Free The Contract by Zeenat Mahal Page B

that you won’t hold your little
    prejudices, your pre-conceived notions against me? And I promise you that I’ll never do anything you
    don’t want me to do.”
    She gave a hysterical little laugh. “That’s just semantics.” Then added softly, her eyes far away,
    slightly glazed, “You know there was a documentary on rape victims, and the rapists—all of them
    said that they hadn’t done anything that the women hadn’t asked for.”
    Her voice had dropped to a whisper, fear writ large on her face.
    “Alright, first off, wrong choice of words, I’m sorry. Secondly, are you seriously implying that I
    might…rape you?”
    Her eyes flickered and she looked a little embarrassed. “I…I was just…I didn’t really mean…
    but…” She breathed deeply and said steadily, “Okay, look. The thing is that I don’t want you to have
    any ideas. My experiences were…traumatic for me, and I have issues…” She paused, deliberated for
    a moment but then stopped where she’d left off.
    His heart wrenched at the sudden insight that she’d been a victim of marital rape. He also got the
    feeling that she’d been about to say more but had decided against it.
    Gently he asked, “Does this have anything to do with your previous marriage?”
    Shahira’s shoulders lifted, she raised her eyes and looked into his squarely.
    “How is my previous marriage any of your business?”
    Hussain watched her brown eyes, now dead and empty. She’d suffered in that marriage. And she
    wasn’t going to acknowledge it. At least not to him. Had she sought any professional help?
    Ignoring her rebuff, he said kindly, “I cannot pretend to understand what you may have endured,
    Shahira. If I’m right in my assumption that your husband abused you, you should seek help. It’s
    something no woman should have to go through, especially not at the hands of the man who’s
    supposed to protect and cherish her. I’m so sorry.” He took her hand in his and said softly, “You’re a
    woman of courage. Don’t hide from ghosts Shahira. Let me help you.”
    She extricated her hand and said, “If you understand that, then you understand my reluctance.”
    “Yes, I do, but don’t cheat yourself and me of a chance at happiness, Shahira. All I’m asking for is
    a chance. For both of us and our kids. Is that too much to hope for?” Shahira looked at him pityingly,
    as if he’d completely missed the point.
    “We made a pact. And I’m certain you’ll honor it, being the gentleman that you are.”
    “So you’re determined to stick to the contract?” he asked.
    “Yes.”
    “I’m going to change your mind Shahira.”
    “You’ll be wasting your time.”
    Exasperated, he said, “You’ve been divorced for six years. Are you going to let that man destroy
    the rest of your life?”
    “Seven, actually…but who’s counting?” she laughed nervously.
    “You’re going to judge me by someone else’s actions?” he asked, his heart constricting.
    Resigned she said, “Look, you might as well hear it. My libido’s dead. Has been for the last ten
    years and I just can’t…you know.”
    Astounded, for a minute he couldn’t speak and then he faltered, “You’re serious? You’re saying
    you’ve been celibate for seven years?”
    “I’m bound by my cultural and religious constraints, and happily, mind you. I know it’s not
    considered very cool these days but this is who I am. And I’m not apologizing for my beliefs.”
    One of those traumatic experiences had resulted in Shahaan and it was clear that she was still
    traumatized by whatever that bastard had done to her. Shocked that there were still women who could
    remain celibate in this day and age, he felt a strange tenderness towards her. She’d given all she had
    to give to someone who hadn’t cared, who hadn’t valued or appreciated her.
    “Well, like I said, we can go through that together, maybe get professional help if you agree. I think
    we could be happy. I think we could