Page 85 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘If reminding you about your family feels like blackmail, then maybe you should think about why that is,’ Malini said bluntly.

He sighed. ‘I really can’t manage it.’

‘Do you know who else couldn’t manage to show up? Your mother.’

He went rigid. ‘What she does or doesn’t do is not my concern.’

‘Maybe it doesn’t matter to you, but it matters to me. Shalini is my sister, yet she’s not here. You’re all the family I have, and if you don’t come, then there will be no one from my side.’

He gritted his teeth, saying nothing. In his silence, Kashvi understood the cost of his choice.

She had been so wrapped up in this moment with him that she hadn’t stopped to think about what he was giving up to be here.

Kashvi waved her free hand to get his attention.

He noticed immediately. ‘Maasi, I’ll call you right back, okay?’ he said, ending the call after a brief goodbye.

‘What’s up?’ he asked, turning to her fully.

‘Let’s go.’

Swayam blinked, caught off guard. ‘Go where?’

She swallowed. ‘To your cousin’s house party.’

He shook his head.

‘Why not?’

‘Because you’re not ready.’

She frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

He caressed her knuckles. ‘If it were up to me, I’d go to the tallest building in the city and scream that I married the girl of my dreams.’

Her heart stumbled.

‘But I know you’re not ready for that,’ he added softly. ‘You have no idea how nosy my relatives are. The last thing I want is to throw you into another situation where you feel cornered.’

‘I won’t be. Honestly, I really want to meet your maasi,’ she said, determined not to make him miss out because of her.

When he still looked unconvinced, she squeezed his hand. ‘Remember, I’m the birthday girl, and I command you to follow me.’

‘Bossy,’ he teased, studying her closely. ‘Are you sure?’

After he had spent the day making her feel seen, celebrated, and cared for, this felt almost insignificant in comparison.

‘I’m sure.’

‘Okay,’ he said, flashing her a grin. ‘Let’s go.’

Her spirits lifted. She had wished for his happiness and vowed to do everything in her power to make sure he never lost that smile.

Chapter 17

Two hours later, the city had shifted into that restless evening rhythm. Kashvi sat in the passenger seat, twisting her fingers together in her lap. She’d been stuck in a restless loop of thoughts ever since they left.

She picked at the collar of her kurti, her gaze drifting over the soft pink floral print that now felt far too casual. ‘It’s a house party, right? Maybe this is too simple for that?’