Humbled Page 8

  Her mood lightened as a smile consumed her face. She stopped rubbing her stomach and said, “Yes, it is true. Taking care of my home and family is very important to me, especially now that I’m having a baby...”

  Don coughed, more like choked. “Excuse me, but what did you say?”

  “I’m having a baby.”

  “Congratulations,” Don uttered, not sure if this was good or bad news. He figured it depended on who he asked. Don had met with Joel earlier, and the pregnancy wasn’t mentioned. “And you want to run your father’s company with a baby on the way?”

  “Yes, it is in my father’s honor.”

  Don was through with the conversation. He couldn’t handle another heart-stopping revelation. He had to get out of the house.

  “Zarah,” Don heard Joel yelling from the hallway.

  Don frowned. He wasn’t looking for an argument, but the fact that he was at Joel’s house with the intention of buying Zarah’s company wasn’t going to be well received. Don stood and prepared to face the fire.

  Joel entered the library. Zarah stood immediately but didn’t rush to Joel. Don could tell Zarah wanted to, and he wasn’t sure why she hadn’t. Don didn’t attempt to psychoanalyze their relationship. He was bent on getting out of the house with no more than a strong glare from Joel.

  “Hey, Joel. I was just leaving,” Don blurted out.

  “The housekeeper told me you were here. Were you looking for me? Did you change your mind?” Joel asked Don.

  The day couldn’t slide downhill any faster if it was on an engine-powered bobsled. Don just wanted to leave. “No, I was here on DMI business, but don’t worry. I have to go.” Don rushed out of the library and zipped to the front door, not allowing Joel to ask any more questions. He hustled outside and sped off in his car.

  Chapter 17

  A gentle sensation engulfed Zarah. She was pleased that Don had stopped by, even if it was for business. Having a visitor from the Mitchell family, for any reason, was favorable.

  “What did he mean by being here on DMI business?” Joel asked.

  Having her husband stand there while she sat made Zarah nervous. “He wants to buy the West Coast division.”

  “Jeez, not that again. I hope you didn’t say yes,” Joel said in a way that scared her. She remembered how mad Joel was several months back, when he found out Madeline and Don had approached her about selling the West Coast division to them without his knowledge. He was most angry, and she didn’t want to see him so upset again.

  “I did not agree to his request.”

  “Good,” her husband said, sounding much calmer. She was pleased but didn’t tell him. “Because I want to talk to you about buying the West Coast division myself.”

  “All three of you?” she blurted out.

  “Which three?”

  “You, Don, and Tamara.”

  “Oh, come on. What does Tamara want with the division?” he asked.

  “She wants to start a new company. It’s best for her not to work at DMI.” Zarah could hear Tamara’s words ringing in her ears. She had to show strength with Joel. He had to see that she could be in charge of professional matters. “Why do you want the division?” she asked Joel.

  Joel looked away, and she waited for his gaze to return to her. After roaming around the room, his gaze did return, exactly as she’d hoped. Patience was her kind companion. She’d cling to it tightly with each step.

  “I need a job, simple as that,” he said, walking near to her but not close enough to touch.

  This was her chance to help her beloved husband, and she was disappointed knowing she couldn’t if she was to follow Tamara’s advice. “But you must remember, I can’t sell the business to you.”

  “Of course I remember” Joel replied. “How can I forget your father’s will and his ridiculous clause that requires us to be married three years before you can transfer the DMI division to me. Yes, I definitely remember,” he said and moved farther away from her. “It was his so-called way of making sure I wasn’t marrying you with the intent of stealing your company and leaving you destitute.” The sound of his hand clap made her nervous again. Then he turned to her with a softer look. “Please don’t sell anything without talking to me first.”

  Zarah’s heart leapt and she was ready to say yes, but there was Tamara again. Her advice spoke louder than Joel’s. Zarah was afraid to upset him, but she had to win his affection. “I have not decided whose offer to accept.”

  Joel rushed over to her, erasing the distance between them. “You’re not seriously considering selling my division, are you?”

  “But my father gave it to me,” she responded.

  “Only after my father entrusted me with the division and I lost it.”

  Zarah could see how troubled Joel was. She was sad for him, but she did not waver. She remained quiet for a moment, and then said, “It is my division, and I have not decided what to do.”

  “Wow. You are seriously considering selling the West Coast division to Don or Tamara? “I can’t believe you’re doing this to us. We might not be living as a married couple should, but we share the same house.”

  “There is more than this house that I must share with my husband to be married.”

  Joel grunted.

  She wasn’t ready to make direct eye contact with him, but Zarah wanted to speak her mind. “Are you ready to live in this house as husband and wife again? It is my desire. Is it yours?”

  Joel grunted again.

  She let her gaze travel slowly upward, nudged by her courage. Zarah’s boldness rose too, and when her gaze met his, the words flew out. “I am ready to be your wife today, right now,” she said, pointing her index finger repeatedly at the floor. “Are you ready?”

  “You know I’m not prepared to give you an answer. I’ve told you so for the past week. I need time to make sense of our situation.”

  “Situation,” she said, uncrossing her legs and gently placing her feet flat on the floor. Zarah stood and flung the smaller scarf she was wearing over her shoulder. “Since I have no husband living here with me, I must learn to make my decisions alone,” she said. “Excuse me please, but I must rest.”

  Zarah wasn’t sure how Joel was going to react. She’d never spoken to him in such a way. She prayed Tamara’s advice was good and Joel would like her strength. She’d keep working at it until Joel showed interest. She had many months to go before giving birth. There was no rush, and she had a plan.

  Joel remained silent. “Good afternoon,” Zarah said and walked out of the room. Her sense of satisfaction wiped away her doubts. Normally, Joel walked out of the room first. It was nice to leave before he did. Her steps grew lighter as she reflected on what had just taken place. Tamara is a very smart lady, Zarah thought as she hurried up the stairs, eager to go to sleep and dream about her future with the baby and Joel. Joy lined her path.

  Her sense of satisfaction was like a drug. Zarah was euphoric. She closed the master bedroom door and locked it. She was pretty sure Joel had left the house, but she didn’t want to take a chance. There was a phone on the small table in the sitting room of their bedroom suite, along with a couple of oversized chairs. She claimed one of the chairs and dialed Tamara’s number.

  Of everyone she knew in the United States, Zarah was closest to Tamara, unless she counted her former assistant, Ann. There was much to do when running a company, and she was going to need help. Perhaps she’d call Ann later.

  Tamara answered the phone after a few rings.

  “I am very pleased with this evening,” Zarah told her.

  “Why? What happened?”

  “Joel was here. We spoke very deeply about marriage and my plans to run the company.”

  “Really?” Tamara said. “How did he react? Was he surprised, angry, or what?”

  “I believe angry. He was most concerned about me selling the West Coast division.”

  “Oh, boy. Did you tell him I’m the one who wants to buy the division?”


  “I did, and he was not pleased.”

  “Good. That means you’re in charge, not him. Trust me on this one. He doesn’t know what to do with you now. He’s so used to you doing what he wants. He won’t know how to respond to you making decisions without him,” Tamara replied. “Yeah, I know he’s mad. That’s why you can never let him know my involvement. It’s better if he doesn’t know how much I’m supporting you.”

  “I agree,” Zarah said loudly.

  “Well, congratulations on standing up to the big bad bully.”

  “Sorry, but what did you say?” Zarah asked, not sure how to translate Tamara’s words.

  “Ah, it’s nothing. Just ignore my comments. Anyway, what’s next?” Tamara asked.

  Zarah didn’t know exactly but figured she’d start with Kumar. Her father had relied on him for years to provide advice. She’d do the same. “I’m going to speak with my family attorney and get his help.”

  “When are you going to call him? We have to get moving on your takeover,” Tamara said and laughed.

  “Tonight is good.” The wall clock showed that it was almost three o’clock in the afternoon, which meant that it was one thirty in the morning in southern India. “I’m going to rest and then call later this evening. Eleven tonight will be nine thirty tomorrow morning for Kumar. That’s the right time to call.”

  “That’s late for you. Do you want me to stop by?”

  Zarah normally welcomed a visit, but she was really tired. “No. I’m going to rest. I will phone you tomorrow.”

  “You sure you don’t want me to stop by or give you a wake-up call tonight?”

  “I am sure,” Zarah said. She felt alive, as if her life mattered. She wanted to be a wife, a mother, but most importantly, she wanted to matter. If the plan worked as Tamara had explained, then soon Zarah would be in the master bedroom suite with Joel. He’d be sitting in the chair situated on the other side of the small table, across from her. She closed her eyes and let fulfilling images of her family fill her mind.

  Chapter 18

  The alarm didn’t have to go off. Zarah was awake at 11:00 p.m. She’d actually been up and ready to make the call since seven. She dialed the series of sixteen numbers to reach Kumar. His assistant answered and got him on the line.

  “Zarah, are you well?” Kumar asked.

  “Yes, I am very well.”

  “When I got your message about not returning to India, I was most worried. Since you are to be divorced, you must come here and let us set a new plan for you. It is my duty to look after you,” he told her.

  “There’s no need for worry. I’m staying here with my husband.”

  “You have reconciled?” Kumar asked. Zarah could hear the concern in his voice.

  “Soon, very soon.”

  “I’m not sure what you’re saying. Are you married?”

  Zarah didn’t call to get into a debate with Kumar about Joel. He was her husband, and she was growing tired of so many questions from so many people. “I’m staying here. This is my home. Joel and I will be a family. The gods are with me and my husband too.”

  “I must speak with Joel to understand his intentions.”

  “No, you don’t and you won’t,” she said. “I am going to make decisions without my husband until he returns home, which is the reason I’m calling. I’d like to run Harmonious Energy.”

  “You mean Joel wants to run Harmonious Energy?” the attorney asked.

  “No, I want to run the company.”

  “Zarah, you’re frightening me with this rubbish. Are you sure you’re well? If not, don’t worry. We’ll get you the proper treatment. I can come to the States and make the proper arrangements.”

  “No,” she said. “You mustn’t come here unless it is to bring the documents allowing me to run Harmonious Energy.”

  “Zarah, your father would not be pleased.”

  If asking to run the company was a shock, then wait until Kumar heard the rest, she thought. “I will also need funds to buy the other fifty-one percent of Harmonious Energy from DMI.”

  “Why would we want to buy it back when your father sold the company to settle your marriage?”

  “In order for me to be in charge, it is best for me to own the entire company.” Kumar was quiet. “What do you think?” She respected his advice and his important role in the family. Hopefully, he’d agree, and she could get on with it.

  “This is not good for any of us. Let me ring up Joel and see what he says.”

  Zarah was becoming agitated. Kumar didn’t need to speak with Joel. Hadn’t she already told him her plan to go forward? “This is not for Joel. This is my decision, and you must give me the same respect you gave my father.”

  “Zarah, I don’t think this is wise, but as you wish. I will treat you with the same respect given to your father. Let me know if you need help.”

  “I do need your help. I must first understand the present state of the business. Do you have materials I can read?”

  “We will prepare documents and have a package sent overnight to you.”

  Zarah thanked Kumar. She was about to say good-bye when he said, “Please don’t sell or buy any company without my knowledge, please.”

  “I promise to ring you up first.”

  There was a change happening. Zarah couldn’t explain why she was so happy. Joel wasn’t home with her yet, but she was full of hope wrapped in confidence. She had Tamara to thank. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was nearly midnight. She laid her palm across her abdomen. Zarah had to get some sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day. She’d share the good news with Tamara in the morning.

  Zarah attempted to settle down as the pillow cradled her head, but the excitement she felt within was overpowering. She had taken a big step tonight and was bubbling with satisfaction. If she didn’t share the news right now, she was going to erupt. Delaying no longer, she grabbed the phone and dialed franticly. Tamara’s phone rang and rang. Zarah was about to give up when she heard Tamara’s voice.

  “My apologies for ringing you this late, but I couldn’t wait until morning.”

  “Zarah, is everything all right?” Tamara asked in a raspy voice.

  “Yes, yes, better than all right. I am very pleased,” she said, resting against the headboard. “I rang up Kumar. He has agreed to help me with my father’s company.”

  “You mean as in running it?”

  “Yes, I would run the company.” Her excitement hadn’t cooled. Having something important that Joel wanted was a great source of joy.

  “Wow. I’m surprised you actually made the call,” Tamara said. Zarah was kind of surprised too but didn’t tell Tamara that. “When do you start?”

  “I must first prepare. Kumar will send documents for me to review.”

  “Cool. Let me know if you need any help.”

  “I will.”

  “I really can’t believe you did it. This is huge. Does Joel know?” Tamara asked.

  “He does not.”

  “Humph. He’s definitely going to be stunned and maybe a little mad.”

  “What do you mean?” Zarah asked, her excitement cooling rapidly. Her actions were intended to make him happy.

  “Ah, don’t worry. I mean, he might be mad initially because you’re taking such a major step without his involvement.” Zarah’s hope sank. “But as soon as he sees you’re doing so well, I’m sure he’s going to become very intrigued with you.” Zarah’s happiness was percolating again. “You know,” Tamara said, “you should have a press conference and let the world know you’re going to run Harmonious Energy. What a great way to kick off your new role.”

  Zarah was instantly troubled. “I’m not sure I should do a press conference. It is too much for me,” she said, thinking about the baby.

  “But you have to get the word out. A press conference is the fastest way. It will shock the socks off Mr. Joel.”

  Zarah wasn’t willing to take on too much stress and risk the baby’s health. She wanted to wi
n Joel’s love, but her baby couldn’t be sacrificed. “I cannot do a press conference.”

  “Why not? What’s the big deal?”

  “It is not my choice. I am not ready, and it would be quite stressful for me. I cannot do a conference.”

  “Fine. What about an article in the paper or a magazine? You can do the interview at home and talk only about what you choose.”

  Zarah considered the suggestion.

  “Come on, you have to do some type of announcement. It’s a basic corporate requirement,” Tamara added.

  Zarah considered the article some more. If she was going to take a big job at Harmonious Energy, fear couldn’t rule her actions. She had to be brave and bold in order to do her father proud and to show Joel she was the woman he desired.

  “I will do the article. We can speak about it tomorrow,” she said. She said good-bye and sank into the pillow, eager to experience what was coming next.

  Chapter 19

  A week in town and Joel was no closer to getting a job than he was to figuring out if Detroit was for him. He finally stopped by his mother’s house after avoiding her for several days.

  Joel found her sitting in the kitchen. Sherry had on loungewear as she sipped a cup of coffee. Joel got a bottled drink from the refrigerator.

  “Look what the wind has blown in,” his mother said, tracing the rim of her half-empty cup.

  Joel plopped into a seat at the table and twisted the cap off his cold bottle of ginger ale. He took several gulps.

  “My goodness, somebody’s pretty thirsty. Don’t you have cold drinks at home?” Sherry asked playfully. Joel grinned. “How exciting for our family. I’m thrilled to be a grandmother,” she said, gripping the handle of the cup. She sipped her coffee. “How’s Zarah doing with her morning sickness?”

  “I don’t know,” he said, taking a few more gulps and hoping his mother would move on to another less complicated topic.

  “Why don’t you know? The two of you are talking, right?” she asked with a distinct tone of concern.