Chapter 19
Kashvi could barely wrap her head around how her life had spiralled out of control in a matter of hours.
She stepped out of the balcony to find a cluster of people gathered together, their attention fixed on Swayam, who stood in the middle of the room. He was looking around as though searching, and when their eyes met, he smiled.
Lavanya appeared at her side, tugging her forward. ‘Come on, girl.’
She stopped next to Viraj, and Kashvi shifted just enough to keep some distance between them. Still, she could feel him like a shadow at the edge of her vision.
Swayam clapped his hands once, and the chatter in the room gradually died down. ‘Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight. Welcome to the engagement party of Lavanya and Viraj.’
Viraj stepped closer to Lavanya, his hand coming up to cup her face as he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
A few whistles broke out, followed by laughter.
Lavanya smiled, her eyes bright with affection and completely unguarded.
Kashvi tamped down the urge to scream at her to see how dead Viraj’s eyes really looked beneath that easy display of affection and calculated charm.
Swayam spoke again, ‘I feel like I should start with the disclaimer that Viraj very casually informed me twenty minutes ago that I’m his best man while I was trying to balance two suitcases on my head.
So, I’d love to take this chance to publicly expose what a pain in my ass my cousin has been for all my life. ’
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. ‘But I 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.
Swayam went still beside her, his lips set in a firm line.
Dhanush went on, ‘See? I can’t even remember. It’s some new generation thing, but I doubt it pays much. I don’t understand why Rishi has such high hopes for the boy. Not everyone can be like our Viru.’
The old man was getting on Kashvi’s nerves, just like Viraj, who was trying to smother a smile.
Malini jumped in. ‘Oh please, Swayam is well settled in life. Besides, men always take a little time to stand on their own feet.’
Dhanush shook his head. ‘Just because he earns money doesn’t mean he will manage to find a good wife. You just take pity on the boy because he’s a stray.’
Malini clasped her hands together in delight. ‘No, but he will! That’s exactly why I’m so excited for tomorrow. I have a good feeling about Aisha, Swayam. I think you two might get along well.’
Kashvi looked away, clearing her throat as tears sprang to her eyes.
Swayam furrowed his brows. ‘Maasi, what are you talking about?’
‘Oh, I can just imagine it,’ Malini went on, turning back to Dhanush. ‘Both of my boys getting married and settling down in life is my dream.’
The image formed too vividly in Kashvi’s mind: Swayam standing beside another woman, moving into a life that did not include her. It lodged there, clawing at her, making it harder to breathe. She should have told Swayam to introduce her as his wife when she had the chance. Now it was too late.
‘Maasi, listen to me. What are you talking about? What’s happening tomorrow?’ Swayam asked firmly.
Malini laughed, reaching out to pat his arm.
‘You badly need a woman in your life because you always forget important things. We’ve arranged for you to meet Aisha Sinha tomorrow, and if you agree to the match, we’ll get you engaged right away along with these two,’ she said, gesturing at Lavanya and Viraj.
Kashvi kept her expression neutral, but inside, something cracked. Tomorrow, if he agreed, this fragile thread between them would be ripped apart.
Swayam was already shaking his head before she finished. Before he could deny it, Kashvi said, ‘Oh, he’s been talking about it non-stop all week. I don’t think we had a single lesson where he didn’t bring it up.’
He instantly turned to her. ‘Kash, what are you saying?’
Kashvi shrugged, forcing the words out. ‘What? There’s no point in hiding that you’re excited to meet her. He just doesn’t want to seem eager.’
Malini’s face lit up with relief as she glanced at Dhanush. ‘See? I told you, he just needs a little push.’
Swayam turned to her, his eyes searching her face, trying to piece it together. Kashvi kept her gaze fixed ahead, hiding behind the wall of lies she was building between them.
Dhanush pointed a finger at Swayam. ‘Make sure you wear something appropriate if you want to be a groom. Don’t forget that how you show up reflects on the men of this family.’
‘In that case, maybe I shouldn’t come at all,’ Swayam said through gritted teeth.
Dhanush’s gaze hardened. ‘Don’t you get clever with me. Aatish Sinha is a highly respected businessman in our community. You have to look worthy of being his son-in-law if you want to be one.’
‘Maybe I don’t want to be his son-in-law,’ Swayam shot back.
Dhanush took a step forward, but Malini placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘Arey, leave all that. Fufa ji may speak harshly, but Aisha is a wonderful girl. She’s well educated and cultured. You won’t find someone like her easily.’
Kashvi hated how this girl was starting to look like the better choice compared to someone who came with complications and shadows from her past.
Though Lavanya looked shocked, she tried to ease the tension. ‘I know this was all a bit last minute. We don’t have to get you guys engaged tomorrow if you need time to sort things out. I’d prefer not to share my limelight too.’
Dhanush glared at her, making her drop her gaze to the floor. ‘This is not a matter for jokes. Swayam will show up tomorrow, and they will get hitched. Just go and get yourself a nice kurta in the morning.’
‘He’s already planned for it.’ Kashvi jumped in. ‘Luv will pick him up in the morning.’
She felt Swayam’s gaze on her, insistent, and had to swallow the apologies threatening to spill out.
Dhanush snapped his fingers at her. ‘I cannot rely on him or some friend of his to make the right choice. I’d send Lavanya, but she will be busy, so you will go with him. Make sure he gets something that makes him look decent.’
‘I… I can’t,’ Kashvi stammered.
Dhanush spoke over her. ‘It’s decided.’
Malini shook her head. ‘You will have to come back before noon. We have to leave at two in the afternoon, and there’s still so much to do.’ She turned to Kashvi. ‘You both should pick him up around ten. That should give you enough time.’
Swayam raised his hand, stopping her. ‘I’m not staying here tonight.’
Malini was taken aback. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I have work, so I’ll come back tomorrow.’
Malini pointed out, ‘There’s so much to do here, beta. Who will help me with the arrangements? You know how much I rely on you.’
‘It’s just one night, Maasi.’
‘And what about me? You come home after so long and don’t even stay one night? Am I not important enough for that?’
‘Don’t start with the emotional blackmail,’ Swayam said, reaching out to hold her hand.
Her eyes turned misty. ‘I just hoped you’d stay.’
The fight drained out of him, and Swayam sighed. ‘Okay.’
Malini smiled, patting his cheek. ‘I’m doing this for you. I want you to be happy, and I think Aisha will do that.’
That was all Kashvi could take. She stepped back. ‘I should go. I have work to get back to, so I’ll book a cab. It was great to meet you—’
‘I’m dropping you home. We need to talk about your next driving lesson,’ Swayam cut in firmly, pressing a hand against her back just enough to stop her.
‘That’s not necessary. I don’t want to trouble you,’ Kashvi said, fighting the panic rising in her. After everything she’d said to his family, she didn’t want to be alone with him.
‘It is,’ Swayam said, pulling out his car keys.
Viraj protested, sounding almost whiny. ‘Oh, come on, Mom, he’s just using it as an excuse to escape for the night.’
Malini pinned him with a suspicious glare. ‘Swayam!’ she protested.
‘Maasi, trust me,’ Swayam assured her, then turned to Viraj. The look he gave him was edged with quiet anger. ‘I don’t treat everything like a game, Viru, so maybe you should cut it out.’
‘Okay, but come back in time for dinner. We’ll be waiting for you,’ Malini instructed, drawing him into an embrace.
Swayam hesitated for a moment. ‘I will.’
Dhanush scoffed. ‘I’m waiting for no one.’
Malini turned to Kashvi, running a gentle hand over her head. ‘You will manage it tomorrow, na? Make sure he doesn’t wander off and comes back on time,’ she asked hopefully.
Kashvi nodded.
‘Bless you, beti. I’ll see you tomorrow then,’ Malini said.
She forced a polite smile.
Malini bid goodbye to Swayam with more instructions, then, with a lingering smile, walked away with Dhanush.
Swayam and Viraj clasped hands in a brief shake before Lavanya began talking to him.
Kashvi barely had a moment to herself when Viraj suddenly turned and pulled her into a hug.
She went rigid, every nerve screaming at her to push him away, but they were only a few steps away from the others. As soon as they were out of sight, Kashvi broke away sharply.
‘I’ve waited a long time for you, and I’ll wait a few days more, but I will have you back in my arms soon, babygirl.’
Kashvi surged past him, but he called out her name.
She didn’t stop, but his cold words followed her, settling into her bones.
‘If you really want to protect him and your family, don’t hesitate. Break his heart.’