Page 74 of Since You Stole My Heart

The message had come only a minute ago. She couldn’t understand who had the energy to pull a prank so early in the morning. She quickly blocked the number, hoping that would be the end of it.

Kashvi dropped her phone back onto the dresser and gathered her frizzy hair into a bun as she heard Swayam chuckle into the call.

‘Don’t you dare come over unannounced. I will kick you out. I mean it.’

The reply on the other end must have been quick, because he huffed, shaking his head. ‘You’re right. I’ve been ignoring you because you refuse to accept that I can’t come tonight. I told you, I already have plans for the day.’

Her head snapped towards his reflection in the mirror.

Was he was skipping his cousin’s engagement?

‘Yeah, with someone special,’ he announced, and realisation hit her. He was doing this for her birthday.

Kashvi whirled around, waving her hands for him to stop.

He winked at her, then asked his cousin, ‘Oh yeah? You want to lecture me about priorities? You skipped my graduation because you were too busy with some girl in Goa.’

Kashvi threw her hands up in frustration, gesturing that she would hit him with a book.

Swayam flashed her a cheeky smile as he said, ‘Don’t even dare to threaten me with that. Viru, you’re not ratting me out to Malini maasi, or I’ll have to tell Lavi to find a better man because I’ll kill you.’

She folded her arms across her chest, glaring at him.

The amusement refused to leave his eyes. ‘Relax. I’ll make it up to you, Viru, I promise. I’ll come over this weekend, and we’ll celebrate. Congratulations, bhai. I’m happy for both of you.’

‘Yeah, I’ll call you later,’ he added before ending the call.

‘What was that? Don’t you know you have to show up for important family events?’ she asked, tapping her foot impatiently against the floor.

Swayam stretched out, one arm tucked beneath his head. ‘I do know that I can’t miss milestones like that.’

His agreeable response threw her off completely. Relief rushed through her. ‘Good. You should leave early too. There must be a lot to do there.’

‘I’m right where I need to be.’

‘Swayam,’ she scolded.

‘Oh yes, say my name,’ he said with a grin.

She rushed forward to swat at him, and he took it with open arms, laughing at her feeble hits. He caught both her hands in his. ‘Listen to me. You’re right, but you’re talking about the wrong person. You’re my family too, and it’s your twenty-fifth birthday. This is a milestone I won’t miss for anything.’

Her mind scrambled to catch up with the way he had twisted her own argument against her. ‘So is your cousin’s engagement, and between the two, he should take precedence. He’ll hate you for this.’

‘I guess I’ll just have to learn to live with it,’ Swayam said, entirely pleased with himself.

When she tried to smack his shoulder again, he held her wrist a little tighter. ‘Isn’t it too early in the day for violence? Or is this how you plan to celebrate your birthday?’

She winced sharply when his grip sent a flash of pain shooting up her arm. Humour vanished from his eyes as he immediately loosened his hold. ‘I’m sorry. Are you okay? Did I hurt you?’

‘I’m fine.’

‘Hey, you promised to try, remember? Talk to me. How are you feeling?’

Kashvi sighed. ‘I’m just a little sore. And tired.’

The tension in him eased slightly. ‘Of course you are. Last night was rough. Maybe you should sleep a little more. Get some rest.’

‘I can’t. There’s too much work waiting for me at the office.’