by Dyanne Davis
“Hamid needed to be at the clinic early and you were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you. I didn’t want to leave you alone. So I called Imran. I was looking out for you.”
There it was again. Tanya hadn’t imagined it. Heaven and Hamid were giving each other looks. Then it hit her like a lead pipe. I have one of Hamid’s cousins who would be perfect for you…oh no she didn’t. She was being set up, so not cool. Okay, if that was the way the two of them wanted to play it, she’d just call them on it right here, right now, right in front of Imran. It would be good to let everyone get their cards on the table.
“Imran, have you realized yet that these two are playing matchmakers?” She put her hands on her hips. “What do you think about that?”
“I like it,” Imran grinned.
Now she was taken aback. What the heck? “Don’t play with me, Imran. You don’t like me. You said I’m rude and a gold digger.”
“And you are. But I find it ironic that you traveled all the way here to Pakistan to find yourself a millionaire husband and your friend has plotted to set you up with the one member of the family that everyone considers a failure.”
“Imran, cut it out. No one considers you a failure. Teaching is an honorable profession,” Hamid defended his cousin’s career choice
“And the writing?” Imran stopped teasing Tanya to look at Hamid. “What about that? You were there when my father practically disowned me for wanting to write.” He shrugged and looked toward Tanya then back to Hamid. “He doesn’t think I’m a man.” Imran shrugged again. “He thinks writing is demeaning and not so manly.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter how many well known authors I point out to him who are married.” Imran’s voice went soft and for a moment he didn’t speak. “You wouldn’t say all of that makes me the family failure?” he asked Hamid quietly.
For a long moment Hamid and Imran stared hard at each other, both communicating silently. Then Hamid sighed heavily and spoke. “Parents are sometimes very foolish. You know that. Your father loves you and is angry that you won’t come into the business with him.” Hamid paused and glanced toward Tanya deciding not to talk of family business in front of her.
Hamid’s discretion wasn’t lost on Imran. Family matters were never discussed in front of strangers. He also glanced at Tanya. There was something about the way that she was looking at him that made him want her to know all about him and his family, to know that he was the shame of the family. He didn’t want her to have any wrong perceptions of his place in the family. She might as well know that he was going to continue his pursuit of his dream.
“Of course my father worries. He worries that I’m being as foolish as he had been. He wishes that he had followed your father’s advice sooner. He would also be a millionaire and I would be one of the millionaire cousins. I do not care about money, Hamid, nor do I care what the family thinks. Look at you. Look at Sassa, neither of you did what the family wanted.” He glanced toward Heaven. “Yet you’re happy. I’m happy as well.”
For a long moment Hamid and Imran merely stared at each other talking in the secret way of men and of family. Hamid’s hand slid around Heaven’s waist and he pulled her close. He placed a kiss on her forehead quieting her worries.
“No power on earth could have kept me from marrying Heaven. Besides, the entire family loves her now. Family eventually comes around, Imran. They loved me and wanted me happy. The family also loves you and wants your happiness no matter what path that might take.”
“You hold the position of favored son, Hamid. Even if you disappoint that will still be your position and you have brothers who will be able to redeem the family name. I on the other hand have the position of only son. My father wants great things from me. He wants me to make up for the mistakes that he made.” Imran gave a brittle laugh.
“If uncle truly thought that, he would not have bought you a home and furnished it. He would not make sure that a woman comes in to clean and cook.
Imran shrugged again. “Those things he does so that the community does not say his only son lives as a beggar.” Imran grinned. “Who cares?” he rolled his eyes. “I am an adult and I will do what pleases me. My father’s displeasure will not prevent me from pursuing my goals. If I fail, it is still my life, my decision. If my father wishes to disown me then he will have no son and I will have no father. But I will still do what I want.” He glanced away from Hamid and his gaze connected with Tanya’s. Her soft brown eyes looked a bit misty. She was smiling softly a hint of pity in her eyes. He’d said maybe a little too much. As he stared, her look of pity became more pronounced.
“Stop being so melodramatic,” Hamid spoke up, glaring at Imran. “Uncle has no such plans and neither does any other member of the family. You’re a writer and you’re imagining things, trying to make a story where there is none. As for uncle thinking you’re not a man. Please. He does that because he wants grandsons.” He stared across the room at his son then back at Imran. “They all want grandsons, the next generation.”
There was nothing in Imran’s future plans that even hinted that babies were in his near future. But he did want them. His gaze slid over to where Tsukama slept and he acknowledged that desire. Glancing up he found Tanya’s gaze had remained on him. This time it made him a little uncomfortable. She was looking at him as if ….as if she thought… He wondered if she was thinking he really didn’t like women. He narrowed his eyes, not like women. He’d have to stop that nonsense immediately. Hamid was right. He’d been a little melodramatic.
“Tanya,” he began making it clear that she was the one he wanted to understand what he was about to say. “My father is wrong about many things and he’s most assuredly wrong about my not being a man who wishes to one day marry and have beautiful babies.” When she grinned he grinned also. “I love women,” he said in an almost whisper.
“I know,” Tanya teased him back. “Just not greedy Americans.”
“I might make an exception if it were a truly beautiful American woman,” he held her gaze.
“I do understand about parents not supporting your dreams, not because they don’t love you, but because they think you’re choosing a path that will be hard.”
Tanya tried unsuccessfully to prevent the sigh that escaped. "My parents don’t like the idea that I’ve made a promise to someone. They think if I have to keep that promise I won’t have a family of my own. They don’t think I should put so much time and money into trying to help build the community. But they’re my dreams and I have a right to go after them, like you have every right to go after yours. I admire you for trying no matter what your family thinks. Dreams are what makes us who we are, they’re important. Your dreams are important, Imran. I hope they come true. Have you at least received a sign that things might go well for you?”
“I think I just did.” Imran gave her a full grin.
“I meant your book.”
“Oh.” Imran's grin widened even more. “In that case it’s not book, but books. I have two out with publishers and I’m working on the third. I’m thinking maybe I should add a bit of romance to this one. What do you think, Tanya?”
“Okay.” Tanya finally tore her eyes from Imran. “It’s getting hot in here,” she said fanning herself. Then she turned to Heaven. “Come-on, now, pick up the baby and let's go do something.”
Heaven made one step toward the crib when Hamid stopped her. “Tanya, I know Heaven and I are being rude. But could you please allow Imran to escort you to lunch today? My treat,” he glanced at Imran. “That is if you don’t have things to do. I’m swamped with paperwork and if Heaven could just help me for a few hours, we’ll be free for the rest of the week. I promise.”
Tanya looked to where the baby was napping in the crib in Hamid’s office and she laughed. “This is bogus. Heaven, you did not come to the clinic to work, not with the baby. Now come on and bring your behind home. Nice try. Thanks, Imran.” She went to the crib to pick up the baby and Imran stopped her. “Not again,”
she said.
“Tanya, I really don’t mind taking you to lunch. Besides, the baby is asleep and should not be disturbed. Heaven and Hamid will be home in a couple of hours. If you’d like I could take you on a drive of Karachi. I have no qualms about escorting you when Heaven and Hamid have to work. And, Hamid, I may be the poor relations but I can afford to take Tanya out for lunch.” He laughed, “Tanya, we do have McDonald’s here in Pakistan.” He grinned. “But that’s not where I plan to take you.
Tanya turned quickly, half expecting Heaven and Hamid to be jumping with joy. They weren’t jumping but they were sure grinning from ear to ear.
“Thanks, Imran.” She frowned at her friends. “But the two of you are not fooling anyone. I just happen to be enjoying Imran’s company right now more than the two of you. You’re bad hosts,” she said and flounced out of the door. When Heaven grabbed her from behind pulling her into a hug she stopped walking.
“You don’t mind do you, Tann?”
“No, I don’t mind. If I did I wouldn’t be going off with him. Nice try, Heaven, but I still intend to go after one of Hamid’s brothers. Since Imran is indeed fine I won’t mind spending some time with him for the next couple of days.”
***
Heaven watched at the door of the clinic as Tanya got back into the car and Imran closed the door. She turned toward Hamid and threw her arms around him. “Thank you,” she whispered against his lips. “That was a fantastic idea.”
“You’re right about the two of them being right for each other. They have that certain look. I couldn’t resist,” he replied kissing his wife passionately. “But I do expect to be rewarded for having thought of it.”
***
For two days Tanya had enjoyed hanging out with Imran listening to him play tour guide. But after the first day she’d insisted that Heaven and Hamid accompany them as they’d promised. There was just too much heat between her and Imran for her to want to be alone with him. She wanted to keep the lusting to a minimal. Her plans hadn’t changed. She was there for one of Hamid’s brothers. Now the moment she’d waited for and had journeyed thousands of miles for was at hand.
The biting of her nails was the only sign that Tanya was a bit nervous. Fatima had only warmed slightly toward her. In just under an hour this new family Heaven had adopted would descend on them and Tanya was determined to make a better impression on them than she had on Fatima and Imran.
When she heard his voice she groaned. She should have known thinking about Imran would bring him around the same as it had for the past two days. They’d sparred as they had from the moment they’d met. Not that Tanya minded, but she’d talked with Heaven and was determined to try and find her softer side to woo the Ahmed brothers. But with Imran around it would be darn near impossible. He brought out the need to fight and flee, to want love and fulfillment. But he wasn’t the one. She needed someone to help her make her dreams come true. Imran wasn’t it. She turned in his direction and frowned
“The party doesn’t start for an hour. It’s considered bad manners to come so early.”
“It’s also considered bad manners to give orders in a home that’s not your own. I’m family. I’m welcomed here, but are you? I have heard of a saying, fish and visitors both begin to stink after three days,” he retorted. “You’re been here three days.” He smiled at her and made his way into the nursery.
Laughter from behind her made Tanya turn. “I’m getting sick of Hamid’s cousin.” She leaned back and did a fake neck roll then she laughed also.
“You like him, don’t you?” Heaven asked.
“Yeah I like him, but stop trying to fix us up. I didn’t come here for ‘no’ cousin. I came for one of Hamid’s brother.”
“You need to stop saying that, Tanya. At first it was cute… now…not so much. Listen if Fatima can’t stand you, you have got a serious problem. I’m not kidding. This isn’t cute. What’s the deal?”
“There is no deal.” Tanya turned away she hadn’t wanted to tell Heaven. She hadn’t wanted to tell anyone. “Damn,” she muttered.
Heaven touched her friend’s shoulder trying not to scold her, wanting to figure out why Tanya was still behaving so strangely. “What’s going on with you, Tann?”
“I may have to adopt six kids and I need to be able to provide for them. You know social workers don’t make that kind of money.”
“Hold on. You told me about the village you’re trying to help, but nothing about adopting kids. Why in the world do you need to adopt six kids?”
“My cousin Lettie has cancer and it doesn't look good. The entire family wants to pitch in and help with the kids but no one wants to take care of all six. As a social worker I know what can happen to these kids if they’re split up. I can’t let that happen but I also don’t have that kind of money to take care of them. You told me how big Hamid’s family is on taking care of family. They have money enough to easily take care of six kids.”
“Are you crazy?” A tear fell from Heaven’s eyes. “While your reasons might and I mean a small ‘might’ be good, your logic is faulty. Even if one of Hamid brothers fell for you, how do you know they would want to raise six children? And since I know you have no plans to move here, you’re expecting a lot.”
For the first time since she’d devised the plan and decided to come to Pakistan Tanya felt helpless. Heaven was right. Her plan was crazy. She felt the shudder of pain as she thought about the kids. “I know. I just want to help.” She started crying comforted by Heaven’s hug. I know it’s crazy. I do know that, but I wanted to give it a shot.”
“I’ll help you with the kids. I’m still making money from the agency. I’ll ask Hamid—
“Don’t do that. I want to do this on my own. Just don’t mention this to Hamid okay. The two of you have done way more than I should have ever asked you for. This was a long shot and I knew it.” She shrugged. “I want to find my own way through this, Heaven. Now come-on, is there anything that I need to do? Am I dressed okay?” She tugged on Heaven’s arm. “Stop looking so sad. It’s my problem and I’ll figure something out.”
***
Imran moved slowly back into the shadows. He’d not meant to eavesdrop on Tanya and Heaven but when he’d heard the distress in Tanya’s voice he’d thought he was the one who’d put it there, so he’d listened. The ever constant flutter that had begun in his chest since meeting her now beat rapidly. This crazy American woman touched something in his core. True, she was crude, rude and a gold digger, but she was also a fiercely compassionate and loyal woman. It didn’t hurt that she was also beautiful, smart and had made him laugh more in the three days he’d known her than he had in the past month. Her tale of woe made him wish he could help her, but she was right. He was a cousin, a cousin with no money.
Though he understood Tanya’s need to be on her own the desire to help her overwhelmed him. He sighed knowing he could never attempt to take away her independence. He was on his own. Sure if he were in dire straits he knew his father would bail him out, but he was a grown man. He didn’t want bailing out. No one believed in his writing abilities and definitely not as a means to earn money. So he taught in the university waiting for his big break.
Though an Ahmed his father had chosen a different path from his uncle and had wanted no involvement in the oil business. He’d much preferred working the land with his hands and there had not been much money in it. Eventually his father had accepted help from his younger brother and made his own fortune. But Imran had grown up in the shadow of his cousins, the millionaire sons, as many in their lands referred to the brothers.
Imran half suspected that was the reason there were now three millionaire sons left to marry. Many women had tried to wed them but they had resisted. For the brothers not to be married with a passel of children was not the norm. Neither was it the norm for Imran at his age to not have a wife. His career choice had not made him suitable husband material. He was aware his family considered him somewhat of a disappointment. He was an Ahme
d. He should be wealthy, or at least working toward wealth.
He blew out a breath having made a decision. He couldn’t stand the thought of Tanya’s crying so he walked out wanting suddenly to stop her tears and knowing how best to accomplish that. “Tanya, are you crying because you missed me?” he asked walking up to her and standing directly in her face ignoring Heaven’s arms around her.
When Tanya’s hands dropped from around Heaven, the tears ceased and she glared at him. “Imran, why on earth would I miss you?”
“Because when I’m in your presence you glow.” It wasn’t until he’d said it—and he’d meant it as a joke—to stop her tears that he realized it was true. He watched as Tanya blinked rapidly, sputtering trying to think of something to say. The flutter in his chest was now driving him mad. He moved a little away. Could it be that they were truly meant for each other? He’d long acknowledged the attraction, it would have been foolish not to. But for the past two days he’d determined not to push it, to wait and let Tanya work her magic on one of his cousins if she could. But standing in front of her he was drowning in her eyes, all thoughts of allowing her to continue her crazy plan all but forgotten. He dropped his gaze to her lips, lips that he’d wanted to kiss for days. Her pulse beat rapidly at the base of her throat. It was hard to tear his gaze away even when Heaven cleared her throat. He needed to think of something to say quickly.
“I just wanted to make you stop crying,” he answered softly. “You’re here on vacation. You shouldn’t have tears.” He reached out a hand to automatically wipe away her tears, but stopped. What the heck was he thinking? What he was about to do was so improper that he didn’t think even Tanya with her crass behavior would approve of such an act. He shrugged. “Okay, maybe you don’t glow but I mistake your glaring at me for glowing.” He smiled and saw her smile in return, obviously grateful that he’d taken them away from any mention of anything else.