Page 84 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘You’re not just saying that?’ he asked carefully.

She covered his hand with hers. ‘I’m not. I’m always going to remember this day.’

His words lost their teasing edge. ‘I just hope that no matter what, you remember me too.’

‘There isn’t a world where I could forget you,’ she whispered, clutching his shirt.

Swayam wove his fingers through her hair, his gaze fixed on her.

Just then, his phone rang with jarring insistence. He cursed under his breath. ‘I swear, next time I’m switching it off.’

If it were up to Kashvi, she would throw it straight off the balcony and end the problem permanently.

When his phone rang again, he pulled away and glanced at the screen. He offered her an apologetic smile. ‘My maasi is video calling.’

‘Didn’t you put it on airplane mode?’

He hesitated, his thumb hovering over the green button. ‘I did, but I turned it off just in case you called.’

That made her smile. ‘You should take it. She’ll worry otherwise.’

He sighed and accepted the call.

As the screen lit up, Kashvi shifted away, but he stopped her by holding onto her hand.

‘Hello, Maasi.’

Curiosity piqued, she stole a quick glance.

The woman on the screen was in her fifties, glaring at her nephew. ‘Chalo, you finally decided to pick up.’

Swayam ran a hand through his hair. ‘I was a little caught up, Maasi.’

‘Caught up?’ Malini repeated, unimpressed. ‘You’re so busy that you forgot your cousin’s engagement party?’

He winced slightly. ‘I didn’t forget. Things have been hectic at work, and I couldn’t get away in time.’

It wasn’t work. It was her. Kashvi looked away, unsettled.

Malini scoffed. ‘There is always work, Swayam. But your brother doesn’t get engaged every day.’

‘He’s getting engaged tomorrow, Maasi. I don’t need to be there for a house party,’ he said.

Malini shook her head. ‘Is that what I’ve taught you? To be with your family only for big celebrations? Yes, tonight was just a house party with family and friends, but Viru is refusing to have it at all.’

‘Why?’

‘He says there is no point if you’re not coming. He wanted to celebrate tonight with you.’

Guilt flickered across his face, and he looked away. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know.’

‘Because you don’t care enough to try,’ Malini shot back.

Kashvi felt his grip tighten on her hand as he said, ‘I’m sorry, Maasi. I really am. I wish I could be there.’

‘Then come!’ Malini said sharply. ‘Or else I will never talk to you again.’

Swayam chuckled, though the conflict showed in his gaze. ‘You do know that this is emotional blackmail, right?’