Locked in the memory

Chapter 10: Celebrations * 2

Timeline: 15 months after the last chapter.

Ipek's POV

"What happened Doruk? Why did you call us for breakfast and told me Asli should not know about it?" I asked while seating myself and my fiancé Kerem. Yes he asked me to marry him two days ago and in the celebration we're hosting a small dinner tonight at his house with our close ones. I lost my mother when I was a little girl and I cut contact with my Dad when I realised that he wanted me just for the money I was earning. Kerem was an orphan too. So the only elderly people we have in our life are Doruk's and Murat's grandmother Azmi Sahiba. And Hayat's mother Emine and aunt Farida. Of course we will be inviting Tuval and as much as I would hate it, Azmi Sahiba's husband Hashmet Dada would be there too. 

"Eat first. And geez stop with those looks. I haven't done anything wrong. And what I want to do, well, I hope you will be happy with that." Doruk said looking at me. After finishing off the breakfast in hurry Kerem nudged Doruk to spill the beans. "Look I know you guys are getting married soon and the date will be decided at the dinner tonight. So today would be a very special day for you. So I wanted to ask you permission to do this. I also know that Murat, me, Azmi Nene will be the only ones invited from our family. So I was hoping to be able to do it tonight.. GEEZ IPEK STOP STARING AT ME WITH THOSE BIG EYES. YOU'RE SCARING ME. I was hoping to propose Asli tonight at the dinner." Doruk practically mumbled the last sentence. It took a minute for Kerem and me to absorb what he said. "You want to do what?" Asked Kerem. "I was hoping.. I mean I'm asking your permission. Can I propose Asli tonight at your dinner? Of course we won't get married before you... if that helps.." Answered Doruk meekly. "Of course you Dumbass. Why would I say no! She's practically my sister. Of course you can propose her at my dinner tonight!!" I screamed after confirming with Kerem.

Doruk showed us the ring he picked out for Asli. Tonight would change four lives. Doruk and Asli would be engaged and for me and Kerem, once the wedding date is finalized, we would start checking off items from the list. We need to find an apartment, discuss the budget for renovating it, plan our wedding, our dresses, the venue, the guestlist and it goes on..

The same day evening

Ipek's POV:

The dinner was at Kerem's rental apartment, one by one everyone arrived. Faride aunt and Emine aunt arrived in the afternoon to help prepare food. Everything was going as per the plan when Hashmet dada decided to interrupt. He wanted Kerem to ask for my hand from him. We both were irritated but compiled to his demands since we didn't want to cause a scene and disrupt the flow of events. When he gave his permission for our marriage as if we needed any, we exchanged rings (again on the insistence of Hashmet Dada) and cut the red ribbon tied to it. After exchanging hugs and blessings we raised a toast (with tea of course)! And that's when Doruk gathered our attention. This is it. This is the moment that was making me giddy with excitement. My best friend is about to be engaged!!

Doruk's POV:

After taking permission from Ipek and Kerem my plan was to propose Asli. But seeing the drama Hashmet Dada was about to cause, I decided to ask for Asli's hand from Hashmet Dada first. Gulping down the tea I gathered everyone's attention. "So we all know the reason we gathered here. To celebrate the happy night in the lives of our dear friends Ipek and Kerem. But the night is young. So why not have a one more good news to continue our celebration for the night? Hashmet Dada, you know me and my family. Infact you even married my nene. So with all due respect, would you like to give your almost granddaughter Asli's hand to me?" Suddenly there was pin drop silence. My heart was racing. I was waiting for his answer. "Yes.. but" I didn't let him continue. All I needed was yes. And I got the yes. So I popped the ring box open and kneeled infront of Asli. "Asli, we've been together for months now. You're the perfect partner I need. You understand me like no one else. I've loved you with all my heart. And I want to be there for you through your best and worst days. So Asli, will you marry me?" When she didn't reply anything my heart sank but with a brave face I added, "Don't worry we won't go through the engagement ceremony tonight. We will wait till these guys get married and then we will have our own ceremony. And we are not stealing their thunder. I asked their permission before doing this. Come on now, answer fast my knees are paining." She laughed at the last statement and said Yes while allowing me to slip the ring on her finger. And we're engaged. The rest of the night was spent with laughter, reminiscing happy memories and of course more tea till everyone bid goodbyes and left the house on a happy note.