How are we all feeling?
LadyValarie65: hoping you are well. my heart goes out to everyone affected by the virus and those of you in the healthcare profession who are on the frontlines.
To my readers who are essential employees, sending you power through vibes.
Jess, I hope you're well. I hope the test results came back negative. It baffles me how badly USA has dropped the ball on this.
Without futher ado... some insight into the family drama.
Chapter 36 – just let me adore you.
Sunday, February 9th, 2020.
CPOV
I walk out of the bedroom towards the kitchen and see Ana in the kitchen with some music playing. It's got a 70's vibe to it, she moves slightly to the beat, singing along.
You don't have to say you love me
I just wanna tell you something
Lately you've been on my mind
Honey
I'd walk through fire for you
Just let me adore you
Oh, honey
I'd walk through fire for you
Just let me adore you
Like it's the only thing I'll ever do
Like it's the only thing I'll ever do
She looks up and smiles, "Good morning, Mr. Grey! Breakfast is almost ready." She picks up the frying pan and walks away to the counter. I walk up to her and snake my arms around her waist, resting my head on her shoulder and her breathing hitches as soon as I start to kiss her neck.
tu es si belle. You are so beautiful.
Ta peau est douce comme de la soie. your skin is soft as silk
I use one hand to grab her breast and as my fingers find her their way to her clit and play with her. She throws her head back against my shoulder and moans my name.
je'taime tellement. I love you so much
"Christian... " She moans my name again. I turn her face to me, her eyes are dark with desire and her cheeks are flushed.
j'ai besoin de vous. I need you.
je ne peaux pas en avoir assez de toi. I can never get enough of you.
"I want you inside of me." She moans, looking into my eyes with her hand in my hair pulling me towards her.
"This is for you baby, just enjoy this... I'll have my fun soon..." I smile against her lips and kiss her, invading her mouth as I increase the speed of my fingers and play with her nipple. She almost there, I don't let her move or come up for air. She's completely mine and soon enough she comes and it's beautiful.
It's a little after 10am and it's a sunny day and the whole apartment is bathed with warm light. Ana's sitting next to me with her legs tangled in mine, adorned in a black, hand painted silk robe that I got her from Tokyo with cherry blossoms on it, her hair cascading down her front, cheeks flushed, I'll never tire of seeing her like this.
She's made us avocado toast with smoked salmon and fried eggs and some cut fruit on the side.
"Miss Steele, you really know the way to a man's heart." I say as I take my last bites.
"Just your heart Mr. Grey." She smiles as she sips on her tea. I plant kisses on both her hands and she giggles.
"I almost made French toast but then I realized we had pancakes yesterday so I thought I'd make you a power breakfast for you to get through your calls for work." She smiles.
"Well, it tastes fucking amazing. Thank you baby... but I took the weekend off."
"Why?"
"I want to spend time with you, besides when we were on break, I worked all the time so now I'm taking some time off to be with my girl."
"Well, I'd love to take the weekend off too but I have cookies to make for the heathens you employ."
"They can survive a week without cookies."
"Yeah, but I kinda like them." She shrugs and smiles. I lean in give her a small kiss.
We're interrupted by an incoming call on her phone and she looks a little concerned. She answers it and sets it to speaker.
"Hi Aashu, everything okay?"
"Yes Aanapa, GUESS WHO'S ENGAGED AND GETTING MARRIED?" A young girls voice squeals through the phone.
"OH MY GOD! IT'S ABOUT FUCKING TIME. I'm so happy for you babies." Her enthusiasm is so genuine as she breaks out in a big smile and claps.
"I know, it took for fucking ever but his mom finally agreed. Also, I'm converting." She says.
"Oh...wow... okay, listen as long as you're doing it for the right reasons babe, converting for someone just to get married is not good enough, you have to really want it for yourself because this is a forever kinda thing you know what I mean?" Ana advises like the big sister she is.
"I wasn't really that religious or followed the hindu or sikh traditions anyway but I did my research and a lot of the Islamic traditions made sense to me and I relate to them on a deeper level so, I really do want those values in my life."
"I'm so glad babe, so tell me everything, what's the plan for the wedding?" Ana asks excitedly and looks up to me. She's so happy.
Aashu tells her the dates for the wedding and her plans for how she wants to plan it. She asks Ana for advice and Ana is full of options and ideas for her, it instantly puts the bride to be at ease and tells her they can do a facetime call to go over stuff in detail soon. She asks her to be a bridesmaid.
"Who will I be paired with?" Ana asks hesitantly.
"Well, it was going to be Akash Rahman but Karan threw a fit and said he wanted to be paired with you." Aashu laughs.
Ana immediately tenses. "Wait, how is Akash part of the wedding?"
"Oh, Imran's mom and Akash's mom are sisters. Listen, I can tell some shit when down in the buy out, Imran told me he got murdered in the negotiation process because his mom cut him out of the business completely. He's not getting a cent from the deal. He's at the mercy of whatever his mom will leave him from her personal assets once she dies."
Ana looks to me and I can see she's uncomfortable; I hold her hand and squeeze it. "I didn't realize that... listen, babies, I'd love to be a bridesmaid but I'm going to have to decline. I just recently got a lot of responsibility at work and you already know that the company I work for bought out Rahman Industries, I don't want to cause any problems for you and Imran. I will still be super involved in the wedding I promise. I'll talk to Karan about it and I'll make it up to you."
"Aww... okay, I understand, just as long as you promise to sing and dance at the wedding, I'll be happy and so honored Aanapa."
"Girl, they're gonna have to drag me off the dance floor. Karan and I will make you proud. I promise. Are Kiran and Vishaal part of the bridal party?"
"I haven't asked them yet, I know Imran has asked Vishaal to be a groomsman and he will probably agree but you know how Kiran is... it'd be a miracle if she even showed up to my wedding." I can sense Aashu's sadness.
"Listen, if she wants to be difficult then fuck it. You deserve to only have people who genuinely love you and want to celebrate you. Don't waste your energy wishing and hoping for people to come who don't reciprocate your love for them." I can hear the anger in Ana's voice. I suddenly realize there is a lot to this family and it's insanely layered.
"Thank you Aanapa, you've always been so good to me."
"Cause you da best babygirl. Okay send me a picture of that fucking ring and give Imran a hug from me. I'll see you soon."
"Yes Apa, also will you bring Christian bhai to the wedding? You guys are so cute, I'd love to have him there too. I want to officially meet the man who's won my Aanapa's heart." She says with such affection.
Ana smiles at me. "Babies, I can't promise you, I have to ask him. He's a really busy man. I think he barely survived a half-indian wedding, not sure what a full Indian wedding will do to him." They both laugh out loud. "I'll let you know as soon as I look over his schedule, okay?"
"Yaaay thank you, I love you. I'll see you soon."
"Love you meri jaan, bye!" She hangs up. And her face falls. I ask her what happened.
"I didn't realize Akash was related to her fiancé. Fuck." She shivers a bit. "Can we move to the couch, my back is getting stiff."
"What happened Ana, are you in pain? Do you want to lie down?"
"No, I'm good. I just need back support for a bit. Nothing serious, I promise."
We move to couch and she brings her knees to her chest and covers her face taking deep breaths.
"Baby..."
She begins to sob. I pull her close to me and hold her.
"Ana..."
"... no it's okay, I can't freak out about this now. It was just the initial shock of the realization I think... I'm fine." She says while wiping her tears. I hold her face and kiss her.
Her phone rings again and she breaks the kiss to see who it is.
"KARAN!"
"Ana, what's wrong bachay, are you crying?" Karan asks. He has a strong British accent. I have so many questions that I need to ask Ana about the family.
"No Karan bhai, just need to clear my throat." She lies and clears her throat. I kiss her cheek.
"Aashu told me she called you."
"Yeah she did, fina-fucking-ly this wedding is gonna happen." She giggles.
"I know, it's about fucking time. Listen I told her not to add you to the bridal party, that fucker Akash is trying to take over and I didn't want you anywhere near him and Vishaal but Aashu really wanted you"
"I really appreciate that Karan bhai but I'll be fine, I declined but promised Aashu you and I would tear up the dance floor."
"Oh we most definitely will."
"Before we talk more, how's Tony? I miss his face. When am I going to see you both again?"
"Bachay, just come to Miami already, I'll send you a ticket, come stay with us and we'll go party."
"You know, now that all this wedding business is over and I'm actually working and getting a steady paycheck, I think I will."
"Good, you deserve to hang out with people in this family who aren't completely psychotic."
Ana laughs out loud. I love seeing her so involved.
"Alright listen, I'm going to make a 6 song medley for one of our dances, tell me 3 songs you want and I'll add my own 3 selections"
She looks at me biting her lip, "DEFINITELY something by Post Malone, Swae Lee... and the rest I'll leave up to you. "
I give her a small kiss, she's so fucking playful.
"Consider it done. Also, can we please do that viral bhangra dance?"
"UM YES WE CAN, I wanted to do that at Kiran's wedding but you know how she is. It was a miracle you and I got to sing and do our dance off."
"Can we not talk about Kiran?" Karan says with annoyance.
"Okay deal. Also, what song are you singing?"
"I haven't decided, I'm half pissed we had to sing Tera Who Pyar for Kiran's wedding, I wanted so badly you and I to sing that for Aashu."
"I know, I'm sorry but I'm sure you can find something equally meaningful. For my solo I'm going to sing Beloved by Anoushka Shankar I think.. I'll send you other options otherwise."
"I don't remember that, how does it go."
Ana clears her throat a bit and sings, she puts her hand on my face and runs her hand in my hair, staring lovingly into my eyes. I don't know what she's saying but it's so beautiful, she sounds like an angel and I fall deeper in love with her. She finishes and gives me a small kiss and smile.
"DAMN Steele, your voice changed. Must be the sex."
"FUCK YOU KARAN!" she laughs and I chuckle.
"No I'm serious, it helps with the voice." He laughs. She looks at me and rolls her eyes.
"Okay stop, do you like the song?"
"Yep, it's a solid choice. I'll have the band figure it out."
Suddenly we hear a dog bark and another male voice boom through the speaker.
"Ana banana!" another male voice comes through.
"TONY BHAIIIIIII!, I haven't heard your sexy voice or seen that gorgeous face in FOREVAAA, we need to fix this ASAP." She whines and it's adorable.
"I know banana but you're a busy woman and I hear you're dating some Richie Rich, how's that going?" He asks teasingly.
"Don't make fun of my man and if you must know, it's going very well, please come to visit and we'll all go out to dinner!" Ana shyly tells him.
"How about you both come to Miami and chill with us and you'll finally get to meet Spencer, he's growing up so fast, I can't keep up with him!"
"I'm going to try, I promise. Will you be at the wedding?"
"Yeah I will be, Karan wants us three to do a choreographed dance so lets see how that goes."
"It'll be fucking amazing, people will hate us!" Ana giggles.
"Fuckers won't know what hit 'em!" Tony laughs and excuses himself.
"Bachay, what will you wear to the wedding?" Karan asks.
"I have this pink sabyasaachi lehnga that Kiran got me for her wedding but I never wore it, I'll send you the campaign picture for it. I'll wear that on the baraat/sangeet and then I have white ensemble for the Nikkah."
"Okay love, fuck what Kiran got you. I asked Arti in LA to get some options for you. I'll have my assistant book you a ticket for whenever you want to go out there and just shop for whatever you'd like."
"Bhai, there's no need. I have clothes."
"Aana, don't argue. You know how we do things in this family. In fact, call Arti and show her whatever you like and she'll order it for you. Promise me you will." She looks at me and I can tell she's uncomfortable.
"Bhai, please don't pressure me."
"Shut up. Just promise me." He sounds like a the ultimate big brother scolding a little sister.
"Okay fine. Whatever, I'll call her this week and figure something out." She rolls her eyes.
"Good. Now tell me will Christian be coming? I'd like to meet him, we barely go to speak at Kiran's wedding and send me his shalwar kameez measurements, I can get him a plain white one made with a vest in a the same color as your dress, if he's interested."
"God, that would be so cute Karan bhai, I'll ask him and let you know if he can make it."
"Okay bachay, you do that... I'm going to finalize these song selections and get back to you with choreo and then we'll eventually meet on one of the dholki's and practice together."
"Sure, sounds like a plan."
"Perfect... so now for the real gossip." Karan laughs. "Have you spoken to Nita Khala yet?"
"No, not yet, I'll speak to her before she goes to sleep which is in another 3 hours or so. Why... what happened." Ana looks at me with concern.
"Well, they had the will reading this afternoon. I skyped in for it at the crack of dawn..."
"And?"
"Well, it's weird but Nana named Vishaal and Kiran interim CEO's till the 3rd quarter. Uncle Rish will still remain COO to help them out and AHAK is not to make any new plays for acquisitions. Only the ones that were in play before Nana's death are to be worked out and finalized. After the 3rd quarter the remainder of the Will shall be executed. And all major decisions will still need Nani's final stamp of approval. In addition the only assets that are handled are personal ones in India that have been left to Nita and Alia Khala, which is why the lawyer flew out to start the process of transfer of ownership in the local courts there. The US assets will be announced after the 3rd quarter."
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Ana yells. "That makes no fucking sense. I thought he'd make Uncle Rish CEO and then... I mean I don't know... this makes no sense. I thought Kiran and Vishaal would get the reins maybe like 5-10 years down the line."
"Another weird thing is that he gave Vishaal Australia, the West Coast and Europe to handle and Kiran the East coast and South East Asia to handle."
"Okay that is fucking insane. Kiran should've gotten the east coast and Europe and Vishaal the west coast and asia or give Kiran all of USA and Vishaal the rest of the world or something... logistically this sounds like a fucking nightmare. I know KIran wants to start a family soon; this is not conducive to that. They'll just be flying around." Ana is exasperated now. This sounds like a fucking nightmare but also I'm mildly entertained.
"Frankly, darling, I don't give two shits about Kiran's sex life and her desire to reproduce and give life to the devil's spawn."
Ana laughs out loud and I chuckle. "Okay but seriously, doesn't this feel... I don't know. Whatever. Fuck... him being CEO is... What do you think will happen after the 3rd quarter?"
"Honestly bachay, I think this just a move to transition them both into everything and after 3rd quarter they'll revaluate everything and see. Abdul Karim had his own wisdom of doing things... we just have to wait. Though, I'm right there with you. Watching their insufferable faces parade around as CEO's of AHAK is not something I'm looking forward to. I'm still being retained to follow through the deals I was handling for Nana till the 3rd quarter as well."
"Hmm, oh well, I guess it what it is then."
"Yeah, sorry to be the bearer of bad and weird news."
"God, no, don't apologize. Thanks for telling me, I don't know how I would've reacted when Nita or Nani would've told me all this. Now I can be prepared and give a slightly measured response... like the dignified lady I am." Ana says the last part with a perfect English accent. She's always so playful.
"Are you going to be alright?"
"I'll be fine bhai. Do you still have access to his calendar?"
"No I don't, that's the other weird thing. Last week, he fired his PA and did an overhaul on security for both AHAK and KGI. I no longer have access, I had an in with his PA but now I'm blind... but as far as I know, he's not slated to visit Seattle at all. I'll try my best to keep tabs on him otherwise."
"No it's fine... thanks bhai, I really appreciate everything you've done. Thank you so much." Her voice wavers.
"Bachay, anything for you. I've got to go now but take care of yourself okay and please visit soon. You access to my calendar just pick a weekend and add your name to it and we'll hang."
"I will. Thank you for calling, I've missed you. I'm sorry we didn't hang out so much at Kiran's wedding, it was just crazy."
"It's okay bachay, I'm just so proud of you and how you handled everything, you were a vision."
"Oh god, stop, now go, we'll talk soon! Try to come to Seattle, please!"
"I'll do my best, love you!"
"Love you!" She hangs up.
She looks at me with a shy smile. "I know... my family is too much drama for a Sunday morning."
"I honestly really enjoyed hearing you speak to them, I feel like I learn something new about you with every interaction." I smile at her and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and she leans into my touch.
"That song was beautiful, what did it mean?"
"With your eyes and the sound of your flute, do not torture me my love, I am yours, only yours. I breathe only to say your name, my dark and beautiful one." She says with her arms around my neck.
"And I am yours." I say as I hover over her lips and kiss her, pouring all of my love into it. I break away and she smiles shyly back up at me.
"You'll sing this song at the wedding?" I ask.
"Yep. Do you think you'll be able to come? I don't want to take you away from work for too long. Ros may still be on maternity leave."
"It's at the end of April right? I'll definitely be there baby. I'm not going to miss a chance to see you in your element." She giggles.
"I didn't know you were close to Karan." I ask.
She takes a deep breath. "How close are you to Daniel, Christian? I want to tell you everything but there's some stuff that Kiran and Daniel can't know because then Vishaal will definitely find out and create a shit storm in the family."
"I grew up with him but he's more Elliot's friend than mine. He's a family friend that I make small talk with. I was dragged to this wedding because Grace was going to kill me. Why else do you think I agreed to be a standby groomsmen, I wanted nothing immediate to do with the wedding." I laugh.
"Boy did you miss out!" Ana laughs.
"I won in the end." I kiss her and she smiles back.
"So do you want to know the family history?"
"Yeah, I do. I actually have so many questions."
"You want to know Nana's story also or just the cousin dynamic?"
"Everything, tell me whatever you want."
"Well then this will take a while so brace yourself Grey cause this story time will require snacks and drinks I believe." She laughs
"Bracing for impact, Miss Steele." I kiss her.
We both get up and go to get some snacks and water and make our way back to the couch. She sits close to me and I pull her legs into my lap and she starts to tell me.
"Okay, I'm going to start with a history and geography lesson and will try make this as interesting as I can. Tell me whenever you start to feel bored." She giggles.
"You're quite good at story time, Miss Steele, I could never get bored." I smirk.
She laughs. "Good, except this going to be the longest fucking story time of my life... so you know how freaking big India is right? Anyway, prior 1947 it was India plus modern day Pakistan and Bangladesh and all of Kashmir that made up all of India. Without getting into too much detail because we'll be there till tomorrow night... In 1947 the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was created as a country solely for any Muslims, mostly the subcontinent given the proximity to find their safe haven since they were being persecuted in India at the time and barely had any representation in government. Now the British may have been great at divide and conquer but they were absolute shit at divide and get the fuck out... they divided India into West Pakistan and East Pakistan which is now modern day Bangladesh. It was a shitshow because how do you govern part of a country that is so fucking far away with a majority that didn't even speak Urdu... they spoke bangla and anyway, so that was a shitshow on it's own.
Anyway, Kashmir was also a point of contention during the negotiations of gaining freedom from the British Raj. As it stands, India controls about I think 65-70% of Kashmir even though they are to be considered a separate entity and Pakistan controls the remainder 30% with like a small section controlled by China also, I think... I need to confirm that actually. Kashmir has been fighting for independence from India for forever given its Muslim majority and it's a fucking shitshow but their plight has fallen on deaf ears.
Nana was once part of the Kashmiri royal family who were Sikh, except Nana's father who was a younger brother and therefore not in line for succession, decided to convert to Islam and as a result they were all disowned but still had some lucrative assets in their name. Nana was the youngest of his siblings. Right before the partition, two of his sisters and one brother moved to Lahore, which is a city in modern day Pakistan and the remainder two sisters moved with Nana to Delhi and his parents. Nana was 12 at the time I think. He got into Harvard at the age of 17 and moved to America for college and well you already know his trajectory into the billions." She laughs. "Anyway, he became successful and helped pay for his sisters to get married and supported all their families. Two of his sisters in India died, while he was at Harvard. One from Typhoid in her early 20's and the other died during premature childbirth. His siblings in Pakistan did well for themselves. I have Pakistani cousins and they're awesome but I don't get to meet them much but we talk all the time and facetime every now and then. Rania is from the Pakistani side of the family. Nana's brother passed away about 15 years ago but he only had one son who was Rania's dad. Nana sponsored Rania's dad to come over to America. Rania's family moved here but her mom passed away when Priya was about 2 years old and that was difficult on her father and the kids too... he sort of checked out mentally so Nana took Rania took her under his wing when she was in her early teens and she's a fucking shark. She could give Travis and Jose a run for they money... which is why she's head of legal at AHAK... Still with me?"
I laugh. "Yes Miss Steele, I'm so intrigued."
She takes a deep breath. "Okay cool. So Nani was part of Kashmiri nobility back in the day... Nana's mom knew Nani's mother and they kept in touch after she had moved to Delhi and they had an arranged marriage and Alia Khala and Nita were born in India but Nana's business remained in America so he would travel a lot. They eventually moved to the US. Everyone in this family went to finishing school in Europe by the way. Nani too. They all, with the exception of Nana speak French so you can bond with them on that. I'm not happy about it but for the sake of you becoming friends with them, I'll allow it." She narrows her eyes at me and I laugh.
"I'm going to have so much with this now. It's game over for you Miss Steele." I laugh.
She rolls her eyes at me. "Everyone speaks a minimum of 6 languages in the family. The cousins all speak, French, Arabic, Cantonese, Spanish in addition to Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi... I'm the only black sheep in the family."
"Ana, you learned 3 languages after the age of 10 that's pretty impressive."
"Yeah but... I don't know... you know, before the accident I didn't give a shit about their accomplishments. Ray had a way of grounding me and making feel like I was perfectly fine the way I was but then the feeling of inferiority really weighed me down. I felt like such a failure so when I moved to Portland I would take all these free classes and seminars and shit. Like learning photography, calligraphy, flowers... like all this fluffy shit. I don't know... anyway, in addition to that they all can play a minimum of 3 instruments each. Karan plays about 6 but yeah... it's fucking insane."
"That is insane." That is fucking insane.
"You think Grace wanted her children to be accomplished? Nana was on a whole other level. He paid for every single cousin's education. He said it was an investment in the future of the family legacy." She laughs at my horrified expression.
"Why didn't he pay for your education?"
She shrugs and laughs. "Not really part of the family, I guess. I don't know. Nani and Nita tried to talk to me about it. Paying for everything and buying me a place to live in Portland but I shut that shit down. Ray would not have wanted that for me. He taught me to stand on my own two feet. I had two hands, I could work and I did. Yes they were menial jobs but they taught me a great deal." She starts to tear up. "It was important for me to honor him that way, was I always tired and in pain... yes but each job taught me a valuable lesson. Nannying taught me how to deal with screaming and tantrum throwing individuals." She looks at me and smirks. And I laugh. I see what you did there Miss Steele. "The hardware store taught me organization and handling complete idiots and the library job did the same but also helped me quickly help out with research and helped me get my reading fix... I learned a great deal from them all and it really helps me at GEH. No one gives me attitude because I get shit done and I can put them in their place if need be. I'm nice and respectful but I'm not a pushover. Not professionally at least." She takes a deep breath. It breaks my heart to hear this. She fucking deserves the world. All this pain... fuck.
"Oh Miss Steele, I can personally attest to the fact that you are certainly not the kind to be pushed around at work. I learned my lesson in that HR meeting."
"Damn straight you did, you better think twice before 'summoning' me up and goading me into a situation that frankly speaking backfired on your ass. I mean I even bit my tongue and tried not to answer thinking okay maybe he'll take my hesitance as a sign of respect... but no you just wanted to be murdered... so I let it rip. You're welcome, Mr. Grey."
I let out a big laugh. "You're right. I wasn't entirely sure how you were going to react so it was a test which I did have fun with, I'm not going to lie and like always Ana, you dominated."
"I know, I'm just that awesome." She flips her hair back and rolls her eyes laughing.
"Tell me about the Kapadias." I ask. I really want to know more about this AHAK-KGI dynamic.
"Okay so, Karan is Vishaal and Kiran's cousin on their dad's side. Uncle Rish's younger brother is Arsh, his children are Aasha who we call Aashu and then Karan. I didn't get close to them until my first year of college. Aashu is about 2 years younger than me. Karan is your age. Karan went to Eton from a young age and Aashu went to American schools in India which is why she doesn't have an accent. Karan did pre-law in London as well and then went to law school at Harvard where he met Daniel. They met in con law I think, I don't remember but anyway, since Vishaal and Daniel were both at Harvard at the same time as Karan, Kiran naturally ended up meeting Daniel and they hit it off. Daniel is definitely closer to Karan in comparison. Vishaal was bit of an over achiever, he did pre-law, law school and then also his MBA. He thinks he's the shit but in reality we all know that he is just... shit." We both laugh.
When I met Karan and Aasha, we instantly hit it off. As much as I love Kiran, I adore Aashu and Karan a little more. But again, Kiran and Vishaal kept me far from them, which is why my close relationship with them is very recent.
You already know that AHAK owns 40% of KGI, that's because Uncle Rish and Uncle Arsh had been trying to get their business off the ground and were struggling a bit, they actually used to work for AHAK as executives when Uncle Rish made his moves on Alia Khala, anyway... Nana helped them out and that's how the 40% ownership came to be. They remained focused on the eastern hemisphere and the only reason why they even have $1 billion dollar worth of assets in the US and Europe is because of Nana. He was instrumental in securing those deals for them. Anyway, KGI's 60% is supposed to be split 4 ways between Vishaal, Kiran, Karan and Aashu but given how Vishaal and Kiran are set to inherit AHAK eventually, it puts Karan at a disadvantage since Karan won't have much leverage when it comes to making decisions in the future. Their company is structured differently from AHAK. Everything will require a vote amongst the cousins eventually.
"This is why I don't fucking share my shit. Too much fucking drama."
"Yeah, it's a messy situation. Nita's shares will go to them also once she passes."
"So you really get nothing."
"Nope. I have the house in Montesano which was paid off from Dad's life insurance, it's not worth much but it's my plan B if all else fails in life."
"Ana... "
"Christian, stop. I don't want their money. I don't want all that fucking drama."
It fucking frustrates me. She deserves to be taken care of.
"Karan's into real estate, he still helps out with the family business in India and here too sometimes but he's trying to make a name for him self with his partner Tony who comes from a real estate mogul family himself. They've taken Miami by storm and are doing really well in Atlanta. They want to take over in Texas next. Karan is gay and no one but Aashu and myself know. I suspect Daniel knows but he's smart enough to keep his mouth shut. Karan knows about Vishaal and now Akash and what they did to me. He's the only guy in the family who I trust and he's been so good to me, Christian. He's the one who tells me all the behind the scenes about the business gossip in the family otherwise I'd never know shit. I barely get to hang out with him but he'd always call me and come visit me even for a day or two and give me cash for an emergency fund when I was in college. He was like a real big brother to me. It's not something I publicly announce because, Kiran hates his guts and given this rivalry, I don't want to add to the drama. He taught me how to dance and he taught me a little how to sing and got me lessons for my 21st birthday. You heard his voice right? It's beautiful, he actually learned from a proper vocal teacher back in India." She beams with pride.
"I've only met them three or four times since the accident but we talk all the time and I've longed to go to Miami but I would never be able to explain how I got there and why I was hanging out with him so I never went. Plus I was a broke ass college student so yeah but now that I'm working and honestly, hanging out with you gives me confidence to say fuck it to a lot of things, so thank you for that." She leans in a gives me a small kiss. "I think will go to Miami one of these weekends and just chill with them." She giggles. She picks up her phone and shows me a selfie of herself with Tony and Karan and they look so adorable.
I smile at her "I'm so glad you have him in your life and I'm sorry you haven't been able to hang out with him as much as you'd like. If you want to go to Miami, we can make a plan and go in the next couple of weeks."
"Really?" she asks with child like wonder "I don't want to take you away from anything Christian, I know how busy you are and running an empire is not easy."
"Baby, I work hard so I can enjoy the fruits of my labor. I want to share it all with you and besides; I'd rather spend my weekends wherever you are. It'll be nice for us to get out of here for a little while and be a normal couple that walks out on the street again." I kiss her.
She claps her hands in delight and kisses me again "Thank you so much Christian, you've made my day."
"Now that the fucker and Kiran are Co-CEO's... what are you thoughts about that?"
"I don't like it. I don't think they're ready. Actually, what the fuck do I know, my feelings are too personal. I don't like him having that power but I'm glad Nani still is the final authority on everything but they are not like Nana. They both lack compassion and I'm not saying that in regards to what happened to me, I'm saying... like Karan, he's a lot like you Christian. He's got a good heart, takes care of his employees and is really smart but he's humble and kind. Vishaal is an entitled piece of shit and Kiran, as much as I love her and owe her for what she's done for me, she's still a little not all there in some aspects. She hasn't been through real hardship, she's always gotten wants and she's really selfish. It's always all about her. Only a white guy could survive with her cause 99% of south Asian men are entitled, egomaniacs who just want blow-up dolls for wives."
I laugh. "Yeah Scooter is that schmuck. He's such a pushover."
"But he's a wonderful pushover, he really loves her. I adore him." She says with love. "Why do you guys call him scooter?"
"Cause he was always on a fucking scooter or was always whining for one. It just made sense to call him that after a while and it stuck." I have to laugh and Ana joins in.
"I can't wait to Karan to be able to freely live his life. I think him and I bonded on that fear of abandonment and we became close. He was that older brother I longed for in Vishaal, I just bonded with him so late." She says with sadness "But he's in my life now, and I'm so happy and I make the most of our time together."
"I'm glad he's in your life too." I say and I truly mean it. I'd be jealous as shit if he was straight that's for sure.
"Did Aashu call me big brother?" I ask.
Ana smiles "Yeah she did." It makes me feel so cherished. "It's her way of welcoming you to the family by calling you that and also having you attend the wedding. I'm pretty sure Daniel and Kiran will come because they just have to, plus Tony will be there, he's hilarious so you won't totally be alone whenever I have to disappear for a while." She kisses my cheek.
"Thank you for thinking of me baby." I say.
"Can't help it Mr. Grey, I'm obsessed with you." She says with the sweetest smile.
"What did Karan call you?"
"Oh he calls me bachay, which is like calling me little one. He calls Aashu that too!" she smiles.
"You all are so affectionate with each other and have special names for relationships." I say.
"Yep, I have like 10 different nicknames, it's a thing in the culture."
"Tell me all your names, I want to know." I ask her and kiss her again.
She takes an exaggerated breath and laughs " Well Ana is pretty standard. A lot of people just call me Aana in the family, and the kids call me Aanapa if I'm their cousin or Aana khala if I'm an aunt from their mom's side, if I'm an aunt from the father's side then I'm Aana phupho. I'm called 'meri jaan' a lot which means, my life or my love. I'm called bachay which I just explained, Ray called me Annie or Luna, Nita will calls me Aanu and those names are exclusively reserved for them in addition to Nani who calls me Aisha, that's actually her name but she says she sees a lot of herself in me so she says my muslim name is Aisha. Kiran calls me babygirl and it sort of stuck so Rania calls me that too, Kate started calling me Steele and I loved it so it stuck, Tony calls me Ana banana and Mia overheard that at the Cabo trip and she calls me that too now and you're the only one to call me baby." She shrugs and laughs.
"I'm glad I get a name all to myself." I laugh. "Why did Ray call you Luna?" She looks down with a sad smile.
"Luna is moon in Italian and he said that I was the light in the night for him, though I also suspect it was because I had some a chubby white face as a baby." She laughs with tears in her eyes. I give her a deep kiss.
"He was on to something. You're moonlight personified." I tell her and she gives me a small kiss.
"What about you Christian, you don't have any nicknames?" she asks.
"Nope. I never entertained that shit and Grace oddly never called us by anything other than our names."
"But you guys call Elliot, Lelliot and it's so cute." She smiles.
"Yeah I guess, I don't know, I never really thought about it."
"Hmm, I don't even know what nickname I'd call you by even if I tried, I love your name so much." She smiles and kisses the corner of my mouth. "Maybe I'll come up with something, who knows? It will probably be in Urdu though" she muses.
"What kind of words do people for something like that?"
"Oh god, so many, um, piya, jaan, jaanu, which makes me shudder, I don't like the word jaanu, sanam is one, I really like that, jaaneman which means my darling, saanware and so many more that I actually can't remember off of the top of my head but 99% of these words are mostly used in poetry and not in real life. I think the one that comes closest to you is Jaaneman." She smiles and puts her hand on my face and leans close.
"I like that, it'll be something that only you call me, that makes me feel really special."
"Okay Jaaneman." She smiles and kisses me again.
(jaaneman, pronounced as jaanaymunn)
...
We take a bath and get dressed to take on the day which involves Ana making her millions of cookies again, I decide to work a few hours in the office, once I'm done I go back out to see what Ana's up to, the entire place smells of warmth. In such a short time she's made this place into a home. She's brought a level of calm and comfort into my life that I never knew I needed. The idea of silence is now cold and deafening to me.
She's almost done with all the baking and has prepared about 8 boxes, just two more to go. She has her back to me and is singing as she places small round balls of cookie dough on to the baking tray. She sways to the beat, sometimes throwing up a free hand dancing a bit, it's fucking adorable.
We don't say, "I love you" but that's fine by me
Always at your crib, you live right by me
Got me watching Shark Tank, we're so creative
You don't take me on dates, but I don't hate it
Ooh-la-la
Je suis chaude pour toi
Oh my God
Pourquoi je suis comme ça?
Ooh-la-la
Je suis chaude pour toi
Oh my God
Oh my God
Walk me to the deli for
Late night candy runs
What we have is good
So fun
You're my Brooklyn love (love)
Love
You're my Brooklyn love (love)
Love
Brooklyn Love – Lolo Zouai
I quietly make my way over and hug her waist and kiss her neck, she jumps and half screams. "Why must you scare the life out of me Mr. Grey? No cookies for you." She giggles and sways a little.
"You sing French so beautifully."
She laughs out loud "I have no idea what I'm singing though."
"Well, she's saying 'I'm hot for you Oh my God Why am I like this?"I kiss her neck again.
"Oh!" she giggles a little embarrassed "so tell me Mr. Grey, why am I like this?"
"Because I'm in love with you and you're in love with me" I whisper in her ear and bite her earlobe and she quietly moans and her breathing changes. I kiss her neck and she giggles. "Christian, I need to finish making these cookies."
"Ahem and you need to finish whatever else you're doing cause you have company." Elliot teases.
Ana jumps and laughs out loud. "Fuck of Lelliot" I laugh as I leave Ana and we both turn around.
"Hi Elliot!" Ana says shyly. She washes her hands and dries them and grabs a plate with a few extra cookies and pours two glasses of milk and places them in front of us.
"Eat up boys!" She laughs. It's so adorable, Elliot and I take our seats on the bar stools by the counter and Ana moves her cookie making tools to the counter across from us so she can face us.
"Christian, this one is a keeper! Please keep her." Elliot laughs.
"I'm trying man!" I chuckle and Ana laughs.
"So Elliot, what's up?" Ana asks as she continues to work on the cookie dough.
"First of all, sorry for coming by unannounced, I kinda needed advice." Elliot quietly asks. Ana looks up with concern.
(to be continued)
Authors Note: Thank you for the suggestions. We'll definitely be hearing from Jose and Val, I promise. We will know more about Nita's history in Chapter 38. Major drama coming up y'all. Brace yourself.
Pinterest: www dot pinterest dot com/paleseptember10/50-shades-of-love-and-light/ - check out board for chapter 36 :)
Music:
Adore You – Harry Styles
Beloved – Anoushka Shankar
Brooklyn Love – Lolo Zouai
