Page 40 of Everything She Wanted

“I have to be honest with you. You’re wasting your time with this job.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re running yourself ragged and for what? You wouldn’t even be able to pay rent if Rachel wasn’t giving you a steep discount.”

“I know, but they’ve given me more responsibility and I’m taking on this huge project for their next big launch.” I clutch the phone tightly.

He laughs. “You know what they’re doing right? Giving you more responsibility without more pay is just a way to work you to the bone. They’re trying to get more out of you instead of hiring someone else. It’s just for their bottom line. That’s how business works.”

“I know it seems like that, but there’s this lead position coming up and I really think I’m being primed for it.” My voice grows smaller and unsteady.

“You’re kidding yourself.” I can almost see him shaking his head.

Anger rushes through me, but another part of me wonders, What if it’s true? What if he’s right? What if this is all for nothing? I shove the thoughts from my mind. I know I’m making real progress at work, even if he can’t see it.

“I mean, you know my cousin Anjali? She earns six figures. I get that she makes her career a priority.” He pauses briefly and then continues. “You know I can take care of everything, right? After the engagement, you can move in with me, and down the road, we will buy a house—my parents can help.”

Shame and anger intertwine. Why can’t I be happy with everything Shaan is offering? Any girl would jump at this chance, but it feels like he is trying to snuff out my light instead of kindling it.

He continues, oblivious to my rising emotions. “If you really want to work, you can help out at the shop.”

I pull the phone away from my ear for a moment.

He can’t be serious. I can already imagine his mom’s frosty glares and cutting words if I got something wrong. I love fashion and getting dressed up, but I sure as hell don’t want to work retail alongside his parents.

“Anyway, it’s cute that you’re working so hard, and it’s fine for now. Let’s just focus on the engagement, and we can figure out the rest later.” What he isn’t saying is that I should be at home with him, where I belong, but I know it’s what he’s thinking.

“Okay,” I mumble, demoralized. I wish I could make him understand.

“I have to get to my parents’ place. We’re having a little family dinner before everyone leaves.”

“Oh, have fun.” Sadness washes over me that I wasn’t invited. I mean, it’s fine. After last night, they probably think I don’t want to come. That’s how these things work. I know from the drama in my own family that one thing can be repeatedly thrown back in your face for years.

“Could you tell your parents I’m sorry?” I add, hoping to further defuse the situation.

“I don’t think it will make a difference. They weren’t exactly impressed that you left.” Dev calls his name in the background. “Anyways, I have to go. I’ll text you later.”

I chug the last bit of coffee. I can’t face Rachel, not right now. I think about everything Shaan said. Maybe I am kidding myself. I worked so hard to get here, and I still can’t help but hope it will turn into something. But maybe I’m wrong.

My phone vibrates in my hand even before I have the chance to put it down, and Mom flashes on the screen. I place my other hand on my heart and take a deep breath. I could call back later, or I could just deal with whatever else the universe wants to throw at me now.

“Hi Mom.” I try to keep the sadness from my voice.

“Putt, tu theek aa?” says Mom, asking if I’m okay. It’s amazing how she just seems to know when something is up.

“I’m fine. Just Shaan and I had an argument.” I know I shouldn’t say anything, because I don’t want to worry her, but it’s too fresh, and I can’t keep my emotions hidden like I normally do.

“Ki hoya?” I should have known she’d want the details.

I brace myself and deliberate on how much I should say. Too little and my mom will know I’m holding back, too much and I open myself up to criticism.

“He just thinks I work too much.” I don’t tell her I left his cousin’s wedding for a work emergency.

“You do work too much, Nisha. For what? Not much money.”

My insides churn. I didn’t expect her to side with me, but I also didn’t expect this.

“If he wants to take care of you, why not let him? Your father took care of us all.”