Not One Sided

32. I'm tired of this

Elçin's POV

"Elçin hatun, may I come in?"

"Gel Mahmelek."

"Come, sit."

I asked her to sit on the sofa and sat beside her.

"Nasılsın, Elçin hatun?"

"Iyiyim, sen nasılsın?"

"Ben de iyiyim."

We spoke quite formally and she remained silent for a minute. Then she looked at me and began speaking further,

"Elçin hatun, to be honest, the first time when you came to the palace, I didn't like you much. Maybe because we never spoke much and also I never thought that you'd become a part of our family. But, since the last time my thoughts began to change. You came to Isfahan and stayed there as Baba's wife. I didn't expect much from you. My mom was ill, unable to move, helpless. You stayed just for a few days but atleast sat beside my mom, whilst none other did."

Her voice cracked while she spoje and drops of tears rolled down her eyes.

"Also our bond improved and today, I've even more respect for you. I still don't know how to address you, what to say but I can very well see that Baba is happy with you."

She stopped for a little while and spoke further,

"Elçin hatun, maybe I sound very selfish but your presence can make me feel even better in the palace. Your presence somehow reassures me that my mom might recover and things may change."

"Mahmelek cim, everyone says that you're so young yet you speak so beautiful."

I placed my palm on her cheek and wiped off her tear.

"How's Terken hatun now? Is she any better?"

"Same." She replied bowing down her head.

"Elçin hatun, I'm happy to 've come here and take you with us."

I gave her a smile and she left a few minutes later.

I heard a thunder and just in the next few seconds, it began to rain heavily.
Stepped out of my yurt, went towatds a tree and stood there, wanted to feel the rejuvenating rainfall.

I stood there facing towards the sky and my eyes shut. Drops of rain washed my eyelids and I had let go the stress in my mind and body. His question, 'Will you be my bride again?' was still ringing in my ears. It was as though I'd open my eyes and everything would vanish. I was afraid; afraid to open my eyes, afraid to believe.

By then, a hand touched my shoulder. Before opening my eyes, I could feel his presence, his fragrance even in the heavy rain. I turned towards him.

"Elçin, ne yapıyorsun burada?"

"Hiç. Just-"

I began to leave but he held my wrist tight and in a high pitch, he asked,
"Why do you keep running and not answer a single word to me. I'm tired of this, Elçin!"

He pulled me closer to himself and told,
"Söyle.."

"Wh-what should I say? Nothing has remained the same since I'd stepped into Isfahan. I'd come to avenge my father and brother unaware that I would 've to pay a big deal for that."

_______________________

Nasılsın ? - How are you?

Ne yapıyorsun burada? - What are you doing here?