Sudden decisions

79 - The albatross and its flock

Can
Life at the estate has taken on a sweet rhythm, marked by small, precious milestones. Sanem's belly is growing by the day, and with it, my desire to make time stand out still. I often find myself watching her as she writes or prepares her creams, and slowly, I've seen her every gesture become slower, almost regal, as if she has finally realized the miracle she carries within her.

To celebrate this new equilibrium, we decided to organize a dinner; we want our home to be filled with laughter, warmth, and the presence of the people who have supported us.

"Can, are you sure there's enough food?"

I wrap my arms around her, resting my chin on her shoulder as she arranges flowers on the long wooden table in the living room.

"Evet, yes, I think it's more than enough, though I'm certain Mevkibe will bring just as much."

She turns slightly toward me, smiling.

"You're right, you know my parents by now... My mother will surely bring half the kitchen with her, you'll see!"

She wasn't wrong, and soon the evening transforms into a whirlwind of aromas, flavors, and chatter. Aziz laughs with Nihat, while Mevkibe holds court telling anecdotes about Sanem as a child. But something else soon catches my attention. Sitting next to Metin, I see him looking at Leyla in a way that is entirely new for him. I know him all too well, and his interest is far from casual; he seems almost spellbound. And Leyla, usually so composed and formal, responds to his smiles with a luminous shyness I've never seen in her before.

On the other side of the table, the situation is even more obvious. Cey Cey, caught between one panic attack and the next from sheer enthusiasm, can't seem to take his eyes off Ayhan. She watches him, amused, handing him tea with a sweetness that miraculously manages to calm him.

"Look there," I whisper to Sanem, leaning close to her ear. "I think the air in our home works miracles."

She follows my gaze, and her eyes light up.

"Metin with my sister? And Ayhan with Cey Cey? Allah Allah, Can, I can't believe it... it would be wonderful!"

Love is unpredictable and, as it turns out, when it's real, it doesn't wait. What started as a mutual liking becomes, in just a few weeks, an overwhelming passion for both couples. To me, Metin is more than a friend; he is the brother I chose, and the idea of him becoming part of Sanem's family makes me feel as if the circle is somehow closing. I can't believe we are about to become one large, grand clan. And so, two months later, I find myself in a situation I never would have imagined. I am once again on the threshold of the Aydın house, this time not as the "problematic future son-in-law," but as a spokesman.

Once we are seated in the living room, I glance from one to the other.

"Nihat Bey, Mevkibe Hanım," I begin, trying to maintain a solemn tone while Metin nervously fiddles with the edge of his jacket.

"You know that the kids have seen each other and fallen in love. Therefore, with the permission of Allah and the intercession of the Prophet, we ask for your daughter Leyla's hand for our brother Metin."

Nihat fixes a serious gaze first on me and then on Metin. The silence stretches, and I can't help but hold my breath along with my lifelong friend until a warm smile appears on my father-in-law's cheerful face.

"Evet, yes, her hand is granted. You have my blessing."

Practically everyone in the room stands up at once to congratulate the future spouses, and I don't miss the chance to be the first to hug Metin.

"Be the man she deserves, my friend, and your life will be paradise. I am so happy for you."

Right after me, Akif congratulates him, teasing him a little: