The Price Of Revenge

Thirty

Hamida had been contemplating how to tell Ismail about what Maryam had told her. She did not want to do anything without his permission.

At the same time, she could not sit quietly and do nothing. Fuad was her friend and her husband's friend, and she did not want him to spend the rest of his life in an unhappy marriage simply because she had decided not to tell him about Rumaisa.

Ismail looked to be in a good mood, sitting comfortably on the sofa and watching Homeland, his favourite television series. It was probably the perfect time to tell him.

But how was she supposed to explain everything?

He might think she was doing it because she still had feelings for Fuad, and that was not what this was about.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" he asked, his eyes still focused on the television.

"Yeah, but I need your attention."

"And I'm listening."

"Ismail... all of it," she said seriously.

He looked at her, trying to determine just how serious she was, before pressing pause and turning towards her. He gently placed a hand on her thigh, concern immediately replacing the amusement on his face.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"I know you told me to quit it, and I did, but I just can't sit here and do nothing."

"And what exactly are we talking about?" he asked, confused.

"Fuad and..."

"Rumaisa," he finished for her.

"I know, but there seems to be something going on, and I just want to make sure. If I'm right, then we can do something about it. If I'm wrong, I'll admit it and leave it alone."

"If you're right, then you help him. But Hamida, if you're wrong, you will never bring anything like this up again. Ever."

"Wait. You agree with me?"

"For two reasons."

"They are?"

"Firstly, so you can stop this investigation and I can finally live a detective-free life. Secondly, I've noticed some odd things about her too, things that don't add up. But we can't just give him baseless accusations."

"Yeah, I've got that covered. I have a source who should get back to me tomorrow."

"I hope nothing illegal, Deeza."

She laughed.

"No promises."

"Haha, very funny. God! Look at what love is making me do today."

"And I love you so much for it."

He blushed.

"Seriously? You're blushing? Really?"

"Everyone does it once in a while, just like you do whenever I hug you from behind."

"It's romantic. That's why."

"Excuses," he said, walking out of the living room while laughing.

⸻

It is now or never, Hamida thought.

"Is there a day when everything about you will change?" she asked.

"Hamida, what are you talking about?"

"Rumaisa, what are you planning in that head of yours?"

"What are you talking about?"

"This whole revenge thing. I thought it was over."