actually like.’

Could I ask him for a kiss?

The thought hit her with such ferocious need that it knocked the breath out of her. It only grew worse when he traced a finger from her cheek down to her collarbone.

Swayam shifted closer, and she instinctively leaned into his touch. Her gaze flickered to his lips before forcing itself back to his eyes. Her heart was beating too fast, and her thoughts felt too slow.

The plea hovered at the edge of her lips. All she had to do was say it.

The sharp ringtone of his phone cut through the moment.

With a reluctant sigh, he pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before pulling away just enough to grab his phone from the bedside table.

Swayam glanced at the screen and chuckled. He leaned back against the headboard as he answered. ‘Viru, it’s seven in the morning.’

The voice on the other end was too faint for Kashvi to make out, but Swayam let out a huff. ‘Yeah? Well, some of us have a special day planned, and you’re ruining it.’

Kashvi exhaled slowly and pushed herself up from the bed with a soft groan. The floor felt cold beneath her feet as she moved towards the dressing table. In the mirror, her reflection stared back at her with swollen eyes lined with exhaustion.

In a nutshell, she looked like a ghost.

It’s good I didn’t ask for that kiss. He might’ve laughed in my face.

Behind her, Swayam continued talking. ‘Yes, yes, I remember it’s your special day too. You’ve reminded me every week for the last year.’

Kashvi picked up her phone from the dressing table, and the screen instantly lit up with notifications. A message from Siya caught her attention.

Hey. I’m so sorry, but it looks like I’ll be missing your birthday. Neena Maa is sick, so we’re at the airport right now on our way to Delhi. I didn’t want to wake you up, so I’m leaving this text. I promise we’ll celebrate once we’re back. Love you.Oh, and happy birthday, my Kashu baby.

A thread of concern tightened in her chest, and she made a mental note to call and check on Neena Aunty later. It wasn’t until she tapped open the next notification that she realised it was from an unknown private number.

It’s such a beautiful, special day, isn’t it? Have you been thinking about me too?