Chapter Fourteen
Zoya woke up the next morning to find Asad sitting by the edge, silently watching her. She felt warm color instantly flood her cheeks.
She made a move to leave the bed but his hand came down over hers and stalled her.
How are you feeling now?'
She shifted her gaze. I'm absolutely fine.'
Good.' He said while standing up. I have plans for you.'
Plans?' She met his eyes briefly.
This is your first visit to India, is it not? I think it would be nice if we left Lily with Mary this morning while I show you around a bit. We can visit the famous places and have lunch outside.'
Are you sure Lily will be"'
She will be fine,' he reassured her. My Abbu will want to spend time with her, under Mary's supervision, of course. In the light of what occurred last night, I think it is best if both of us are not there.'
Zoya was inclined to agree but didn't voice it. She was still feeling terribly unsettled by the exchange between Asad and his Abbu. Rashid Ahmad Khan was undoubtedly an ill man and his drinking of obvious concern to Asad, but when she considered the back to back grief he had experienced so recently she could hardly hold it against him.
If there's anything I can do...' she offered, lowering her gaze once more.
It seemed a long time before he responded. Just be yourself, Zoya. You cannot do any more than that.' His words were like a dagger to her heart. If only she could be herself!
The morning was sunny and clear, the city looked so beautiful. Zoya couldn't help feeling as if all of her worries and fears were gradually disappearing on the light breeze that gently stirred her loose hair.
Being in Asad's company was like a potent drug; the more she had, the more she wanted. She drank his presence in, filling her senses with everything she most loved about him: his tall commanding figure, his darker than night eyes that now held no trace of their previous hardness, the softer line of his mouth now that a smile had replaced its earlier line of contempt and the way his hand reached for hers, his long tanned fingers threading through hers as if he never wanted to let her go.
He walked beside her, his broad shoulder against hers as he pointed out various sites of interest, his deep voice stroking over her like a soft caress.
Zoya looked out at the sparkling water, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight as she tried to concentrate on what he was telling her instead of the way his lips moved when he spoke and how her stomach fluttered like a handful of butterflies every time he looked at her.
It's so beautiful,' she said and, after a short pause, turned to look up at him. You must miss it terribly now that you live in Sydney.'
Yes, but after my Ammi died I felt it necessary to get away.' He gave a small sigh and turned back to look down at her, leaning his back against the terrace railing. My Abbu had decided Ayaan should set up the Sydney branch but it became clear after a while that he was not doing a good job of it.'
Zoya held her breath, wondering if he was going to break his promise of a truce and blame her sister"and thereby her"for distracting Ayaan from his work, but to her surprise he didn't.
Ayaan was a party animal, not a business man, but my Abbu refused to admit it. He resented the fact that I could handle business better than his favorite son,' he went on. But I think, given enough time, my over-indulged brother would have ended up very much like my Abbu is now"a bitter, broken man with the crutch of alcohol doing a very poor job of keeping him going.'
She put her hand on his, her fingers curling around his, her expression empathetic as she held his gaze. Asad, I know you won't believe this, but I know what it is like to be the unfavored child. It hurts so deeply to think that no matter how hard you try you can never quite please the one you love the most.'
Something briefly flickered in Asad's eyes and a small frown appeared on his forehead. He looked at her very intently and said, I thought you were an only child.'
Zoya froze.
How can you know what it is to be the unfavored child when you are the only child?' he asked when she didn't respond.
The silence seemed endless as she hunted frantically for something to say.
I"I meant I can imagine what it must be like...you don't have to have personal experience of something to understand what it is like"might be to feel that way...' Her fractured sentence trailed helplessly away.
It was only a second or two at the most before he responded, but to Zoya it felt as if a century had passed.
We should get back,' he said, pushing off the railing and taking her arm. The sun is starting to burn your face. I should have thought to tell you to bring a cap.'
Zoya walked on unsteady legs as he led the way back to the car, her heart-rate all over the place at how close she had been to giving the game away.
The next few days passed in the same manner. Each morning Zoya woke with Asad's arms around her, his body warm and protective, although he did not touch her intimately, even though her body ached for his possession. After breakfast he would take her out for the morning while Mary cared for Lily so Rashid could spend time with her in his favorite private garden on one of the many terraces.
Zoya was fascinated by the city. But every time she saw young kids begging on the street it broke her heart.
It's just so sad,' she said when they came back out to the sunshine. I wish these kids could lead a better life...'
Asad looked down at her troubled expression as she gazed out the other side of the road . It was hard at times like this to imagine her as anything other than a thoughtful caring young woman with a soft heart for those who suffered. Where was the selfish little wh**e now? he wondered.
During the first few evenings Rashid Ahmad Khan ate alone in his suite, sending word down, usually at the last minute, that he did not wish to join them, but on the fourth evening when Zoya came downstairs a short time after Asad she found both Asad and his father waiting for her in the dining room.
At first the meal was a somewhat stilted affair but it became apparent to Zoya that Rashid Ahmad Khan was doing his best to make up for his rudeness on the first evening she'd arrived at the villa. He also seemed to be making an effort not to drink to excess.
Lily is a beautiful child,' he said at one point. I have enjoyed my time with her each morning. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of getting to know her.'
I'm glad you enjoy spending time with her, Mr. Khan,' Zoya said softly. She is very special.'
He gave her a lengthy look and added, Mary has told me what a good mother you are. And, since my son has informed me you speak our language, I must beg your forgiveness for speaking of you so insultingly the other night.'
It doesn't matter. I've forgotten all about it.'
He cleared his throat and continued. I must also apologize for the letter, too. Some of the things I wrote are just...unforgivable. You'll be surprised Zoya, but I am really happy that you are my daughter in law.'
Zoya sat very still. Tears were on edge to come out.
She felt Asad's suddenly intent gaze and turned back to his Abbu. It's okay Abbu. We all do and say things on the spur of the moment.'
You are very gracious,' Rashid said. I had not thought you capable of it. I am afraid Ayaan did not paint a pretty picture of your personality.'
Zoya found it almost impossible to hold the older man's gaze. Lying to an old man, a dying one at that, seemed to her to be morally reprehensible no matter how altruistic the motivation behind it. She looked down at her plate, wondering how on earth she was going to get through the rest of the meal, when there was a knock at the door and one of the staff members came in at Rashid's command and politely informed Zoya that there was a telephone call for her.
She felt the full weight of Asad's gaze as she rose from the table, her legs threatening to give way beneath her as she made her way to the nearest telephone extension in the library down the hall. She closed the door behind her and, taking a deep breath, picked up the phone and held it to her ear. Hello?'
Zoya, it's me, your alter ego,' Zoe said with a giggle.
Zoya's hand tightened on the receiver. How did you get this number? I told you not to call me! It's dangerous.'
Surely I can call my own sister,' Zoe said sulkily. My married-to-a-billionaire sister,' she added with a suggestive drawl.
What do you want?' Zoya snapped. I've transferred the money into your account. Don't tell me you've already spent it.'
I have, actually,' Zoe replied. That's why I'm calling you. I want more.'
'More?'Zoya choked on the word.
You heard me, Zoya. I want regular installments, starting tomorrow.'
But I don't have"'
Ask your husband to double your allowance.' Zoe cut her off. I want you to give me the bulk of it. That's only fair, don't you think? You have my baby so I should have your allowance.'
I can't believe I'm hearing this. What happened to Farhaan and your big film career?'
I hate him. He's a cheat and a liar. He lied to me about his finances. He'll be soon filing for bankruptcy. And now I am left with nothing.' Zoe said angrily. 'That is why I'm relying on you to turn my life around.'
Surely that is up to you?'
One phone call, Zoya,' Zoe reminded her coldly. That's all it will take. Or maybe I will pay your husband a visit. That would be even more effective, wouldn't you agree?'
You wouldn't dare,' Zoya said through gritted teeth.
Oh, wouldn't I?' Zoe laughed..
He would take Lily off me without a moment's hesitation,' Zoya said. She would be devastated; she thinks I'm her mother now.'
Do you think I care what happens to that kid? This is about money, Zoya. Just do what you are told and your little secret will be safe. Bye for now.'
Zoya replaced the receiver and made her way back to the dining room with a sinking heart. She knew she had no choice but to tell Asad the truth before her sister got there first, but she couldn't imagine how she should go about it. How could she frame the words in any way that would not incite his bitter anger?
He had every right to be furious at what she had done.
Asad rose from the table as she approached. Is everything all right, Zoya? You look as if you have heard bad news.'
No...nothing important.' She forced her stiff lips into a smile that encompassed both Asad and his father. I'm sorry for interrupting dinner.'
Not at all,' Rashid said, gesturing to the staff member nearby. I am retiring early anyway. I am very tired. Good night.'
Asad waited until his Abbu had left before reaching for her hand across the table, his eyes holding hers. Do you know what I think we should do?'
N-no...what should we do?'
He gave a slow smile and rose from the table, pulling her with him. I think we should do the same as my Abbu and retire early. While you were on the phone Mary assured me Lily is still sleeping peacefully so we have the rest of the night to be together. It is time to commence our marriage in the proper sense of the word.'
Asad...I..I...' She stuttered incoherently, looking away, as her cheeks warmed.
He brushed his lips with hers and smiled amusingly. 'I was only kidding. We can wait till you are ready. Why don't you go upstairs and get some rest. I'll come in a short while, I just need to make few phone calls'
She nodded and suddenly hugged him, taking him a little by surprise.
'Are you alright.' He asked while gently rubbing her back.
Zoya without uttering a word just hugged him tighter as the fear of losing him started growing on her. She wanted to tell him the truth but decided to wait till the morning. Tonight for the last time she just wanted to remain in his arms where she hoped with all her heart to stay for ever.
Zoya knew something was terribly wrong as soon as she opened her eyes the next morning. The space beside her in the bed was empty and she could hear voices, urgent upset voices, echoing all through the villa. Her eyes went to the baby monitor but it showed no signs of being activated through the night.
She scrambled out of bed and changed her clothes, and rushed to Lily's nursery where she found her niece just starting to wake, her tiny hands unfolding as she heard Zoya come in. She gathered the baby close and turned around to see Farida Bi enter the room with a stricken expression.
What happened, Farida Bi?'
The old woman sank to a nearby chair, her face ashen. Bade Maalik passed away in his sleep last night. Asad is with him now.'
Oh, no!' Zoya cried.
It has been expected for a long time but it is so sad,' Farida Bi said. 'All the staff members were very fond of him, and Chote Maalik, his grief seems never ending.'
Farida Bi, I wish I could do something.' She said while tears were streaming down her cheeks.
Farida Bi gave her a sad smile. You have already made such a difference in the short time you have been here, Choti Maalkin . He died a happier, more peaceful man for having met his only grandchild.'
Zoya found the next few days excruciatingly painful as she watched Asad deal with his grief over his Abbu's passing whilst maintaining the family business and household affairs. Her plan to tell him of her deception was unthinkable now. He was barely able to cope with the stress of seeing to his Abbu's funeral arrangements and the steady influx of calls of condolence from all over the world. She did what she could to take some of the burden from him, but he often retreated into himself, reminding Zoya of a lone wolf who trusted no one to come too close.
A week after the funeral Farida Bi informed her that Asad wished to speak with her in the study where he had been sorting through his father's papers.
He looked up as she came in, rising from the desk as she closed the door behind her. She was shocked at how tired he looked, his dark eyes had lines at the corners she hadn't noticed before.
You wanted to see me, Asad?'
I have been doing some thinking. I want to talk to you about Lily's future.'
She felt her heart give a sudden lurch. Surely he wasn't thinking of a divorce so soon? Perhaps the death of his Abbu had made him realize he could no longer tie himself in a loveless marriage indefinitely.
W-what about her future?' she asked warily.
I want to formally adopt Lily.'
She swallowed, hunting for her voice, but when she found it she couldn't get it past the lump of panic in her throat.
I want to be her father, not her uncle,' he went on. Nothing I can do will ever bring her real father back, and in time I will tell her about him, but for now I want to be her father in every way possible.'
Zoya didn't know what to say. She saw the way Asad interacted with her niece, his dark eyes warm with deep affection as he cradled her in his arms or played with her. No one could question his ability to be a wonderful father, but she could hardly give the go-ahead for a formal adoption when she wasn't even the child's mother. And the thought of telling him now, after all he had been through...
You don't seem all that enthusiastic,' he observed after a too long silence.
I"I don't think it's such a good idea.'
Why not?'
No one can take Ayaan's place. He is her father even though he is no longer...here...I don't want to confuse her with you.'
Zoya, I am doing everything a father would do. I am providing for her and protecting her. I do not see why she has to call me Uncle for the rest of her life when all I want is to be her father.'
You are not her father.'
Do you think I do not know that?'
She met his eyes briefly, trying to think of a reason to put him off. I don't trust you enough to let you take that step.'
He let out a sigh of exasperation. I married you, did I not? That's more than my brother did.'
You only did it out of a sense of duty.'
So what is wrong with that? Surely you were not expecting me to fall in love with you and promise you forever?'
Her eyes fell away from his. No, of course not, but I can't help thinking you have a hidden agenda. As soon as I let my guard slip you're going to snatch Lily away from me. You've threatened me with it numerous times.'
He let out another deep sigh. I can understand your fears and I apologize for threatening you in such a way, but believe me, I had to ensure Lily's safety. I had heard so much about you and I did not trust you to look after her in the way she needs.'
What about now?' she asked, returning her gaze to his. Do you trust me now?'
He gave her a studied look before answering. My earlier misgivings have been somewhat resolved. However, I would be happier if I were officially documented as Lily's father.'
I'll think about it,' she said, buying for time.
I'm giving you only till tomorrow to think about it, Zoya. I will not rest until I formally adopt Lily.'
Zoya knew he meant every word. She saw it in the hard glitter of his eyes and the determined thrust of his chin. The only trouble was, she was in the way of him achieving his goal. He could never be Lily's legal father, not unless he was to become fully aware of her deception. The web of lies she'd spun was threatening to choke her, each tiny gossamer thread pulling painfully on her heart as she thought about losing not only Lily but Asad as well.
There's something else I wish to tell you,' he said after a short tense silence. I have a business dinner tonight. I can't get out of it"there are people who wish to see me before I return to Sydney. I know it is short notice, but I would like you to come with me. Mary will look after Lily; I have already discussed it with her.'
Zoya hesitated.
Have you got something else planned?' he asked, his tone sharpening a fraction.
No. No, of course not.'
We will leave at seven. Wear something traditional.'
Mary gave Zoya an approving smile as she came down the stairs later that evening dressed in black saree, her long black hair left open and gathered on one side giving sensual look.
Do I look okay?' She asked nervously as the housekeeper kept staring at her.
He will not be able to resist you tonight, Zoya,' Mary said smilingly.
Zoya felt her cheeks heating and hastily covered her embarrassment by plucking at a tiny thread on her Saree.
You of all people know why he married me, Mary.'
Yes, but things have changed, have they not? You sleep in his bedroom. Don't you?'
Zoya met the housekeeper's dark eyes. He doesn't love me. He hates me for what...for what I did to his brother.'
But you didn't do anything to his brother, did you, Zoya?' Mary asked, her dark gaze never once leaving hers.
What do you mean?' She asked apprehensively.
Mary smiled a knowing smile. You might have fooled Mr. Khan but I am not so easily duped. It took me a few days to work it out but you are not Lily's mother, are you?'
Zoya's hand tightened. W-what makes you say that?'
'You could not possibly be the woman who seduced Ayaan.'
W-why not?'
Because I have met the woman you are pretending to be.'
Zoya stared at her in shock.You've met Zoe?'
Mary nodded. Yes. She came to the house to see Ayaan. I had stayed later than usual and ran into her. She was everything I had expected her to be: shallow and vain. She didn't even acknowledge me; I was just a nameless servant to her. Those first few days after you came I was confused. You acted like her, looked like her and even sounded like her. Then I had my suspicions, and when that phone call came and the voice sounded so like you I finally realised what was going on. I have twin sons myself. They are all grown up now but they often used to switch places for sheer devilment.'
Zoya swallowed painfully. Have you told Asad?'
No. I thought I would leave that to you.'
Zoya caught her lip between her teeth for a moment.
'You have to tell him, you know,' Mary said.
I know.' She gave the housekeeper an agonized look. I just don't know how to do it. He has been through so much just lately...I didn't want to hurt him any more. I feel so guilty.'
That guilt belongs to Zoe, not you. I suppose she left you with Lily?'
Yes. Believe me, it's the habit of a lifetime.' She gave a ragged sigh. Zoe is moody, impulsive and irresponsible with a propensity to chase after totally unsuitable men.'
He will understand,' Mary assured her. He is a good man, Zoya. He will be good to you once he knows who you really are.'
Zoya wished she had her confidence. Somehow she didn't see Asad taking the news that well. No man liked to be made a fool of, and she had done that and more.
She heard the sound of his voice as he spoke to one of the staff as he came down the hall and she sent the housekeeper a tremulous smile as she tucked a strand of hair behind one ear. Wish me luck, Mary.'
Just be you, Zoya,' Mary advised. That is all you need to do.'
The dinner was held in a small but elegant hotel, the function room decked out with fragrant summer flowers and candelabra, the majority of the guests suited men with the occasional wife thrown in here and there. Zoya had never felt less like socializing. She stayed close to Asad's side, her arm linked through his and smiled her way through the many introductions, but her heart wasn't in it and she couldn't wait for the night to be over.
After the meal was over a small band began to play and several couples got up to dance. Zoya excused herself from the table and made her way to the ladies' room, more to escape the prospect of Asad's arms going around her on the dance floor than any other reason.
She locked herself in a cubicle and took several calming breaths, garnering up the courage for what she had to say to him as soon as they returned home.
She suddenly became aware of two women speaking just outside her cubicle, their voices rising above the sound of the hand dryer next to the basins. Though they spoke in Urdu Zoya was able to understand every damning word.
I heard she was a dancer at a nightclub when his brother met her first. Apparently they had a hot affair for a while but then Ayaan Ahmad Khan decided he better return to his fianc Humeira.'
I heard she'd had a baby,' another female voice said.
Yes, rumor has it that's why Asad agreed to marry her. He wants his brother's child and marrying its mother was the only way to get it.'
I hope he doesn't live to regret it. Women like Zoe Faaruqui are trouble.'
Apparently she goes by the name Zoya now,' the other woman said with a little snicker. 'Mind you, she has a great body considering she's not long had a baby. I wonder if Asad has been tempted to sample her for himself?' Both woman started laughing.
They're married, aren't they?'
Zoya heard the cap of a lipstick tube being replaced.
Asad Ahmad Khan is known to be highly selective in the women he chooses to date,' the woman said. He only married her to get access to the child.'
I feel sorry for him that he got stuck with such a wh**e' the other woman said as they left the ladies' room.
Zoya put her head in her hands and stifled a groan. Could it get any worse?
Asad rose when she came back to the table, his hand cupping her elbow. Would you like to dance?'
She wished she could think of an excuse but decided it was better to be on the dance floor with him than sitting at the table with the rest of the party who had heard God knew what else about her sister.
Ok, but I don't know how to dance.' She said in a disturbed tone.
Asad led her to a less crowded corner of the dance floor and drew her closer, his chest brushing up against hers from time to time as he maneuvered her around the other dancers.
Ayaan told me you were a phenomenal dancer,' he said as he deftly turned her out of the way of another couple.
Zoya quickly untied her feet. I don't know about that.' She sucked in a breath as he pulled her closer, her eyes skating away from his.
He frowned down at her. You have been on edge all evening. What is wrong? Are you worried about having to stay in Bhopal longer than we planned? I am sorry but there was nothing I could do. I have to tie up things here before we can return.'
She shook her head. No, it's not that.' She lifted her eyes to his, finally coming to a decision. Can we go home? I really need to talk to you"alone.'
He slid his hands down her arms and brought her closer. Is that what you want?'
Yes.'
He turned her towards the table where his jacket and her bag were and, after a few brief farewells, escorted her towards the exit.
Asad barely spoke on the way home and Zoya didn't know whether to be worried or grateful for his silence. She sat twisting her hands in her lap, pretending an interest in the passing view of twinkling lights in the distance. He pulled into the driveway a few minutes later. She opened the door and started walking away.
Zoya', he caught the end of her pallu making her stop. He twisted the pallu in his hand pulling her towards him until she came crashing into his chest, his arms going around her waist gripping her closer not letting her go.
Asad moved closer to her ear.'You look beautiful tonight.' He whispered in her ear with his husky voice making her shiver.
Asad...' She moistened her mouth, her throat closing over when his head came down, her breath stalling as his lips found hers.
'Before you say anything, I want to make this night the most memorable night for us.' With one swift movement he picked her up in his arms while heading down toward the main door.
Mary was hovering just by the door.
Seeing Mary, Asad put Zoya down gently whereas Zoya immediately straightened herself.
What's wrong?' Zoya asked, her blood running cold at the worried look on the housekeeper's face. Is Lily all right?'
Lily is fine.' Mary's hands twisted together as her eyes flicked towards the living room.
What is going on?' Asad asked.
The housekeeper sent Zoya an agonized look before turning to her employer. Mr. Khan there is a visitor for you,' she announced.
Zoya felt her color drain away, her limbs going weak and her head swimming with panic.
Who is it?' Asad asked as he shrugged himself out of his dinner jacket. Anyone I would know?'
There was a sound as the living door opened and Asad looked up to see a mirror image of his wife framed in the doorway.
Hello, Asad,' Zoe smirked.
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