Eye For An Eye

Thirteen

Perfect.
Just so you know, I'm being sarcastic.
This was a day I was both dreading and looking forward to. Dreading because I have no interest in meeting any of these people but looking forward to it because my one and only way of getting ahold of Tariq will be here to. I just hope she knows.

I force a smile as Mariya opens the door for us.
"Finally" she exclaims "Now Mahmoud will let me rest" she chuckles "Come in. Please come in. We've been looking forward to seeing you" she blabs.
Unfortunately, Mahmoud married a chatterbox.

When we got married she was heavily pregnant so we didn't meet up, it's the first time I'm actually meeting her.

I smile "It's great to finally meet you. Thank you for taking care of him while I was away".
She laughs "You're welcome but he doesn't come by as often as you would think. He goes to Hayaan's place more, probably because they're both his friends"

"And we don't get along?" He asks calmly.
She grins "You know what I mean. Well, I should go finish up. No need to help I'll be done in a jiffy" she rushes out.

I couldn't help but look at Jazeel he just smiles. I guess the reason he doesn't come around is evident. Jazeel isn't the type who likes yapping and I'm guessing this woman does a lot of it. I feel bad for Mahmoud.

"I'm surprised you got here before Hayaan" Mahmoud says to my husband.
"Really? Why?"
"His house is closer and he left home before you did".

He nods "You forget who he's married to? You think Amaya would come empty handed?"
He laughs "Oh, she's always dragging him to places"

And just then the door opens.
Hayaan comes in first with two paper bags and then Amaya follows closely behind holding onto a bowl.
"What did I tell you?" Jazeel asks with a wide grin.

Mahmoud helps her with the bowl "Oooh meatballs? Perfect" he walks inside the house with the bowls.
"I made it specifically for you" she says to Jazeel.

"She promised she'd make them for you when we meet up again" Hayaan explains sitting on the couch.

And suddenly we make eye contact.
She looks exactly the same, no different.
"You came".
I sigh "You'd have prefer I stay home?"
She shakes her head "Whatever you wish" she turns to the guys "I'll go help her in the kitchen".

She walks in.
"I'll join them".

We walked quietly, not a word exchanged between us.
She turns abruptly "I know we don't like each other but this friendship means a lot to them and honestly I don't want to have them walk on eggshells because of us, so let's tone it down a bit. That is if you're willing to".

I knew that last part was coming. Instead of her to just apologize straight up, she's looking for excuses.
"Why do you think I am here? I have no interest in ever being friends so please let's just get through the night".
She tilts her head with a smirk "You're so predictable but most especially, you're self centered and I feel bad for Jazeel".

I chuckle "Of course you should feel bad. You egged him on, didn't you? I still have no idea why but whatever pain he feels in this marriage—it's thanks to you".

"Chatting?" Mahmoud asks joining us in the corridor.
She shakes her head "Nothing to chat about" she walks ahead.
I force a smile "Thank you so much for the invite, I really needed this. Regrouping with friends can be a tad bit annoying and awkward".

He laughs "Well, we're not friends of his, we're family so we're your family as well".
Cringe.
"It means a lot, I'll go help in the kitchen".

"Need help?" Amaya asks as she walks towards her.
"No. Not today. Today, I'm the host and you're the guest, that's how it's going to be".
She chuckles "Then I'll help myself to some water and watch quietly".