Locked in the memory

Chapter 4: The new life

Hayat pov

I did not realize how long I had slept; the time difference was making me feel dumb. My head was clouded with thoughts. I woke up when the flight attendants began preparing for landing. I was here, in Tokyo. Finally, far from what once was home. I feel free. I feel happy. Although the change seems right, I'm nervous. I had barely mastered English. I was fluent in Turkish, but here the official language was Japanese. A completely different Language. Just then, Cihangir called me. He had some form that flight attendant just handed out.

Cihangir: Hayat, fill out this form. It is related to immigration.

Immigration? So I had not successfully fled yet. What if they don't allow me? Where am I supposed to go? As if understanding my inner turmoil, Cihangir assured me.

Cihangir: Hayat! You hold a Turkish passport. Ideally, you should be able to stay for three months here without requiring any other special visas. You can apply for a longer visa in the meantime. But if at all things go south, I'm there, okay? I'll make sure that you don't have to go anywhere that you don't wish to.

Hayat: Thank you so much Cihangir.  You are my savior!

I filled out the form, and then I realized. They know I came to Giresun airport. They can easily track down the flight from the flight time. And then, if Murat wants to trace me out, he can easily shortlist the destinations. He hails from an affluent family. And CCTV at the airport will help him. Oh no! But why would he trace you? Wasn't he the one that abandoned you? My brain chimed in, but I couldn't ignore the possibility.

Hayat: Cihangir, what if they trace me out.

Cihangir: They won't.

Hayat: They can. At least he can. Easily.

Cihangir (Flashback) Hayat was sleeping peacefully. My blood boiled after hearing her story. How can anyone be so self-centered and heartless? If only she did not love him with all her heart, I would have wiped him off from the face of the earth. But now, I need to make sure that my baby sister is safe. Let's see the possibilities that they can use to trace her. Airport. CCTV. Timings. Can shortlist the destinations and create a search operation at those. I opt for in-service wifi and call Adam. (Adam is my assistant) Use our power and wipe off the records of the girl Hayat Uzun. She should not be traceable. I don't care about the price of this. Just do it. 

For the first time in forever, I was proud of my father's background. Yes. He was in the mafia. He was the lord. He is the Lord. Modern Istanbul was a lot more stable than in my parents' and grandparents' time, so Dad expanded his estate selling and buying business. But he always held that power. As apparent, the power was also available at my disposal. But I wanted to pursue my interest in interior decor and architecture. I wanted to be away from Turkey, so I chose Japan.

And on my way, I stumbled upon Hayat. My instincts made me help her out. She doesn't know about my background, and I want to keep it that way. She already has a lot on her plate. I don't want her to know this and question her choices. For now, let's take one step at a time, and by that, I mean a quick nap. (Flashback end)

Cihangir: He won't. Trust me.

Hayat: I do. 

The flight landed. We completed the immigration process. Thankfully there was no trouble. We collected our bags and headed towards the exit. A car was already waiting for Cihangir. So we went towards his pre-furnished apartments. We lived side by side in a posh apartment on a reasonably high-end street. I was tired and jet-lagged hence couldn't fall asleep. It was past 9 pm. I decided to shower and relax in the bed. After showering, the doorbell rang.

Cihangir: I hope you don't mind some burritos.

Hayat: Of course not. Come in.

CIhangir plopped down on the sofa and handed me a warm burrito. I was surprised at how hungry I was when I smelled the delicious aroma. He instructed me about the dos and don'ts of the place while eating. I had an exam in two days. He then pushed another box towards me. It was an iPhone. iPhone 11. 

Cihangir: I am sorry I couldn't get the latest model

Hayat: You did not even have to get an iPhone. Any normal phone would have been okay.

Cihangir: are we going to argue about this?

Hayat: Of course not. I'll make some coffee for us. And Thank you for the phone.

Cihangir: Try making it Turkish style

Hayat: Of course!

Two days passed in an instant while getting used to this city.

I just came home from the entrance exam. I will receive the result by mail by tomorrow. I couldn't wait till tomorrow. Cihangir and I went shopping for some clothes and groceries for us. We then ate homemade pasta and called it a night.

Ding-Ding Ding

I woke up to my phone chiming with notifications!

I realized I slept till 10 am. I quickly freshened up and checked my phone.

MS HAYAT UZUN, WE ARE HAPPY TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR COLLEGE WITH OPEN ARMS. CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID EXCEPTIONALLY WELL ON THE ENTRANCE EXAM AND HAVE BEEN SELECTED. WE GIVE YOU 3 DAYS TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT IN THE COURSE. FOR ANY INQUIRIES CONTACT..............

I didn't even finish the mail when I found myself banging Cihangir's door to tell him the news. I hugged him as soon as he opened the door. He was the closest person I had to a family, in fact, my only one. If the girls knew, they would have been so proud!