Page 99 of Since You Stole My Heart

There were hoots of agreement, and Viraj laughed along with them.

Swayam went on, ‘But for all the trouble he caused me, I don’t think I would have wanted to grow up any other way.’

Viraj raised a fist in the air and said, ‘I love you, man.’

If Kashvi had not heard the venom in his voice when he spoke of Swayam on that balcony mere minutes ago, she would have believed he meant it.

Anyone would. Just like Swayam did, because he mimicked Viraj and held up his fist too.

Swayam was a loyal man, and it was written into everything he said and did. When it came down to it, he would choose his brother. With a sickening clarity, Kashvi realised she couldn’t tell him, not until she had irrefutable proof.

‘Lavi, I plan to give you a lifetime achievement award as your wedding gift. I don’t understand your reasons for choosing him as your husband,’ Swayam said, then he glanced at Kashvi. ‘ButI know love drives you mad, and when you find it, you never let go.’

Her heart hammered, and it hurt to breathe, because the madness he spoke of was something Kashvi had only just begun to feel. But if she wanted to protect him from his cousin, she had to let him go.

Swayam raised his glass as he announced, ‘Here’s to Lavi and Viru!’

The people in the room cheered, glasses clinking together. Swayam put down his untouched drink and wove through the crowd towards her.

His gaze had not left hers once.

‘Poor baby, he has no idea what’s coming for him,’ Viraj said, winking at her.

Kashvi did not acknowledge him, but the taunt slipped beneath her fragile composure.

Swayam came to stand in front of her, looking at her with so much affection that it made it difficult to look away.

Lavanya pulled his cheeks lightly, her eyes flicking between them with a hint of curiosity. ‘I didn’t know you had it in you to be so romantic,’ she teased him, raising a brow.

He smiled, but his attention remained on Kashvi as he said, ‘I meant every word.’

Kashvi had to dig her heels into the ground, because all she wanted in that moment was to run into his arms and believe she could have him.

How am I supposed to let him go?

‘Swayam!’ The voice rang through the room as an older man approached them. He wore a white kurta with pyjamas, and his silver hair was neatly combed back. A middle-aged woman walked beside him, her saree a rich shade of pink that glittered in the night.

Everyone greeted them with namaste as they came to stand beside them.

Swayam turned to Kashvi and said, ‘Meet my Fufa, Dhanush, and my Maasi, Malini.’

Malini tilted her head, appraising Kashvi with mild interest. ‘And who is she?’

Her breath caught in her throat, but before Swayam could speak, Kashvi cut in. ‘I’m… I’m his friend’s sister,’ Kashvi stammered with a polite smile.

‘Oh?’ Dhanush replied. ‘Then what are you doing here with him?’ he asked, not bothering to hide his disapproval.

Kashvi scrambled for something that would sound reasonable. ‘He’s been teaching me how to drive, and our car broke down on the way back, so he graciously invited me to come along.’

Malini affectionately patted his cheek. ‘That sounds like my Swayam, always stepping in to help people.’

Kashvi noticed the flicker of resentment that crossed Viraj’s face at the praise.

Swayam nodded at her, but Kashvi saw the disappointment in his eyes. ‘Stop it, Maasi. Where is Mausa? How come he’s not here tonight?’

Malini rolled her eyes. ‘You can easily guess where he is. He’s the biggest workaholic I’ve seen. He never has time for us, just like you.’

Dhanush waved it off with an impatient flick of his hand. ‘You and Rishi have spoiled this boy. Look at Viraj. Rishi was always hard on him, and it made him a financial analyst. And Swayam is only a…’ He trailed off, taking a dig at his profession.