Locked in the memory

Chapter 17: The Funeral

Hayat POV:

Murat was devastatingly silent.  I kept glancing at him in between while driving. I knew he wanted space and time to come to terms with his loss but all I wanted was for him to speak his heart out.

"Murat, the hospital formalities are done. I've arranged for the funeral as well. It will take place in two hours. For now, for your peace, where do you want to go? The Sarsilmaz Mansion? Your house? or my house?" I asked him placing my one hand on his hands and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I shifted back to the Sarsilmaz Mansion. So your house please." He uttered softly. "Okay" I said. 

When we reached home, I handed him a bag containing his pair of clothes. The confusion in his eyes was visible. "We stopped by at Sarsilmaz Mansion. I grabbed you some of your clothes while you were waiting in the car. You even gave me the key to the mansion." I answered. He nodded and left it at that.

Azme POV:

"What Tuval?                                                                                                                      Oh my God, how is Murat? Is he good?                                                                    Yes.                                                                                                                                        Yes we will be there for the funeral." The word funeral seemed to have caught everyone's attention. Tuval had called to inform about Leila's funeral. I told Hashmet (my husband), Cemil (his grandson) and Emine (his daughter-in-law) about Leila's death. Faride (Emine's friend) who also knows our entire family, happened to be there. We changed into appropriate clothes and left for the funeral.

Emine POV:

Leila was Murat's biological mother. We came to know that his father left the house after Azmi Sahiba got married to Hashmet Dada. I know how broken he looked after Hayat had gone. And now he lost his mother too. Poor soul. He was losing his loved ones. We reached the funeral. Doruk, Kerem, Asli, Ipek, Tuval and others were already there. I looked around for Murat and when I couldn't find him I approached Ipek, "How is Murat?" She said, "I hope he is doing better.."  "Why didn't one of you go with him? He needs support in this condition" I expressed my concern. "Actually, Emine aunty, there is... there is already someone with him" she stammered. Oh looks like he found someone. Good Lord, so now he is not all alone. He has someone that will help him through this. 

And then he arrived. His eyes red from crying.. He held a woman's hand. I couldn't see her face due to the way she wrapped a scarf. After paying the respect and when the funeral was over Hashmet Dada and Cemil went straight to the car, as they were still not on good terms with Murat. Me, Faride and Azmi Sahiba went to reassure him and that was the time I saw the face of the lady. I was shocked. "Hayat.." She gave a faint awkward smile. Ipek walked me out and Asli reassured, "We will tell you everything about her. But at the right place and right time. Now is neither. Go home." "Just do not tell about Hayat to Hashmet Dada and Cemil" added Ipek. We all nodded.

Murat POV:

The events from morning made me feel weak. I had still not accepted the reality. But the funeral gave me a much needed reality check. Like a hard slap in the face. I had a vague realization of my surroundings. But I guess after everyone left, I broke down crying. I cried my hearts out. I don't know how long I was crying. But I felt a pair of hands pulling me up and forcing me to walk and sit in the car. It was Hayat. She drove me to her place. I guess she did try to make a small talk here and there, but I didn't register any of it. All I knew was that she stood by my side like a rock through out the day and she forcibly fed me dinner. "The soup is good" I realised how hungry I had been when I had my first spoonful of soup. She smiled and continued eating her dinner. Oh she hadn't eaten anything as well. She also made some sandwiches since we both had skipped Lunch.

After the dinner I helped her clean up the table. I uttered a small 'Thank you' for which she responded by wrapping me in a long hug. I felt comfortable. I felt home. I felt safe in her hug. The world wasn't over after all. I saw a tiny hope that my Hayat would come back. And for now I'm going to hold on to that hope tightly. "Hayat, I think I should go to the Sarsilmaz Mansion. I will spend the night there. Thank you for being by my side today." She smiled a little and replied "Goodnight! Drive safe. And please call me once you reach."

I called her after reaching the house. I entered and saw Doruk and Derya in the living room. Before Derya could say anything. I head straight to my room and lock the door. I took a long shower and headed straight to the bed. Today has been a very long day and I needed rest. A lot of it.