The end of innocence - Moni Mohsin

'Perched on the edge of a car seat, Rani and Laila hurtled towards a love story .'

Western Pakistan, the winter of 1971, and nine-year-old Laila has a secret. Ignored by the adults around her yet desperate to know their world, Laila takes comfort in being the confidant of teenager Rani - privy to details of the older girl's forbidden love affair. But when that affair bears unwelcome fruit, a floundering Rani leans on Laila for solace and support. Yet Laila - still a child - neither comprehends the danger nor is able to help; and thus unwittingly leads Rani towards catastrophe .