Ayesha at Last

by Uzma Jalaluddin

“When an unmarried man and woman are alone together, a third person is present: Satan,” Ammi often told him.

“Khalid would fit in with my former employers perfectly, right down to the bedsheets and dirty beard.”

“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.”

the only rotten apple in this orchard was sitting in the director’s office, googling “Islamist water bottles.”

Ayesha smothered her laughter. “I never met such a woman,” she said. “Such a young person does not exist outside Pakistani dramas. Besides, any man who would be happy with such a dud is probably not worth marrying.”

If I were you, I would pretend to know nothing. Make your own plans behind the scenes, just as your cousin has done. I know my son better than anyone else, and I think he would be far happier with you than with someone as outspoken and opinionated as Ayesha.”