Chosen

He had in fact bred two women that day. Nine months later, Carrie delivered her seventh child, and third Indian child. It was tough managing a mixed Hindu/Muslim household, but she did her best to maintain her dignity.

Three months after Sundeep's child was born, one of his old friends visited. It was an actor from Mumbai, Ishaan.

Ishaan and Sundeep walked the floor of Sundeep's business, but they stopped when they got to Carrie's cubicle.

"You have an American?" Ishaan asked curiously. Sundeep didn't say anything, hoping to shunt this issue off. "You've got to tell me, bro."

"I am," Carrie answered in English. Her Hindi and Arabic had come a long way, Sundeep thought ruefully. Ishaan's eyebrows raised.

"I want her," Ishaan said simply. Sundeep gawped at the request.

"You ... can't. She's mine," Sundeep said defiantly.

"I'm sure your wife would disagree. I need a new concubine. And I've never had an American girl."

"You wouldn't want her," Sundeep said bitterly. "She's been bred by Paki men."

"I only care that she's breedable, Sunny. Have her washed and ready by nightfall."