Page 117 of The Mismatch

‘She’s always had it hard with your dad too.’

‘Why does he like her more then?’

‘To be honest, she sucks up to him, and he likes that. You and Laleh never did, you both pointed out his faults, which he hates. He’s a stubborn man, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you.’

‘But I don’t get why she sucks up to him,’ Soraya persisted.

‘It’s her way of coping, Soraya dear. Don’t be so hard on her.’ There was a short silence. ‘What’s going on with this boy then?’

Soraya picked up her hot chocolate; she took a sip. Neda watched, a small smile on her face.

‘What boy?’ Soraya asked.

‘The one who took the picture of you.’

‘You told me not to talk to him anymore, so I don’t.’

Neda’s smile didn’t falter, if anything it widened.

‘I know you, azizam, you didn’t stop seeing him.’

‘Well, I haven’t seen him in months so …’

‘What happened?’

Soraya pursed her lips, no doubt wondering if this was a trap. And perhaps years ago it might have been. It wasn’t that Neda wanted her daughter to talk to boys, but she knew she needed to accept it as inevitable. She had brought them up in England, they were adults, and she had to respect their decisions.

‘Why are you asking these questions?’

‘You’re grown up now. I’m trying not to make the same mistakes. I don’t want secrets between us. I want you to trust me.’

‘We aren’t talking anymore.’

Neda nodded slowly.

‘And you’re sad about that?’

‘I guess.’

‘He’s not worth it. No man is.’ At this, Soraya rolled her eyes. Her mother continued, ‘Ey, I mean it. Look what happened to me, look what happened to Laleh. Part of the reason I’ve been so strict with you wasn’t just because of Islam, it’s also because I’veseenwhat picking the wrong man can do. Men can ruin your life, and I don’t want that for you. I want you to have the best of everything.

So, focus on yourself first. Get a job you enjoy, create a life for yourself, and then you can think about boys.’

‘I can think about boys? Since when?’

Neda laughed. ‘You think I think you listen to me? I know what young people get up to. I was young once. But you’re a good Muslim inside, you’re a good person, and that’s all that matters.’

‘But I don’t practise it at all … I’m bad.’

‘Oh, azizam, you’re a good girl. The most moral in the family. That’s all Islam is really – being a good, caring person. You’re finding yourself. Just make sure you’ve found yourself before you get involved with men. And find a good husband.’

Neda couldn’t help but add in the last part, she was human after all.

‘Tell me about him.’

‘Who?’

‘The boy. I’m curious.’