Page 14 of The Matchmaker

“That’s another pattern of his, isn’t it?” I ask. “He picks a fight, gets physical with you, then storms off, only to come back a few days or weeks later with apologies?”

“It’s not going to work out with us. I get it. I know that in my brain.” Her lower lip quivers. “I just love him so much…. Yes, he’s got his flaws, but I can’t resist him. It’s been that way since we met in freshman-year bio. It’s like…there’s a magnetic pull between us, drawing me to him. I knowsoulmatescan be a corny term, but as imperfect as he is, that’s what he feels like to me.”

There’s a special kind of mythmaking people do when it comes to love. This belief that if we’re continually drawn to someone, it’s because we’re meant to be. In my experience, the reality isn’t all that deep. It’s simply that the other person has become a habit. Like snacks with a movie. Smoking. Biting your nails. Just as hardwired and just as simple—or not—to quit.

“I get it, Beenish,” I tell her. “Really, I do. You have history together. Which means even his bad traits, they’re familiar, right? There’s something comforting about knowing someone that deeply. But that means you also know this cycle won’t end. Reaching out to us was a brave first step. It means deep down, you know you want to move on. You wouldn’t have gone through the interviews and the intake and the vetting processif you didn’t believe you could find happiness with someone else. From everything you’ve told me, Austin sounds like a bad habit you need to kick once and for all.”

“He’s more than a habit. He’s an addiction.”

“Did you end up talking to any of the therapists on the referral list Darcy sent you?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve seen a million therapists at this point.”

“These ones are truly the best of the best, though,” I tell her. “I really think Dr. Higdon might be a great fit. He’s more than a therapist, he’s like a superhero. Give it a few sessions? The acupuncturist I suggested is also great for stress relief, and not too far from your home. Invest in yourself, Beenish. Give this whole thing a real chance. It’s critical to let go of the past to create the better future that you deserve.”

“I think what’ll really help me move on isactuallymoving on, you know?” She sniffles. “There’s an Austin-sized hole in my life now. That’s how he keeps getting back in. If I met someone new, I’d finally know it in my heart that we’re history. When can you start matching me up?”

“Soon,” I promise. “But we need to close certain doors before we can see which ones to open. Austin is a pretty big door we need to make sure is properly shut.”

“It’s closed now.” She traces a hand over her bruised wrist. “I’m going to block his number. I’m serious.”

“Beenish—”

“Please?” Her voice cracks. “My mom said your aunt went straight to matching for her. There was no wellness aspect to any of it back then.”

I take in her tear-filled expression. Beenish is certainly not the first person to walk through our doors begging us to introduce them to their rebound relationship. The end of anyrelationship is hard, even if the end was long overdue. But even if Khala didn’t have an official self-care aspect to the matchmaking agency when she was in charge, she never set people up if they weren’t ready. Beenish’s parents were in the right head- and life-space for their happily ever after. But I’m not here to chide Beenish.

“You swore you were done with Austin weeks ago,” I remind her. “That’s okay! Backsliding happens. We want you to start whatever new relationship you embark on without the baggage of the past, though. A clean slate. I know this is difficult, Beenish. Really, I do. Please trust the process. You’re in the midst of the toughest part right now, but itwillget easier.”

“Maybe you’re right,” she says. “It’s just…it’s a lot.”

I soothe her. I assure her the effort spent investing in herself will be well worth it. That when the time comes, we will do everything in our power to help her find the exact right match she deserves. When she leaves, I look at the clock with a start. Forty-five minutes passed in the blink of an eye. This is the part of the job that brings me the most personal satisfaction. The part of the job that truly centers me. Helping people like Beenish is why I do what I do.

Once Beenish leaves, Darcy hurries inside.

“I can’t believe she showed up unannounced like that,” Darcy says. “I’ll have a chat with her. This sets a horrible precedent.”

“She was really hurting. I think we made some good progress today. How’s the rest of my day looking?”

“Lighter than usual.” She scrolls her tablet. “You’ve got a client call at noon, and Genevieve told me she needs thirty minutes this afternoon to chat with you about a few cases.”

“Can you send out a calendar invite for us at four o’clock?”

“You got it. Oh—and good news! We have anothermatrimonial success! Sheraz proposed to Fatima. It was a basic ‘on one knee at a restaurant’ deal, but hey, a proposal’s a proposal. She said yes.”

“That was quick!” I perk up. “We should celebrate soon. You were instrumental in pairing them up. I can see if they have an open table at Meta Sushi on Friday. I keep meaning to take you there—they have the best nigiri I’ve ever had.”

“You’re busy Friday night,” she reminds me. “It’s Avani and Dev’s mehndi.”

“Right.” Darcy brought my sari from the cleaners this morning for the elaborate dance-filled night preceding the actual wedding day. It’s pressed and hanging behind my door. Avani was a personalized client whom we found a great match for through the Piyar app database. Dev’s laid-back style was a perfect complement to Avani’s type A personality.

“Are you going to miss the constant check-ins from Avani’s entire extended family?” Darcy winks.

“They’re great, but yes, very involved.” I laugh. The time between engagement and nuptials is often fraught with logistics and the myriad of emotions that can arise. While we don’t plan the weddings, we’re there for our clients from start to finish, whether as a listening ear, to help mediate disagreements, or to give references for whatever they might need. “I’ll need to swing by the bank to grab a jewelry set sometime this week. Not sure I’ll have time, but—”

“It’s already in the office safe. Pale gold always looks good with pink. I figured I’d save you the trip.”

“Darcy, really? I’m going to miss this level of service once you’re married.”

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