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Chapter Six
Once Zoya was confident there was no trace of Lily's bruises remaining she arranged to return to work. However, when she made to leave the childcare centre the following day, her tiny niece howled miserably, her little arms reaching out to her from the carer's hold.
Don't worry, Miss Faaruqui,' the childcare worker reassured her. She'll settle down once you leave. They all do.'
Zoya bit her lip in an agony of indecision. Lily's little face was bright red, her eyes spilling tears and her desperate wails increasing in volume.
Maybe I should call work and tell them I can't make it.'
Of course you shouldn't,' the woman said. She'll be fine. I'll take her to look at the toys while you leave. Feel free to phone as soon as you get to work but I am sure you've got nothing to worry about. Come on, Lily,' she told the child with a smile. Let's go and look at the nice teddy bears over here.'
Zoya could still hear Lily's cries as she made her way outside the building, her heart squeezing painfully at the thought of her niece being so upset at the prospect of being abandoned. It made her realise anew how important it was to protect her, for it was obvious the baby considered her to be her primary carer. If Asad were to find out who she really was now, Lily would be the one to suffer, for Zoya felt sure he would evict her from the child's life as soon as he possibly could.
The library was a few blocks away and she walked there with dragging steps, wondering how mothers across the globe dealt with leaving their children in someone else's care.
She loved her job but she loved her niece more. If push came to shove she would have to quit work, swallow her pride and accept the allowance from Asad that his lawyer had arranged in the pre-nuptial agreement.
Hi, Zoya,' Khushi Gupta, one of the other librarians, greeted her as soon as she arrived at work. Hey, where have you been the last few days? Sheila said you called in sick. Are you OK now?'
Zoya placed her bag in the staffroom locker in order to avoid her friend's probing look. I'm fine, just a bit tired. It's been one of those weeks.'
Don't tell me your sister has been giving you trouble again,' Khushi said. I don't know why you don't tell her where to get off, really I don't. She takes advantage of you so much, no wonder you're not well.' She pursed her lips for a moment, then, moving over to close the staffroom door, turned back and handed Zoya a recent edition of a popular gossip magazine. I suppose you've already seen this?'
Zoya disguised a gulp as she looked down at the magazine article Khushi had shown her. There was a photograph of Zoe outside one of Sydney's best known hotels, dressed in a revealing dress that left little to the imagination, her arms flung around the neck of well known football personality who had dubious reputation around women. The caption hinted that, according to hotel staff sources, last Friday night Zoe and her male escort had engaged in a drunken noisy night upstairs.
Ya Allah.' She shut the magazine and handed it back as they sat down together. This is just what I don't need right now.'
Are you all right?' Khushi peered at her in concern.
Zoya met her friend's gaze. I have to tell you something but you have to promise not to tell anyone else.'
Khushi used a finger to zip her lips. Mum's the word.'
Zoya's mouth twisted wryly. That's exactly right. Mum's the word you now have to use when referring to me.'
Khushi's eyes went out on shock. Oh, my God! You're pregnant?'
Zoya rolled her eyes. Of course not! No, but I am now acting as Lily's mother.'
As Zoya filled her in on previous events, Khushi's face fell in horror.
Are you completely nuts?' Khushi had got to her feet in agitation. What the hell are you thinking? This Asad Ahmad Khan will eat you alive when he finds out! You could go to prison or something!'
What else can I do?' Zoya asked. Lily needs me. Zoe was going to give her up for adoption but this way I can keep her and give her the love she deserves. It's a small price to pay.'
A small price?' Khushi gaped at her. What do you know about this guy?'
Zoya couldn't help a tiny smile. I know he adores Lily and she adores him.'
And what about you?' Khushi gave her another probing look. What does he feel about you? Does he adore you too?'
No.' Zoya lowered her gaze.
There was a short silence and Zoya looked up to see her friend's contemplative gaze trained on her.
I think I'm starting to get the picture,' Khushi said. You're falling in love with him, aren't you?'
How could I possibly fall in love with him?' Zoya's eyes darted away once more. I hardly know him.'
You must feel something for him because, knowing you as I do, you would never agree to marry someone if you didn't respect and admire them at the very least.'
Zoya thought about it for a moment. Yes, she did respect Asad. In fact, if circumstances were different, he was exactly the sort of man she could come to love. He had qualities she couldn't help admiring. He was fiercely loyal and protective and his sense of family was strong.
Come on, Zoya,' Khushi continued. I can see it in your eyes. You're halfway there already.'
You're imagining things.'
Maybe I am, but I'd watch it if I were you,' Khushi cautioned. You're not the hard-nosed bitch your sister is. You are going to get yourself seriously hurt if you don't take care.'
I know what I'm doing,' Zoya said. Anyway, I don't have a choice. I love Lily and would do anything to protect her.'
Sounds like you and that future husband of yours have rather a lot in common, don't you think?' Khushi mused as she opened the staffroom door. You both want the same thing and are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to get it.'
Zoya didn't answer. She was starting to think it might have been a mistake to tell Khushi the truth about her situation. Her friend was seeing things Zoya herself had pointedly refused to examine too closely.
She turned to the phone on the wall and quickly called the childcare centre to check on her niece, relieved to hear that Lily had finally fallen asleep. She hung up the phone and made her way out to the front desk, glad she had something to do other than think about Asad Ahmad Khan and how she really felt about him.
Zoya had not long returned home with Lily later that day when the phone rang.
Zoya?' Her sister's voice sounded in her ear. Is that you?'
Who else would it be?' Zoya said tersely.
Zoe laughed. Well, for a minute there I thought you sounded just like me.'
Zoya ground her teeth. That is so not funny. You do realise that all because of your stupid actions I will be marrying Ayaan's brother in a matter of days, don't you?'
Lucky you,' Zoe said. I'm sure you'll be more than adequately compensated. A billionaire to call your own.'
His money means nothing to me,' she bit out.
Good,' Zoe said. Then you won't mind sending it to me.'
'What?' Zoya stiffened.
'Come on, Zoya. You'll be loaded. We talked about this the other day, remember? I expect you to share your good fortune with me until I marry Farhan. Besides, we're sisters, twin sisters.'
Zoya drew in a breath. I am not taking his money.'
Don't be stupid; he's giving it to you in exchange for marriage. You have to take it.'
I have no intention of doing so.'
Listen.' Zoe's voice hardened. I need money and I need it now...so you better take it because If you don't then I'll tell Asad who you really are.'
Zoya swallowed, her hand on the receiver growing white-knuckled. You can't do that. He'll take Lily away from me.'
Do you think I care?' Zoe said.
How can you be so callous?' Zoya cried. You're her mother, for God's sake!'
If you don't take the money and give it to me I will tell him how you've deceived him. Somehow I don't think he'll take all that kindly to the news.'
Zoya could well believe it, but this wasn't about her at all. It was about Lily. She loved her niece and couldn't bear the thought of never seeing her again.
She considered going to Asad and telling him the truth before Zoe got the chance but knew in the end it would be pointless. He would simply remove Lily from her custody, would no doubt be relieved that he didn't have to bind himself to her after all. He would have no regard for her feelings as the child's aunt even if she was to plead with him to allow her a place in Lily's life.
I haven't got any money yet,' Zoya said. The marriage doesn't take place for another few days. Asad told me I won't get the allowance until I sign the marriage certificate.'
Well, when it's all done I want you to send me it. All of it. I'll give you my bank details.'
Zoya put the phone down a few minutes later, the numbers on the piece of paper in her hand making her feel sick to her stomach.
Her sister had just sold her child.
Once Zoya was confident there was no trace of Lily's bruises remaining she arranged to return to work. However, when she made to leave the childcare centre the following day, her tiny niece howled miserably, her little arms reaching out to her from the carer's hold.
Don't worry, Miss Faaruqui,' the childcare worker reassured her. She'll settle down once you leave. They all do.'
Zoya bit her lip in an agony of indecision. Lily's little face was bright red, her eyes spilling tears and her desperate wails increasing in volume.
Maybe I should call work and tell them I can't make it.'
Of course you shouldn't,' the woman said. She'll be fine. I'll take her to look at the toys while you leave. Feel free to phone as soon as you get to work but I am sure you've got nothing to worry about. Come on, Lily,' she told the child with a smile. Let's go and look at the nice teddy bears over here.'
Zoya could still hear Lily's cries as she made her way outside the building, her heart squeezing painfully at the thought of her niece being so upset at the prospect of being abandoned. It made her realise anew how important it was to protect her, for it was obvious the baby considered her to be her primary carer. If Asad were to find out who she really was now, Lily would be the one to suffer, for Zoya felt sure he would evict her from the child's life as soon as he possibly could.
The library was a few blocks away and she walked there with dragging steps, wondering how mothers across the globe dealt with leaving their children in someone else's care.
She loved her job but she loved her niece more. If push came to shove she would have to quit work, swallow her pride and accept the allowance from Asad that his lawyer had arranged in the pre-nuptial agreement.
Hi, Zoya,' Khushi Gupta, one of the other librarians, greeted her as soon as she arrived at work. Hey, where have you been the last few days? Sheila said you called in sick. Are you OK now?'
Zoya placed her bag in the staffroom locker in order to avoid her friend's probing look. I'm fine, just a bit tired. It's been one of those weeks.'
Don't tell me your sister has been giving you trouble again,' Khushi said. I don't know why you don't tell her where to get off, really I don't. She takes advantage of you so much, no wonder you're not well.' She pursed her lips for a moment, then, moving over to close the staffroom door, turned back and handed Zoya a recent edition of a popular gossip magazine. I suppose you've already seen this?'
Zoya disguised a gulp as she looked down at the magazine article Khushi had shown her. There was a photograph of Zoe outside one of Sydney's best known hotels, dressed in a revealing dress that left little to the imagination, her arms flung around the neck of well known football personality who had dubious reputation around women. The caption hinted that, according to hotel staff sources, last Friday night Zoe and her male escort had engaged in a drunken noisy night upstairs.
Ya Allah.' She shut the magazine and handed it back as they sat down together. This is just what I don't need right now.'
Are you all right?' Khushi peered at her in concern.
Zoya met her friend's gaze. I have to tell you something but you have to promise not to tell anyone else.'
Khushi used a finger to zip her lips. Mum's the word.'
Zoya's mouth twisted wryly. That's exactly right. Mum's the word you now have to use when referring to me.'
Khushi's eyes went out on shock. Oh, my God! You're pregnant?'
Zoya rolled her eyes. Of course not! No, but I am now acting as Lily's mother.'
As Zoya filled her in on previous events, Khushi's face fell in horror.
Are you completely nuts?' Khushi had got to her feet in agitation. What the hell are you thinking? This Asad Ahmad Khan will eat you alive when he finds out! You could go to prison or something!'
What else can I do?' Zoya asked. Lily needs me. Zoe was going to give her up for adoption but this way I can keep her and give her the love she deserves. It's a small price to pay.'
A small price?' Khushi gaped at her. What do you know about this guy?'
Zoya couldn't help a tiny smile. I know he adores Lily and she adores him.'
And what about you?' Khushi gave her another probing look. What does he feel about you? Does he adore you too?'
No.' Zoya lowered her gaze.
There was a short silence and Zoya looked up to see her friend's contemplative gaze trained on her.
I think I'm starting to get the picture,' Khushi said. You're falling in love with him, aren't you?'
How could I possibly fall in love with him?' Zoya's eyes darted away once more. I hardly know him.'
You must feel something for him because, knowing you as I do, you would never agree to marry someone if you didn't respect and admire them at the very least.'
Zoya thought about it for a moment. Yes, she did respect Asad. In fact, if circumstances were different, he was exactly the sort of man she could come to love. He had qualities she couldn't help admiring. He was fiercely loyal and protective and his sense of family was strong.
Come on, Zoya,' Khushi continued. I can see it in your eyes. You're halfway there already.'
You're imagining things.'
Maybe I am, but I'd watch it if I were you,' Khushi cautioned. You're not the hard-nosed bitch your sister is. You are going to get yourself seriously hurt if you don't take care.'
I know what I'm doing,' Zoya said. Anyway, I don't have a choice. I love Lily and would do anything to protect her.'
Sounds like you and that future husband of yours have rather a lot in common, don't you think?' Khushi mused as she opened the staffroom door. You both want the same thing and are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to get it.'
Zoya didn't answer. She was starting to think it might have been a mistake to tell Khushi the truth about her situation. Her friend was seeing things Zoya herself had pointedly refused to examine too closely.
She turned to the phone on the wall and quickly called the childcare centre to check on her niece, relieved to hear that Lily had finally fallen asleep. She hung up the phone and made her way out to the front desk, glad she had something to do other than think about Asad Ahmad Khan and how she really felt about him.
Zoya had not long returned home with Lily later that day when the phone rang.
Zoya?' Her sister's voice sounded in her ear. Is that you?'
Who else would it be?' Zoya said tersely.
Zoe laughed. Well, for a minute there I thought you sounded just like me.'
Zoya ground her teeth. That is so not funny. You do realise that all because of your stupid actions I will be marrying Ayaan's brother in a matter of days, don't you?'
Lucky you,' Zoe said. I'm sure you'll be more than adequately compensated. A billionaire to call your own.'
His money means nothing to me,' she bit out.
Good,' Zoe said. Then you won't mind sending it to me.'
'What?' Zoya stiffened.
'Come on, Zoya. You'll be loaded. We talked about this the other day, remember? I expect you to share your good fortune with me until I marry Farhan. Besides, we're sisters, twin sisters.'
Zoya drew in a breath. I am not taking his money.'
Don't be stupid; he's giving it to you in exchange for marriage. You have to take it.'
I have no intention of doing so.'
Listen.' Zoe's voice hardened. I need money and I need it now...so you better take it because If you don't then I'll tell Asad who you really are.'
Zoya swallowed, her hand on the receiver growing white-knuckled. You can't do that. He'll take Lily away from me.'
Do you think I care?' Zoe said.
How can you be so callous?' Zoya cried. You're her mother, for God's sake!'
If you don't take the money and give it to me I will tell him how you've deceived him. Somehow I don't think he'll take all that kindly to the news.'
Zoya could well believe it, but this wasn't about her at all. It was about Lily. She loved her niece and couldn't bear the thought of never seeing her again.
She considered going to Asad and telling him the truth before Zoe got the chance but knew in the end it would be pointless. He would simply remove Lily from her custody, would no doubt be relieved that he didn't have to bind himself to her after all. He would have no regard for her feelings as the child's aunt even if she was to plead with him to allow her a place in Lily's life.
I haven't got any money yet,' Zoya said. The marriage doesn't take place for another few days. Asad told me I won't get the allowance until I sign the marriage certificate.'
Well, when it's all done I want you to send me it. All of it. I'll give you my bank details.'
Zoya put the phone down a few minutes later, the numbers on the piece of paper in her hand making her feel sick to her stomach.
Her sister had just sold her child.
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