Veil of Lies

Mercy and Redemption

★ Innessa

I woke up to the sounds of the machines and low beep noises with distant voice of people talking while my body was filled with exhaustion, making it painful but I still managed to open my eyes and investigate about where am I even.

Upon opening both of my eyes, I squinted them quickly due to the brightness of the lights but managed to open them just at the moment. A white room in where I was laying down on the bed with bandaids and drips - a hospital. The memories started flashing in my mind, remembering all of the events and eventually I was reminded of my savior - Mustafa. I was filled with curiosity, guilt, confusion, exhaustion and pain. I was processing everything when a man entered in the room. White coat, honey-like hair, glass spectacles, calm posture with a reassuring smile and those similar jade eyes. He reminded me of someone quiet familiar.

" It is great to see you finally awaken, Miss Morozova! " His tone was cool but professional. "My name's Muzammil Afridi and I have been overseeing your recovery. "

Afridi?

" Afridi?.. " My voice was hoarse and dry but I truly wanted to know.
" You probably know Mustafa Afridi, your former CEO? He brought you here and I am his brother. "
It hit me all of a sudden. So Mustafa indeed saved my life in such a rough situation even after being proved as a traitor.
" Where am I? " I once again questioned to lay my back down onto the bed.
" Şifa Işığı Hastanesi. " He replied while adjusting the machines and looking at the reports. Muzammil then looked at me and clarified by translating the name in English.
" Light of Healing hospital - owned by our father, Ubaid Ahmet. "
" Father... " I repeated as I relaxed my eyes further and dived in my thoughts. Mustafa? I deceived him but he still protected me. That's strange but I still feel a sense of regret along with gratitude.

It took me several days to recover both physically and psychologically but not fully. Pain in my muscles, head, joints, getting nightmares, flinching and anxiety, negative thoughts and guilt was all experienced throughout the process. But during the stay, I could think about one person and that was Mustafa. What he was even doing there? Karaköy? It is an abandoned area in night so there shouldn't any reason for him to be there. Even if he was then why did he saved me, admitted me to his own family's hospital in the VIP section for such patients and ensured me through the doctors that I am getting take care of greatly all for free? I don't deserve any of this. I need to meet him. I want to confront him about this. It may be awkward but I need answers. Just for what reason Mustafa decided to make such a decision?

One day, I requested Muzammil to let me meet with Mustafa as I was getting better day by day and of course he granted permission for this. But the conversation was bizarre, strange or maybe surprising due to the fact I was left all alone with questions and curiosity as the conclusion of our meeting.

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Evening. In the balcony area of my hospital, I was nervously waiting for Mustafa in a loose attire with few of my strands left out, sitting on one of the couches while looking down at the city, when I heard the door behind me open. I turned around to look at him and he was his usual self. A fine tailored suit without a tie. Leather polished shoes while his hair were simply brushed back. Gentle and lowered gaze as he cleared his throat before speaking.

" You wanted to talk to me? " Mustafa questioned in a low voice as he stood beside the door behind me, the wall supporting his back.
" Yes, I do..." My voice came out hoarse but vulnerable. I thought about right words before further questioning

" What were you doing there? "
" I happened to be in the area as I came to offer my prayer in a nearby mosque. "
" Then why did you saved me Mustafa? After all the lies and the betrayal... Why didn't you let them finish what they started? " Suddenly, everything came out of my mouth before even thinking