Page 75 of Since You Stole My Heart

Swayam insisted, ‘Work can wait. It’s your birthday.’

She shook her head. ‘Actually, it can’t. The funds are getting released in a few days, and there are a hundred things pending. It’s not something I can push to tomorrow. Anyway, Di and Jiju are off to Delhi, and Mihu and Raghav are out of town too, so the party’s off.’

‘How come?’ he asked, raising a brow.

‘Neena Aunty isn’t feeling well, so they went home last night.’

‘I’ll talk to Abhay later. We’ll have a party once they’re back,’ Swayam hummed softly before adding, ‘I was thinking of inviting Dhruv too.’

‘How come?’ she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

He shrugged. ‘He really helped us yesterday. He even called last night to wish you, so I figured why not get to know him a little better.’

Kashvi didn’t hate the idea, which surprised her. ‘That’s okay, I guess.’

He gave her a knowing smile. ‘I’m just glad I got you all to myself.’

Kashvi rolled her eyes, fighting a smile.

‘Go on, get ready. I’ll drop you off,’ he offered.

‘You’re not going to work?’ she asked, looking for her towel.

Swayam shook his head. ‘I’m working on a freelance series, so I will work from home.’

‘Lucky you,’ she tossed over her shoulder as she headed into the bathroom.

By the time she stepped out of her room dressed for work, Swayam had laid out breakfast on the kitchen island. In the middle of it sat a little rainbow cupcake.

‘What is this?’ she asked, pointing at it.

‘Meera sent it for you yesterday, with strict instructions that I’m not allowed even a bite,’ Swayam said, taking a seat. ‘Hungry?’

Kashvi was ravenous, and the spread of pancakes, poha, and Meera’s cupcake looked too good to resist.

She took the seat beside him, and the sight of the pancakes made her stomach grumble. Warmth spread through her when she noticed he had written her name in thick ribbons of chocolate.

‘You’re being unbelievably corny,’ she remarked, picking up a fork and digging in.

Swayam winked. ‘Oh, you just wait. I have a lot planned.’

Kashvi saved the cupcake for last, planning to savour it, but the moment Swayam mentioned his Harley, she rushed through it.

As he cleaned up, Kashvi went into her room to grab her purse and coat. When she stepped out, Swayam was waiting by the door. He reached out and offered her a helmet. ‘Ready to go?’

She put it on, and he adjusted the strap under her chin. ‘Comfortable?’ he asked.

She nodded.

They took the elevator down to the parking lot. She climbed on behind him, and the Harley roared to life as Swayam revved the accelerator. Then they were off.

Her hands hovered for a second, unsure how to hold onto him. Just then, Swayam hit the brake, and the sudden movement pulled her forward, her chest colliding with his back. She wrapped her arms around him to steady herself.

‘Careful there,’ he said, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

‘That was you,’ Kashvi shot back.

‘Seems like the only way I’ll get you to hold onto me.’