Beyond Desire

14- Fate has a wicked sense of humor.

Etiler, Istanbul
Turkey.

As I slammed the hotel room door shut behind me, not even the calming sea blue interior could shake off the infuriating image of his smug face as he watched me battle with my own tongue to come up with a good comeback after he called me "mindless social media freak who's desperate to keep up with celebrities even if it means ruining her own life."

I gave up at some point and just followed behind him when the car halted in front of one "Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus" in Etiler. I have come to this part of Istanbul once to explore "Topkapi Palace" with Mahir and that was about it. I usually stick to the tourist-friendly part of town. There was a scarcity of English speakers here, with mostly locals present. Only a handful of staff I have met were fluent in English.

What struck me most about the whole place was its serenity, it wasn't as crowded as most hotels I have visited around Istanbul. The city's chaotic energy was a distant memory here. A bonus to add to that was the presence of a natural water body, I could gaze out at the ocean from my balcony and the opposite window offered a breathtaking view of a manmade lake and a stylish glass restaurant. I made a mental note to dine there before I leave.

My mood was a bit lightened after a refreshing shower and a change into cozy pajamas, though I still couldn't shake up the feeling of genuinely wanting to strangle him or strangle him some more. I prayed, performed my azkar, and lay down for a bit, collecting my thoughts. As the evening wore eight pm here, and ten pm back home, I decided it was time to call them.

I dialed Mahir knowing he was the easiest to reach and I was right, he picked up after just two rings. "What do you want?" He inquired the moment his face came into view. Of course, what he really meant was "How was the trip?" Just that he speaks more of "brother language" than "English" but thankfully, I am fluent in both.

And so I responded, "I am fine, the journey was a bit hectic but I have had worse" I yawned freely before adding "Where are your parents?"

"Dada's not home yet, your mom is upstairs. Where you at" He gestured for me to move aside so he could get a better glimpse of the room.

"I am.......at....um," I yawned again. "Mindarin somebody, I can't recall the surnames. Do you know the place?"

"Yeah, I think I do. But that's more of a locals' joint. They are pretty exclusive and hardly accept outsiders. Guess he's got some pull to get you in. Nice of him." He remained oblivious to my withering glare, too distracted by the artwork scattered around the room, a weakness of his.

"It will be nice if you shut up" I chose to air out my opinion since he didn't bother looking at me.

"Don't be a dummy, the guy's nice. You have a suite to yourself, enjoy it and do your thing. Engage him too, I mean you aren't that much to look at but you might stand a chance nonetheless." He shrugged indifferently.

"First off, I did not ask to be brought here, secondly, I do not want to engage with a guy with that much attitude. Did you see him? I have known potatoes with better personalities." I rolled my eyes.

"Really?" He arched his brows. "Do tell me more about the fascinating characters you've met in your vast experience with root vegetables"

"You are disgus....."

"Is that my heir?" Mama's dramatic voice interrupted my attempt to explain my displeasure. She was clad in her signature pajamas which was a gift from Dada that had become her go-to nighttime staple.

She pressed her face against Mahir's to fit in the screen. "Hey, young lady. I told you to call me"

"His contact was easier to reach" I shifted away from the harsh lighting that was piercing my eyes and landed on the stiff bed which made me instantly yearned for my bed. Thinking of beds.... "Please don't let anyone in my room, I have a lot of confidential files to not be messed with"