I
Payal felt that her world had ended now that Shahnawaz no longer was around to support and love her. Rather than things improving, given that he had been very successful in his business ventures and Payal had gained a name in journalism, everything had collapsed around her instead.
Within hours of his demise, scores of people had descended to express their grief and anger, including lots of businessmen, politicians, media folk, relatives and others. Religious dictate suggested that she was to stay away from all males excepting those in the immediate family during the four month mourning period required to ensure whether or not she was pregnant at the time she was widowed. Rather than dealing with powerful men, whom she had often handled with consummate ease, she instead was subjected to weeks of weepy and unhelpful female acquaintances that were able to meet and generally bother her. Of course talking over the phone to men like Mike Whittaker or Clarence was not an issue and most of the real heartfelt condolences came from such quarters. Even Muzamil and Michael called and promised to help in any way. Payal figured that Michael was probably true to his word but Muzamil was hoping that she would prove to be easy prey now that her husband was gone.
The one notable absence throughout was Haqnawaz. Despite the fact that his wife Parveen and son Paijoo were present at all the important junctures during the funeral and the subsequent ceremonies, Haqnawaz did not make an appearance. Naziran had called from London and expressed her inability to condole in person as she feared for her life if back in Pakistan. Yet he did send one message, a strange note that he would like bygones to be bygones and so was dropping his lawsuit against Shahnawaz and his company once again. The fact was that with his brother dead, there was really no way forward with the lawsuit anyway.
The four month waiting period appeared to stretch out forever, but Payal took it one day at a time. The one thing that steadied her was her hatred for Haqnawaz. The other factor was that both her children were not yet at the age of majority and needed her to be around as a sensible parent. Both had grown significantly during the difficult time. Nida, now thirteen, was beginning to show signs of a developing bustline and had much of her mother's good looks. Her son had a sudden growth spurt and all indications were that he would possess a better physique than his father or any of his other relatives in future. The children ensured that Payal was well cared for, his visitors monitored, and all manner of business handled. Of course, both had the benefit of having known Clarence since childhood and could easily discuss matters with him or take advice. Clarence had temporarily assigned Caroline to handle the business end for Shahnawaz until further actions could be taken with Payal's input. The arrangement worked well as she was able to visit Pakistan every few weeks to update on the situation and to help Payal cope with her sorrow.
Just as things appeared to have settled down a new issue arose with Haqnawaz again being the main player. As no will had been presented anywhere, he had moved the courts to declare that Shahnawaz was intestate. Furthermore, as the only brother, he laid claim to a large part of his dead brother's holdings. Normally a case like of this would take years even to reach a judge. Haqnawaz had, however, used his political connections to have things rushed through while Payal was in her state of mourning. By the time the news reached Payal and she could seek any legal advice, the best her lawyers could do was delay the hearing to a week after her period of mourning ended. Panic set into Payal's heart as she saw Haqnawaz not only being responsible for her husband's death but also now trying to usurp the rights of his wife and children.
News of the new situation quickly reached Payal's family, his sisters-in-law, well-wishers and others. By and large a barrage of curses and recriminations descended upon Haqnawaz. The voices of his wives, Parveen and Naziran were among the loudest in condemnation of his actions. The only person who was okay with this was Paijoo, who appeared to have discovered some new reason to hate his dead uncle's wife. Despite pleas from many quarters to dispose of the ridiculous lawsuit, Haqnawaz stuck to his guns, and Payal steeled herself for whatever ill-tidings the hearings would deliver.
II
"I am so lost," Payal sobbed as Clarence tightly held her in more of a brotherly embrace, rather than one of a lover, "Haqnawaz has just not gone away for all these years and still is tormenting us."
Clarence had decided to visit Pakistan just as Payal's waiting period had ended and a few days remained to the hearing. Rather than finding the usual confident woman, he was saddened to see a near wreck. She still looked good, even in her relatively unkempt state, but the sexual spark appeared to have totally vanished. Her stance betrayed a slouch and she kept losing track of her conversations. Clearly her internal mourning was nowhere close to ending.
"Do you think that we are going to let you suffer the way that bastard thinks?" Clarence was sharp and to the point, "take my word everything will work out just alright."
"I just want this all to end," she whimpered, "just tell him to take it all and leave us alone."
"Oh I could, but do you really believe he will stop asking for more if you concede anything now?" Clarence made perfect sense.
Caroline joined the conversation suggesting that Payal needed to face up to her future and to get back on the saddle. "I am certain that a trip away from here, just for a few days, will do wonders for you."
"I really would like that but Haqnawaz has obtained a court order barring me from leaving the province till the case is settled," Payal advised.
"Okay then, stay for now but at least get yourself fixed up so you can stare Haqnawaz down when he loses," Clarence almost barked at her.
