AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This book runs concurrently with Enticements & Obstructions by OhJasperMyJasper and picks up after chapter 13. Events depicted herein are tied into the lives of the central characters from my other book Culture Shock, that take place after chapter 24. If you have not read those, some of what you read here might leave you a bit lost.
It took entirely too long to get this out, but the delay was unavoidable while the story developed. This chapter is a truly collaborative effort. I think Liz and I wrote each wrote half!
Giant thanks to Lady Kate for invaluable and on going Brit-speak lessons. Big hugs also Maureen and Rebecca.
Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions, or Enticements & Obstructions, all by OhJasperMyJasper, should go do so right now. Links to all are in my profile.
WARNING:
This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. If you are under 18 stop reading now!
AU/AH/OC/Non Magical
All characters from Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling. I just take them out and play with them.
There are actual Arsenal football club players as characters in this book. Real People. Much as I would like to, I do not know them. I do not know anything about them. Their personalities and sexual orientations, as depicted herein, are entirely fictional.
All characters from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just play with them too.
Chapter 4: VISA
Nasir paced almost frantically while he waited, cell to his ear, each second an eon. It was only a few minutes after eleven at night in Seattle. His partner stood in the kitchen of their home and watched him work very hard to wear a path into the tiles on this side of the breakfast bar. Emmett wore only the boxers he had been lounging around in and leaned back against the counter while he ate sorbet right out of the container with a spoon. Nasir was dressed the same. He continued to pace as each second took an eternity to tick by.
"Hello?" the unmistakable voice asked in English.
"Ashok! Ashok, is that you? It is Nasir!" he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Is that him?" Emmett crossed the kitchen and set his sorbet down on the breakfast bar. He only understood the names Nasir said as his partner spoke in Arabic. Nevertheless, Nasir had Emmett's undivided attention.
On the other side of the planet Greg watched the cute Indian's eyes go wide with recognition. He smiled and took a step back from the car to wait.
"Mr. Nasir? Where are you? What happened to you? Are you all right?" Ashok asked.
"Ashok, I am fine. I am in America. Has anyone told you what happened?" Nasir asked.
"No one tells me anything. I know your father and brother are very angry. I heard them shouting, but no one will tell me why," Ashok answered.
"Ashok, I am gay. The friends that I brought with me from America last year, do you remember them?" Nasir asked.
"Yes. They were very nice to us," Ashok answered.
"The tall man, Emmett, do you remember which one? He is my lover, my partner, my habibi," Nasir slid into a barstool and reached for Emmett. Emmett did not know what Nasir was saying to Ashok, but recognized his name and, in any event, did not hesitate to move to his partner when Nasir reached for him. He stepped between Nasir's legs and put his arm around the Arab's shoulders.
"Oh, he is. We wondered," Ashok admitted.
"We know about you and Pankaj, Ashok," Nasir stated. Ashok did not answer. Greg had no idea what was being said, but recognized the look of fear on the Indian's face.
"Do not be afraid, Ashok. Only I and my friends know. We are just the same. We are your gay brothers," Nasir assured. "The man who handed you the phone you now hold is gay. He is my friend from the UK. His name is Greg and his partner's name is Viktor. You are safe. Ashok, I need you to understand what happened to Pankaj. When I was home, I was not alone. Emmett was with me, but he was in a hotel because he obviously could not come to the house with me. Emmett and I went to see the woman I was arranged to marry to see if we could come to some understanding. It was a terrible mistake. Her brothers mistook Pankaj for me, because he was driving the Mercedes, and killed him thinking he was me."
"What?" Ashok barely whispered. Greg watched a range of emotions cross the younger man's face.
"Ashok, I am so, so sorry. I can only begin to imagine the pain I would know if I lost Emmett suddenly and violently as you have lost Pankaj. I will be sorry for the rest of my life," Nasir confessed.
"Thank you, Mr. Nasir," Ashok spoke softly and wiped away the tear that escaped his eye.
"Why are you thanking me?" Nasir asked.
"No one would tell me why he died. Now at least I know why I lost my Pankaj," Ashok eyes spilled. "I loved him, and he loved me. He was my partner, my mate," he spoke the words aloud for the very first time to anyone. It was at once liberating and terribly painful.
"Ashok, I know that you loved him and he loved you. I could see the way you looked at each other when you thought no one was watching. Listen, Ashok, I cannot imagine how hard it is for you there now," Nasir began.
"It is. Now Sanjiv has arranged a replacement for Pankaj. At least he will stop yelling at me, probably, but I don't want some stranger to come into Pankaj's bed like he didn't matter. For six years I have worked in your father's house, Mr. Nasir, and I have loved it, but now, it is like I am in a nightmare and I can't wake up," Ashok wiped at his face.
"Ashok, is Greg still there, the one who handed you this phone?" Nasir asked.
"He is," Ashok confirmed. "Do you want to speak to him?"
"No, no. Ashok, he is not alone. He has three friends there with him. They have come to help you. You can trust them. I trust them. They will take you from there, back to the UK with them," Nasir explained.
"Mr. Nasir, I will never be able to go to the UK or the US. I have no way to get a visa," Ashok protested.
"Greg and his friends will get your visa for you. You must give Greg your passport as quickly as possible. Can you do that?" Nasir instructed.
"Yes. The next time I am sent out I will probably have ample opportunity to give it to him, but..," Ashok answered.
"But what, Ashok?" Nasir asked.
"Mr. Nasir, it is everyone's dream to go to the UK or the US, but where would I live? What would I do? I have little money and no way to support myself," Ashok laid out his fears.
"Do not worry about that, Ashok. I will take care of you until you get established. Greg and his friends will help me. They will help you. Please do not be afraid," Nasir assured. "Give Greg your passport and keep this phone. Can you keep the phone hidden?"
"Yes. I can do that," Ashok assured. He would put it under the mattress if need be.
"Ashok, I can't tell you what a relief it is just to talk to you. I will never be able to repay what I have cost you. I will be eternally sorry for that. But now, these men can take you back to the UK with them. You can start over and be safe with good people around you," Nasir looked up at Emmett and rubbed his lover's bare back. "We only hope that you can be happy. Anything that you ever need, you have only to let me know. My situation here is somewhat delicate. If I could leave the US right now, I would be there waiting to greet you in London with open arms. Emmett and I both would."
"Mr. Nasir, I don't know what to say. You tell me that you are sorry, but you should not be. I don't want you to be. You have always been kind to us. I am so grateful to you, for your understanding, and now for this incredible opportunity," Ashok spoke softly.
"Ashok, I don't want you to call me Mr. Nasir anymore. I am just Nasir. We are equals. We are just two gay men. You are my brother," Nasir stressed.
"Thank you, Nasir," Ashok wiped his eyes again.
"I will leave you now with Greg. Get him your passport and he will let you know as soon as he has obtained your visa. Then you can go to your new home where people like us can be open and safe," Nasir instructed.
"Okay. Thank you, Nasir," Ashok said again.
"Take good care, Ashok. Inshallah we will see each other soon in London," Nasir bid.
"Yes. I would like that. Good bye, Nasir," Ashok lowered the phone and ended the call. He looked up at the British man who stepped closer to the car again. Greg wore a smile, but Ashok could see that he was withering. Even in the shade it was a hundred and twenty degrees.
"Would you like to sit in the car with me?" Ashok asked, speaking English again. He only regretted not asking sooner.
"That would be lovely," Greg walked around the car and sat in the front seat while Ashok put up his window.
"I will turn up the air," Ashok tried to make Greg more comfortable.
"Thanks, mate. It's just bloody hot here!" Greg directed the vent to blow in the center of his chest. "I'm Greg," he offered his hand. "Nice to meet you properly."
"Nice to meet you," Ashok smiled as they shook. "You will really take me to the United Kingdom with you?"
"Absoultely," Greg assured with a smile.
"I have no way to get a visa. You can get it for me?" Ashok asked.
"My friend's father is in the Shadow Cabinet. I don't expect you'll know what that means. Suffice it to say, he's highly placed and well connected. He's got a man standing by at the British Embassy to help us," Greg pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed the number of the phone he that just given Ashok. "There," Greg hung up as soon as Ashok's phone rang. "Now you have my number. Just let us know where and when to meet you to get your passport. We'll get your visa in a jiff and then we can be off."
"Do you know where I might live, or where I can get a job? I will do anything to live there," Ashok was sincere.
"Between the five of us, Vik included, we'll come up with something. We'll look after you. As for a job, I'm sure that'll sort itself out eventually," Greg smiled and nodded.
"Mr. Greg, you are so kind to do all this for me," Ashok smiled.
Greg put a hand on the Indian's arm, "I shudder to think what I would do if anything happened to Vik. We just want to do what we can to help."
"Vik is the man you are with?" Ashok asked.
"He is," Greg confirmed. He called up a picture of his lover on his phone. "He's from Bulgaria."
"He is very handsome," Ashok endorsed. "Is he here with you?"
"He's in Austria at the moment, actually, though, I can tell you, he very much wanted to come. I'm here with my friends Dré and Vince, who are also a couple, and our other mate Rick," Greg answered. "Do you have a picture of Pankaj?"
"Oh!" Ashok certainly did and had placed it, forgotten, between the seat and his thigh when Greg first approached the car. He produced it, unfolded it, and handed it to Greg.
"What a beautiful picture. Who took this?" Greg asked.
"One of Mr. Nasir's friends from America, when they were here last year," Ashok informed.
"Were you two just sitting and standing like this, or did he pose you?" Greg asked.
"He posed us, but we loved it," Ashok answered with a beaming smile at the memory.
"I'll just bet I know which one. Short, skin darker than yours, very long, black hair?" Greg asked.
"Yes! What is his name?" Ashok asked.
"His name is Seth. Right intuitive little fucker he is. You two look very happy in this picture," Greg observed.
"We were," Ashok dropped his gaze as his smile faded.
"Tell me about him. Tell me about Pankaj, Ashok," Greg bid. Ashok smiled and proceeded to tell someone details about the man he loved for the first time.
It was over an hour before Greg walked back to the Mercedes.
"What in the bloody hell have you been doing?" Dré demanded from where he and Vince sat in the back seat, before Greg even got his door closed. They had joined Rick to wait and watch as the Mercedes had a better vantage point of the Rolls from where it was parked.
"Taking scuba lessons," Greg was flip. "Talking, obviously."
"So he speaks English, then?" Rick asked.
"He does, and pretty well, though with an accent. He is the sweetest kid you could ever want to meet. And his eyes are so sad," Greg shook his head.
"Yeah?" Rick was concerned.
"So what are we doing now? We're starved," Dré stated.
"Starved," Vince echoed.
"My man's about to fall by the wayside," Dré rubbed his lover's thigh.
"Can't have that. Let's head back to the hotel for lunch," Greg suggested.
"That's the best idea I've heard all day. See you lot back at the Radisson," Dré and Vince both promptly exited the Mercedes to return to their BMW.
"We're absolutely doing the right thing, Rick. To hear him talk about Pankaj, it just breaks your heart," Greg shook his head as he put the car in gear. He waited for Vince and Dré to drive out, and pulled out behind them.
"I can't wait to meet him," Rick looked toward the Rolls as they drove away. Ashok was watching them and gave a little wave which Rick returned with a smile.
Later that afternoon, they were ensconced in the Royal Club on the tenth floor of their hotel. Scones with jam and watercress sandwiches and other treats covered their table as they took their tea.
"Alright, guys. Now we've found him, we have to decide what we're going to do with him," Greg led the conversation with cup and saucer.
"What do you mean, what we're going to do with him?" Dré asked.
"Where he's going to live," Greg clarified.
"Ah," Dré gave a nod. "If we had an open flat, I'd say maybe, but we don't."
"Rent free? Your father'd never stand for it, Duck," Vince spread clotted cream and jam on a scone.
"I'd say he could stay with us, but I'm not sure it's wise to bring a strange man into our home while Victor is away, no matter how sweet and innocent he seems," Greg mused aloud.
"H has the house," Rick suggested.
"Do you think he would let us use it?" Greg asked.
"Not bloody likely," Dré voiced his doubt.
"Should he be left alone?" Vince asked.
"We all can check on him throughout the day and I could move in there with him for a while," Rick offered. "And if H won't work with us, then Ashok can stay with me."
"You just have a one bedroom flat," Dré pointed out.
"That's right and I'm sure H will be furious," Rick expressed, "but I won't let him get in the way."
"Now that I'd like to see," Dré sipped his tea.
"Not to mention, Ashok would probably find my couch more inviting than having his own room at either of your places, where he has to watch a happy couple every day. So soon after he's lost his partner, that would have to hurt," Rick pointed out.
"Good point," Greg nodded. "It sounds like the best option we've got is H's place, if H goes for it that is. Failing that, he can stay with you, Rick. And we'll all help to make sure he doesn't feel left alone and isolated in a new country and all."
"What do we feel like for dinner, chaps?" Vince picked up the booklet that had a page dedicated to each dining venue the hotel had to offer. "There's La Moda if we feel like Italian. I've had my eye on the Palm Grill too, if we'd like a good bottle and a nice steak, yeah? Or there's Shabestan, the Persian restaurant with live music, if we want something more exotic."
"After last night I could do with a little less exotic," Dré stated.
"Vince, only you could plan a meal during a meal," Rick teased.
"That's my peach," Dré smiled and rubbed his partner's arm.
"I could do with a lovely steak," Greg nodded to himself.
"Sounds good. Let's do that," Rick agreed.
"Although, I warn you now, I'll not expense fine, expensive wines to Nasir," Greg dictated. He said no more and no one responded, as his cell rang. Greg was quick to dig it out of his pocket. "It's Ashok!" he announced as he answered it and put it to his ear. "Hi, Ashok."
"Greg, I have my passport," Ashok stated.
"He has his passport. That's great, mate. Where are you?" Greg asked.
"I am on my way to the fish market. The fishmonger forgot the shrimp when he delivered the order for an important dinner the master is having tonight. Vijay was supposed to go, but the van got a flat, so while he is fixing that, Sanjiv sent me," Ashok informed.
"Excellent. Where can we meet you? I don't know where the fish market is," Greg confessed.
"What hotel are you in?" Ashok countered.
"The Radisson Blu, on the creek," Greg answered.
"I know it. You are actually very near the master's offices. I will bring it to you," Ashok stated.
"Oh, that's great, Ashok. I'll meet you out front," Greg arranged. "Am I looking for the Rolls?"
"Yes. I can be there in about twenty minutes," Ashok advised.
"See you then, mate," Greg said and hung up. "You chaps coming with?"
"I will," Rick offered. "I might snag a beer in the lobby bar while we wait."
Dré watched his partner spread strawberry jam on another scone. "You lot go ahead. We'll wait here."
"Suit yourself," Greg said as he rose. "Back in a bit. C'mon, Rick."
Rick said nothing as he stood and followed after Greg. They made their way to the elevator and rode down to the lobby. Around the corner from Marbles, the official lobby bar, was a traditional English pub called simply, The Pub. Here they obtained a proper pint, which went down all too easy in the very hot day. Greg picked up a city map from a rack at the lobby concierge desk as he and Rick made their way to the hotel front entrance. They waited inside where they could watch the drive though the darkened glass front of the hotel in air conditioned comfort. It was only another few minutes before they saw the white Silver Seraph pull up under the porte cochere. Greg quickly headed out with Rick right on his heels.
"We're not getting in," Greg called to the doorman who smiled and reached for the back door of the obviously chauffeur driven car. Greg and Rick walked around the the driver's side as Ashok lowered his window. "Thanks so much for coming round. Could you just mark where we're supposed to meet on this map?" Greg said and handed it to Ashok. The Indian got it. He slipped his passport inside the map and handed it back.
"Brilliant," Greg folded the map and slipped it into his pocket. Ashok looked up at Greg and Rick with eyes that threatened to spill. He put the car in park, opened the door and got out. Ashok was on the slight side, though not so thin as Dré, and almost Greg's height. He threw his arms around Greg's neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you," Ashok said quietly as he held onto the British man.
"We're glad to do it, Ashok," Greg said as he wrapped his arms around the lean torso. Ashok let Greg go at last and looked up at Rick. He was just at eye level with the taller man's shoulder.
"Ashok, meet my friend Rick," Greg introduced. Rick offered his hand with a smile and Ashok flung his arms around Rick's neck just as he had done to Greg.
"Oh!" Rick took hold of the thinner man by his ribs.
"Thank you," Ashok expressed the same to the taller white man.
"It's nothing," Rick spoke softly with genuine compassion. He could feel the younger man's fear and desperation. It was driven home to him in that moment that they were truly saviors to this bereft Indian man. He ran his hands up and down the thinner man's ribcage.
"I have to go now," Ashok let go of Rick at last. "If this car smells of fish in any way Sanjiv will beat me," he got back into the car and shut the door.
"You'd best hurry, then. We should have your visa by midday tomorrow. I'll send a text," Greg leaned down to speak into the still open window.
"Thank you both again, so much," Ashok put the car in gear and drove away.
"Blimey, what a sweet kid," Rick said as he and Greg walked back into the hotel.
"Told you," Greg stated.
"I'll just send a text myself," Rick pulled out his cell.
See you at the match this weekend?
Rick sent the agreed upon code message to H that would look to all the world like an old school chum wanting to meet at a football or rugby match, should anyone read it other than him. It was what he should have done instead of calling H on the train to the airport. If H could talk, he would call, and if not, he would text something, anything back.
"Another pint before we go back up?" Greg asked.
"You read my mind, Gregory," Rick put a hand on his oldest friend's shoulder as they walked back into The Pub. No sooner did they take seats at the bar when Rick's cell rang. He answered it and brought it his ear. "Hi, H."
"Hi, Ced," H used his pet name for Rick.
"Is this a good time?" Rick asked.
"I wouldn't have called if not. I'm glad you reached out to me. I feel bad about the other day. I didn't mean to have a row. The kids were both crying and Ginny stomped off to the bathroom. Anyway, none of it was your fault. I didn't mean to take it out on you," H was kind.
"Thank you, Al. It means a lot to hear you say that," Rick closed his eyes. Comfort from the man he loved, when they were not in bed together, was a rare and welcome thing.
"I waited for you at the house yesterday," H relayed. "I know you said you were going out of the country, but I still hoped... I need to see you, Rick. I know we've had a rough time of it lately, and we need to make things right. I long to make love to you and hold you in my arms properly, all night. Will you come to the house Sunday? I'll tell Ginny I have to leave Sunday to be at the client's first thing Monday. We can spend the entire night together."
"That sounds lovely, Al, and I wish I could say yes, but...," Rick paused with a sigh.
"But?" H could hardly believe his offer was not immediately and gratefully accepted.
"I'm still out of the country and not quite sure when I'll be back," Rick explained. Their pint glasses were placed before them and Rick picked his up to have a gulp while Greg handed over his room card to pay for them.
"Where are you anyway?" H asked.
"In Dubai," Rick wiped the froth from his upper lip with his hand.
"Dubai! What the hell are you doing there?" H demanded.
"I'm getting to that. That's one of the reasons I texted you just now. Do you remember me telling you about meeting Greg and Viktor's American friend, Emmett? His partner is from here," Rick was met with only silence. "Remember?" he prompted.
"Did you? I suppose," H was indifferent.
"Anyway the Emirati guy's family found out about him being gay, and tried to kill him for it, and ended up killing another innocent guy instead. Only that guy's gay too, but nobody knew it. So this guy's lover is all alone here now and he can't let anybody know or see him sad or cry or anything. And we wanted to help him," Rick expounded.
"So you flew to Dubai? You're having me on," H could not believe it.
"Al, he's a super sweet kid. You'll think so too when you meet him," Rick continued.
"Meet him? I don't want to meet him. Any anyway how would I? I'm certainly not flying to Dubai," H was haughty.
"We actually managed to arrange an entry visa for him. We're bringing him back with us," Rick relayed what he felt was good news.
"Just what this country needs," H gave a sigh.
"C'mon, H, don't be like that," Rick urged. Beside him Greg shook his head. It was all downhill from here and he knew he would have to catch Rick at the bottom. They had been down this road many times.
"Why are you regaling me with this charming story?" H was dry.
"We were rather hoping for your help. Ashok, that's his name by the way, will need a place to stay for a while, not too awfully long, just until he gets on his feet. You've got the big empty house with no one living in it and we thought," Rick began.
"Well you thought bloody wrong!" H cut him off. "Do you think I want some Arab living in my house? This is what you're doing instead of being with me? Flying half way round the world to pick up some stray boy? And then you have the cheek to ask me to keep him at my house, my retreat! Won't my neighbors love some squatting camel jock next door. They'll probably think I'm sponsoring a terrorist cell! That's brilliant, Rick! Just what I need!"
"H," Rick tried to cut into the ever growing tirade.
"And who's bloody 'we' anyway?" H demanded. "That house is a secret. No one knows about that house and I want to keep it that way!"
"H, everyone knows about that house," Rick spoke in a defeated voice.
"They just better bloody not, Rick! I'm serious about this!" H raised his voice further.
"The only person it's a secret from is Ginny," Rick stated.
"Rick!" H shouted into the phone.
"You know what? I am very sorry, H," Rick began. "I am very sorry that I bothered you with this. I am very sorry that you are not only a bigot, but an arsehole as well. And I am very sorry that I defend you every time someone points that out to me. I now quite fully realize how utterly stupid I must seem every time I do. No problem, you keep your house to yourself. I'll just keep him with me. He's bloody gorgeous, by the way, in case I forgot to mention that. I'd much rather he stay with me anyway, so thank you for giving me the excuse."
"Oh, that's just brilliant, Rick. You have your bloody wog boy toy. See if I care! Just don't think I'll ever want to get near you again!" H threatened.
"Not to worry, H. No doubt one shag with this beautiful boy and I shan't even remember your name. You have a smashing day," Rick bid sarcastically and ended the call.
"Dré'll have a lovely time of 'told you so'," Greg pointed out casually as he took a sip of his beer.
"No doubt he will," Rick picked up his glass. And then his phone rang again. He was quick to pick it up and answer it. "Oh, did I forget to turn my mobile off?"
"Rick!" they both heard the shout come through the phone before Rick ended the call again and shut the cell off.
"There. Time to get good and royally pissed," Rick announced.
"Are you all right, mate?" Greg put a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I'm fine," Rick lied. "I should be used to the wanker by now, right?" he forced a smile. Greg let his hand slide down to rub Rick's back.
"Were you serious about sleeping with Ashok?" Greg asked.
"You know me better than that, Greg. Of course not. Poor sweet kid has been through enough. I wouldn't try to take advantage of him. I just want to help him. The very last thing he needs is to get caught up in my stupid mess," Rick shook his head and took another gulp of his beer. Greg only nodded. Of course he knew Rick had only said that to get a dig at H, who fully deserved it.
"There you chaps are," Dré's voice made them turn. "You missed the end of tea. We have his passport?" he asked as he climbed onto the stool beside Greg.
"Barkeep, two more," Vince called and pointed. He did not sit, but chose to stand behind his partner. In answer to Dré's question, Greg produced the folded map and placed it before the platinum blonde. Dré did not look at it, but handed it to Vince for safe keeping. Vince promptly shoved it into his pocket.
"I am going to venture a guess, from the look on Rick's face, that he talked to H," Dré took a swallow of his fresh cold beer.
"Suffice it say, Ashok will be staying with Rick," Greg answered.
"Please. I could have told you that," Dré stated. "And I rather think I did. Love to hear his excuse."
"The house is a secret," Rick spoke in a mocking tone.
"A secret!" Dré exclaimed. "A secret from whom? Her Ladyship perhaps. No one else," he laughed. "Perhaps I should show up with a reporter and photographer from the Times the next time you two meet for a shag. Won't His Lordship like that!"
"The way I feel right now, there won't be a next time," Rick stated.
"I think we all know that's not true," Dré sighed.
Her Majesty's government had not one, but two Embassies in the United Arab Emirates. The first was in Abu Dhabi, the actual capital of the Emirates, and the location of the offices of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom elected to establish a second full Embassy in the business capital and actual heart of the Emirates, rather than a General Consulate. Her Majesty's Ambassador spent, in truth, most of his time in the Dubai Embassy. The offices of Vice-President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and most of the UAE government, were in Dubai.
Dré presented himself at the British Embassy in Dubai at precisely ten the next morning. It was an easy building to find. It flew the British flag and they could see it across the river in the historic old city from their hotel rooms. Dré showed his passport to the Royal Marines at the gate, a call was made, and he was escorted into the building. While it was well over a hundred degrees outside, it was almost chilly inside. Such was the air conditioning that the officious looking man who walked across the marble lobby to meet Dré, was completely comfortable in his full suit and tie. Dré wore khaki pants and a pink polo shirt.
"Mr. Malfoy?" the man greeted.
"Yes," Dré confirmed.
"I'm Gordon Danvers. Won't you come this way? I've got it from here. Thank you, Sergeant," Gordon gave a curt nod to the Marine.
"Sir," the Sergeant turned and headed back out into the withering heat. Dré followed the man across the lobby and down a flight of stairs to a nicely appointed office, without windows, in the basement.
"Have a seat, Mr. Malfoy," Gordon bid as he took the chair behind the big desk. "Let's have the passport then."
"Here we are," Dré placed it on the desk and slid it across. Gordon picked up the passport and looked it over.
"You are a well connected young man, it would seem, Mr. Malfoy. The Consular Annex started asking questions until I told them my instructions came directly from Thames House, from the office of the DG of MI Five himself," Gordon paused with a smile which his guest cooly returned. "As you might guess, that stopped them short," he opened the passport again. "And who is Ashok Banagar that he should be welcomed so warmly onto British soil?"
"I'm sorry, is this an interview? Am I meant to answer questions?" Dré raised his dark eyebrows. After a long pause Gordon smiled again.
"Well," Gordon pulled open a desk drawer and produced the provided paperwork and stamp. "As you might appreciate, this isn't my field. I do hope I get this right."
"As do I. If we have trouble when we land in London, that would really embarrass me, and I am, as you noted, well connected," Dré delivered his veiled threat. Gordon smiled again and stamped Ashok's passport along with a secondary paper that he then stapled into the passport.
"Have a nice day, Mr. Malfoy," Gordon slid the passport back.
"You do the same, Mr. Danvers. I'll see myself out," Dré stood, slipped the passport into his pocket and walked out the way he came in.
All day long Ashok waited for the occasion to arise that would get him out of the al Qasimi house, but it never came. The women did not want to go anywhere. Indeed Rania's mother and younger sister came to visit them for most of the day. A man could not be allowed to serve them, so it did not concern him in any way. He could have volunteered to go in Vijay's place, though that would have been suspicious, if Vijay had been sent anywhere for anything, but that didn't happen either. Hours slowed to a crawl. It was even more difficult than usual to serve the coffee and dates in the majlis with perfect decorum when the master and his son and secretary came home. True to his word, Greg had notified Ashok before noon that his visa had been obtained. It only remained now to go to the airport. A new life awaited him. And he was very ready to go. Without Pankaj, this place was hell. Everywhere he looked here he saw Pankaj. In the garage, or driveway, washing a car. Pankaj always had a warm smile, a speical smile, just for him. Pankaj's ghost was everywhere. And it would absolutely kill him to see another man take to Pankaj's bed like it was his own. He was desperate to go. If only he could get the hell out of this house.
Coffee and dates were served again when Sheikh al Gargawi and his entourage arrived. His wife and daughter and daughter-in-law did not come this time, but his sons did, along with two other Emirati men and the Sheikh's secretary. Only the two secretaries were dressed in Western clothes. All the Emirati men wore white dishdashas and ghutras. Omar and Kasim received their guests properly in the majlis. It was all Ashok could do to not scream. He now knew that one of these men killed his lover. He wanted to throw their coffee in their faces. He wanted to beat them to death with his bare hands. The two older men clasped each other's hands and kissed each other on both cheeks. They were united in their shared catastrophe. They were in it together. The marriage, quite simply, must take place. Ashok listened to them talk about when Nasir could be expected to be on a plane back home and what they planned to do with him when he got here. There were voices who wanted to see him taken into the desert and volunteers to do so. This seemed to anger Sheikh al Gargawi the most. This was the man who would be his daughter's husband. Would they make his daughter a widow before she is even married? No. Nasir must be made to be a man and a proper husband, and he would be, just as soon as his legal wrangling ran it's course and he returned home. Sheikh al Qasimi wondered if the Sheikh would consider having his daughter become Kasim's second wife? Al Gargawi would not have his daughter, no refelction on Kasim, become any man's second wife. Ashok listened to this with balled fists. Not one of these bastards even mentioned the man they killed for no reason at all in cold blood.
The men moved on to dinner where they all sat in a circle on carpets on the covered pool terrace. It was now after dark and a perfectly comfortable temperature. Ashok assisted Sanjiv in laying the feast before them. Like good Muslim men they all drank only water and Ashok stood attentively by with an iced pitcher. Dinner did not go terribly late on this night and at the master's signal, Ashok assisted Sanjiv in serving the final coffee. Like good guests the al Gargawi party knew to depart immediately after the coffee was finished. Ashok remained near at hand after the guests all departed should the men of the family need anything. An hour later Sanjiv came to him.
"We are dismissed for the night. Take this," Sanjiv handed him a large white placard with the name Kamlesh Shah written in Hindi on it. "You will pick him up at the airport in the morning. Leave around ten and you should get there about the time he is through customs. Take any available car. It does not matter. And have him drive back while you give directions. He is supposed to be a very good driver. You must tell me if this is so."
"Yes, Sanjiv," Ashok said obediently. The majordomo gave a final nod and headed for the door himself. Ashok followed out to the drive and across to the garage building. Once inside his room he undressed quickly and went into the bathroom. Ashok turned on the shower and sat down on the floor with the cell phone Greg had given him. He scrolled to the only number this phone had ever dialed.
"Hi, Ashok," Greg came on the line.
"Mr. Greg, I am sorry I could not get out today," Ashok offered.
"Please, call me Greg and don't be sorry, mate. Do you know when you can get out? Can you get out tonight?" Greg asked. He walked along the quay in front of the Radisson Blu with Rick, Dré and Vince. Each of them carried a beer.
"Yes, possibly," Ashok spoke quietly hoping that the sound of the shower masked him sufficiently should anyone be listening. "When everyone goes to bed, I can get out, but I do not know what I will do about the gate."
"Can't you open it?" Greg asked.
"If I trigger the the gate, the ohers will hear it open," Ashok stated. "I could cut the power. Pankaj had to do that once. It can then be rolled aside, but it is very heavy. He needed Vijay's help and he was stronger than me."
"Ashok will have to cut the power to the gate so it can be quietly rolled, but he's not strong enough," Greg relayed.
"I am," Vince assured.
"Ashok, we will get the gate open. How long?" Greg asked.
"Once the others are asleep. Maybe an hour," Ashok spoke softly.
"Rick, get upstairs and get us booked on the flight tonight. Then go with Vince to pick him up. Dré, you and I will get us checked out. We'll take the other car, and the luggage, and meet you at the airport," Greg choreographed.
"Ready," Vince stated with a firm nod.
"Done," Rick said and headed toward the lobby.
"Sound plan, Goyle," Dré nodded his approval.
"Ashok, Rick and Vince are on their way," Greg said into the phone. "You signal when they should approach the gate. Rick will have my phone."
"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Greg," Ashok whispered. He hung up the phone and hid it behind the toilet should anyone invade his privacy before he got out of the shower.
All of Ashok's worldly possessions did not fill up the backpack that had belonged to Pankaj, and which Vijay had miraculously not taken. He owned three tee shirts, one of which he wore, two pair of shorts, four pair of underwear, and the jeans and sandals that he had on. He also owned two sets of kurta pajama. One was a casual cotton in a light blue on navy print. The other was his most precious possession. It had been custom made for him in India to Pankaj's specifications, together with matching pants and a pair of mojari. Ashok fingered the soft, silken fabric as he folded the garments carefully and packed them in between his other clothing to best protect them. Other than that were his photograph, the key to the safe deposit box Pankaj always had him hold onto, his toothbrush and the cell phone that was his lifeline. All of the other clothes, including the shoes, were the property of the master. They were no good to anyone else, but Ashok would not be accused of taking anything that did not belong to him. Once he was ready and certain that everyone was asleep, he sent a text. The reply came immediately that they were waiting outside the gate. Ashok paused before he walked out of the room for the last time. He knelt beside Pankaj's bed and put his hand on his lover's pillow.
"I'm sorry, Pankaj. I just can't stay here any longer. I hope you understand. You were the best thing that ever happened to me," his tears began to fall. "The only good thing. It's no good without you here. I can't take it. I love you. I will always love you, and never forget you," Ashok put his head down on the side of Pankaj's bed and sobbed for he didn't know how long. Until he could have sworn Pankaj's own hand touched his shoulder and whispered in his ear to go. Ashok nodded to the dark empty room, wiped his face and stood. He slipped his backpack over his shoulder and snuck out into the dark hall. He crept down the stairs into the garage and to the row of many switches. He knew the one that was not for a garage door or lights, but for the motor of the gate. He then slipped out the side door of the long garage and into the dark night.
Rick and Vince crouched out of sight near the gate of the al Qasimi compound. They waited quietly as the minutes ticked by until a figure appeared at the bars.
"Mr. Rick?" Ashok whispered into the dark.
"Yeah, Ashok, it's me," Rick rose from his hiding place and approached the gate with Vince close on his heels. "Is the power cut?"
"Yes, it is," Ashok verified.
"This is Vince. He'll take care of this gate," Rick assured.
"Right. Now stand back, you lot," Vince instructed. He braced his back against the stone wall, wedged his foot against the fourth iron bar, and used the strong muscles of his legs to push the gate aside far enough for Ashok to slip out.
"Wow," Ashok was impressed.
"I know. Strong as an ox, our Vince. C'mon," Rick put an arm around Ashok as they walked quickly toward where the car was parked. "Is this all your stuff?" he asked.
"It is everything that was mine. This backpack belonged to Pankaj, but the others left it for me after they picked through his things," Ashok's voice betrayed ust how painful that was. "I am sorry. I wish I had more to bring with me. I do not have much, but it is enough for me."
"Never you mind about that, Ashok," Rick assured as they reached the car. He opened the door to the backseat. "Anything else you need we can get for you in London. And I picked up a few things for you when we were shopping earlier today."
"You did?" Ashok stopped to look up at the taller man. He couldn't imagine anyone aside from Pankaj wanting to buy him anything.
"I did," Rick smiled. "I think I guessed right at the size, but we'll deal with that later. Get in the car now. We have to get to the airport," he directed. Ashok all but dove into the backseat and Rick closed the door behind him. Behind the wheel, Vince already had the car started and in gear, and pulled away from the curb even as Rick was still closing his front passenger door.
Ashok watched nervously out the back window as they drove out of the Al Khaledia suburb of the city of Sharjah. Not until they came to the Al Huda Mosque with it's beautifully illuminated minarets and turned onto Sheikh Zayed Road did Ashok turn forward. And then he saw that Rick was watching him and smiling.
"I guess I am nervous," Ashok said timidly.
"Quite alright, Ashok. It's to be expected," Rick said kindly. "We're on our way and we'll be in London very soon."
Ashok just relaxed into the seat at last and smiled back at the kind man. Vince drove them to the airport with no difficulty and parked in the late night car rental return right next to Greg's Mercedes.
"We're to put the keys in the drop box?" Vince said as he got out of the car.
"That's what Greg said," Rick confirmed. Vince did so as Rick and Ashok joined him on the sidewalk.
"Nice to meet you properly, Ashok," Vince offered his hand. "I'm Vince."
Ashok looked up at Vince and threw his arms around the bigger man's neck.
"Now what's this for, little mate?" Vince asked.
"For freeing me from my prison," Ashok held onto Vince tightly.
"Glad I could help," Vince wrapped his arms around the alluringly thin man and just as quickly did not want him that close any longer. To Vince's relief Ashok let him go and they headed for the terminal.
Greg and Dré were waiting by the ticket counter with all of their carry on bags. Ashok ran to Greg as soon as he saw him and grabbed him in a tight hug again.
"Just because," Ashok anticipated the question and spoke into Greg's chest. Greg just held the slight Indian and rubbed his back. Rick could not help but notice, in the light of the terminal, the way the younger man's tight tee shirt and snug, skinny jeans fit him. The inch of skin that showed between the bottom of his shirt and the top of the low rise jeans that hugged his little butt, while he stretched up to hug Greg, was most inviting as well. The kid looked damn good in his own clothes.
"Ashok, this is Dré. He is the one who obtained your visa," Greg introduced. Ashok's eyes went wide and he flung his arms around Dré's neck as well.
"Thank you. I don't know how I can ever thank you all," Ashok hugged the taller and thinner white man.
"Happy to be of assistance," Dré patted Ashok's back lightly.
"You three have to check in," Greg passed out tickets.
"C'mon, Ashok," Rick put his arm around the shorter man and walked him to the Club World counter. They showed their passports and obtained their boarding passes, and Vince did the same.
"Alright then, you lot," Dré took charge. "The British Airways Terraces lounge is beside gate twenty seven and as it happens, that's our gate. The flight is in just under two hours so we have time for a cocktail or three."
"Leave it to Dré to scope out the lounge," Rick smiled.
"Too right. C'mon then," Dré led the way toward security.
"What is a Terraces lounge?" Ashok looked up at Rick.
"It's a special place that people can go to relax before their flight either because they are members, or flying Club World or First," Rick explained with a smile.
"Oh," Ashok had little understanding. "What are we?"
"We are flying in club," Rick answered.
"I don't know what that is," Ashok admitted.
"You'll soon see, Ashok," Dré assured kindly. "I think you'll like it."
Greg watched this exchange with a smile on his face. He was impressed with two things. First, that Dré let Rick get away with giving that explanation to Ashok without a word. And second, that Ashok seemed to be gravitating to Rick. It was just as well as they would be living together for the foreseeable future and it would do well for them to bond.
They passed through security without incident and continued toward the lounge.
"Can I have my phone back now?" Greg held out Rick's phone.
"Oh, right. Forgot all about that," Rick pulled Greg's phone from his pocket and traded back.
"I couldn't help but notice you have a few texts and voicemails when I turned it on," Greg pointed out.
"Oh, fifteen in all. Lovely," Rick typed the instruction to delete them all.
"Not going to read or listen to any of them?" Greg watched what Rick was doing.
"Nope," Rick finished and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
"Might some of them be important or from someone else?" Greg posed.
"Nope," Rick repeated.
They presented their tickets at the Terraces desk and were admitted without delay. This lounge was nothing on the level of the Galleries lounge at Heathrow, but was a comfortable retreat. It was a long and narrow facility arranged in zones. There was the world wine bar, a coffee and juice bar and buffet of hot foods, a work and entertainment zone with computer kiosks and sofas and chairs around large flat panel televisions, and even separate male and female bathrooms with showers. Dré led them to a tall table with four barstools around it. Vince was quick to pull over another.
"Claret, Duck?" Vince asked as they parked their bags nearby.
"That would be lovely," Dré gave a nod as he, Greg and Ashok climbed onto the tall chairs.
"What would you like to drink, Ashok?" Rick asked with a hand on the slim shoulder.
"Do they have mineral water, or maybe a cola?" Ashok queried.
"You don't want an alcoholic beverage? A beer or a glass of wine?" Rick countered.
"I do not drink alcohol. It was forbidden in the household," Ashok stated. "I could try something. What are you having, Mr. Rick?"
"Please, Ashok, it's just Rick, all right? We're friends, equals. You calling any of us mister will sound odd in England," Rick instructed.
"I am sorry, Mist, I mean to say, Rick. I will try to do better," Ashok wanted so to please them all.
Rick put a friendly hand on the younger man's thin tee shirt clad back to reassure him. "Good," he smiled. "And to answer your question, I'm going to have a beer.
"Get him a glass of Riesling," Dré suggested.
"Good idea, Dré. I tell you what. I'll bring you a beer and a glass of Riesling if they have it, and you drink what you like," Rick rubbed Ashok's shoulder.
"Can I come with you?" Ashok asked.
"Of course you can," Rick smiled.
"Bring me a beer too, boys," Greg bid as Ashok slid off his barstool.
"Bit like a lost puppy, he is," Dré commented. "Thank you, Peach," he added as his partner returned with their wine.
"Everything is so new to him. Rather ironic, really," Greg observed. "Being behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce is commonplace to him, but having a drink or, no doubt, flying club is completely beyond his experience."
As it turned out Ashok much preferred the sweet wine and insisted on carrying Greg's beer to him. He could not suppress his smile as he served his chief savior. Rick wisely brought a bottle of Evian for Ashok as well, encouraging him to sip his wine slowly. It wouldn't do to have to pour him onto the plane.
Greg toasted to their success and the conversation turned to Ashok's excellent grasp of the English language. Ashok explained about his childhood and background, and had many questions about life in London. What Ashok knew about London came pouring out of him when Greg asked if there was anything in particular that he would like to see. Rick had the next week off and would be Ashok's constant companion as he began his aquaintance with his new home city.
"And after Rick goes back to work, you're welcome to spend your days with me if you like," Vince offered. "I manage and look after our building. You're more than welcome to join me while I do that. You don't have to be alone if you don't want."
Dré made but the slightest shift of his eyes. Vince didn't even have to see it know how his offer may have sounded to the most important man in his world. He took Dré's hand and brought it to his lips. Vince kissed his partner's hand softly, not once, but twice, and then held it in his lap. He wanted no man to mistake who held his love. Dre visibly relaxed and his lips turned up into the smallest of smiles. He loved how well his partner knew and comforted him without either of them having to say a single word.
Their flight began boarding at just after two in the morning and they made their way next door to the gate where a 747-400 was parked outside the windows. Ashok followed along closely and handed over his ticket and boarding card as the others did.
"These best be seats in the center, Diggory," Dré warned as he led the way down the jetbridge. It was not lost on any of them that his command as they boarded this aircraft was exactly the opposite of the order he barked when they boarded their previous flight.
"I put you in the loo," Rick called after him.
"Wanker," Dré called back. Ashok watched this exchange with fascination. He very much admired the easy teasing camaraderie of these men.
"Were are we sitting?" Greg looked at his card as they walked through the hatch of the huge aircraft.
"Dré and Vince are together and I put Ashok and me together as well. Sorry, mate," Rick gave a shrug.
"No, it's just as well," Greg gave a nod. It made sense for Rick to sit with Ashok. The more they bonded the better for both of them. Dré and Vince had row 12 E&F while Rick and Ashok had the same seats in row 13. Greg had row 14 J and was the only forward facing seat.
"Here we are, Ashok," Rick reached out to his traveling companion to find the shorter man taking in the cabin agape.
"What kind of plane is this?" Ashok asked with wonder clear on his face and in his voice.
"You must have flown before," Rick said as he parked his bag at his seat and reached for Ashok's backpack.
"Once before in my life. I flew here when I was fourteen, but that was Air India and it was nothing like this," Ashok spread his arms.
"Well, this is what's called ClubWorld on British Airways and this is your seat," Rick gestured.
"I like British Airways," Ashok enthused as he sat down with Rick. A flight attendant appeared almost immediately with two flutes of champagne on a small tray.
"Good evening, gentlemen. I'm Annie. I'll be taking care of you on our flight to London. Champagne?" she asked with a smile.
"Thank you," Rick took them both and handed one to Ashok.
"What is this?" Ashok asked as he watched the bubbles inside his glass.
"Sparkling wine. It's traditional to make a toast. Here's to a new beginning for a very sweet guy," Rick smiled warmly.
"May I make a toast too?" Ashok asked.
"Of course you may," Rick agreed.
"To Mr. Nasir, and his friends, the kindest and most generous men ever," Ashok was solemn.
"I don't know about that, but alright," Rick touched his glass to Ashok's and they both took a sip.
"Oh!" Ashok rubbed his nose. "This is fun!" he took another sip. The lights in the cabin gave a blink as the aircraft switched over to it's own power. In another moment they felt the jumbo jet give a shudder as it was pushed from the gate.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. This is Calvin Fisher, your Chief Flight Attendant, on behalf of Captain Milton Herrick, welcome aboard British Airways flight one oh six, nonstop Boeing seven four seven four hundred service to London Heathrow. Our anticipated flying time tonight is seven hours, thirty five minutes. At this time we ask that all seat backs and tray tables be placed in their full upright and locked position in preparation for departure. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to make your flight to the United Kingdom more enjoyable. Please do give attention to your monitors for our short safety video," came the announcement. The usual seatbelt, seat cushion, oxygen and exit door video popped up on all their monitors. Ashok watched this with rapt attention which Rick observed with a smile.
Ashok finished the video and looked around the cabin. "We are facing backward."
"That we are," Rick confirmed. "Is that okay? Greg has a forward facing seat and I'm sure he would not mind switching with you, but then you would have to sit alone."
"No, please, I do not want to sit alone," Ashok protested fearfully. He very much did not want to leave Rick's side. Ashok wasn't sure why he drew such enormous comfort from this man even more than the others. There was something in Rick's eyes when he smiled at him. All Ashok knew for sure was that he wanted to stay with Rick.
"Okay, then," Rick tried to put Ashok at ease, but mistook the reason. "I think you'll find you get used to flying backward quite quickly. We flew here backward and we're going home the same way, to your new home."
"Home," the boy tasted the word on his tongue.
"I know this must be a little scary for you, leaving with four strangers for a far away new country where you don't know anyone, but I promise you will be all right and we all hope you will soon learn to love it," Rick expressed.
"What is it like in London?" Ashok asked.
"Well, it's different than anything you're used to, I expect. Hard to say really. You'll just have to experience it for yourself," Rick gave a nod.
"I would be afraid to get lost by myself," Ashok expressed.
"Don't worry, mate. We won't turn you out by yourself. One of us will always be with you until you're comfortable on your own," Rick assured. "You'll be living in my flat with me, at least at first, so you'll probably see more of me than any of the others."
"I would like that, Mr. Ri, I mean, Rick," Ashok quickly corrected himself and smiled.
"I'm going to have to collect your glasses, gentlemen," Annie intruded. Rick and Ashok relinquished their flutes.
"Can we have some more of that? I like champagne," Ashok enthused.
"After we take off we can, certainly," Rick nodded.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," came another male voice. "This is your Captain speaking. Welcome aboard from the Flight Deck. We anticipate a smooth flight when we reach our cruising altitude of thirty nine thousand feet, and will endeavor to turn off the fasten seatbelt sign as soon as possible, allowing you to move about the cabin as you wish. We are number one for departure will be taking off just as soon as we reach the runway. Flight Attendants, doors to Departure and cross check, then please be seated."
"Do you think you are missed yet?" Rick asked.
"No," Ashok shook his head. "They won't wonder where I am until I don't show up for breakfast at six."
"Well, we'll be nearly to London by then," Rick smiled. They felt their huge jet turn onto the runway and heard, as much as felt, the four big engines give full thrust. In but a moment they were airborne and climbing into the nighttime sky.
"Rick, is Mr. Nasir happy?" Ashok asked.
"You know what, mate, I've never actually met Nasir. From everything I'm told, I would have to say he is," Rick answered honestly.
"He said he is with the big American man, Emmett. He seemed nice," Ashok commented.
"Now I have met Emmett and I can tell you he's one good chap. And I know he loves your boy Nasir. I think Nasir and Emmett are very good together," Rick affirmed.
"Greg showed me a picture of Vik. I can tell from the look on his face when he talks about Vik that he loves him very much," Ashok smiled.
"That he does, Ashok. Greg loves Viktor very much and Vik loves him. You'll see for yourself. You'll meet Viktor soon enough," Rick assured.
"I know that Dré and Vince are together and they seem very happy. What about you? Do you have someone?" Ashok asked. Rick took a deep breath and let out a long sigh.
"I am sorry. I do not mean to pry," Ashok said with concern. "It is not my business."
"You have nothing to apologize for. It's a perfectly legitimate question. It's just that my life is a bit complicated, and the truth is right now I'm not sure how to answer," Rick admitted.
"You do not have to explain," Ashok tried to give Rick an out.
"I know, but I want to. Everyone else knows the situation, and you're one of us now, so you should too. There is a man in my life," Rick began. "We met when we were school boys and were together for years, but it was never a smooth relationship. We often rowed and broke up, then got back together. The last time we were apart, he married and had children. He was and still is trying to live up to what others expected of him. After a while, though, even that wasn't enough to keep us apart, so for the past few years we have been seeing each other in secret."
"Oh," Ashok thought a moment. "I thought Mr. Nasir made it sound like we could be open in your country."
"We can. Ours is an open society. Dré, Vince, Greg and I are all open about who we are. It's just, sometimes there are other factors, personal ones. Like I said, it's complicated," Rick repeated.
"I know it is not this way in the west or in India, but in the Emirates a man can have more than one wife. I have seen this. Sometimes the first wife is the wife for..." Ashok tried to explain, but lacked the English vocabulary. He furrowed his brow in frustration and tried again. "The first wife is selected by others, for reasons important to them, but the second wife can be chosen by the husband for love. She is not as important to others, but more important to him."
Rick appreciated Ashok's effort to make him feel better, even if he didn't quite succeed. "You're right, that is not our way, but I know what you are trying to say. Thank you for that, Ashok. I think maybe I was in that position similar to that of the second wife, the one chosen for love, but of course I bet in the Emirates a man does not hide the second wife from others. The secrecy is difficult, sometimes too difficult. He and I have been rowing about it lately and, to be honest, I do not know where we stand right now. He may not want me when we return to London, and that may be for the best, for both of us."
"Why would he not want you? Is it because you came to get me? Is it because I will be living with you? I do not want to be a burden and cause trouble!" Ashok spoke with concern.
"No, please don't think that or blame yourself. Our problems were around long before we even knew you existed. We simply may have reached a point where being together is more painful than being apart," Rick used his hand to wipe a tear that threatened to fall. Ashok reached for and held the other man's hand.
"It is hard, keeping love secret," he said softly. The two exchanged a silent look of understanding.
"Would you gentlemen like some more champagne?" Annie approached them again.
"Yes, please!" Ashok was all for that. Annie looked to Rick who gave a nod.
"It is okay?" Ashok asked.
"Certainly it is," Rick smiled and rubbed the dark forearm. "You have goose flesh!"
"It is on the chilly side in here," Ashok rubbed his arms. "This is so nice. I didn't want to complain."
"We'll soon put that right," Rick assured. He showed the younger man how to use his in-seat conrols to adjust his personal air vent. "That's just for now. We'll get you a blanket too."
"Here we are, gentlemen," Annie returned with two fresh flutes, which she placed on the small table at the end of the armrest between them. "And here are your breakfast menus. We'll serve breakfast about an hour before we land. Anything from the kitchen now?"
"Are you hungry, Ashok?" Rick asked.
"I am not. Thank you," Ashok shook his head.
"What we would like is our pillows and duvets, please," Rick stated.
"I'll bring them straight away," Annie smiled and dashed off.
Rick read the puzzled look on Ashok's face. "These seats lay flat into beds."
"They do?" Ashok looked around his seat.
"When we're ready to get some sleep, that button there," Rick pointed, "will lay your seat flat."
"I did not know such a thing was possible on an airplane," Ashok's eyes filled with wonder.
"You should see the private suites in the First cabin," Rick chuckled.
"There are nicer seats than these?" Ashok could not conceive of it.
"But very pricey. Too expensive for us," Rick stated.
"Here we are, gentlemen," Annie returned with a pillow and blanket for each of them.
"Thank you, Annie," Rick stood up to take the bedding. He set his own pillow and blanket aside and handed Ashok's pillow to him. "Now, unbuckle your seatbelt for a moment and let's just get this wrapped round you nice and snug," Rick instructed. He tucked the blanket around Ashok and re-buckled the boy's seat belt. "There! This way if you happen to fall asleep and the captain turns on the fasten seatbelts sign, you'll be all set and Annie won't have to wake you," Rick sat back down.
"You have all been so very kind to me. You and mist, you and Greg, especially," Ashok looked out from his cocoon.
"I can't imagine anyone not being kind to you," Rick smiled as he handed Ashok back his flute.
"Pankaj was kind to me," Ashok led his head rest back on his pillow. "I miss him very much."
"I imagine. He was a good guy, your Pankaj?" Rick asked.
"He was a very sweet and loving man. He took care of me from the day I arrived. I was only fourteen, but my family was too poor for me to stay at home. I had too many younger brothers and sisters, so I had to work. A man my father knew told him about this job, a good job, with food and a place to stay and money to send home. It was hard leaving my brothers and sisters and all my friends. I was very scared, but then Pankaj picked me up from the airport and he made things better," Ashok relayed.
"Pankaj had been working for Sheikh al Qasimi for years and he taught me everything: how to serve the family; what to do to avoid getting in trouble; how to speak Arabic. In the beginning, when I didn't know anything, I sometimes made Sanjiv so angry. He often said what a mistake it was to hire me, and threatened to send me back home to my family," Ashok shuddered at the thought. "Pankaj would calm him, or he would help me, doing extra work so that I would not get in trouble. There were many days when the only kind words I heard were at night, when Pankaj and I were alone in our room. It was very nice to have a man care for me. It was the first time anyone ever cared for me that much," he puased to look up into Rick's attentive eyes.
"Later, when I was older, Pankaj told me he loved me and I alredy knew I loved him too. He was the only one I have ever been with. But, of course, we had to be careful so no one guessed we were together. If anyone had found out, they would have sent both of us away."
"That sounds like a difficult life," I observed.
"It was sometimes, but we had each other and we were happy together. Now the worst time for me is at night," Ashok confessed. "He used to hold me from behind, or he would lay on his back and I would lay my head on his chest or shoulder. He really liked that. I did too. When we would go to bed, he would kiss the top of my feet and then rub them and my calves if they hurt, if I was on my feet all day. Pankaj was most caring. He gave me the best years of my life," Ashok took a sip of his champagne and set his flute on the table between them.
"How old are you, Ashok?" Rick asked.
"Twenty, now," Ashok answered.
"Now? When is your birthday?" Rick pressed.
"Today," Ashok answered quietly.
"Today! It's your birthday today?" Rick put a hand on Ashok's arm again.
"Pankaj was going to take me to the beach today," Ashok's grew even sadder.
"I'm sure he would have loved to spend the day with you. I'm really sorry that he was taken from you so horribly, Ashok. No doubt, wherever he is, he considers the years he had you as the best of his life. Any man would," Rick rubbed the dark arm.
"He had told me this, when he was still alive. He had worked for the Al Qasimi family for many years, but the other men who served the family before I came along were not like us, so he had been alone. We were so happy to have found each other." Several tears escaped Ashok's eyes and he wiped them away.
"I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you, and I understand you need time to come to terms with his loss. I also know this is hard for you to imagine now, but you are so young, Ashok. You really do have your whole life ahead of you. I know there's another man out there who will win your heart and love and cherish you, just as you deserve to be," Rick encouraged.
"I don't want anyone else," Ashok dropped his gaze.
"I know, Ashok. I know," Rick continued to rub Ashok's arm with his thumb. Their situations were more similar than Rick would ever care to admit. "But I think, if he could, Pankaj would encourage you to try and find happiness in life, in your new home. I think he would want that for you."
"I hope so. It felt bad to leave the place where we had been so happy, but he's gone and it just hurt so much to be there without him. The man hired to replace Pankaj was due to arrive this morning. It would have been so hard to share a room with him, to see him sleeping in Pankaj's bed," Ashok wiped away another tear. "I am sorry. I do not mean to sound sad and ungrateful. I cannot thank you enough for taking me away from there. I am sure I will be happier in London."
"Good! Focus on that for now," Rick encouraged. "I'm confident in time everything else will fall into place. And happy birthday!" he leaned over into Ashok's seat to give the younger man a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you!" Ashok gave a small smile as he touched his face where Rick had kissed him. "I am glad to be here with you on my birthday. Will you help me find a job and learn the city and things, Rick? I don't want to be alone," he looked up at Rick with imploring eyes that melted the taller man's heart.
"Of course I will. We all will. Don't you worry about that," Rick smiled.
"I can be your friend? All of you?" Ashok asked.
"Just you try and get rid of us!" Rick reached over to tussle Ashok's hair. "I tell you what," he leaned closer to Ashok and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "I'm going to let you in on the secret of our group. Ready? Here it is: Dré has a strong personality. You may have picked that up," Rick watched the Indian pay close attention. "But Greg's guy Viktor is even stronger. If there were a leader in this group, I would have to say it was him. It was actually his idea that we come and get you."
"Really?" Ashok asked.
"Really. And I know him well enough to know that he is going to love you. So don't you worry, Ashok. You're already in," Rick assured.
"I would love to meet him," Ashok reached out from his blanket to pick up his flute.
"You will. And don't be surprised if he grabs you and gives you a hug that damn near squeezes the life out of you," Rick warned.
"What?" Ashok grew fearful.
"Really, he's just a big teddy bear. He's a lot like Nasir's Emmett in that way. Viktor is a professional footballer, and a damn bloody good one at that, but sometimes I think he should've been a wrestler," Rick chuckled.
"He plays football?" Ashok asked.
"Quite well," Rick stressed again.
"Can we go see him play sometimes?" Ashok asked.
"Greg never misses a match and the rest of us try not to either. So you had better bloody believe you're going to be there too," Rick patted Ashok's arm. The younger man took another sip of his champagne.
"I like this, but it is going right to my head I think," Ashok blinked several times.
"Well, I'd say you've more than earned it, mate," Rick smiled. He watched Ashok's eyelids droop. "Let's get that bed of yours down flat," Rick took the flute from him and touched and held the button that raised the foot and slid the bed down until it was flat. He turned to kneel in his own seat and leaned down over the prone man. "Rest easy, Ashok. As easy as you can. You're in good hands. We've got you now," Rick gave him a soft kiss on his forehead.
Ashok sat up quickly and reached for Rick as the older man lifted away. He took hold of Rick by the back of his neck and kissed the British man on his cheek. "Thank you, for everything."
Rick could not help the smile he gave the sweet, trusting man. "Get some sleep now. No doubt it'll be a long day tomorrow and we'll have to deal with the time change," he laid his own seat down flat into a bed. Rick pulled on his own airline provided socks and made himself comfortable under his blanket.
"Rick?" Ashok asked in a small voice.
"Yes, Ashok?" Rick asked back.
"May I hold your hand?" Ashok asked meekly.
"Of course you may," Rick reached over and took the younger man's hand in his. Together, hand in hand, they fell asleep.