The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 23

Kas

Three days later, Kas A.K.A Eli accompanied by Neil walks in into a beautiful manor withimpeccably kept gardens. It's like a complete Hollywood set. Housekeeping, maids and theworks. Neil is his shadow and stays with Eli all day. Neil even lives in the manor. Kas hasbeen very quiet since "he woke up" completely aware that his personality is a stark contrastto Eli who is flamboyant and impatient. Kas walks automatically towards a room whereNana i.e. Eli's Grandmother often holds meetings with the management team whosupervise the running of the malls. He walks in to see some men and women in neatexecutive clothes at a long conference table and a frail elegantly dressed white-haired ladysitting at the head of the table.He feels an immediate flood of affection for her. She smiles at him and he gazes into a pairof eyes identical to his own. "" Eli, my child", she says and stands up. He immediatelygathers her into a warm hug. As he releases her, he realizes she looks quite surprised."That's an unexpectant but welcome greeting", she notes as she peers at him. "I was just happy to see you", Eli says casually. He gestures for a chair to be kept next to his Nana. 

"Can I join in?". Now, his Nana is looked stunned. "You want to attend a business meeting"? Kas sighs as because he knows Eli has had zero interest in the running of the business. All Eli ever cared about was the never-ending supply of money, without even wanting to know how that income was generated. "Yes, if it's alright with you" he gently tells her as sits down in a chair next to her. As he smiles at her, she stares back with glistening eyes and he realizes howmuch this gesture means to her. 

He spends the next two hours taking updates and asking pertinent questions. He sees the reluctant looks of admiration in the reporting staff. Both his grandma and Neil have fluctuating expressions of delight and surprise. He makes plans to visit the malls with the management team and stands up and offers his arm to his grandma. His Grandma gets up, takes the strong muscled arm of her young grandson and the duo exit the room with an astonished staff watching.

The next few weeks pass by in a blur as Kas does massive damage control done by Eli. Hesorts out lawsuits by disgruntled employees and people who Eli offended, he spends hoursat the Malls, supervising and overlooking procedures ensuring the management now takeshim seriously. Most importantly, he makes sure, Eli's grandma gets some well-deserved restas he takes on major responsibilities. Neil, though completely taken back by this strangenew Eli who is courteous and caring, recovers admirably and is now Kas's rock support. Oneday, Kas attends a meeting of VIPs who have their expensive boutiques in Eli's chain ofMalls. He greets person after person, smiling till his mouth hurts. Neil brings one moreperson in the never-ending flow of people to meet him. "Elijah Gray" as he introduces Kas tothe man. Kas forces yet another smile to his face and looks up. Neil continues cluelessly,

"The owner of "Illusion" designer jewelry boutiques in our Malls, Mr. Ryan Bernard".Kas watches Ryan Bernard discreetly as he mingles with the executives over the exorbitantbuffet lunch spread. He has managed to get away with just a hello to Ryan Bernard on thepretext of having to yet meet many people. Kas struggles to harness the raging emotionswithin him knowing that the man across the room has his Ma. He casually questions Neil onRyan Bernard and is informed that that man is trying to renew his jewelry boutique leases inEli's Malls for a tenure of five years instead of the usual three-year term that is currentlyapplicable. It's the perfect entry point for Kas to stir up things and get a hold on the man.Kas.

Two days later, Ryan Bernard is ushered into Eli's sprawling office. Kas gets up courteouslyand welcomes him. When Ryan Bernard offers his hand for a handshake, Kas ignores it andsits in his executive chair offering the seat opposite him. Ryan Bernard narrows his eyes atthe casually rude gesture but shrewd businessman that he is quickly recovers and sits down.Kas sits silently observing him while he gives a brief on his extended lease agreementrequirement.

Kas abruptly interrupts him, "How old are you Mr. Bernard?". The man is taken aback by thesudden unexpected question but answers quickly enough "Turning sixty this year"". Kasgives him a polite smile of congratulations and pursues his agenda. "A five-year lease is a bigcommitment even though the "Illusion"" brand is well known. I am little apprehensive onthe tenure especially given your seniority". Outrage flashes on Bernard's face but is maskedquickly and as he soothingly replies" I can assure you, I am fit and fine and have everyintention of running the business for years.". Before Kas can reply, Bernard continues, "Yourgrandmother, Mrs. Gray is a role model for many of us. At her advanced age, she continuesto handle this company," he points out to the Gray business logo behind Kas's chair," withvery good business acumen. We all admire how she is has been managing the Gray businessinterests alone so far". He puts emphasis on the word alone as he looks at Kas. Kas realizeshow notorious Eli 's decadent lifestyle has been.

Not feeling offended at all with the subtle insult on Eli, Kas smiles cheerfully at the man andcontinues "Well, as you can see, Mrs. Gray is no longer managing it alone any more. I hopethis encouraging trend is applicable to your business too. I am told you have a grown son. Iwould prefer it if your son is available for the negotiations. We can take our discussionforward once he is available. Have a good day." Ryan Bernard is completely taken aback; henotices with satisfaction. He gets up and smiles at the man opposite and goes towards thehuge window, his back turned to his hated guest. A minute later, he turns to find the seatempty and Neil looking at him thoughtfully. He goes to Neil and pats him on the shoulder."Prepare a complete dossier on Ryan Bernard. I want to know everything about him. His life,his family, everything. From what he eats for breakfast , dinner, his medical records. I amespecially interested in his movements. Where he goes, who he meets. I want every littledetail. I want a man on him 24/7." Neil who has been continually surprised by this new Eli2.0 just nods.