#A_CRAZY_LOVE_2
©Sir Zach
EPISODE 38
“Mr. Markus, why have you suddenly thought of partnering with others? Is ‘Stardust’ not doing well because of which you are needing others’ help?” The first reporter was very sharp with his question, angering Markus.
But Kizy immediately pinched Markus’s thigh below the table, signalling him to cool down.
“You can already see the place where ‘Stardust’ stands today. All of this was because of his past three years of hardships by him. If he truly needed any support, he would have taken help when the company’s condition was at rock bottom. If he can make a sinking ship sail, why would he need someone else’s help?” Grandpa replied even before Markus could say anything, his tone arrogant.
“But why the sudden decision of partnering?” The reporter asked again.
“Because now my company has stabilised. I had wanted to begin such a partnership project long ago, but my company was unstable, where I didn’t want others to suffer any losses from me. But now ‘Stardust’ is strong enough to not only support itself but any other company who would work with it, even if the result were losses.” Markus said, his tone calm, as if he wasn’t offended by the question.
But if not for his tight fist below the table, even Kizy would have believed in his calmness.
“Miss Mary, is the suit worn by Markus designed by ‘Purple’?” Another reporter asked.
“Yes. With our partnership with ‘Stardust’, we will be entering the world of men’s fashion and try to create something new. The suit he is wearing will be available in market next month, along with a brand new collection that ‘Purple’ will be releasing for men.” Mary answered professionally.
“What about Miss Kizy’s dress? Is it related to Mr. Markus’s suit?” Another female asked curiously.
“Yes. Actually this would be a couple outfit. The masterpiece for the collection we are releasing next month. In fact we will be releasing two collections – one male and another female, while these two would be the masterpiece for them.” Mary answered.
“Elder madam, could you please reveal how old the Elder master is today?” A reporter asked playfully.
“Of course. He is very old now. He is seven years older than me. And it was my sixtieth birthday this year. So you people can calculate the rest on your own.” Grandma said while giggling and the rest of reporters laughed with her, knowing how playful this old couple was.
“Miss Kizy, we have heard that you were the one who had originally suggested this celebration and the gifts that were distributed. Is that true?” Another reporter asked.
“No. Me and Markus were discussing when we came up with this idea. Both of us had many suggestions for the same. And you can see the results.” Kizy said with a polite smile.
“Mr. Markus, any news about when you two will be tied by the marital knot?” A female reporter asked.
“I won’t comment on this. But two months from now, I’ll be releasing breaking news. Be sure to attend it then.” Markus said with a smirk.
“Is it related to your marriage?” The reporter continued.
Markus paused for a minute, looking at Kizy, who was already a little shocked, as she knew that two months from now will be their first marriage anniversary.
“Yes.” He answered with a devilishly handsome smile.
“Elder Master, what gifts did you receive from your family members today? Will you mind revealing that?” Another reporter asked with a smile.
“Yes, why not. My wife made special breakfast and lunch for me. While Mary gave me a warm shawl for the coming winters. Markus and Kizy both combined gifted me a longevity pendant along with a golden buddha.” Grandpa replied proudly.
“Mr Markus, people already received perfumes as a return gift from your partner ‘The Eternity’. What about ‘Aurum’ then?” Another person asked.
“The brooch I am wearing, along with Kizy’s earring are a custom made couple jewellery. Grandma, grandpa and mom also received gold gifts from them, including our golden buddha. And we are about to launch a couple themed jewellery collection from the coming month, the designs are already in progress.” Markus answered.
The reporters asked a few more questions and rushed back to studios to write about all the excessive content that this year end banquet and Evans family had given, including the lovey dovey moments between Kizy and Markus.
Once done, the family of five rushed back to the Evans mansion, where they were supposed to have another celebration which was unknown to the rest of the world.
Only special elites from the underworld along with the rest of Evans family members were invited.
The Evans mansion was brightly shining, under top notch security for protection of all eminent personalities and the Evans family.
Unlike the games and events at the evening banquet, this one was filled with an orchestra, while people were seen in groups, talking amongst themselves.
“Hello everyone. I welcome you all to grandpa’s birthday banquet.” Markus said which was followed by a round of applause.
“But there was one more thing that I wanted to discuss with you all, and that is why we have organised this banquet separately from the one which was held in the evening.” Markus paused.
The people were now all years, curious to know what the top and youngest leader of country B’s mafia wanted to convey.
“I want all of us to unite.” Markus said a single statement which was enough to make the people shocked.
All the guests attending this late night banquet were the ones who had friendly relations with the Evans family and supported each other in dire situations.
But they had always been individual identities, fighting and controlling their particular areas.
Take the Evans family for example. Even though Evans had men all over country B, their main area of control or more like main base was A city.
Thus nobody interfered in their area while Evans didn’t interfere with other groups in other areas under their control.
They will come together while going against some common enemy or common problem.
“What do you mean by unite?” A man asked from the public, not being able to understand what exactly Markus wanted.
“Don’t take me the wrong way. We will be working normally in our own ways. I just wanted all of our bonds to get stronger and become one strong team.
Of course we will keep ruling our own areas, without interfering in others, but just that we would remain together.
You all know that I lost my dad three years ago. Since then, many of you have been together with me, helping me some or the other way and supporting me through my ups and downs.
Today on the occasion of grandpa’s birthday, I wanted to thank you all personally and hope we all could always stay together and be there for each other.” Markus said, his usually cold voice, sounding a little low and emotional.
Because yes, he had never ever talked about his dad’s death even once in the past three years.
There were times when either grandpa, grandma or even Mary would occasionally talk about him.
But Markus never did that. Because for him, his dad was his only support. The day he died was the day he lost his pillar and suddenly he found himself buried under a pile of responsibilities.
Thus he had locked away those memories, numbing himself from the pain, from the fear of being alone, from the tears of losing his hero, his idol.
Even grandpa, the usually tough person holding their family strongly, had tears in his eyes.
He had been waiting for a day when Markus would utter the word ‘dad’.
And most importantly, neither of this was planned or acted purposefully.
Kizy had only asked Markus to hold a separate banquet for the underworld and thank them genuinely, because they were the ones who were supporting him now.
Markus had initially refused the idea, stubbornly believing that he, Satan, was never supposed to thank someone for small help.
In fact if people were to truly count, it was him who had helped others more than taking their help.
Markus was in a dilemma about whether he should truly thank these people or just present the gift, formally talk with everyone and end with this celebration thing.
But just before he went on the stage, he was reminded of his father. A man who was praised by not only his own team but by his enemies as well.
Markus’s father was known to bring justice that could never be won through legal ways.
He had helped people gain their lost properties, punished people who would cheat others on money, donated money to several orphanages and old age homes from the black money he made.
Though he wasn’t some saint, or not every deed by him was correct, but he was a saviour for many.
And carrying on his legacy, trying to be as good as his dad was, was something that Markus was still working for.
Though a mafia, they were not always in the wrong.
Thus the moment he was reminded of his dad, Markus knew what he was supposed to do. And he did. He genuinely thanked the people.
“No Markus. It’s the other way round. It has always been you who have saved us infinite times.”
“Markus it was you who saved my son! I should thank you.”
“Your father had saved our lives. We will forever be grateful to your families.”
“How can we forget the kindness Evans family has been showing us for generations!”
Immediately the people below started talking, stopping Markus from thanking them anymore.
Markus just looked at the audience. This was what his dad and his deeds had earned himself. He now felt that maybe Kizy’s decision was true. Sometimes we need to thank people, even if they know that we are thankful.
“Thank you.” Markus said and left the stage.
All the guests were given a M1911, but its advanced version as return gifts. The features were personally added by Markus and his team upon Kizy’s suggestion.
And it took no time for people to understand how precious and hard the gift was.
Similarly the Evans family members were given gold chains with a phoenix carved in between.
Many of the gang members felt a different type of proximity to the Evans family because of this separately organised celebration dinner.
“Someone was emotional today.” Kizy said with a smile, trying to lift Markus’s dampened mood.
“Who? Me? Not at all.” Markus said, trying to clear his throat, acting as if nothing happened.
“Yeah yeah of course. You didn’t.” Kizy said while laughing loudly, her laugh creating ripples of weird emotions in Markus’s heart, spreading throughout his body.
The guests were all gone, and the family members started leaving the mansion as well.
“Kizy!! Please take me back with you. My dad is setting me up for blind dates.” Nicole came and hugged Kizy as soon as all the guests were gone.
“Go back with your dad.” Markus replied in a stern voice, even before Kizy could utter a single word.
“Nobody is talking to you.” Nicole said in an irritated voice.
“You dare to talk back to me. I guess you need to attend more blind dates to have some lessons for arguing with your elder brother.” Markus said, turning and stepping towards the direction where Nicole’s mom and dad were present.
“No, no elder brother. I never meant to argue with you. You are the bestest. Why don’t you help me out a little.” Nicole said, almost pleading.
“Who was the one who said he could get grandpa to talk to and back her up?” Markus said, crossing hands, knowing that even grandpa agreed that they should get Nicole married soon.
“Are you thr_@tening her?” Kizy asked, raising her brow.
“Wifey not again. This isn’t fair. You should be on my side in such situations.” Markus said, knowing his wife could instead go and complain anything about him to the family.
“Yeah, I would have supported you if your stance was right. I don’t want her to get married forcefully unlike a certain someone made me do.” Kizy said with a poker face, trying hard not to laugh.