Chapter Seven: How do you know that? #

Alex came running in boxers, and Aliya was frozen on the stairs.

“What happened?” he asked Aliya.

“Hi, Alex.” Came a voice.

“Mum, Dad,” said Alex startled. He walked towards them to hug them. “When did you arrive?”

“This morning,” said his mom with a judgmental look.

“I think we scared you. I am Graham, Alex’s father.” Said Graham extending his hand.

“Yes. I am Aliya. I have heard so much about you.” Aliya said, pushing her shirt down and moving down the stairs to shake his hand

“I am Elizabeth, his mother.” Said Elizabeth coldly, still sitting on the couch.

Aliya waved with a smile.

“Let’s diffuse the situation. How about you guys get dressed, and we go for breakfast.” Said Graham.

“Yes, of course.” Said, Alex.

They went and got dressed while his parents got refreshed.

“I am so sorry. I can"t even imagine how you must be feeling.” Said Alex hugging Aliya.

“Just another day.”

“Don"t worry. I will not leave you alone.” And they went down.

His parents had brought their car, and they left for the restaurant. They were seated promptly. Alex’s mom looked angry and was quiet.

“Dear, we flew from London to meet his girlfriend. Let’s at least get to know her.” Said Graham to Elizabeth.

“I am not naïve. I know you already know about Aliya. Don"t think you are sheltered from my anger.” Said Elizabeth with resentment.

“Alex, your turn.” Said Graham.

“Mum, why are you so angry?” asked Alex.

“I had to hear from your friends that you have found a companion. You did not think that I was worthy enough of that information.” Said Elizabeth.

“Mum, I am sorry that I did not tell you immediately. I would ask you for dinner so you could meet her properly in summer.”

“Where did you meet?” asked Elizabeth.

“At a mall. I was eating alone, and Aliya came over to talk to me. We went to dinner, and we started seeing each other.”

“Why were you alone at a mall?” asked Elizabeth.

“Because I was lonely. All my friends are in Boston, and I don"t know anyone here.” Answered Alex. “I met her and have been ecstatic the past two months.”

Elizabeth was quiet.

“Aliya is from London, and she is intelligent and mature.” Said, Alex.

Graham chimed in immediately. “She is well-traveled, knows six languages, and is unbelievably well-read.”

Alex began as Graham finished. “And she is down to earth, delightful, and kind. Her approach to everything is as unique as her.”

“Quiet, you two.” Said Elizabeth with command. “I do not care about any of that. Aliya, what do you like about Alex?”

Graham and Alex were at attention. This one question was going to decide fate.

Aliya smiled and talked with confidence. “Alexander comes from a wealthy family with an empire waiting for him. Instead, he studied physics and advanced science to make this world a better place. Not only that, but Alexander is incapable of feeling pride and conceit. He met me not knowing my fiscal or familial background, and all he asked during dinner was what I liked. To be linked to a person of such virtue and to the family who instilled these morals is an absolute honor.”

Her answer left Alex and Graham astounded. They were looking at Elizabeth to see her reaction. She smiled and said, “Thank you for your kind words. Allow me to return similar regard for your thoughtfulness and acumen. I am delighted that Alex has chosen a worthy companion.”

“Oh, thank god.” Said Graham. “Can we order now? I am famished.”

Everyone laughed, and they ordered.

“Aliya, what is your favourite tea?” asked Elizabeth.

“I adore your tea collection. I love the jasmine tea.”

“You should see my collection in London. They do not appreciate tea. You must come to London. I miss having good company.”

“Absolutely. Your Seattle house is beautiful, and everything is very meticulously chosen.”

“Thank you. We weren"t even looking for a house in Seattle. But we saw the house, and we immediately bought it.” Replied Elizabeth.

Their food arrived, and they were eating.

“Aliya, Alex called me and told me about the similarities you recognized in how we approach life. It was the first time Alex had called me for a personal matter. Otherwise, he always calls Elizabeth. Thank you for that.” Said Graham.

“That was just an observation.” Said Aliya modestly.

“No one else observed that.” Said Graham smiling. “I tried to call you before we left. Where were you?” Graham asked Alex.

“Oh! I broke my phone. I was trying to change the sim, and there was a spark. It died peacefully.” Said, Alex.

Graham laughed. “You know these scientists. They think they are great. But” “So, Alex told me you love maths and debate. Do you know where you are going to college?”

“No. I haven"t decided yet. I am just focusing on preparing for SATs.”

“With debate and maths, you will be great for law or finance. Anyone who can remain calm before Elizabeth is already a winner.”

“Dad, she is a proponent of science. There will not be any law or finance.” Replied Alex.

“How do you like the ring?” asked Elizabeth, pointing towards her Chanel ring.

“It was an amazing surprise. Thank you so much for acquiring it.” Said Aliya touching it.

“Not at all. Alex called me frantically, “Mum, mum. My friend has her birthday, and I need a present for her. May you please get this ring? Now, now” He called me every hour. “Did you call yet? Can they get it? Did you confirm the package?” I should have known something was up.”

Aliya smiled. Elizabeth continued. “I am very happy for both of you. If you like anything else from Chanel or, in fact, from anywhere, don"t hesitate to ask. It would be my pleasure. And I will send you some tea as soon as I get to London. I have recently procured an amazing oolong tea with a distinct chestnut flavor. It is divine.”

“Thank you. That is very kind.” Said Aliya.

“Aliya, are you learning any new language besides the six you already know?” asked Graham.

Aliya smiled. “No. I am trying to refine my English for SATs.”

“And dad, she speaks five languages, not 6. Italian, Russian, French, English, and German.” Said, Alex.

“You are right. Aliya speaks five languages but knows six languages, including Latin.” Said Graham.

Aliya was surprised. “That is correct. How do you know that?”

“Because we have met before, and we talked about Latin.” Answered Graham.

Everyone except Graham was surprised.

“I doubt I would forget meeting Graham Knight.” Said Aliya with doubt.

“Because you didn"t meet me as Graham Knight. We were never formally introduced. It was about 8-9 years ago. We were at a benefit for British Museum, and your parents are avid patrons of the art. You were walking around with a brochure telling your mother that the curator had made a grammatical mistake. When I told you that may be curator was correct because he is an expert, you said,” and Aliya chimed in with Graham as she remembered the story “Caesar nonsupra grammaticos.”

“Oh my. Yes, I remember you. I called you Gru Gru because Graham was a very long boring name. Ok, I didn"t mean to say that out loud. I am sorry. I am so embarrassed. But I read Man in the High Castle. I loved the book. I told Alexander about it.” Said Aliya with excitement. “Your dad recommended the book.” Said Aliya to Alex. She was waving her hands in excitement.

“She’s Scarsa’s daugh..of course; she’s Scarsa’s daughter.” Said Elizabeth with excitement. She got up and hugged Aliya.

“Why didn"t you tell me before?” asked Elizabeth to Graham.

“I wanted you to form your opinion without any bias.” Explained Graham.

“You called my dad Gru Gru?” asked Alex.

“In my defense, I was eight years old and had just arrived from Moscow. In Russia, one gives people nicknames to remove the formality. And it is like a special bond between two people, bestowing a nickname. Like Alexander would be Sasha or anything, I can come up with.” Explained Aliya.

“I have been waiting to meet you forever. You are always traveling. And what a coincidence that you met Alex in a mall. This is fabulous. I must call them.” Said Elizabeth.

“They don"t know yet.” Said Aliya. “With school and study, it is complicated.”

“Oh, of course. Whenever you are ready.” Said Elizabeth. “We must have them over for dinner. It has been forever.” Said Elizabeth to Graham.

“You know my parents well?” asked Aliya.

“Not socially. Scarsa found our penthouse in London, all our offices, and the house in Seattle you love so much. Ethan worked with Elizabeth to do all the renovation and the landscape.” Said Graham.

“You are so much like your mom. Graham, tell Aliya how we met.” Said Elizabeth.

“I like tall buildings and views, New York, Hong Kong. But Elizabeth loves London and rustic houses. Alex was born in London, and we moved a lot because we couldn"t find the proper house. At the same gala, I told one of our friends that we would be moving again. It has been causing a strain on Alex and our life.

Your parents are conscientious about whom they take on as clients. They have their vetting process that I am sure you are familiar with. Scarsa overheard our plight, and without knowing who we were, she offered her help. We were nowhere near the budget of your parent’s clients. But your parents helped, and we still live in that penthouse.” Told Graham.

“I have never been to your house in London. Were you born there?” asked Elizabeth.

“No, we lived in Mayfair, I think. I have never lived at our current house.” Said Aliya smiling.

“Wasn"t your school disrupted with all the moving?” asked Graham.

“No. I studied at an international school. It has kids of diplomats who move a lot. I always lived in capitals like Berlin, Moscow, Prague, and Paris, so my studies were never disrupted. It is the same curriculum all over the world. Just pick up the next day in class in another country.” Explained Aliya.

“You never attend the winter ball?” Said Elizabeth.

Aliya laughed. “We have an open terrace on the top floor, and I always go there at night. I specially asked for it. I always end up getting sick. This year they are finally covering half of it.”

“Her terrace here is spectacular.” Added Alex.

“The one in London has a beautiful view of the cathedral and the London Eye. In winter, especially when it is snowing, Aryan and I go up with cognac and watch London. There was no cognac as kids. I used to attend a lot of parties as a kid. Now I am only required at Walton’s party and the charity gala for British Museum, and lately, it is in New York for some reason.”

“I told Elizabeth we should attend that in New York.” Said Graham. “I love New York.”

“You must attend this year. My parents have been more involved in dinners than social events. That is why I am traveling in the summer because the dinners are all over the world. Last year, I flew from Seattle to New York and Rome drove to some coastal town, and took the chopper to a yacht for dinner. It took three days to get there, have dinner for three hours, and then three days to return. I mean, I could have seen Rome. I was so bored because Aryan couldn"t come with me. He was in DC.”

“Who is Aryan?” asked Graham.

“He is my uncle’s younger son. He lives here in Seattle. We usually attend the events together, with a representative from each family. At the British Museum gala, he was grounded. That is why I was reading brochures because I was bored.” Explained Aliya.

“You don"t live with your uncle?” asked Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth, don"t ask her that. She is too nosy.” Said Graham.

“No, it’s ok. My parents own the building, and I have the top floor. I am studying all the time anyway. My parents fly every month for brunch at my uncle’s place.”

“You are brave, and you like Alex. I am so happy. Graham added our company’s motto after talking to you. ‘Ex nihilo nihil fit”. Nothing comes from nothing." Said Elizabeth.

“I learnt that in Beijing. Because a farmer established the Han dynasty.” Said Aliya remembering.

“You told me that too, in exact detail. And how the world would be at peace if everyone read history.” Said Graham teasing.

“I am sorry, I talk too much.” Said Aliya smiling. “I warned Alexander on our first date that I talk too much.”

“I love the way she talks.” Said, Alex.

“You have so much knowledge. And we would love to hear more, but I am afraid we must take leave.” Said Graham getting up.

“So quickly,” said Alex.

“Yes. We came to meet Aliya. We have a board meeting in New York in the morning. The car will take us directly to the airport.” Said Graham.

“Alex, you are in good hands. Next time we will stay longer and call before arriving.” Said Elizabeth.

Everyone hugged each other, said goodbye, and left. Aliya and Alex were home and having extra coffee to wake up.

“I forgot to tell you. The company I work with is throwing a party next Friday as they are trying to get investors for research. Would you go with me?”

“Yes. I thought you were a research person. What does the company do for you?”

“Yes, but my research has applications, especially in technology and defense. The company acts as an agent. They file patents, get clients, handle the contracts, and do anything else required.”

“I never asked you. What is your research area?”

“Condensed matter. You studied water as solid, liquid, or gas. We call them phases, and there are many phases of water, and not all are known.”

“What? I didn"t study that. I would have definitely remembered that.”

Alex smiled. “Don"t worry. They will not quiz you.”

“Ok. I also think that will be our last weekend together for May.”

“Why?”

“I will have exams for the next two weeks, and the last weekend of May is a trip with the girls.”

“Three weeks without you. How will I survive?”

“You will be ok!” said Aliya smiling.

It was Friday, and they arrived at the party. There was champagne and food, and Alex introduced Aliya to everyone.

“This is Mr. Rohansberg. This is my girlfriend, Aliya Hunt.” Introduced Alex.

“Hello, Ms. Hunt.” Said Rohansberg extending his hand to shake.

“Hello.” Said Aliya shaking his hand.

“Are you enjoying the party?”

“Yes. It is my first work party.”

“Really, what do you do?”

“I am a junior at Lakeside high school.”

The executive beside Mr. Rohansberg whispered something in his ear, and the senior partner excused himself. Alex and Aliya were meeting other people when the company lawyer asked Alex to join him in the room for some paperwork. Aliya was by herself and talking to another Executive. Alex came back to meet Aliya.

“Aliya, could we leave?” asked Alex.

“Sure. Everything okay?”

“Yes. I need to work on something. Would it be ok if I dropped you home?”

“Yes.”

Alex messaged her the next day.

“Hey. Sorry for the sudden departure. I need to figure out something with the company, and I need to check my contract and go over it with another lawyer. Why don"t you use this extra time for your study, and maybe we can meet later?”

“Sure.”

But Alex seemed busy, and Aliya had her exams. Aliya left for the trip with her friends. She texted Alex twice but never heard back. Aliya cut her trip short to be back by Friday instead of Sunday. She called him as soon as she got back.

“Hey. I am back. Where have you been?” said Aliya.

“Hey. I didn"t want to disturb you on your trip.”

“How about dinner tonight?”

“I have an art event tonight. How about I call you later?”

“Ok!” and Alex hung up the phone. Aliya was perplexed about what had happened. She was too tired to think about it and went to sleep.