An Echoing Race.

Chapter Twenty One.

~ Sameena's dress to the side.

#Chapter Twenty One#

I ran a hand through my hair in agitation. “What’re you talking about Samir?” 

“I can’t make it,” he said apologetically. 

I winced. “You can’t make it to your sister’s fatiha?”

I heard him exhale roughly through the phone. “I honestly have no choice in this. There’s a compulsory training session tonight where we’ll be graded and assessed on whether we can graduate at the end of this year. I have to be there.”

“You said it’s at night, can’t you come and leave before it starts?” I questioned in a pleading tone. 

“I won't be able to fly in and back out in time, you know that.” I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes. How could he be doing this to me, today out of all days? This was the point I was trying to make with him when we had argued not too long ago; distance got in the way of everything and spoiled precious moments. “I’m so sorry Meena.” 

I sighed through my nose. “Don’t worry, I’ll just-,” I paused to think, “I’ll just change the date.” 

“What?! Your fatiha is today, you can’t change it!” he exclaimed. 

“Well what else am I supposed to do?! I want you to be there!” 

“I know you and I know Mira…you would have had this planned to the very last detail, plus you’ve already invited the family. You can’t cancel it now Sameena.” There was a beat of silence on the other end. “You’ll just have to do it without me,” he said with a somber tone.

Involuntary tears clouded my vision. A part of me wanted him for once, to be standing in front of me, so that he could see how much his absence affected me; how disappointed I was right now. 

But then the other, more logical and sisterly side of me reasoned that this was out of his control. He was pursuing his dreams and I should be happy for him, supporting him. 

So even though it was hard, I took in a shaky breath and said, “I’ll do that then. Although you know it won’t be the same without you.” 

“You know I’d be there in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for the fact that this was compulsory. They just sprung it on us without warning.” 

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll take lots of photos and I’m sure Ziad will eat half the buffet table on your behalf. Just focus on your exam and do well for me, OK?” 

“You’re the best,” he said sincerely and I smiled, blinking away my tears. “You do me a favour too. Enjoy the day and forget you have the worst big brother in the world.” 

“Hey don’t say that; it’s not true. I’m so proud of you Samir, I really am. And I’m still looking forward to all those trips we’ll be taking together!” I was met with silence on the other end and I knew he was feeling especially guilty. “Look, I’ll speak to you later OK? If I don’t go get ready, Mira will have my head on a platter.”