Two Worlds Apart 🥀

Chapter 13: Alihan helped Hakan

As the call ended, she was so consumed by her anxious thoughts that she didn't notice Alihan approaching until he was right in front of her.

"Miss Yilmaz?" His voice cut through the fog, laced with concern. "Are you okay?" Zeynep's head snapped up, her eyes wide and fearful. For a moment, she simply stared at him, caught in the grip of her panic. "Sir," she said, her voice trembling but full of conviction. Alihan seemed to sense her struggle. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her with his steady presence. "Take a deep breath, Miss Yilmaz," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Tell me everything."

(At police station)

The police station was a flurry of activity as Alihan and Zeynep entered, their expressions grim yet determined. Zeynep scanned the holding area, her eyes finally landing on a familiar figure sitting behind bars. "Hakan Abi!" she called out, rushing towards the cell. Hakan's head snapped up, his face lighting up with relief at the sight of Zeynep. He surged to his feet, gripping the bars tightly. "Zeynep... you came." Zeynep reached through the bars, clasping his hands in hers. Tears glistened in her eyes as she took in his disheveled appearance. "Of course I came. We'll get you out of this, I promise." Alihan hung back, allowing them a moment of reunion before striding purposefully towards the officer at the front desk. "Excuse me, officer. I need to know the exact charges against the man in that cell."

The officer consulted his paperwork, brow furrowing. "Theft of company property. Actually, he's accused of stealing a consignment from the shipping company he works for. It's some Sakarya Enterprises." Alihan was shocked and said, "What?" Alihan turned, his mind working furiously as he approached Zeynep and Hakan. Zeynep glanced up, her expression a mix of hope and trepidation. "Hakan," Alihan said, his voice level but intense. "You have to tell us where the consignment is. Everything depends on it." Hakan's eyes widened, his grip on the bars tightening. "You? What are you doing here?" "Just tell me, Hakan," Alihan urged. "Where is the consignment you're accused of stealing?"

Hakan's shoulders slumped in defeat as he realized there was no point in hiding anything further. "I didn't steal it, sir. Not exactly." Zeynep's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Hakan took a deep breath, his gaze flicking between Zeynep and Alihan. "I lost a huge amount of money to Pasha of our area. He kept pressurizing me for the money I owed to him. I was in urgent need of money then with the help of my friend I reached your dad. I requested him to help and he offered me a job in his company. And today, pasha's men took that consignment from the warehouse forcefully I was so helpless at that moment."

Silence hung heavy in the air as Hakan's words sank in. Zeynep felt tears stinging her eyes, her heart aching for her brother's condition. Alihan's jaw clenched, his mind working furiously. Finally, he turned and strode towards the officer's desk, his steps purposeful. "Officer," he said, his voice ringing with authority. "I will pay for the consignment to the shipping company." The officer's eyebrows shot up. "That's a huge amount we're talking about." "I don't care," Alihan said flatly. "You have to get that man out now." Zeynep's heart was awe and overwhelming with gratitude. Alihan was risking a substantial sum of money - his own money - to secure Hakan's release. The gesture was selfless, born of a desire to help and protect her family. As the officer finished the release paperwork, Hakan turned towards Zeynep, his eyes shining with gratitude and relief.

"Zeynep, I...I don't know how to thank you for this." But when Zeynep turned to address Alihan, to convey her profound appreciation for his extraordinary gesture, he was nowhere to be seen. She scanned the station lobby, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Abi," she said, gently grasping Hakan's arm. "You go home now, and don't tell Mama about all this, okay? I'll handle it." Hakan nodded, his expression a mixture of shame and gratefulness. "Are you not coming with me?" Zeynep glanced towards the exit, her gaze lingering on the door through which Alihan must have slipped away. "I have to go somewhere first," she murmured, more to herself than Hakan.

As she walked outside, it was almost night, and the rain poured down heavily. Zeynep runs through the wet streets, searching frantically for Alihan. Her clothes were soaked, but her determination drives her forward. She spotted Alihan standing alone, drenched in the rain, lost in his thoughts. Zeynep quickly grabbed an umbrella from the police station's side box and rushed towards Alihan. She held the umbrella over him, shielding him from the relentless rain. Alihan looked up, surprised, and met Zeynep's gaze. Her eyes are filled with gratitude and affection, conveying more than words could ever express. Alihan softly said, "I'm already drenched, Miss Yilmaz." "You were drenched until now because I wasn't around. But now, I'm here," Zeynep replied reluctantly. Alihan, understanding the depth of her words, feels a warmth spread through him despite the cold rain. Alihan touched by her words could only say, "Miss Yilmaz..."

Zeynep, her heart racing, slowly reached out and, hesitantly, held his hand. Alihan looked at her, surprised and feeling a mix of emotions-gratitude, love, and hope-all at once. Alihan stood close under the small umbrella, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby street lamp. "Miss Yilmaz, you didn't have to come after me," Alihan said softly. "Why did you leave?" Zeynep asked quietly, unable to mask the hint of hurt in her voice. "I wanted to thank you, for everything you've done..." Alihan's gaze softened. "Because some things are not done for thanks, Miss Yilmaz. They're done because they're right. I couldn't see you upset in that moment." They stand in silence for a moment, the rain pattering against the umbrella. Zeynep's fingers held Alihan's palm, her grip both tentative and firm. The connection between them deepens, unspoken emotions flowing freely as their eyes remain locked in each other.

The rain was falling in a gentle pitter-patter on the deserted street as Alihan said, "Come, I'll drop you home in my car." Zeynep looked up at the dark clouds, feeling the cool droplets on her face. "If you don't mind, can we walk instead? I love the refreshing smell of rain." Alihan couldn't help but smile at her childlike wonder. "Okay, as you wish."

He joined her under the umbrella, and they began walking slowly, their shoulders brushing with every step on the narrow sidewalk. Their arms brushed lightly with every step, sending sparks of electricity through Alihan. He thought to himself, "I hope she doesn't mind it," and awkwardly shifted to put a few inches between them.

Zeynep immediately noticed the distance he created. Just then, a car came barreling down the road, its tires hydroplaning dangerously close to Alihan. "Watch out!" Zeynep cried, grabbing Alihan's arm and pulling him back against her protectively. Her heart raced as she breathed, "Sir, are you okay?"

"I was just..." Alihan's voice trailed off as he realized how close they were standing, their breaths mingling. Their faces were mere inches apart, and he could see the raindrops glistening on her lips. He thought, "Why do I feel this way when she's around? Why don't I want to move away from her? Why can't I pull myself away from her?" Zeynep's heart was pounding as she thought, "He's so close to me...I feel like my heart might jump out of my chest." Alihan wondered, "Why isn't she moving They gazed into each other's eyes. Alihan closed his eyes, and so did Zeynep. His lips parted slightly, near hers. Then, Zeynep's lips gently about to met his.

(Zeynep's house -Late evening)

Hakan sat on his bed, phone in hand, and dialed Beyza's number. When she answered, he hushed, "Hello abla." "Hakan!" Beyza's voice was urgent. "Are you safe? You're out?" "Yes abla. Zeynep came and helped." Relief flooded Beyza's tone. "Thank God." Then concern returned. "But the case was so critical, how did Zeynep manage everything alone?" "She wasn't alone. Alihan was with him." There was a shocked pause. "What? Alihan?" Beyza's voice took on an edge. "The one who..." "Yes, that one," Hakan confirmed. "But why would he help you or Zeynep? He must be angry about what happened. He shouldn't be..."

Hakan interjected, "Abla, I think he still has something for you, that's why he helped. Otherwise, you think there's no other reason? He came to the police station on just one request from Zeynep. Also, he paid the whole amount of the consignment to his father's company.

He went against his father to help us abla, because he still has something for you in his heart." Silence fell as Beyza processed Hakan's words. Could it be true? Could Alihan still care for her after everything?