The Education Of Amal

By Shirin Humzani

Amal is a young woman just starting college. She hopes to get a degree in business and make her way in the world free of her parents’ socializing and scheming. But a chance encounter with the university’s most notorious player throws her into an unexpected rivalry.
Hunter has seen too much of the world to view it without cynicism. After he spots Amal in a compromising situation with a fellow even more infamous than himself, Hunter sets up a deception with life-altering consequences for both of them.
Both children of wealthy industrialists, Amal and Hunter know that privilege brings its own trials. And when Amal witnesses a brutal crime, Hunter is the only one who can protect her from the villains pursuing her. Instead of tearing each other apart, they could heal one another’s wounds. But first they must learn to forgive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shirin Humzani
• Release date: Oct 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301523856

Shirin Humzani

Shirin Humzani is currently based between the UK and Pakistan. Having lived in both countries, and spending many years in the US, she has experienced different cultures thoroughly. Her exposure is reflective in her writing. 'The Education Of Amal' is the first of her novels to be published. The rest of her work will be available in due course.

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The Education Of Amal

Shirin Humzani

Copyright 2012 by Shirin Humzani

Smashwords Edition

Chapter 1

Clouds danced with each other in the dark night, releasing a beautiful music-like drizzle. But those gentle notes were lost in the loud, thrashing sound of an orchestra. Music flowed through magnificent French windows standing wide open. Boisterous laughter drowned the spontaneous beauty of nature. The partygoers had no concern for the outdoors. They were too consumed by their artifices. Empty souls danced the night away on the wooden floor. Exorbitant liquor poured endlessly in the midst of alluring conversations. Men led women on for their personal desires, and women responded to them for their own purposes.

Dancing in Asim’s arms, Zareen looked over his shoulder at her husband Ahsan, who sat on a settee in the corner, engaged in a conversation with a middle-aged woman. She pursed her lips and moved even closer to Asim’s body.

Asim’s kniving eyes brightened. He folded Zareen in his arms and pressed her tightly to his chest.

Zareen, my thirsty soul has always been yearning for this moment, he whispered, brushing her hair aside.

His sweet words filled her empty heart with joy and pride. Though she was forty-two years old, her divine beauty, striking figure and smooth skin hid her age. People often mistook her for a twenty-six- or twenty-seven-year-old. Her red-tinged hair had been cut into a shoulder-length bob that angled to frame her face. The hair stylist had said this enhanced her high cheekbones and pointed chin. Zareen liked to think that increased her appeal even further.

Zareen… Asim leaned close, gazing deeply into her eyes.

The corner of Zareen’s lips arched upwards.

You know I am madly in love with you.

Zareen gave a light, melodic laugh. Since when?

Asim’s look was serious. His forehead wrinkled and his eyes narrowed. You think this is a joke? The moment I laid my eyes on you, I lost my peace.

Tsk, tsk. Poor Asim.

Don’t ridicule me, he snapped. What can your old husband—whose skin is drooping down—give you? Darling, you need me. Your desires were revealed when you pressed closer to me. I do respect your feelings.

It seemed a cloud covered Zareen. Marriage to Ahsan had overshadowed her youthful desires and needs. She imagined him as a vulture with its claws on her body. But oh, what wealthy, diamond- and gem-encrusted claws they were, which had encaptured her soul.

The heat rising in her face must have shown, because Asim gave her a cynical-looking smile. His arms crushed her against his body. The madness of my love will clear all the obstacles in your way, he said. Why does your beautiful face show distress? His hands moved up and down on her bare, slender shoulders, enticing her in a way Ahsan never did anymore.

Oh, Asim. Zareen felt momentarily delirious. He stood a head taller than she, lithe and strong, with a thin mustache beneath his hawk-like nose. Frowning, she shook her head. Why have you suddenly done this to me? Tell me why? Pain welled up under the bodice of her red Givenchy gown as if he had throttled her soul.

Because I have looked deep down into your scarred heart, he said. How could I then leave you to wander in that darkness?

Zareen put her chin on his shoulder. In a broken voice she said, Do you know that I have a young daughter? Amal. She starts university tomorrow.

Asim threw his head back and laughed like a barking dog. You don’t have to worry about that. It is of no importance. Our children have no right to close the doors of happiness on us.

She drew back. So…you have a child, too?

Yes. He chuckled. One, and only one, son. But he has nothing to do with my private life. In fact, that devil keeps on introducing me to tremendous women. You know, he’s a very broad-minded chap. His laugh seemed cold and hollow.

After all, whose son is he? Zareen burst into laughter. You never mentioned him to me before.

What would I have mentioned? He’s been out of the country for years, living with my sister abroad. He returned unexpectedly last week.

No wonder you were out of control all this time, Zareen teased.

With a crescendo of zinging strings and a clash of cymbals, the orchestra brought its performance to an end. The dancers pattered polite applause.

She wondered whether her eyes matched Asim’s mysterious sheen. Holding hands, they walked down the dance floor to see their host.

Karim, Zareen said when they reached him, I can’t see Ahsan around. Has he been drinking a lot tonight?

I’m surprised that, while he should have been drinking a lot, he has not, said Karim, a chubby, clean-shaven man.

Why? Why a lot? She tried to sound innocent, while looking at Asim through the corner of her eye. At moments like this, her conscience screamed out about her tarnished morals, bringing a tinge of guilt she would soon sweep away.

Because of the stupidity of Jabbar, Karim said, who told Ahsan that the contract for that huge new power plant was given to Hashim.

The grip of those gemstone claws seemed to slip. Oh, no. Not again!

That same Hashim who is Ahsan’s biggest business rival? Asim looked into Zareen with deep brown eyes.

Who else could it be, Mr. Asim? Karim took a sip from his wine glass. A collision always happens between two forces. And in our country and industry, the two overpowering personalities are Mr. Hashim and Mr. Ahsan. They are the most respectful and the mightiest. And if you weigh them both, the scale on both ends would be equally filled up with billions.

This completely ruined Zareen’s flirtatious mood. This was the second time Hashim had won a license for an important industry. She wondered how he had found these new avenues. I think I should take Ahsan home now.

Asim seemed taken aback.

Zareen glanced at him through narrowed eyelids. Do not mind, Asim. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.

Leaving early was not done out of love for Ahsan. And she had not enough concern about any pain and disappointment in his heart to rein in her flirting. No, she was only worried about the working machine who laid her golden eggs. Her husband’s computerized mind earned the wealth that gave her the status of first lady in the business world—prominent and high above the rest. Whatever place she graced with her presence, people ignored others to be in her company.

Zareen knew how to keep her husband and beloved ones in her fists.

As she dashed off to find Ahsan, she could almost feel Asim’s eyes on her, watching her walk away. She gave a little extra pompous sway to her hips as her stilettos clacked across the floor.

***

Soon Zareen sat beside Ahsan in the back seat of their black Mercedes, speeding home.

Ahsan was in a gloomy mood and seemingly in deep thought, staring out the window. The earlier drizzle had transformed into a thunderous downpour. The glittering environment at Karim’s party contrasted with the present atmosphere, where robust clouds full of electrical currents brought lightning and rain. Surrounded by gale and wind, the car entered the curving driveway of their grand mansion and rolled to a stop in front of the main entrance. The chauffeur quickly came out to open the car door. Ahsan and Zareen stepped out.

Gads! It’s freezing, Zareen exclaimed, to get her husband’s attention. She wrapped her white cashmere shawl around her bare shoulders.

Yes, it is extraordinarily cold today, Ahsan said in his heavy voice. He smirked and put his arm around her shoulders. They jogged up the wide white marble steps toward the house. Zareen shivered in his arms.

On hearing their footsteps, a security guard inside opened the door for them. They walked into the dimly lit foyer.

Jabbar really spoiled my night when he mentioned Hashim winning another license for such a large project. Otherwise—considering the weather—we could have returned home sooner.

Zareen shook raindrops from her shawl. What game is he playing these days to get such important projects?

Ahsan gave her a burnt smile. His tactics are designed to agonize us. Through his new contacts, he’s putting his gun on their shoulders and firing on us. But I will get to the bottom of this.

That’s the spirit! Zareen rubbed her hand across his back. Oh, Ahsan, I hate Hashim!

He squeezed her slim shoulders. Darling, you don’t have to worry. You will see who will have the last laugh. Instead of going toward his bedroom, Ahsan turned and went toward the sitting room.

Where are you going?

Just a minute. I want a drink. I’m feeling a bit low.

She followed him. You are too much. Why are you stressing your mind on this point now?

You cannot understand my feelings. This project was specifically on my mind. Nobody in the country had approached it until now. It was unique. Now that six-footer is going to become the founder of it.

Let him go to blazes. We will find something even better and more unique than this.

An echo of light music came from the sitting room.

Is Amal still awake? Zareen looked at her wristwatch: two forty-five a.m. I specifically told her she should go to bed early. It’s the first day of her university tomorrow. Her chin tightened and forehead wrinkled. Day by day she is getting spoiled.

She threw open the door and stepped in, Ahsan right behind her. They both stood still.

The brass chandelier above and a half-dozen table lamps all around made the room bright as day. The stereo played the lilting melody of a Bach cantata.

Amal lay in deep sleep on the white-and-beige Axminster carpet, with her head on an emerald-green bean bag. Zareen was beautiful, but Amal’s beauty was not only youthful, but bewitchingly innocent. Zareen had seen boys almost reach the point of losing their minds over Amal. Her exquisite, angel-like face held a hint of a smile. Her beautiful, long dark hair ran down from her shoulders onto the carpet, defined with natural curls at the ends. Her pearl-like complexion and her thick silky eyelashes added to the purity of her beauty. A white velour gown lay on top of her night clothes as a blanket.

How could such an angelic-looking child be so disobedient?

Zareen’s eyes narrowed. Amal! Anger turned her voice shrill.

Let it go. She’s just a child. Ahsan moved toward the bar.

Zareen looked at Ahsan with sharp eyes. It’s all your pampering that has spoiled her. She has no etiquette, nor the manners to meet anyone. She’s getting worse by the day. She took her burning eyes from Ahsan’s face and turned them again toward her sleeping daughter. Look at the way she’s sleeping. If we had brought guests home with us, what sort of an impression would they get? I think it would be enjoyable, she said sarcastically, looking back at him.

Ahsan doted on their daughter more than required, which brought Zareen’s temper up. In view of their class and status, she had kept Amal on a strict, disciplined schedule. Or she had tried to. Amal resisted routines.

When Ahsan did not respond, Zareen felt the heat in her innards erupt as if to reach the sky. She looked at him with a sarcastic smile. Do you know in our society gossip spreads like sickness? She puckered her lips. By tomorrow, it would have been the talk of town. A rich tycoon’s teenage daughter sits up till two or three in the morning listening to old crap, and if she is overcome by tiredness, she doesn’t bother going to her bedroom, but would rather sleep where she is. Wow! What would they think about my upbringing?

Well, isn’t that the truth? Ahsan snapped. It is definitely your upbringing.

Zareen glared at him. Mine, or that useless Rehana’s? We paid her in thousands every month, and we’ve come to see this day.

What has come over you tonight? The poor girl just fell asleep while listening to some music.

Don’t provoke me. Just today, Mrs. Sabir was praising her daughters endlessly. If Amal were disciplined today, I would also— She shrugged.

So what was your Mrs. Sabir on about?

That— Telling her husband, she lost heart. She sank into an armchair. How cultured and presentable they were in all affairs. Zareen’s eyes almost became misty. They sleep on time, they eat on time—their mother has set them a routine, and they follow it eagerly. In the evening, Mrs. Sabir takes them to the club where they play tennis with Kamran competitively. And look at mine! Zareen extended her hand to Amal. It seems like she is allergic to people. Zareen puckered her forehead and put her chin in her hand.

Mrs. Sabir must be exaggerating.

Deep concern for the Ahsan family’s pride colored her voice. She doesn’t need to. Zareen gave a wry smile. Everyone is talking about those two girls these days. Asim also mentioned them to me. She turned and called her daughter loudly again. Amal!

But Amal was in such a deep slumber that even that didn’t wake her up. Zareen walked to Amal and nudged her with her toe. Get up, Amal! When will you learn some manners?

Finally, Amal moved slightly, and her thick lashes flickered. She seemed startled to see her mother standing above her.

Is this a place to sleep? Zareen scolded her with disapproval in her eyes.

Mama… was all her luscious pink lips could murmur. A little fear showed in her face.

I told you before I left, but you never give any importance to your mother.

Mama, I have never disobeyed your instructions. She put her weight on one hand and sat up. The sheen disappeared from her saddened eyes.

Your presence here denies what you say. You always fail to listen to me.

After looking at the dark clouds and listening to the force of the wind against the windows, I was afraid to be alone in my room, Mama. She looked up with innocent eyes. Zareen could see the fear and helplessness in them, like a puppy begging to be held and petted.

That look of vulnerability and weakness set Zareen’s tense nerves on fire. For heaven’s sake, when will you grow up? How long will this so-called fear of yours be with you? I am really sick and tired. You are not a child anymore, Amal. I don’t like these irrelevant excuses of yours. Fear? What rubbish!

Amal’s head bowed down. Her throat spasmed.

And yes. Despite her fury, Zareen kept her voice cold. Did Afsheen and Naina invite you for their get-together? Mrs. Sabir mentioned you didn’t attend it.

Yes, Amal squeaked.

Zareen bit her lips. Then why didn’t you go? Have you promised yourself to put me down everywhere?

Amal pulled the robe tighter around herself. I don’t like them.

Zareen threw her hands in the air. Whom do you even like? I wonder why you were even born into our house. You don’t appreciate anything.

Sipping his drink, Ahsan walked toward them. Your Mama wants to see you ahead in every field, Amal. He leaned down to pat her head. You must consider her feelings.

But Papa…

No ifs and buts. I would also be pleased to see you ahead of Hashim’s son in all fields. For once, Ahsan put some firmness into his tone.

I really try very hard, Papa. Tears filled Amal’s eyes. But I get suffocated.

Zareen turned to Ahsan. Whom are you beating these drums for? I have tried my level best, but what does she care if the world laughs at us?

Amal stood up, dropping the robe. Which world are you talking about, Mama? Amal’s weakness apparently faded. The world you live in—I’m sorry to say, but artificial people like that annoy me. She choked, as if to hold back tears.

The heat within her must have made Zareen’s face almost as red as her dress. Is this the way you’ve learned to talk now? You’ve come to the point of insulting your parents. Did you see that, Ahsan? She has started talking back to her mother.

Amal… Ahsan moaned. You were never like this before. What am I listening to?

Amal drew her shoulders back. Well, Papa, how many minutes have you seen me or heard me in these eighteen years? You don’t know my nature. She met Ahsan’s eyes, and he squirmed.

Why did Amal finally showing some strength have to reveal Ahsan’s weakness?

To his credit, he recovered. Zareen is correct. You’ve really lost it! Now just say sorry and go to your room. I do not want to see you at this moment. He turned his broad back to Amal.

She looked at each of them, her lips trembling.

Zareen couldn’t control her voice anymore. She bellowed, Amal! Didn’t you hear what your papa said?

Amal jerked. Yes, of course, Mama, she whispered. She took a couple of steps toward her father. I’m really very sorry, Papa. It won’t happen again. She turned and ran out of the room.

Ahsan made himself comfortable on the wide leather sofa.

Zareen released a deep sigh as the door slammed shut behind Amal. I don’t understand what will become of her.

Ahsan held her hand and pulled her toward him. Darling, don’t worry. She is still a child. Give her a few years and she will settle down. His eyelids narrowed as he gazed at her. Why are you dragging out such a dry subject?

A wave of discontent rushed through Zareen’s body. Ahsan was nine years older than her, but the stress of his business and hard work had taken his youth away from him before time. His body had become heavier and his stomach more rounded. The skin around his eyes sagged, and his thin lips were lifeless.

Zareen masked her displeasure with a smile and sat next to him, under his arm. Ahsan, you have started drinking a lot. She touched his lips with her slender finger, trying to show concern. She knew how to play him.

Ahsan kissed her finger. What else could he do?

Don’t bluff me, she said. What was happening today with that woman you spoke to at the party?

Ahsan laughed heartily. That was just a distraction to take away your attention from Asim.

That name made Zareen’s heart pound. Rubbish! I know you men very well.

No, that’s the truth. When you are angry, the fire in your eyes looks so fascinating, I must play along to see it. He held her tightly in his arm. Do you know how astonishingly beautiful you look at this moment?

Liar.

How could I make you believe me?

Looking into the depths of his eyes, Zareen smiled, and slid away from him.

Well, someday Asim will be having a duel with me. He looked at Zareen intently.

That poor soul is harmless. Zareen smiled and batted her lashes at him. But you have to seriously think about your business rival.

Blast him! You really spoiled my romantic mood.

This was Zareen’s heart’s desire. She laughed unreservedly.

He watched her, a smile tweaking a corner of his mouth. Your new diamond set is about to arrive.

Oh, he knew the way to her heart. The heat behind her eyes fled, swept out by a rush of joy as she imagined her new baubles. Excellent! I shall wear it to the annual chamber of commerce banquet, so your rival Hashim will be taken aback when he sees it.

Naturally. It’s an exquisite, unique piece. I ordered it especially from Paris for you.

On hearing that, Zareen beamed.

***

Amal ran up the stairs. In a brief moment of passion, she had opened her mouth and now regretted it. Her parents were so absorbed in their worldly ways—they were lost. How could they understand her feelings? Their only priorities were to make money and live a glamorous life.

Amal stopped at Qudsia’s room. Lightning and thunder crackled and boomed outside, and she cowered for a moment in the dark. Her kind-hearted governess, a widow, had gone to visit her sick daughter, leaving Amal alone in that wing of the house.

Oh, Lord, a storm? Why such a storm when Qudsia is away? She couldn’t hold back her tears.

Qudsia kept a stock of candles in case the electricity went out. Amal found them under Qudsia’s bathroom sink, and carried them to her own room.

Parents like hers, who had no time for their children, had no right to bring them into this world. Had they done so only for their own satisfaction, as if she were a toy whose feelings didn’t matter? The height of selfishness.

Another thunderclap froze Amal in her tracks. Trembling, she dropped one of the dishes. It landed with a thunk in the rich pile of the carpet. When the rumble died away, and no other followed it closely, Amal scooped up the porcelain candleholder and ran to her room.

Amal switched on every light. She turned on her cell phone, still plugged into the stereo at her bedside, and played her classical music list. Though each thunderbolt set her nerves afire, she placed candles around the room and lit them.

She crawled under the fluffy duvet, put her face under the pillows, and sobbed.

The furious storm reminded Amal of another dark, ugly night in her childhood when the skies were likewise violent. She had gotten out of bed at the first sound of thunder and ran toward her parents’ room. Though her old governess, Rehana, had a room right next to Amal’s, she apparently had not heard Amal leave her room.

In those dark corridors, she had run to her parents’ quarters. Her screams echoed through the house till she reached their door and started banging with her little fists. Papa opened the door, giving her an angry frown. Crying, Amal looked up at him. At that moment, through the open door, she saw her mother under the Chanel quilt trying to raise her head on the pillows. Amal ran wildly toward Mama, but before she could cling to her, Mama put her hand out to hold her away so she would not climb into the bed.

How have you come over here so late? Where is Rehana?

That cold voice froze her tears. She stared at her in disbelief. Mama…

Please Amal, I’m not feeling well.

Papa came forward to take Amal away from Mama. I will take her back to her room, darling. Rehana should know her responsibilities. A child comes to wake us up at odd times, and she doesn’t even care.

Yes, darling. Please explain that. Mama rolled onto her other side.

Papa took Amal in his arms and walked a few steps.

Amal cried hysterically. No, no, Mama. Please! I’m scared. There is thunder and lightning outside. She rolled in Papa’s arms like a fish, slipped out, and ran to her mother again. She quickly grabbed Mama’s visible arm.

Oh, Amal! Amal! For heaven’s sake. Mama closed her eyes. My head is pounding like blazes tonight! I cannot take your shrill screams.

Papa again rushed toward Amal and dragged her away. She tried to resist his grip, but it was too hard. He walked to her bedroom and flung open the door. It banged against the wall. He threw her onto her bed. Now behave, Amal! he shouted.

He stood in the doorway of Rehana’s room and yelled at her next. You have not taught her any discipline! You know she is our only child, and we want her to be brought up according to our wishes. But it looks like you have no sense of responsibility.

Rehana said, But sir, I put the child to sleep a long while ago.

I do not want to hear any excuses.

Rehana kept quiet.

Please teach her some lessons on bravery, because I hate children who are cowards. His footsteps receded down the hall.

Rehana walked into Amal’s room in a rage, then held her by the shoulders and shook her hard. You have had me insulted! You always do that to me. But tonight, I will punish you, so you will never do that to me again! Her hard hands ruthlessly shook the little girl.

Amal felt her whole being shatter. Aunty…Sorry, Aunty.

But Rehana would not hear that innocent plea. Rather than comfort a little child, Rehana poured insulting words from her mouth, petrifying Amal further.

I will never do it again, Aunty. She pleaded, shaking. Please. Her dark, silky hair covered her face as tears rolled down.

Tonight I’m going to lock you up in this room. I’m going to take away this silly fear of yours, and then I’ll see how you still remain a coward. She pushed Amal toward her bed and then swiftly moved outside to shut the door and then lock it.

The next morning, Amal had been found unconscious in her room, her body burning with a high fever. They later told her she had passed many weeks in that distress. But Amal felt the weight of