TAWAKKUL

18. Istanbul'a hoşgeldiniz

Not proofread

Who would've thought that the same person who made sure to hide her feelings from everyone would one day get married to her first real life crush out of sheer destiny.

I looked at Azlan from the corner of my eyes.

I had taken the window seat of the plane while he sat beside me.

It was a seven hour journey from Mumbai to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey.

Azlan busied himself watching a movie on the screen in front of him. He didn't speak much since the time we left home.

Formal questions such as '' Did you keep your visa and passport? "," Hope you did not forget something" etc were the only words exchanged.

Azlan wasn't really happy about his father forcing his decision upon us. Nobody was.

Mrs Nargis had shed lots of tears while seeing off her dear son. She didn't bother to say anything to me.

Azra, Issam and dadi said their loving goodbyes and asked me to take good care of Azlan and myself.

Our maid Ayesha, managed to whisper to me "I'm glad you'll be out of this place for a few days ma'am, these people were making it difficult for you anyways. Happy journey!"

Well things were indeed a little difficult. But what matters more is how your partner behaves with you.

If your husband stands by you, nothing else matters. In my case, my husband was the reason for the difficulties I was facing.

He didn't want to marry me.

While he was busy watching his movie, I brought my hand slightly close to his, which he'd kept on the armrest.

The Stark difference between our complexions brought back my insecurities.

I turned towards the window and suppressed my sniffles somehow.

And then another thought struck me, even though we were sitting so close yet we were so distant from each other.

The trip to Turkey was definitely going to be another challenge.

I prayed to Allah to make it a little easier for me.

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After about seven hours of journey, we reached the Istanbul Airport.

"Istanbul'a hoşgeldiniz! " greeted the man who was waiting for us while holding a board with Azlan's name written on it. (Welcome to Istanbul)

"Who's this? Didn't know people expected us? " I said.

"Of course they do. Dad has sent us here for his own purpose. Must've sang about our arrival to every person he knows in Turkey",he sarcastically replied.

"Arkadaşlar, benim Selim. I have been sent on behalf of my boss, Vural bey. He's a close friend of Mr Rişat" said the Chauffeur. (Friends, I'm Selim)

"Çok teşekkür ederim Selim bey, çok memnunuz!" I told him, smiling. (Thank you so much Mr Selim, we're very pleased.)

Azlan was staring at me with wide eyes while Mr Selim gave a very broad smile.

"You speak Turkish?" asked Mr Selim.

Well I could see Azlan was very much curious too.

"Ermm, I speak and understand a little. Thanks to Turkish dramas." I said, smiling sheepishly.

Selim bey gave a hearty laugh. This man did give really good vibes. While on the other side I could see Azlan rolling his eyes at the mention of dramas. I felt like punching his face for doing that, but I just ignored it..

Throughout the ride, Selim bey kapt talking. He told us about Istanbul's culture and about his family.

I was the only one interacting with him. Azlan made sure to make a poker face most of the time.

After about forty minutes, we reached our destination.

We parked right in front of a little wooden villa.

It was so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes away. There was a riverbed a little distance away. A few boats were docked there.

The sight was much better than I'd imagined it to be.

I looked at Azlan and he seemed impressed as well.

Vural bey was waiting for us with the keys in his hand. Mr Rishaad had bought this villa from him.

He wasn't old like Mr Rishaad, but must've been in his mid thirties.

Turkish men are indeed really smart.

Our driver, Selim bey had a boyish handsomeness while Vural Bey looked so classy and handsome at the same time.

"Looks like you're already in love with the place, Tawakkul hanim?" Vural bey said.

"Yes indeed, it's very beautiful! Çoooook güzel! Çok sağol. "

He then showed us the interior of the house.

The entrance opened up into a small corridor. Towards the right side, was a small room with a couch and bookshelf placed on the side. This room further opened into the guest room where there were inbuilt heaters and a fireplace.

On the left, the first room was the bedroom. It wasn't much big when compared to Azlan's room back at home. But it was really cute.

Next on the left was the kitchen. A typical Turkish kitchen decorated with Turkish wallpaper and variety of Turkish utensils commonly used. There was another door leading outside from the kitchen. It opened into the kitchen garden.

A little distance away was another small cabin. It was like a little guest room in case we had guests.

Between the bedroom and kitchen, was the washroom.

Towards one end of the corridor was a small staircase leading to the terrace.

The whole house was painted blue in colour. It screamed serenity.

"It's so small ! ", complained Azlan.

Vural bey smile disappeared at the comment.

I got annoyed at this. This place was small but much better than his huge ghostly house where there exists no warmth at all.

This house radiated warmth! And I loved it.

" Don't worry Vural bey. This place is very much enough for two people. And I loved it."

Azlan glared at me.

After showing us around, Vural bey left.

The moment he left, Azlan managed to spit poison at me.

"Of course you're loving all this. Why do I feel you're the one who suggested Dad for this trip?"

I was hurt by this accusation. Azlan could never see me happy. Whenever I began finding some happiness , he made sure it ruin it!

I was going to give him back a good one when someone on the door shouted,

" MERHABAAAAA"

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Well I'm quite excited for how the story will unfold now!
Especially now that they're far away from family, in Turkey!
Any Turkish fans here? 😁

Aaaand if the response is good, I might publish twice a week 😁