An Echoing Race.

Chapter Nine.

#Chapter Nine#

“You’re going to make no effort to see me, huh?” Samir laughed, although there was no humour in it. He clenched his jaw and turned his face away from me. After a few minutes he finally glanced at me with tired eyes. “It’s funny, because just a few seconds ago you were begging me to stay with the family, that my presence with you guys is vital and now you say that if I ever did leave, you wouldn’t even bother to see me. Make up your mind Sameena.” 

“You don’t want to be around me, I don’t want to be around you,” I responded, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly. 

“Stop being so immature, would you?!”

“I’m not being immature, I’m being honest!” 

“So do you think it’s wise for you to respond that way to your older brother who’s just told you about his dream job?” His tone was authoritative yet hurt. I flinched slightly and then crossed my arms over my chest stubbornly, remaining quiet and staring at the floor. He released a breath before coming to stand in front of me. He lifted my face up so that I was gazing into his eyes instead, giving me a small smile. “Don’t get me wrong Meena…I understand exactly where you’re coming from and I want you to know that I miss spending every day with you guys too. I know that you still feel mums loss strongly and I think you feel that my going away is just another loss to the family, although not permanently.”

He had hit the nail right on its head.

I sniffed and averted my watery eyes from his intense stare. I both liked and didn’t like the fact that he could read me so well. Right now, I was grateful for his ability to pinpoint my underlying feelings because I knew I was letting my emotions get in the way. And whenever my emotions ruled my tongue, I failed to express myself properly. 

“Then don’t leave,” I whispered. 

“Nothing’s set in stone,” he exhaled. “They’re being lenient and giving me a few months to decide, since anyhow, I won’t be able to start until I officially graduate and finish my training in ten months time. I still need to think about it long and hard.” 

I nodded my head meekly. Biting my lip, I looked up at him apologetically. “I’m sorry about what I said earlier. I just really, really, miss having you in the house sometimes. Actually, all the time.” 

His eyes softened and I knew any remaining feelings of anger or hurt he felt because of me had dissipated. “I’m sorry about what I said too. If anything, you know me better than I know myself. I guess I was just frustrated that you were making a valid point against something I desire so badly. But hey,” he started with a smile, punching my arm playfully. “You might be right and I’ll be coming back running to you within a day!” 

I managed a smile. “I hope I’m right then.” I must’ve still appeared pretty down as I made my way back to bed, since he asked whether I wanted to watch a movie. “I think I’ll just pray isha and sleep. Hit the sack early tonight,” I declined.

“Oh, come on granny!” he pushed. “For old times sake?” Seeing me visibly contemplating watching with him or not he finally convinced me with the one thing that can pretty much convince any human to do anything; food. I also felt bad since he was here for only another day. “I’ll make my awesome banana smoothie,” he persuaded, wiggling his eyebrows up and down.