They were deep in conversation when Jia walked in. She spoke with the owner; Idris was with her and Michael waited by the door. The old man said something to the waiter before leading his guests to an office in the back of the restaurant.

‘Did you know she was going to be here?’ John asked Elyas. Elyas shook his head. ‘I’d give anything to know what business a high-flying legal eagle and a slick city boy are discussing in the back of a curry-house kitchen with that homeless man,’ said John. ‘Do you think she’s getting mixed up in their business?’

‘I don’t know… Anyway, how are things going with your new novel?’ Elyas replied, changing the subject. His relationship with Jia was now public knowledge. She was spending more time with Ahad, which was good, but something was wrong. The Jia he had fallen in love with and the one he knew now were very different. It was as if the sun and the moon divided her personality. During the day she was devoid of all emotion, her behaviour alien to him.

As John settled the bill, Elyas hoped she was not about to pay a price too high for her heritage.

Waiting at the back of the restaurant, Jia knew exactly what price life was about to extract from her and she was ready to make the payment. The old man spoke slowly, with the confidence of someone who knew his worth. ‘I know you have come to me because I am childless and so have no part in the power struggle that is happening. I know what you are planning, Jia Khan,’ he said, leaning forward as he spoke, looking her straight in the eye. ‘We all do. We are old men, Jia jaan. We have lived. And we have learnt from that life.’

‘My father spoke highly of you,’ she said.

The old man smiled. ‘You must know by now that to run this city is not easy. You must command the respect of the masses and the minorities. Sometimes it is the smaller groups that hold the power. Don’t underestimate anyone. At your age your father had the respect of his people.’

Jia considered his words carefully before answering. ‘You are right, respect must be earned. And I will do all I can,’ she said.