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Zeenat Mahal’s The Contract

“…We’ll get married, but I’ll pay you a monthly salary to behave and appear for all practical purposes as my wife…If you agree, the marriage vows can be taken on the phone on Saturday, since I have an hour free in the morning.”

Shahira, a young, divorced mother of a seven-year-old son, wants nothing to do with a man, ever again. But circumstances have forced her hand, and Hussain’s unusual proposition leaves her secretly relieved. As per their contract, she’ll have his name, will be paid to look after his ailing mother and motherless daughter and will be left well alone by him. Perfect!

Until her new husband decides to stop playing by the rules.

Hussain is suave and rich. He is nobody’s fool…and is not about to be bested by the ex-schoolteacher he is married to. He has Shahira in his sights and she has to have all her wits about her in order to hold him at arm’s length. Will she ever be ready for the kind of marriage he wants?

9 replies on “Zeenat Mahal’s The Contract”

This is my first time reading something by Zeenat Mahal, and I must say I quite enjoyed it. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Shahira was a lovely protagonist, her love for her son was beautiful. She willingly went through with a lifetime contract for the betterment of her son, regardless of how it would affect her. And, her love for Natasha and the grandma was really sweet as well. And, she’s quite strong – to be able to leave her ex-husband with the fear of her son becoming his next punching bag.

Hussain was a nice hero. Despite not being sure that his daughter is really his daughter he still loved her the same. I loved how he didn’t want to do a paternity test, he couldn’t stand the thought of her not being his. His ex-wife was terrible, and it makes sense how it hurt seeing his daughter sometimes, but I loved how it didn’t change his feelings for her.

Shahira and Hussain both have their demons – abusive husband and cheating wife. This was a lovely story about second chances; forming a real family and finding love.

If you’re looking for a sweet quick read, I would definitely recommend it.

I’m looking forward to reading this one! You get a different outlook on what some marriages are like. Plus I love the way you write:)

Hey, this sounds interesting, a contract marriage. Looking forward to reading this one 🙂
Wish you all the best Zeenat Mahal

I feel all marriages are a contract…some weirder than others:) and this one has a rags to riches kind of twist too. It’s for people who like the marriage of convenience classic plot, with loads of romance and glamour…happy reading!

I read through ‘The Contract’ last night and really wished that it was a longer novel rather than a novella. Loved the interactions and arguments between Hussain and Shahira 🙂

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