Faurah

Chapter 9

"You're so pretty," he snorted before taking a sip of his chai.

I forced a smile and thanked him while mentally cursing auntie Shamila for bringing the greasiest boy she could find as my rishta. Our families were talking in the living room while we spoke privately in the dining room, everyone only a few meters away. The door was open so they could see us but the couldn't hear us.

The man or boy I should say looked as if he had rolled out of bed with his unkempt hair and jogger bottoms.

"Um... you're not too bad yourself," I tried my best to keep a steady smile.

He leaned forwards, closer to me and his breath stank of coffee even though he was drinking tea. "So, what are you looking for in a man," he raised his eyebrows and let out a giggle. I repeat, a giggle.

I tried not to roll my eyes but continued with the conversation. "I'm looking for a guy who knows his responsibilities as a husband. He should be a leader yet the type of guy who is affectionate with me. What are you looking for in a wife?"

"Well, I don't mind as long as the sex is good," he giggled to himself and tucked a stand of his greasy hair back behind his ear while waiting for me to reply.

My eyes flew wide open like saucers and I could see my ammi putting her thumbs up towards me from where I could see her from in the living room. If only she could hear what was being said.

"Getting a little ahead of yourself there." I took a swig of chai.

"If we're going to get married then I'm going to tell you the truth. My mummy said I need to find a wife who will take care of me because she's too old now." He laughed as if he was telling a joke.

I stared at him with my eyes squinted and cringed, "well it's been such a joy talking with you! Let's head back inside and see what the chat is like there."

He nodded his head and pushed his now empty cup of chai towards me. "Thanks hun," he cheesed. I rolled my eyes as he turned around and walked towards everyone else.

————-

I was back in the dining room but this time with a different guy. The other one I straight out rejected but auntie Shamila the self proclaimed rishta auntie brought forward another guy from her supposed database.

"I looooooove marvel!!! DC is also good but marvel is top tier! End Game blew me away! Waiting for the second part sucked the life out of me! And now Black Panther 2 is out! It's so crazy but I can't believe the main character is a girl and Marvel is so dirty for doing that. How is a tiny little girl going to beat a huge man??? I mean he can fly and he's ancient! He has all the talent and knowledge! His army are from the sea and like as old as time itself! It doesn't make sense! Make it make sense!" He blabbed.

"You're telling me that you don't know why a girl in a fictional country, is fighting a man who can fly, is one with the fish and is old confuses you?"

"You're not getting it! You need passion for this kind of thing. Passion which you don't have." His eyebrows crease.

"Okay, thank you, I'm not that much of a marvel fan."

"Urgh I can't. That was my only requirement! Auntie Shamila doesn't know what she's going!" He groaned before yelling at the top of his lungs for his mother. "Mum! AMMI! Let's go!  I've had enough."

———————

I was back at it again in the dining room with another rishta.

"Haroon told me that you did the deed with his brother."

I chocked on my chai for the third time this week. "What?"

"Yeah, he messaged me saying to reject you but my ammi told me that auntie Shamila wouldn't suggest you unless you were a top class gal."

"Your mum knows?"

"No, if she did the gossip would spread like wild fire!" He sipped his tea, "I thought I should at least ask you."

"Well it's not true. I don't know why Haroon is making things up." I said, genuinely curious.

"Everyone knows you and Haroon have had your rishta broken but no one knows why. Haroon isn't my friend but I know him well enough to know that he is hella sketchy." He whispered the last part. His dad and Haroon's were business associates which is how they know each other.

"Thank you, Riaz. I truly am thankful that you believe me." I sighed, relieved.

"Don't worry, I've got your back." He winked and my worries dripped away from me in that moment. "Listen, Iman, would you want to maybe meet again?"

I smiled, wholeheartedly, "yes, I would like that."