Ayesha at Last

by Uzma Jalaluddin

Because while it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single Muslim man must be in want of a wife, there’s an even greater truth: To his Indian mother, his own inclinations are of secondary importance.

Chai was so much more than a caffeine kick for her. She knew how every member of her family liked to drink their tea, how much sugar or honey to put in each cup. Chai was love, distilled and warming. She drank and relished the silence.

“I don’t want you to be disappointed in love. Men are selfish, Ayesha. They will not put you first. A woman should always have a backup plan, for when things fall apart. You must know how to support yourself when they leave.”

‘Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will have what they intended.’

“Your defect is a tendency to judge everyone,” Ayesha said. “And yours,” he said with a smile, “is to willfully misunderstand them.”

Promise you will always choose laughter over tears. Promise you will choose to live in a comedy instead of a tragedy.”

“If that’s true, she’s a fool. You’re a catch, Khalid. A single, educated, pious Muslim man. All the mothers must be salivating at the thought of snatching you for their daughters.” “Not every mother,” he said, looking at her. Ayesha flushed but said playfully, “I’m the doomed spinster. When I finally have the time to look for a husband, I’ll be thirty-five and all the good men will be taken. Maybe if I’m lucky, I’ll find a second cousin in India who will marry me for my Canadian citizenship.” Khalid was doodling in his notebook. “Or you could look around right now,” he said slowly, and Ayesha felt her hand tingling from where they had touched. “Khalid . . .”

Ayesha reached for the first one and split it with Khalid. It was warm and soft, chewy and delicious. She enjoyed every bite. “What do you think?” she asked him. “Perfect,” he said, eyes on her face. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” Behind them, Nani hummed

A woman plays many roles in her life, and she must learn to accept them as they come. Men are not so flexible,” she said, a half smile on her lips. “That’s why it’s important to find someone who complements you, rani. Someone to dream with you.”

Have you ever wondered, Hafsa, what it would be like to spend your life with someone like me? Have you ever wondered, beautiful Hafsa, what it would be like to open your heart to something unexpected, someone wholly unanticipated? Because I am starting to wonder. Actually, I am having a hard time thinking of anything else.

I think the reason we are still married and happy, most of the time, is because we have learned to forgive each other for not being the Ideal. We accept each other’s limitations.”

Sometimes prayers floated up to heaven. Sometimes they hung around here on earth and waited for you.

“Just remember to pack light. Dreams tend to shatter if you’re carrying other people’s hopes around with you.”

Always dream together, raja. Always leave space in your life to grow and soften.”