Starting Over (Islamic Fiction, Z.M)

Chapter 6 - (Party Time?)

Zayn went to open the door for his family as I tried to sweep the mess on the floor in the trash bag before the Maliks came inside.

 “Zayn” I heard someone yell at the door.

Throwing the trash bag into the bin in our open kitchen I glanced at the door, a 14 year old girl hugged Zayn while about 20 people or more came inside the apartment. Aaroosa told me just a few close family members were coming, who the hell are all these people?

“Aunty Trisha!” I greeted her excitedly as Trisha came to me in the kitchen followed by Sarwat with 2 other ladies.

“Maggie, how are you darling?” she asked pulling me into a tight hug after she placed the bags in her hands on the kitchen island.

“I’m great, how are you?” I asked politely hugging her back, noticing that the ladies had a lot of bags too that they placed all over the kitchen’s island and counter.

“I’m good. We cooked a feast and got it with us.” She pointed at the bags. There were about 15 bags of food.

“That must have been exhausting.” I said after hugging Sarwat.

“Not a big deal, we do this all the time,” One of the two ladies said, “I’m Aatoofa by the way. Waliyha’s aunty. And this is my sister Maryum.” She smiled as she introduced herself and her sister. They looked alike except for the fact that Aatoofa had some red high lights and Maryum had bluish grey eyes.

They were so lovely and welcoming; they introduced me to the rest of their family. They had 2 sisters, a brother and A LOT of nephews and nieces. I tried to mentally memorize all their names and how they were related to each other, but failed miserably as I had to ask Doniya to tell me their names again as they spoke to me.

They reminded me of my family in Egypt; they had the same love for each other, the same close relationship with one another and they even talked at the same time and with loud voices. Somehow they all heard each other and understood one another.

I felt so happy with them, like I was back with my own family back in Egypt. They even bantered with me like I was one of them.

“I see you still don’t have a dresser.” Jawaad smirked at me.

“Waliyha is allowing me to share her closet. Wait a minute, what were you doing in my room?” I crossed my arms and raised one eyebrow.

“I went to check the new balcony setting with Safaa and Nuha. Aaroosa told me it’s amazing.” He said casually.

“What did you think of it guys? I know the view isn’t the greatest but I love to just chill in it every morning.” The balcony was my favorite part of the whole apartment. Aaroosa, Waliyha and I always chill there and sometimes we study while being on the balcony. 

“The table with the carved roses is so cute.” Safaa added.

“That’s why I bought it actually. I loved the carved roses and the natural color of wood of it.” I said proud of my decision.

  “It’s just a table.” Jawaad rolled his eyes.

“Shut up, Jawaad.” Safaa playfully hit his arm.

“Yeah Shut up Jawaad, or Maggie will tell Mr. Boo Boo.”  Zayn chuckled.

“Oh God no. Shut up Zayn.” I shouted and he chuckled harder as everyone stopped their conversations and watched us with curiosity.

“What? Is Mr. Boo Boo going to let that meanie Jawaad go after making fun of your table?” Zayn teased.

“Mr. Boo Boo?” Jawaad’s brows furrowed.