Cann and Ritika returned to their hotel after a day full of adventure, sharing a quiet lunch together and then resting. As evening approached, they planned to visit one of Cappadocia’s famed tourist spots. After a fulfilling outing, Cann turned to Ritika with a playful smile.
“So, what do you want to do tonight?” he asked.
Ritika paused, thinking. “That’s a good question, but I’m exhausted from today. How about something low-key?”
Cann tilted his head, intrigued. “What do you have in mind?”
Her face lit up. “How about we watch one of your movies? I’ve never seen any of them! We could binge your best one together.”
Surprise flickered across Cann’s face, quickly replaced by a hint of embarrassment. “One of my movies?”
He hesitated, but then a playful glint appeared in his eyes. “Alright, how about we meet at 7 p.m.? It’s 4 p.m. now—get some rest until then.”
Ritika grinned and blinked playfully. “Sounds perfect. And don’t forget the subtitles—I don’t speak Turkish, remember?”
Cann laughed. “I’ve got you covered.”
They both headed to their rooms.
“See you at 7, neighbor,” Ritika called out before closing her door.
A short while later, Cann’s friend Taniz popped into his room. Noticing the unusual brightness in Cann’s demeanor, Taniz couldn’t help but comment.
“You seem... different these days,” he observed, placing a hand on Cann’s shoulder. “What’s going on?”
Cann smirked, stepping back with exaggerated disbelief. “Come on!”
Taniz laughed. “I’m just saying. It suits you.”
They both chuckled before Cann excused himself to prepare a surprise for the evening.
At exactly 7:00 p.m., Cann knocked on Ritika’s door. He was dressed casually in brown cargo pants, a blue shirt, and a long brown coat. When Ritika opened the door, she was in jeans and a cozy pink sweater.
“You look great. Ready?” Cann asked, his eyes scanning her with a smile.
Ritika raised an eyebrow. “We’re watching a movie next door, right?”
Cann’s grin turned mischievous. “Not exactly. Let me blindfold you again.”
Ritika rolled her eyes but stood still. “You and your surprises! How many more are you hiding?”
Cann chuckled, pulling out the same scarf he’d used earlier in the day, gently covering her eyes. Taking her hand, he led her to the elevator.
As they stepped out onto the rooftop, Ritika shivered slightly. “Why does it feel cold but cozy at the same time?”
Cann slowly removed the blindfold, revealing the surprise. Ritika gasped as she took in the view: a rooftop terrace under a star-filled sky, with a large projector screen displaying a movie title. Two plush couches were set up, draped with blankets, surrounded by fairy lights and warm heaters. Popcorn, sodas, and beers sat waiting for them.
Her eyes widened in awe. “How did you do all of this?”
Cann shrugged with a grin. “I just wanted to make tonight special.”
“You didn’t have to... this is amazing,” Ritika said, still in disbelief.
“No more talking. Let’s watch the movie,” Cann said, motioning toward the couch. “Come on, sit down.”
Ritika sank into the couch, wrapping herself in a blanket as Cann set up the movie. As he fiddled with the projector, she couldn’t stop watching him, her mind racing with thoughts.
*How is it possible not to fall for him?*
Finally, Cann joined her on the couch as the movie began. Throughout the film, Ritika laughed, cried, and teased Cann about his character’s emotional moments. Cann, meanwhile, found himself more captivated by her reactions than the movie itself.
As the film neared its emotional climax, where Cann’s character confessed his love, Ritika wiped a tear from her eye.
“How are you this good?” she whispered, popping some popcorn into her mouth.
Cann chuckled and swapped her soda with a beer. “Live a little.”
Unaware, Ritika took a sip, then another, until the bottle was finished. She shot Cann a playful glare, realizing the switch, but he just laughed.
The movie ended on a high note, with Cann’s character winning over his love. As the credits rolled, Ritika turned to him, her emotions swirling.
“That was amazing,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I think it’s one of my favorite movies now.”
Cann smiled, sensing there was more on her mind.
Ritika hesitated, then leaned closer. “I have a question, but you have to answer honestly.”
Cann’s heart raced as he nodded.
“Have you ever been in love, Cann?”
Her question caught him off guard, even though he’d sensed it was coming. He paused, uncertain how to respond.
“No,” he finally admitted, though the word felt heavier than he anticipated.
Ritika’s eyes searched his face. “What’s it like, then... to be in love?”
Cann looked away, sensing where this conversation was heading, unsure if he could—or should—stop it.
“How can you do so much for someone you’ve only known for a few days?” Ritika’s voice was soft, almost a whisper.
Cann reached out, gently taking her hand. “Ritika, it’s late. We should head back to our rooms.”
“Not until you answer me,” she insisted.
With a sigh, Cann finally said, “Ritika, I’m not the person you should fall in love with. I’m not the person you think I am.”
His words hit her like a punch to the gut. She stood up, turning her back to him for a moment, before spinning around again. Without warning, she stepped forward and kissed him—softly, hesitantly, but full of feeling.
For a moment, Cann froze, unsure how to respond. But then, instinctively, he kissed her back, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, growing more intense, as their emotions collided in a whirlwind.
Suddenly, Cann broke the kiss, pulling away with a sharp breath. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, before turning and quickly walking away, leaving Ritika standing alone under the stars, her heart pounding, unsure of what had just happened.
YOU ARE READING
Turkish Love
FanfictionCann sighed, lying down on his bed, but sleep wouldn't come. His thoughts were consumed by Ritika. He couldn't stop wondering-should he tell her about Delitz? Should he tell Delitz about Ritika? But why? Ritika was just his neighbor, his friend. He...
