Page 87 of Since You Stole My Heart

Swayam placed his hand on her lower back. ‘I’ll introduce you as whoever you want to be.’

Kashvi let out a soft, frustrated breath because he had left the ball in her court.

The doors slid open, and they stepped out into the corridor. Her gaze darted to the apartment at the end. The doorframe was adorned with marigold strings and fairy lights, beckoning them.

A cluster of shoes lay scattered at the entrance, and they quickly removed theirs too. Swayam pressed the bell, and she took a deep breath.

The door swung open instantly, revealing a woman whose face lit up when she saw Swayam.

‘You asshole!’ she exclaimed, practically bouncing in place as she pulled him into a hug. ‘You actually came.’

Swayam chortled as he returned the embrace, patting her back.

Kashvi studied her closely, a nagging certainty in her mind that she had seen her somewhere before. She wore a deep maroon kurti with delicate embroidery along the neckline, and it matched her red-tinted curls.

She pulled back and smacked his arm. ‘I can’t believe you were planning to ditch the party. Do you have any idea how worried everyone got? And now you just show up like this, huh?’

Swayam tilted his head. ‘Are you going to let us in, or do you plan to interrogate me at the door?’

The woman furrowed her brows as she echoed, ‘Us?’

Swayam shifted to the side and turned to look over his shoulder at Kashvi. ‘Kash, this is Lavanya, my cousin’s fiancée.’

Lavanya tilted her head as she studied her, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. ‘And who is Kash?’

Kashvi stammered, and a flicker of uncertainty passed between her and Swayam as his gaze searched hers.

He turned back to Lavanya, lifting one shoulder in a casual shrug. ‘She’s my girl.’

Lavanya gave a delighted gasp. ‘It was about time you brought home someone special.’

Kashvi tried her best to fight off the heat warming her cheeks. She stepped forward, offering her hand. ‘Hey, Lavanya. It’s great to finally meet you.’

Lavanya clasped her hand with both of hers and pulled her into a quick hug. She tangled her arm through hers, tugging her along. ‘Finally, someone new to talk to. Come in, both of you.’

When Kashvi glanced back at Swayam, he lifted his thumb in the air, wishing her luck.

The living room was expansive despite the number of people filling it. Groups of relatives and friends were scattered across the space. The walls were painted in a cream hue, lined with photographs and a wall garden.

Laughter and the hum of conversation wrapped around them as a few people exchanged words with Lavanya and Swayam. Kashvi hung back slightly, away from the limelight.

They walked into the kitchen. Lavanya moved to the home bar and pulled out wine glasses. ‘Kashvi, what will you drink?’

‘Any red wine is fine. Thanks.’

Lavanya nodded, pulling out a bottle from the shelf lined with a variety of options. She threw the same question at Swayam, who waved his hand. ‘None for me. I’m driving.’

Lavanya paused. ‘Going where?’

‘Back home,’ he said.

‘Don’t you even dare,’ she said, shaking her head and glaring at him. She pointed a finger at him as she grabbed a can of beer and pressed it into his hands. ‘You came late, and you’re already talking about leaving?’

‘I didn’t want to steal the bride’s spotlight,’ Swayam teased.

Kashvi chuckled, enjoying the exchange as she took a sip.

Lavanya sighed, turning around to pour wine. ‘Oh please, for the love of God, take it all away. I’m exhausted. If I have to tolerate one more aunty’s crash-diet trick to be a zero-figure bride, I’m going to kill someone.’