Page 7 of Every Move You Make
Her grandfather had already divided most of his massive empire among his grandchildren. Her cousin Kabier, the eldest in their generation, managed Telecom and IT. Sameer handled Hotels and Real Estate, and Rishi oversaw the Automobiles division.
The only business her grandfather still personally controlled wasSehgal Media—the part of the empire she’d always hoped, always believed, she would inherit one day.
She’d asked him about it more than once over the years, about what he planned for its future and who would take over when the time came. But he’d always brushed her off with vague replies, insisting he intended to run it for as long as he could.
And for a long time, that had been enough. But he was getting older. Sooner or later, he would have to hand it over to someone. And when that moment came, she’d intended to be ready. She’d worked twice as hard for it, pushing herself further and proving herself at every turn. She’d been determined to make sure she wasn’t just an option, but the only choice. And she knew it in her bones that it was her time now. She just had to ask him for what she wanted directly, and she was going to do that as soon as possible.
Keya dragged the two men to the end of the table near her. Shauna stood, rising to kiss her grandfather’s weathered cheek. He drew her in a hug.
“Hello, my darling girl,” he said. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she replied. “So happy to see you.”
“I know you texted me a few times, but I was on the flight back from Dubai with Akash.”
“When did you go to Dubai?”
“A few days ago.” His eyes fell on Akash before moving back to her. “We had some business to discuss.”
She frowned. What business? And why with Akash? What did Akash know about Sehgal Media that she didn’t? Before she could question him further, her grandfather took her hand.
“You messaged that you wanted to talk to me about work,” he said. “Let’s meet on Monday at my office. First thing in the morning?”
She smiled. “Yes.”
Excitement bubbled through her. On Monday, she would finally ask him for what her heart had desired forever. And she hoped he gave it to her.
“Why don’t you all take a seat,” Keya said. “Janak, Akash, I’ll organize food and drinks for you.”
Akash caught his sister’s hand. “Hey, don’t worry. The staff will take care of us. Go ahead and finish your speech.”
Beaming, Keya returned to the head of the table. Her grandfather took the seat at opposite end, which left Akash to take the only remaining chair beside her.
Akash took his place next to her, and her skin warmed instantly. Her fingers tightened against the tablecloth. His knee brushed hers under the table, and she yanked hers back as though she’d been burned.
She inhaled, and his scent washed over her. Oud and wood, rich and unmistakable, delicious in a way that made her chest tighten. It tugged at something buried deep in her memory. Somewhere she absolutely did not want to go, yet her mind went there anyway. To Singapore. And that night. To his hands tracing her skin. Her mouth against his neck, going lower… His body moving inside her. The low sounds she’d made when his mouth had been on…
Bloody hell.
She crushed those memories aside. Beside her, two servers came and began pouring wine for Akash and her grandfather.
Keya tapped her glass lightly with a spoon. “Sorry, everyone. I’m just going to take a few more moments of your time.” She grinned broadly. “Now the night feels complete. Even more special because I have my two best men with me.”
“I thoughtIwas the best,” Kabier called out.
Keya didn’t miss a beat. She turned toward him. “You are… before everyone else.”
Something tender passed between them, and Shauna’s heart softened as she watched them. This… this was the kind of love she was surrounded by here. Quiet. Fierce. Enduring.
Every couple around this table had found it in their own way. And as she looked around, she found herself hoping—praying—that one day she’d find the same all-consuming love. The kind that stayed. A love that quietly promised more. A love that didn’t hurt. Didn’t wound.
Keya faced the crowd again, her expression softening. “In the end, I’d just like to say… thank you. Thank you all for being such a big part of our lives. Your love and your presence mean more than you know.” Her eyes sought out her brother’s across the crowd. “And to Akash, I’m so glad you’ve decided to be where you belong. You have a new journey ahead of you, and I know you’ll do well and make us all proud.”
Shauna’s brow furrowed. What did that mean? Was Akash leaving Sehgal Systems? Where was he going? Back to Dubai? Was he really settling there?
Keya lifted her glass in the air, and everyone did the same. “To love, to family, and to the people who make life feel whole. Cheers.”
A chorus of voices rose in response. She took a sip of her wine, and just like that, her skin tightened. She knew, without a doubt, that Akash was watching her. She turned to face him.
