Page 30 of Every Move You Make
Shauna frowned. Time for what? And why was her grandfather studying Akash so intently? And why was Akash looking so solemn all of a sudden?
The shift in the room made her spine tingle. Something was going on here. Something she didn’t know about. And it clearly had something to do with Akash.
Her grandfather’s gaze shifted to her. “Shauna, my darling.” Reaching her, he enveloped her in a warm hug. “I’m glad you’re here.”
A knock sounded at the door. It opened again and Suveer Malhotra, one of the directors on the Sehgal Media board stepped inside. His posture was as stiff as his neatly pressed suit, and his expression carried the same old-fashioned sternness he was known for.
Suveer was in his early eighties, conservative to the core, traditional in his beliefs, and blunt to a fault. One of the longest-serving members of the board, his influence remained undeniable even as his views clashed with SehgalMedia’s modern direction. He was also the owner of Malhotra Productions, the largest production house in the country, and a longtime friend of her grandfather. His position on the board was deliberate as her grandfather also sat on Malhotra Productions’ board, a quiet reciprocity between two men who had shaped the industry long before it began to change.
“Janak,” Suveer said with a nod. “You wanted to talk to me.”
“Ah, yes,” her grandfather said calmly, confidently. “Sorry, my schedule is all over the place today. I’m afraid we will have to hold of on our discussion for a bit. As you can see, Akash and Shauna are here waiting to talk to me.”
Suveer’s gaze coasted over the room, landing on her briefly before dismissing her outright, as if she were too young, too insignificant to matter. And, of course, the fact that she was a woman only cemented his belief that she couldn’t possibly be capable of doing anything important.
Annoyance prickled under her skin, but she kept it tightly contained. She’d always known the path to leading Sehgal Media wouldn’t be smooth, especially with old-timers like him. She’d have to prove herself to men like him again and again until they finally understood she deserved the top position she was aiming for.
Akash came forward and touched the other man’s feet. “Hello, Uncle.”
“You’re back,” Suveer said. “Vir’s been excited that you were returning for good.”
Akash smiled. “Yes, I know. I haven’t had time to meet him yet.”
Shauna wanted to roll her eyes. Akash really had dug his claws tight into the top brass of Sehgal Media’s board. She was well aware that Akash was friends with Suveer’s famous grandson, Vir Malhotra, India’s rising movie star.
Suveer studied Akash. “Janak said it’s time.”
Time? That word again. Her brows knitted together. What did it mean? What exactly was it time for?
Suveer continued, still addressing Akash. “I like you well enough, boy. But I have my doubts about everything else. I think?—”
“Are you doubting my judgment, Suveer?” her grandfather cut in quietly, the hint of steel in his tone unmistakable.
Once again, it struck her that there was a larger conversation happening just beneath the surface that clearly involved Akash. Shauna blinked.
Suveer’s mouth twitched. “Of course not. I’m allowed to have my opinions, aren’t I?”
Her grandfather inclined his head once. “We can discuss your opinions another time. My calendar is free in the second half of tomorrow. I’ll ask Reema to check with you and set up a time.”
The other man made a face, still he said, “Sure. I’ll see you soon.” Then, turning to Akash, he said, “Take care, boy. And come home soon.”
Suveer left, the door clicking shut behind him. Shauna stared after him, bewildered. When she turned back, her grandfather was watching her… and then he shifted his attention to Akash.
“Are you ready?” her grandfather asked, his tone measured.
Akash nodded once.
“Are you absolutely sure?”
“Yes,” Akash replied quietly.
“Which means…” Her grandfather exhaled slowly. “Which means I have to do what I’ve dreaded for the longest time. But if it’s time, then… it’s time.”
Her confusion deepened.
Dreadedwhat? Time forwhat? Akash’s gaze found hers, and he gave her a long, lingering look. He rubbed a hand over his forehead, and then his face softened for a heartbeat. Thenimmediately a shadow passed through his expression, and he gave her a cold look again. It just left her feeling all the more puzzled.
“I’ll go check if Mr. Malhotra is still around,” Akash said. “He didn’t look happy that you had to shift the meeting with him.”
