𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐌 ~ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 ♡

22 - Hike 02

--- MARYAM SHEIKH ---

As soon as we got the helicopters, it felt as we had left the Middle East. Beautiful green mountains surrounded us and I was really relieved at the fresh air after travelling in air for 2 hours. The nightmares came again, but this time I was at Mama's funeral.

"What a beautiful face she had. She was very kind as well. "

"I've never seen a man mourn for his wife than Hassan. He had never left her side."

"Think about the children she's leaving, they're so young."

"I heard there's a girl too, what  fate would become of her? Girls are in total loss more than boys after their mother's death."

I sniffed away, pretending to ignore these talks. Aziz saw me and covered his clean hands over my ears. We were thoroughly washed that day of the funeral. We were never normally this clean usually. Aziz went to play football almost everyday and got mud and sand all over his trousers and face. And I loved being in our garden all day, where I made mudpies and played with the fairies.

She would be very proud of how clean we both were that day.

I smiled at Aleena as she got out after me. "Thank You. I suppose you know who I am?"

She laughed, her brown eyes twinkling. "Of course, your Aziz's little sister,"
she said sweetly. "He used to talk about you all the time and," she leaned in to whisper, "I think I'm on a mission to look after you."

I wrinkled my nose at that. "Oh, come on! I don't need a babysitter! I'm almost 21 years old."

"Not until six months."

I gasped at that. "Just how much did that idiot tell you about me?"

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The guide explained we would be only crossing over a small mountain today, since we had to get back to the villa by nightime. Our goal was to see a 6feet highh waterfall that was said to be the most eye catching view. On the way, there would be rest stops, serving food by the KHALID'S servants and for bathroom breaks. They gave us a cane and blew a loud horn to start, but not before making Zaid recite a prayer for the journey.

I face timed Fatima on the way, and I could tell she was glad she wasn't there.

"Oh, come on, those rocks would kill my shoes!" She said, as I stitched the camera to show her the path. I was a bit behind the others so they couldn't hear us. Only Adam and Zaid were nearby.

I rolled my eyes, "We aren't wearing heels for the hike, you know? Besides, these sandals are comfortable. "

"Your wearing sandals?" Fatima put a hand over her mouth. "Honey, they are gonna kill your feet!"

I glanced a sneak at them. "No, they don't. They're very nice actually," I said. "They were the only ones I had other than the heels you packed me for the party."

Fatima muttered under her breath, but mostly which I could make as 'oh dear'.

"You know what," I said, impatiently, "I'm gonna cut the call. We're heading upwards." She waved me goodbye and I cut the call and continued walking.

It was really peaceful to be walking like that through a green pasture. It made me wonder how the same God who created me, a mere human being, could be the One to create this beautiful masterpieces.

I saw Baba and Mr Kasim and a few other men walking very ahead of us. I was suprised at the fact they had more energy than me. Fatima was right when she said the sandals would kill me. It felt like my feet was about to fall off.

Zaid turned to me and said, "You okay?"

I shrugged, "Well, I've been better."

"So," Adam entered the conversation, "How long have you guys known each other?"

Zaid and me both glanced at each other. The truth was we didn't know to be exact. Sure, I met him at the start of middle school. But then I realized he was with me since elementary school all along.

"We met again at University-," I said but Zaid interrupted me. "We know each other long before that. Middle school to be exact." He still remembers. I wonder how much.

"Seems like a good long, time," Adam said quietly, then there was silence. It was awkward and an uncomfortable one. But I could tell it was not because of me but the two men walking before me.

"So how long have you known each other?" I asked quickly to break the silence.

Adam let out a small sigh, "He's my cousin. Our mothers are from the same family."

"Trust me," retorted Zaid, kicking a small pebble aside. "Its not like I wanted to be". Adam gave a small smirk at Zaid,

"Yeah, its not like you had a choice."

I saw as Zaid rolled his fist, and his whole body turned stiff. I felt like this conversation was really not going well and I for one, should not be a part of it. I saw Aziz and Aleena walking along the side.

"You know what," I said to Zaid and Adam. "I'll just be over there," and walked as quickly my legs could carry before they could stop me.

I really wasn't looking forward to be getting in the middle of that!

Yess, I know it is too short after a long wait but I figured a short chapter might as well be better than no chapter at all, right?

Have a great week ahead!