Soul [Complete]

Final

60 Days Later

The library had always been a sanctuary for me—a place where time seemed to stand still and the outside world faded away. I hadn't planned on coming here today, but something drew me in, like an invisible thread pulling me towards a familiar comfort.

I wander through the aisles, running my fingers along the spines of the books, each one holding a world of its own. The scent of old paper and ink fills the air, soothing my senses as I move deeper into the library. I find a quiet corner, tucked away from the usual bustle, and sit down at a small table with a view of the large windows that let in the soft afternoon light.

Minutes pass, maybe even hours, and I'm so lost in the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy that I barely notice someone sitting down beside me. At first, I don't look up, thinking it's just another reader looking for a quiet place to enjoy their book. But then, I hear a voice—warm, familiar, and filled with a playful curiosity.

"I love Elizabeth Bennet."

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning, shocking me out of my literary trance. I turn to see a young man sitting beside me, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and sincerity. He's watching me, waiting for my reaction. My heart skips a beat, and I can't help but smile.

"Do you now?" I reply, my voice teasing. There's something about him that feels so familiar, so right, but I can't quite place it. It's as if we've done this before, but how could that be possible?

He nods, his smile growing wider. "Absolutely. She's strong, independent, and knows what she wants. What's not to love?"

I laugh softly, the sound of it blending with the quiet rustle of pages turning around us. "I couldn't agree more," I say, feeling an inexplicable warmth spreading through me. We start talking, just like before, about the book, about the characters, and soon the conversation flows effortlessly, as if we've known each other for years.

"You don't remember, do you?" I ask, my voice soft, almost as if I am afraid of breaking the spell.

He frowns, trying to understand what I mean. "Remember what?"

Realization dawns over me. He is all new, young Emir Sirsilmaz, who knows nothing about us and our future. A tide of grief washes over me but there was a beautiful hope this time. Maybe I met Emir before so that we could avoid the accident. Maybe. Maybe God wanted the future to change in this manner. Because what is impossible for him?

Seeing me, so deep in thought. Emir leans towards me and says, "What's wrong, Angel?"

My eyes bulge out on hearing the word 'Angel'. I stare blankly at him, not able to process anything.

Without thinking, I reach out and pull him into a deep hug, holding him as tightly as I can. "I love you," I whisper into his shoulder, my voice choked with tears.

He wraps his arms around me, his touch gentle yet firm, as if anchoring me in this moment. "I love you too, Angel," he murmurs.

I pull back slightly, just enough to see his face, and before I can stop myself, I kiss him on his cheeks, over and over, as the tears stream down my face. "I'm sorry," I say again, between kisses. "I'm so, so sorry."

He smiles through his own tears, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "You have nothing to apologize for," he says softly. "We're here now, and that's all that matters."

I bury my face in his shoulder, clinging to him as if letting go would mean losing him all over again. "Please don't leave me," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

He holds me tighter, his breath warm against my ear. "I'm not going anywhere, Hayaat. Not now, not ever."

And in that moment, with the world around us fading into the background, I know that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be—right here, in Emir's arms, where the past, present, and future collide into something beautiful and everlasting.

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A/N:

Dear Readers,

As I write these final words, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions—joy, nostalgia, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This story has been a journey, not just for the characters, but for me as well. From the first draft to the final edit, every moment spent crafting this tale has been a labor of love.

I hope you've enjoyed following Hayaat and Emir's journey as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life. Their story is a testament to the power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the beauty of fate. It's a reminder that, no matter how uncertain the path may seem, we are always exactly where we need to be.

To everyone who has supported me along the way—thank you. Your encouragement, feedback, and kind words have meant the world to me. Writing is often a solitary endeavor, but knowing that there are readers out there who connect with these characters and their stories makes it all worthwhile.

As this chapter closes, I want you to know that this isn't goodbye. There are always more stories to tell, more adventures to embark on, and more love to discover. I can't wait to share them with you.

Until then, keep believing in the magic of stories, the power of love, and the promise of new beginnings.

With love and gratitude,

Maryam