Chapter 33 #3
‘I’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.’
Siya studied her closely before glancing at Abhay. He gave her a small nod, prompting her to continue. ‘Then you’ll do exactly as I say,’ she instructed.
Kashvi nodded instantly.
Abhay handed his phone to Siya, and she immediately started typing.
‘What does that mean? What are you doing?’ Swayam asked carefully.
‘Texting Dad that we’ll be at the Kashyap townhouse in an hour.’
Kashvi frowned. ‘He’s not going to agree to that.’
A ping rang out, and Siya lifted the phone. ‘He already did, because I told him you’re ready to hand over the money, but only in cash.’
Kashvi stared at her in shock. ‘What? Di, no.’
‘Just follow my lead,’ Siya said, her eyes still on the screen.
‘Di, this is dangerous,’ Kashvi urged. ‘I don’t have that kind of money. And Viraj attacked me to get my phone so I can be blamed for leaking my own pictures. Nothing will happen to them, especially Dad, because all those rich people he has dirt on will come running to save him.’
‘And we’re one of those rich people,’ Abhay interjected without a trace of vanity. ‘Believe me, no one’s going to want to cross us.’
A flicker of fury crossed Siya’s face at the reminder. ‘We’ll deal with mini Karthik too. I told Dad to bring Viraj there as well.’
Swayam’s gaze sharpened as he straightened. ‘You’re sure he’ll actually show up?’
Siya scoffed. ‘His reply says they’ll be waiting. Trust me, he’ll be there.’
Swayam rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck and. ‘Good. I’ve got a few things to settle with my dear old cousin as well,’ he said flatly.
Siya considered it. ‘If you’re planning to hit him, make sure he swings first. Then I can get you a lawyer for self-defence if he sues. But remember, I can’t do much if you throw the first punch like an idiot.’
‘You got it.’ Swayam nodded.
Dhruv rubbed a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh. ‘Wish I knew that yesterday.’ He lifted his chin towards Swayam. ‘You need help?’
‘No. You had your shot. Now it’s my turn,’ Swayam vowed, curling his fingers into fists.
‘Di, listen to me,’ Kashvi said, gripping Siya by the shoulders. ‘The best way, the only way, to end this is to put Dad behind bars. Once and for all.’
Siya shared a heavy look with Abhay before saying, ‘And he will be. Because I’ll call the police once we’re there.’
Swayam stepped in, his jaw clenched. ‘What the hell, Siya? She was a child!’
Dhruv immediately backed him up. ‘Siya, I understand you’re hurt. And honestly, you have every right to be furious. But Kashvi was six. She didn’t know what she was doing.’
‘And you think you’re the only ones who care about her?’ Siya shot back sharply.
‘Fuck care!’ Swayam snapped. His hand closed around Kashvi’s wrist before he pulled her possessively into his arms. ‘I love her. So let me make this very clear right now. You can do whatever you want to Karthik, but I won’t let anything happen to my wife.
Even if I have to stand against you to protect her, I will. ’
Kashvi’s chest tightened at the fierce, unwavering way he chose her. She turned nervously towards Siya, only to find her smiling.
‘Good. I’d expect nothing less from you,’ Siya said with a nod.
Then she turned and headed towards Vihaan and Luv on the sofa, waving Dhruv over too. ‘Actually, the three of you can do me a favour.’
Dhruv squeezed Kashvi’s shoulder once before walking away.
Abhay moved to stand in front of her. ‘Are you really okay? Did she give you any medication?’
Kashvi nodded, her throat too tight to speak.
He gently patted her head, concern etched across his features. ‘Kashu, I know this might feel confusing right now, but trust your sister. Okay?’
Her answer came without hesitation. ‘I do, Jiju.’
He turned to Swayam. ‘You do the same.’
‘Hmm,’ was all he replied, his narrowed gaze fixed on the others.
With a sigh, Abhay joined them at the kitchen island, the only clear surface left in the room.
The second he walked away, Swayam pulled Kashvi into his arms, his strong forearms wrapping around her and shutting out the rest of the room. He bent close and whispered against her ear, ‘Don’t worry. I’m not leaving your side tonight.’
Kashvi caught his sleeve and pulled back just enough to look at him, silently urging him to change his mind.
His unwavering gaze held her in place, leaving her nowhere to hide.
‘Don’t even think about asking me not to come.
I already told you your punishment, Kash.
You’re stuck with me forever. I’m going to annoy you every single day for the rest of our lives, and we’re staying together through all of it. That’s final.’
Then he sealed the promise with a soft, comforting kiss to her forehead.
The steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek and the familiar woodsy scent of him anchored her against the raging storm inside her mind. She was no longer fighting alone.
A spark of strength flickered back to life within her, and she vowed to make things right. Kashvi would accept whatever justice her sister chose for her, as long as her father burned alongside her in it.