Page 48 of If I Loved You Less
“Would you like some coffee?” he asks, heading to the kitchen. I shake my head slowly, as if in a daze.For fuck’s sake.I must be losing it!
“No, I actually came to see if you have any vanilla extract,” I say, following him in.
“Yes, I do,” he says, taking it out and putting it on the countertop. I slip it into my coat pocket as he pours coffee into two mugs, carrying one to the fridge. “Caramel creamer?”
I nod. “Thank you.”
He puts in just the right amount, then hands me the mug. I look at him warily. He seems to be in a wonderful mood as he takes a sip of his own coffee, which he takes black.
“I’m glad you came. I wanted to talk to you anyways,” Fawad says, leaning against the countertop across from me. He crosses his arms over his chest, the muscles flexing as he does so. I take a pointed sip of my coffee for fortification.
“What’s up?” I ask, sitting down on one of the seats in front of the island.
“You know my tenant, Huzaifa Malik?” he asks. Oh God. Maybe I shouldn’t be sitting. “I have always gotten along with him, and he often comes to me with advice regarding investments and other such things. Recently, he asked me for advice on a new opportunity and told me that he was looking to take care of his family and a wife sometime in the near future.” He pauses, clearly enjoying the expression on my face before continuing. “I would say that your friend Shanzay can expect to hear from him soon.”
“Why would you say that?” I say, sipping my coffee. He has made it just the way I like, which unnerves me further.
“Because I know he has an attachment toward her,” he replies. “I’ve seen it myself.”
“Hm?”
Fawad grins. “Have I surprised you? I must say, when Huzaifa was telling me, I was only thinking of you. Are you not pleased?”
“I am not surprised,” I say casually, putting my coffee mug down on the island and stepping away. “Shanzay already told me.” I pause. “And she has refused.”
Fawad blinks, taking this information in. The joy from a moment before vanishes. Then something dawns on him.
“Please do not tell me this is another one of your matchmaking ploys.” Something must show on my face because an irritated sound escapes him. He pinches the bridge of his nose before taking a deep breath and fixing me with a fierce look. “Humaira, you must stop meddling!”
“I am not meddling!” I reply, appalled at the accusation. “And I detest that you think I am.”
“Why else would she refuse?” he asks, voice harsh. “Is she brainless?”
My anger stirs. “You would say that! Men think any woman is brainless to refuse an offer of marriage.” I scoff. “You think so highly of yourselves.”
“You must be mistaken, as you usually are,” Fawad says, shaking his head. “I am sure she wouldn’t do such a thing.”
“I am not mistaken, as I usually am not,” I reply, indignant. “Shanzay called him right in front of me.”
“In front of you?” he repeats, tone livid. “You mean to say you persuaded her!” I roll my eyes, walking away. He follows close behind me. “I’m sure you did! You never could lie to me.”
“Huzaifa is not her match,” I reply, tone clipped as I turn back to him. We stand in the foyer, our loud voices echoing through the empty house. “I know it because she is my close friend. She can do much better than Huzaifa.”
“No, I don’t think she can,” Fawad replies. “They are well-suited, both from simple families, both building their lives from the ground up. Huzaifa at least has the love and support of his family here with him, while Shanzay’s family will probably never come to America.” I make a face, not listening to him as I head toward the door to leave. “Moreover,moreover, Shanzay is pretty and good-natured, but unrefined. Thus, she will do well with Huzaifa, who does not care for frivolity or high society.”
I whirl on him. “I don’t see why she should settle for Huzaifa when apparently any man will want her! She is just the wife a man wants: pretty and good-natured, like you said.” I make a small sound of derision. “If you ever marry, I am sure your wife will be the same!”
“What?” he asks, lethally close. His mouth is a hard line. He stands so close, I must look up to meet his eyes with mine, which I do with a furious glare.
“Men do not like women who argue!” I cry. “Who quarrel and have thoughts of their own!”
His eyes gleam murder. He opens his mouth as if to say something, the perfect rebuttal to my claim, but he snaps his mouth shut, releasing a long breath through his nose. With an indignant sound, I approach the door.
“My God, it’s better not to have a mind than to use it the way you do!” he shouts at my back.
I laugh. “Are you not proving my point?” I open the door, then turn back. “And why should Shanzay accept the first proposal she’s offered? She’s at the beginning of her life. I am sure she will receive better options.”
Fawad shakes his head. “I used to think your friendship with her was a detriment to you, but now I see it is a detriment to her. How can you say she is yourdearfriend yet behave in such a manner? Do you even know what Shanzay wants? Or it doesn’t matter so long as she nods and agrees with everything you say? So long as you’re right?”
