Shadow of the Taj by Lara Bernhardt

Author:Lara Bernhardt [Bernhardt, Lara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Opal Books

Chapter 22

They left the ultrasound clinic. Still stunned by the venom in the older woman’s voice, Leslie worried for the young mother. And her two daughters, one of whom would probably not live to birth. The other of whom seemed destined to a life of neglect and resentment at best.

Raveena didn’t stand a chance. Even if Leslie and Tom took her from the brothel and to the safety of an orphanage, what life awaited her? Who would adopt a twelve-year-old girl in a culture that desired only sons?

“I two daughter,” Prajit said.

She met his eyes in the rearview mirror.

The driver spoke to Gazala, gesturing for the Indian woman to translate.

Gazala nodded. “He says he welcomed his two daughters with love and thanks as the blessings babies should be welcomed as. And he spoiled them as much as he could afford while they were growing up. He arranged good marriages for them to gentle husbands who would be good to them. Some people know to be thankful for what life hands them.”

Prajit caught her eye again, his crow’s feet crinkled in an encouraging smile.

Gazala continued. “He can see by your face what we witnessed in the clinic. He wants you to know not everyone in India kills their daughters, sells women for money, or strikes foreign guests caught unaware.”

“No, of course not,” Leslie said.

“He says, ‘You just stumbled in with a bad lot.’” Gazala’s face softened as she translated. “He’s right you know. It’s easy to become cynical. The problems seem staggering, but the majority of people are good.”

“I know,” Leslie said, placing a hand on Prajit’s shoulder. “Because luckily, I also met you.”

“Okay, lady.” He brushed away her thanks, wobbling his head.

“So we can’t solve the entire problem today,” Tom said. “What about Raveena? Can you help us get her out of the brothel at least?”

“We were hoping maybe you could intervene,” Leslie added. “Or tell us what we can do.”

“I’m not sure how much help we can offer. POW is a non-governmental organization. We must work with police. Have you talked with the authorities?”

“Yes, we went to the police to report Leslie’s assault. They wouldn’t do a damned thing. And she asked about Raveena there, too. Same story.”

“If they have already indicated they will not help the child, we have no way to force them. In the case we were discussing earlier, we were approached by the children’s mother, and even then we were unsuccessful. You have no direct tie to this child.” Leslie began to speak, but Gazala cut her off. “Yes, I know you wish only for the child’s best interests. I understand your intentions are good. But on what grounds could we even seek to remove her? We cannot use the future plans of prostitution--it has not happened yet.”

“Okay, yes, I understand that. I get it,” Tom said. “But what could these characters do if we just go take Raveena from them?”

“Report the kidnapping of a minor. That is an allegation the police will respond to.”

“How would they find us?” Tom asked, crossing his arms.

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