Page 49 of Every Move You Make
Janak’s expression was unwavering. “I am.”
“No,” Shauna repeated, her gaze fixed on Janak. “I can’t believe you’re even suggesting that we enter into a loveless contract marriage, when you are the reason my brothers and cousins all found love and built real marriages.”
“For once, I agree with her,” Akash said.
He’d seen firsthand how Janak had quietly and deliberately played a role in guiding every one of his grandchildren toward love. This proposal made no sense to him.
Janak waved a dismissive hand. “All my other grandchildren were already drawn to their partners. I merely nudged them in the right direction.” His gaze sharpened as it moved between them. “In your case, neither of you is involved with anyone else, which makes a contract marriage not only possible, but practical. And beneficial to you both. Besides, a contract marriage is not forever. It’s for whatever duration you both decide. There’s always time to fall in love later.”
Akash couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He shook his head. “How do you know I’m not involved with anyone?”
Janak rolled his eyes. “Please.Thatgirl doesn’t count.”
Shauna’s brows knit together. “What girl?”
“None of your business,” Akash shot back.
She turned to him slowly, her eyes glinting. “It becomes my business if I’m expected to marry you.”
His gaze snapped to hers. “Are you actually considering this proposal?”
“No,” she said without hesitation. “But the question is still valid. If I’m even expected to consider something like this, I need to know exactly who I’d be tying myself to. So, who is she?”
“She is irrelevant to you,” Akash said.
She pointed at Janak. “Is she? Then why does he know about her?”
“I never should have confided in you,” Akash told Janak.
Shauna crossed her arms. “Who?”
“Amara Malhotra.” The older man grinned, as if he were thoroughly enjoying himself.
“What?” Shauna gasped.
Janak tilted his head at Shauna. “You know her?”
“Well, I know he was dating her for a short time while he was studying in London.”
Akash chuckled. “So you were keeping tabs on me back then.”
“I wasn’t.” Her eyes flared. “Are you back with her? If so, then why the fuck am I here?”
Akash faced Shauna. “Amara and I dated years ago. It’s been long over.”
“Then why did my grandfather bring her up?”
“We remained friends even after we broke up. You know, she’s Vir’s sister.”
Shauna made a face. “As if I’d forget that.”
He frowned at the venom in her voice. It made no sense. Vir had studied with Akash in college and had met Shauna a few times in London in the months after Sheena’s wedding, back when he and Shauna had begun to grow close. Back when he’d thought they might become something more, before everything between them had gone wrong. Now, Vir was a famous movie star, one of the most recognizable faces in the country. Quite literally unforgettable.
Akash clucked his tongue. “She and her brothers are very close to me. That’s it.”
Shauna studied him, searching his face. The truth was that he had dated Amara at a time when he’d been vulnerable. She was already a friend. It had been easy. Safe. His heart hadn’t truly been involved, and that was precisely why it hadn’t lasted. Amara was not?—
“She is Suveer Malhotra’s granddaughter,” Shauna surmised. She faced her grandfather. “Why haven’t you suggested that Akash marry her? Especially if they were involved at one time? It makes the most sense.”
