Locked in the memory

Chapter 24: Wedding bells

Murat POV
So somehow I did manage to sleep. I hardly slept for 2 hours when a light music was played from the kitchen. It slowly transited into a more lively music and was loud enough to wake everyone up. The girls were dancing to the music while a huge pot of coffee was brewing. It was few minutes past 3 am so it was still dark outside. Hayat had opened up all the floor length windows of kitchen and dining room, so the chilly breeze was coming in. And the fairly lights were on. It was a really dreamy scene and on top of that the love of my life was dancing happily. I wouldn't mind sleeping just 2 hours if this is the scene I was going to wake up to.
We got ready and left for the airport. Hayat, me, Ipek and Kerem in Hayat's car and Tuval, Asli, Serkan in Serkan's car. We soon arrived at the private jet terminal. Yesterday when they said they hailed from powerful families, I did not know the extent of their power. I thought they were super rich. But the treatment they received at the airport made me realise they were another level powerful. Everyone was dressed in a suit. A man handed Serkan a bunch of passports. Another collected our bags. We relaxed in the lounge for few minutes I guess till then they got the plane ready. Serkan and Hayat went out to meet the pilot. Then we were escorted to the private Jet.
No doubt the plane was luxurious. After take off we were asked if we wanted light snack. Hayat, Serkan, Tuval and Asli didn't eat but I, Ipek and Kerem ate. We were served with sliced fruits, cheese and a choice of dessert. While eating I asked Kerem, "Kerem, I want to open a new brand. Start from scratch. Would you like to work for me?" To which he looked briefly towards Ipek and said, " I want to discuss this with her first. We had plans of settling down in the countryside. Let's see. Where do you wish to start this business?" " I am planning somewhere in Canada. But it definitely won't be here in Istanbul nor in Turkey." I answered. "Let's see. We'll tell you while returning from the wedding" Ipek said.
We landed in roughly 1 hour 45 mins. Since Livorno is 2hrs behind Istanbul so it was still dark outside. We had sleek black cars pick us up. We went to Serkan and Hayat's maternal house. More like a maternal mansion. Hayat showed us our rooms and instructed maids to get our luggage their while Serkan went with Asli.

Serkan POV:

After everyone settled down, we decided to sleep for few hours. Before Asli could sleep, I went to her room to talk to her. "Asli, look at me!" When she looked into my eyes, I took her hands in mine and said, "Now listen carefully to what I say. This is going to be your reality and you have to accept this story as your only reality okay?" She nodded. " Two months ago, I had to get some blood work done. I went to the city hospital of Istanbul. There I met you. We went on few dates and on our fourth date we slept together. After two weeks, you missed your periods and realized you were pregnant. A week ago Hayat came back and we met again through her on Friday. There you told me that you are pregnant. And now we are getting married. You were Hayat's one of the two best friends. Your parents reality keep it as it is. But this is how we met. Okay? That baby is mine. That baby is the reason we are getting married in such a hurry. Okay?" I asked her. I don't want anyone in my parent's' generation to know the reality. I don't want to risk how they react. "Yes okay." she agreed.

We slept for few hours and at around 8:00 got down for breakfast. By now all of my family had arrived. I introduced everyone and they instantly took a liking to Asli. Breakfast was heavy and hearty. We had pushed our marriage to early afternoon and planned to have it on a lawn just beside the sea. It was at a walking distance from our house as well. I did take Asli's input about her dream marriage and did my best to recreate it.

Asli POV

I was pampered by a whole lot of beauticians. Finally here comes the time. While I was busy getting a relaxing spa, everyone except me and Serkan were out on their feet. We were not having traditional Turkish marriage. We were having a Christian ceremony. Serkan was barking orders on the phone for the arrangement. I guess they did find the time to shop for themselves too. I finally saw Ipek and Hayat when I was already in my wedding dress. Their outfit was color coordinated and we went for a photoshoot. Later I had my first look with Serkan. It was in the backyard garden of the Mansion. He did manage to write vows for us and I was so happy that I did write down vows for myself too. Unlike traditional weddings, we read our vows to each other privately. So apart from us only the photographer and the videographer witnessed our vows.

Later Serkan first left for the venue. It was at a minute walking distance from the house. Afterwards Murat and Kerem came. We had few more photos and we left for the venue. The girls were already at the altar. Serkan and his groomsmen Cihangir and Kaan were already up there standing. Murat and Kerem walked me down the aisle. The entire venue was decorated exactly how I wanted my dream wedding to be. Just the thought that Serkan did do much for me made my eyes teary with happiness.

Serkan had his eyes filled with joy as he saw me walking down the aisle. Murat handed my hand to Serkan. The priest asked us repeat after him. "I Serkan Bolat, vow to take Asli Tekdemir, my lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health and promise to love and cherish her till death do us apart." He vowed. "I Asli Tekdemir, vow to take Serkan Bolat, my lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health and promise to love and cherish him till death do us apart." I vowed. "With the power bestowed upon me by the state, I pronounce you as husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride." The priest said. The moment he said that, fire crackers were burst making the sky turn beautiful red and orange. Serkan looked in my eyes as if gently asking for a permission. I nodded a yes. He kissed me gently on the lips. Short enough respecting my boundaries but long enough to convince the family that it was a love marriage.
I then turned around to look at my new family. Everyone was looking happy. We then moved on the dance floor inside a makeshift tent.

Serkan POV
Asli looked so breath taking as we walked down the aisle. After the ceremony was finally over, we moved to the dance floor. The guest moved first and then we went. While walking to the dance floor which was inside a big makeshift tent, Asli whispered in my ear, " Thank you for this Serkan! This was exactly how I pictured I would want my wedding as!" I smiled in return. Once we moved to the dance floor, we had our first dance. Followed by speeches from Hayat, Ipek, Cihangir and Kaan. After dinner when it was finally time to leave, everyone gathered and made an aisle. They formed an almost arch with sparklers and we walked through it towards my car. We were heading to a suite booked in a hotel nearby.
I don't remember much of the details but I do know that Asli is my lawful wife and that she was very happy through out the day. And that's what mattered to me. Her.

Asli POV
The entire day was a happy memory. I don't remember all the details so I was eagerly waiting for the Wedding photos and wedding videos to come. I was lost in my thoughts when Serkan entered our suite. He informed that, "We've to head back tomorrow to the mansion for breakfast." I nodded. He then helped me take off all the pins from my hair and remove my makeup. He had already showered and changed. I went in after he was done. When I was all done I came out to see that he was picking a pillow and extra comforter. "Where are you going?" I asked. "I'll sleep on the couch. You can take the bed." He answered. Like a dumbass I asked "Why" He really seemed surprised by my question but answered, "Asli, I know you did not marry me because you love me. You went through a betrayal and I want to give you enough space before accepting me." This. God. Why is he such a gentleman. Although I did not love him but I would be blind to say that he wasn't attractive. He was HOT. And I respected this man too much. So I said, "Serkan, we're married now. Although, I am not in love with you yet, doesn't mean I can deny the fact that you are my husband." He gave me a questioning look " I don't know how to explain anymore but I just want you to sleep with me on this bed." I turned around in embarrassment. I couldn't explain why I wanted him to sleep on the bed but it felt the right thing to do. Thankfully he understood.