Page 111 of Since You Stole My Heart

‘I will do everything properly. Don’t you trust me?’ Swayam urged, hoping she would see reason.

‘No, I don’t, which is exactly why I should come so I can see for myself,’ Malini retorted instantly.

When she got no support from her nephew, she turned to Kashvi. ‘Beta, you don’t mind if I come along, right?’

Kashvi didn’t have time to think. ‘Of course not, Auntyji. Please come.’

Swayam started to protest, but Malini shut it down, reaching for the back door handle. ‘I’m coming, that’s it.’

Luv got out and helped her settle into the backseat. The door shut with a soft thud, sealing them into the car together.

As she adjusted her dupatta around her neck, Malini said, ‘You know, Kashvi, I don’t have a daughter, so I’m really excited to go shopping with you. And maybe with you backing me up, my boy will not argue with me so much.’

Kashvi mumbled a polite response, the smile frozen on her face as she tried to think.

‘Let’s go,’ Malini urged.

The engine hummed to life, and Kashvi eased the car back onto the main road with trembling hands.

She had planned to drop them at the mall, to step away before it became too much, but now she was trapped in it too

Beside her, Swayam was quiet. She could feel his frustration, his restraint, in the way the tension lingered in the air.

There was a storm in her chest, and just as persistent was the ache of having to spend the next few hours being close to him while knowing exactly how much she was hurting him.

How am I going to survive this?

Chapter 22

Kashvi drove down the ramp into the basement parking of the mall. The hum of the engine echoed faintly through the enclosed space as she searched for a spot. When she finally pulled into one and turned the key, the sudden silence felt too loud.

Swayam had said nothing since they left, and the absence of his voice made everything feel wrong.

Malini continued her rant from the back seat as she opened the door. ‘But does anyone ever listen to me? No. They only remember me when something has gone wrong.’

Luv chuckled and followed after her. ‘My mother says the same thing when we annoy her.’

Kashvi stayed where she was, hoping for a few minutes alone to gather herself, but when she noticed Swayam still hadn’t moved, sharp panic rushed through her. She grabbed her purse and reached for the door with urgency. She only faintly heard him call her name once she was out of the car.

The cool air of the parking lot hit her face as she shut the door behind her. Luv stood beside her, resting one hand on the carwhile he watched her. He clicked his tongue softly, shaking his head.

Kashvi shot him a warning look. ‘Don’t.’

He raised his hands in surrender, walking backwards.

Kashvi walked over to where they stood, and Malini asked, ‘Which way?’

She pointed towards the glass doors at the far end of the lot, leading them forward. Their footsteps echoed against the concrete floor as they walked.

Malini asked, ‘Luv beta, are you married?’

Caught off guard, his eyes widened and he stumbled once. ‘I...’

Swayam chimed in when he trailed off. ‘That seems like an answer you should know.’

‘No, I’m not,’ Luv stammered, raising his hands. ‘I’ve been awake too long with no coffee. I was slightly zoned out.’

‘And what about you, Kashvi?’ Malini asked.