FF: Web of Lies - COMPLETED on p80 - Page 8

Originally posted by: PalyGirl

No, no! I absolutely did NOT forget you! I sent out a group PM to everyone on my buddy list. I think IF puts a lot of restrictions on newbies and might have limited the number of PM's I'm allowed to send out. But you are my magic #25 post so maybe it will be easier now.

Rest assured, I'll send you a PERSONAL e-mail when I post on Friday morning!

Originally posted by: havokhotline

What part of I will always always stalk you did you not understand? :D

Chill out! I added this page to my favourites. I will therefore never forget to stalk you. :)

Now you're making me feel guilty. Gahhh.

I love your writing. Period. :)

CHAPTER THREE

The next morning, Zoya comes into Asad's office with an armload of paper files.

"Where should I put these, Mr. Khan?" she asks.

It takes Asad a few seconds to pull his concentration away from his computer. He glances up at Zoya then his eyes widen. He jumps up and takes the files from her.

"What are you doing?" he demands.

"You asked me to bring in all you current files, remember?" She puts her hands on her hips. "You said you wanted them in your office until my file storage and retrieval system is fully functional."

"I said I wanted you to tell my assistant to bring all the active files," he corrects her. "I don't want you to do it. Have Prasad bring in the rest."

"Mr. Khan, I organized these files and scanned every piece of paper. I understand how they're sorted better than anyone else here. I'm not an idiot, you know."

He sets the files down on his side table. "Your arm is still healing. You shouldn't strain it."

"Oh." She smiles widely, her ire instantly forgotten. "Don't worry. I won't carry anymore than I can handle. I've been building up my strength. See?"

She curls her arm like a bodybuilder to show off her slight bicep. Asad stares at her with raised eyebrows but finally nods. He turns away but Zoya doesn't miss his smirk.

"I saw that, Mr. Khan!"

He turns back to her, the smirk now wiped away. "How much longer will it take you to finish this project? You're making a mess of my office and my conference room."

"Mr. Khan, not only do I have to scan every document in every file, I have to sort through them to remove the duplicates and triplicates. Why do you make so many copies of the same thing?"

"It's a big office." He waves his hand in a sweeping gesture. "Sometimes several people need the same document, Ms. Farooqui. What do you expect us to do? Take tickets and wait in line?"

She smiles in triumph. "I expect you to use my system, Mr. Khan. Now everything will be online and multiple people can access the same document image at the same time."

He closes his eyes and gathers his patience. "How much longer will this take?"

She gives him an encouraging smile. "I'm almost finished building the retrieval system. That should only take another day or two. And I'll have all your current files scanned into electronic data within a week."

"What about your new job?" he demands. "How much will it delay that timeline?"

Zoya's smile fades. "I'm not sure. I'll only work mornings with Malak until I finish here." Her usual optimism returns quickly. "But don't worry, Mr. Khan. I promise to work night and day to accommodate Malak and your project."

"This is a waste of time," Asad grumbles. "My office doesn't need updating."

"Yes, it does." She perches on the edge of his desk. "Remember all the times when your staff hasn't been able to find records when you need them? You constantly need information that's misfiled or on someone's desk." She jumps up. "In fact, Mr. Khan, it brings a couplet to mind."

She holds her arm out in a dramatic gesture and raises her chin. He sits down and rubs his forehead but doesn't try to stop her.

Paper is the backbone of business,

So duplicates and triplicates are a necessary evil.

But now that back pain will be gone,

By using Zoya Farooqui's system for file storage and retrieval!

"Thank you, thank you." She brings her hand to her forehead. Then she sees his pained expression. "Don't worry, Mr. Khan. My new system will fix all of your problems."

Asad looks to Heaven and mutters, "God help me when Ms. Zoya Farooqui becomes the answer to all my prayers."

Zoya pouts. "I heard that, too, Mr. Khan!"

She's so adorably upset that Asad can't help but smirk at her again. She opens her mouth to speak but is interrupted when Dilshad and Najma come into Asad's office. Asad gets up to go to his mother and sister.

"Ammi, how are you?" he asks.

"I'm fine, Asad." Dilshad squeezes his hand then turns to Zoya. "Here is your dress."

She holds out a garment bag. Zoya murmurs her thanks and takes the clothes from her.

"What's that for?" Asad asks. "Where are you going?"

"We're going to Dargah for a blessing on Zoya's new job," Najma explains. "After that Zoya is treating us to lunch and taking us to see her new office."

He turns to Zoya. "Will Malak be at the office?"

Zoya heads for Asad's private washroom. "Yes, I checked with him. He's supervising the installation staff right now."

"Already? How can he already have hired an installation team?" Asad frowns. "It takes time to hire a team, order equipment and have it delivered. How could Malak have already done that if he's only been in India for two days?"

Zoya shrugs. "Maybe his partner did it. He's an Indian national."

"Who's his partner?" Asad demands.

Zoya pauses. "I don't know. Malak never mentioned his name." She shuts the washroom door behind her.

Asad stares at the closed door for a few seconds then reaches for his jacket. He turns to his mother. "I'm going with you."

Dilshad raises her eyebrows. "Really? You feel a sudden need for a blessing?"

She gives him a small, knowing smile. Asad's face flushes and he opens his mouth. His reply is lost when Najma grabs his arm.

"That's wonderful, Bhaijaan." Her face glows with joy. "I can't remember the last time you went out to lunch with us."

Asad frowns down at her. "We have dinner together every night."

"That's different. Dinner is what we do at home, our routine. Lunch out is special, when we try exotic foods and make a celebration out of it." Najma lays her head against his shoulder. "Ammi, Zoya and I go out all the time but you never come with us."

Asad's mouth softens and he strokes her hair. "Then it's high time I started, isn't it?" His voice is noticeably warmer and softer as he smiles down at his sister.

Najma's eyes sparkle as she smiles up at him. Dilshad's eyes are also unusually bright as she hugs her children.

"Are...are you ready?" Zoya asks quietly.

She stands a few feet away, dressed in a pink and white printed kameez salwar. She twists and untwists her hands in front of her as she looks on at their happy family, longing and uncertainty shining clearly in her large, expressive eyes. Dilshad and Najma both draw her into their embrace.

"Bhaijaan is joining us today," Najma explains. "This is cause for celebration!"

Dilshad tucks a lock of hair behind Zoya's ear. "Lately, it seems we have so much to celebrate."

Zoya smiles and relaxes at the love in Dilshad's eyes. She looks over to Najma who also smiles back at her with the same loving warmth. She glances to Asad who ducks his head, hiding his expression.

"Just my luck." Zoya makes a comical face. "Mr. Khan decides to join us only when it's my turn to pay for lunch."

Dilshad and Najma burst out in giggles. Zoya joins them. Asad turns away but not before Zoya sees the half-smile on his face.

***

Asad pulls into the parking area for Zoya's new office. The lot is full of work trucks and cars, with service people coming and going from the building.

"Wow, this place is busy!" Zoya bounces out of Asad's car. "Malak is on top of his game."

Asad comes around to the passenger side to assist Dilshad. Najma takes the sweets box from her mother and looks around the area.

"Bhaijaan, why is this area so deserted?" she asks.

Asad's mouth tightens. "It's new construction. We're planning on building a full complex here but we haven't broken ground yet."

Najma moves closer to him. "Why would Malak select such a desolate area?"

"Ask Malak." Asad glares at Zoya. "I showed him many more suitable locations but both he and Zoya choose this one."

Zoya ignores him. "I hope Malak's partner is here today. I can't wait to meet him."

"Neither can I." Asad strides forward, leading them into the building.

Inside, they're surprised to see that the office is almost set up. Computers, chairs, window dressing and even a shiny new cappuccino machine are in place. Malak is in the center of the room, directing the workers.

"Wow, Malak how did you get this set up so quickly?" Zoya asks as she hugs him.

Malak returns her hug while looking directly at Asad standing behind her. Asad's mouth tightens but he doesn't try to stop their greeting.

"That's the beauty of India." Malak grins as they break apart. "Here, money doesn't just talk, it screams. I offered these guys triple their usual rate to work through the night. We're almost ready to go."

"Triple their usual rate? How do you have that kind of money?" Asad demands.

Malak ignores him to greet Dilshad and Najma.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Khan, Najma. You look especially lovely today." He nods at their elegant kameez salwars. "Was there a special occasion? I see even Zoya is wearing Indian dress."

"Yes." Dilshad smiles at him. "We went to Dargah for a blessing." She takes the sweets box from Najma. "We've brought you burfi to celebrate your new office."

"Thank you, Mrs. Khan." Malak's grin widens. "That's so thoughtful of you. How kind of you to remember me."

He ducks his head as Dilshad gives him a blessing and offers the sweets. An older Indian man with a neatly trimmed mustache and graying dark hair comes out of the largest private office at the back of the room.

"Hello, Zoya," he says. "Welcome to the K-7 Consulting Group."

Zoya's eyes widen. "Mr. Nair? What are you doing here?"

"I'm Malak's partner," he explains with a delighted grin. "I moved back to India after I retired."

"Phupee, this is Mr. Kesavan Nair," Zoya explains. "He was a partner at the company I worked for in New York."

"Salaam, Mrs. Khan," Kesavan raises his right hand to his chest and nods. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Dilshad returns his greeting and introduces Asad and Najma. She offers him sweets and a similar blessing. Kesavan thanks her for the burfi and the good wishes.

"So you also worked with Zoya?" Dilshad asks. "I think she's mentioned your name." She looks to Zoya for confirmation.

Zoya bites into her lower lip but nods. "Yes, Phupee. Mr. Nair took an early retirement after the Comtrex incident." She smiles hesitantly at Kesavan. "I'm sorry about that."

"No, no. No need for you to feel sorry, Zoya. It was my old eyes that were at fault." He laughs. "It was my time to retire. I'm only sorry that my mistake caused you pain."

Zoya relaxes but Dilshad stiffens.

"Really?" She wraps her arm around Zoya's shoulders and pulls her close. "How will you protect Zoya from such a mistake again?" she demands, her usually gentle voice hardening.

Malak and Kesavan look from Dilshad's stern expression to Zoya tucked protectively in her embrace and exchange grim glances.

"Phupee , it's okay." Zoya soothes her. "It was an innocent mistake."

Dilshad doesn't respond, her gaze locked with Kesavan's. Najma's eyes widen and she turns to Asad. Asad looks amused. He crosses his arms and leans back, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches his mother.

"Zoya is a smart girl," Kesavan's voice is booming and confident. "She insisted on a clause in her contract that makes the company -- me -- responsible for any actions she takes in this office. If anything occurs, I'll be the one going to jail." Kesavan laughs again, but it is high and tight. "You can be sure I'll be very, very careful."

Dilshad considers for a moment then the stiffness eases out of her posture. She releases Zoya with a loving pat on her shoulder.

"Very well." She smiles sweetly at Kesavan. "Zoya is a part of our family. Her safety and well-being are very important to me." Her smile remains sweet but her eyes harden. "You understand, of course?"

Kesavan blinks. "Of course."

Asad looks at Malak, his eyes dark and challenging, as though daring Malak to speak. Malak swallows visibly but remains silent. Dilshad, satisfied that she's made her point, looks around with interest.

"This is a lovely office," she comments.

Kesavan nods, struggling to keep pace with her. "Uhh...yes. Your son does excellent work."

Dilshad's smile deepens. "Yes, he does."

They all turn to look at Asad. Asad nods but his face remains set and expressionless. Another man enters the office.

"I've got the papers you asked for, Mr. Nair," he says.

"Thank you, Tej." Kesavan takes the files from him and introduces him. "This is my assistant, Tejpal Malhotra."

Tej nods at them. He's very big with well-defined muscles and hard features. Dilshad greets him politely and offers him a sweet. Tej's mouth twists in disgust and he walks away from her. Dilshad blinks at his rudeness. Najma gaps and Zoya is wide-eyed by Tej's insult. Even Malak freezes. Asad steps up to his mother, his mouth tightening at the affront against her.

"Please excuse Tej, Mrs. Khan," Kesavan says quickly. "He's been up for the last twenty-four hours helping us get the office ready. He's exhausted and sleep-deprived. Again, thank you so much for coming to visit us and giving us your blessings."

Dilshad accepts his apology graciously but Asad's jaw is still tightly locked.

"So, Zoya, when can you start work?" Malak asks. "We already have several clients."

"You do?" Zoya smiles at him. "Wow, already? How did you do that?"

Kesavan smiles back. "I kept the contacts I made while still in New York. They couldn't sign up fast enough when I told them we'd hired a security specialist from the firm."

Zoya blushes. "I hope I can live up to your expectations."

"Are you ready to work?" Malak asks anxiously. "Are your codes current? How long do you need to revise and update them?"

"I don't need to update them," Zoya assures him. "They're current."

"Do you have them with you?" Malak bounces on his toes with his excitement. "Do you want to secure them on our new servers?"

"Why would I do that?" Zoya's eyebrows draw together. "I keep my codes secure on my cloud site. You only contracted my skills, not my codes. They belong to me."

"Of course they do," Malak agrees quickly. "I just thought it would be easier for you to access them if you had them on a network drive."

Zoya shakes her head. "No, I'll keep my codes on my private site."

"Sure," Malak agrees easily. "Whatever you prefer. After all, your codes aren't any good without you to administer them, right?"

"That's right." Zoya nods. "Don't worry about my codes. I'll just need to customize them for the sites I'm assigned."

Malak grins at her. "Of course. Why was I even worried? Zero Strike can't stay out of the game for long. Okay, then can you start working tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? That soon?" Zoya frowns. "Yes, I can but you know I can only be here in the mornings. I'm still working on Dilshad Construction's file storage and retrieval system."

"File storage?" Kesavan repeats. "That's nothing. Zoya, this is an important opportunity to make your name in the Indian business community. Surely Asad can continue to use his current method until we build up this company."

Asad's eyes flash fire and his face flushes. Dilshad shoots him a warning glance but Asad ignores it. He opens his mouth but Zoya replies before he can.

"No, he won't." Her voice is quiet but firm. "Mr. Khan is my client. In fact, he's my most valued client. He will always come first." She holds Kesavan gaze. "If that's a problem, you may dissolve my contract right now."

There is a charged silence for a few seconds. Najma bites her lower lip and moves closer to Dilshad. Dilshad smiles as she looks at Zoya with fierce pride. Asad also stares at Zoya. His face is expressionless but a muscle twitches wildly in his locked jaw.

"Now, Zoya, that's not necessary," Malak holds his hands up in a placating gesture. "I know you're so good at your work that you can easily handle both jobs at the same time. It's not a problem if you can only work mornings for a while."

He and Zoya both look at Kesavan.

"I'm sorry, Zoya," Kesavan says. "I didn't intend to insult you or Asad. I'm anxious to make a success of this business. In fact, Malak told me how you're looking forward to using this job to move onto bigger and better things, too."

Asad stiffens and his gaze slams into Malak's. Malak smiles back coolly.

"Oh, yes." Malak holds Asad's angry gaze. "Zoya is most definitely going places."

"Yes, she is." Asad reaches out to cup Zoya's elbow. "In fact, she's starting now. She's going home."

Asad tugs Zoya back. Malak takes a step forward, challenging him. Zoya shrugs her arm free. She, Kesavan, Dilshad and Najma stare between Malak and Asad.

"What is going on with you two?" Zoya demands.

Asad ignores her question and leaves the office. Dilshad takes a moment to say good-bye to Malak and Kesavan before ushering Zoya and Najma into the hallway. Asad is waiting for them, the elevator door already open. They get on the lift.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Khan?" Zoya asks as Asad turns to face the door.

Asad nods stiffly. He sees Malak watching them from the office doorway. Malak's eyes glitter fever-bright as he stares at Zoya. Asad shifts so that Zoya is hidden behind him. Malak jerks as if he's just been slapped. His mouth tightens as he glares at Asad. Asad's mouth pulls back into a tight, satisfied smile as the elevator door shut out Zoya's friend.

Author's Notes: As always, all mistakes are mine and made accidentally. This story is not intended to hurt anyone's feelings, culture or beliefs. HUGE thanks go out to my wonderful beta readers!

Also, thank you to everyone who posted replies, sent me buddy request and wrote private messages. I'm so grateful for the wonderful response! And for those of you who stalk me ' I'm preparing restraining orders! Just kidding! Thank you so much for your confidence in my writing abilities. I'll work hard to live up to your expectations.

Please join my buddy list if you would like me to send you a PM when new chapters are posted. It's the only way I know to send out a group message.

I hope you're enjoying my story! Thank you for reading.

Paly