Kara Sevda - After Goodbye

After Goodbye - Part 3

Efsane knocked on the door and they looked at each other in panic.

"In the bathroom," whispered Nihan.

Kemal moved into the bathroom without hesitating and listened as Nihan opened the door.

"I brought you some dinner," said Efsane, putting the tray down on the table.

Nihan thanked her and she left.

Kemal waited until he heard the door close and the sound of the lock. Then he peeked out of the bathroom and stepped back out into her room.

Nihan blushed as she realised what he was holding. She'd hung his shirt on the back of the door.

"What's this?" asked Kemal.

He could tell it was his shirt and wondered how Nihan had it.

"I....borrowed it...this morning," stammered Nihan.

Kemal could smell the scent of her perfume on the material and he smiled.

"Okay, you can borrow it," he said with a chuckle as he put it back where he found it and stepped back into the room.

"Have some dinner," he said, indicating to the tray.

"I'm not hungry," said Nihan, shaking her head.

"You're not but the baby might be," said Kemal.

Nihan sighed. "You're right. It's not the baby's fault my life has fallen apart and I can't eat," she said.

"Why has your life fallen apart?" asked Kemal.

"I am not living, I haven't lived since our last day together. I am imprisoned, I'm a prisoner in my own home. I had so much hope that we'd escape but then Emir found me and hope was gone again. I just want to live with you Kemal, I want to spend every day with you. I've been robbed of so many years already. I love you so much," said Nihan tearfully.

Kemal managed a smile but said nothing. He stroked her hair gently and she suddenly launched herself at him, kissing him. He was surprised but didn't stop her, unable to deny himself the pleasure of her kisses. His arms moved around her, holding her close and it was many moments before she slowly pulled away. Her eyes on his, she silently pleaded with him to say something, anything that would take her fear away.

"Nihan, I love you, that hasn't changed. Please stop worrying. We'll find a way, we'll fight, we'll fight to be together. I never want to see you crying the way you were the other night. It kills me to see you cry, don't you know that? I love you so much and seeing you hurting kills me," said Kemal.

His hand stroked her cheek, the feel of her soft skin under his fingertips calmed him. Nihan touched his hand as he did so and reached out to touch his skin. She traced his jaw, the outline of his lips and briefly touched her lips to his again.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "For being you, for being my Kemal, for loving me still."

Kemal kissed her forehead tenderly. "And thank you for being my Nihan," he said.

Nihan smiled, pulling him into a tight hug and then glanced at the tray on the table.

"Will you have dinner with me?" she offered.

Kemal chuckled. "As long as you eat," he said.

Nihan sat down and took the cover off the tray, Kemal sitting beside her. They had the dinner together and then Nihan briefly left her room to return the tray to the kitchen before once again locking the door. Kemal had kept out of sight while the door was unlocked.

"You should get some rest, it's late," said Kemal.

"You want to leave," said Nihan.

"I have to. Please get some rest," said Kemal.

Nihan sighed and got ready for bed. Kemal smiled as she came out of the bathroom, looking cute in her pyjamas.

He tucked her into bed, smoothing her hair tenderly.

"Get some sleep," he said, caressing her cheek.

"Please don't go," said Nihan.

"I'll see you tomorrow," said Kemal, walking to her sliding door and carefully looking outside.

"Please stay with me, please," said Nihan sadly.

Kemal hesitated and turned back to face her.

"What am I to do with you Nihan? How can I disappoint you? You know the danger of being here together, you know it," said Kemal.

"Please," said Nihan pleadingly.

"Come on then, let's go to my house. It's safer than here," said Kemal finally.

Nihan sat up happily, putting on a coat and taking a change of clothes with her. The two of them sneaked out of her room, silently closing the sliding door behind them. Creeping carefully around the garden, Nihan slipped her hand through his and he glanced at her. Making it outside the side gate, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

Nihan didn't let go of his hand and he allowed her to hold it, enjoying the feeling of her hand in his. Getting into the house, Kemal quickly locked up and lowered the shutters.

"You can have the room," said Kemal, leading her into his bedroom.

"You won't stay with me?" asked Nihan, giving him a sad look.

Kemal kissed her forehead softly.

"Alright, come get some sleep," he said.

He tucked her in and got ready for bed himself. Then he got into bed beside Nihan who immediately snuggled closer in his arms.

"I love you so much," she murmured.

"I love you so much," said Kemal.

Nihan moved slightly to look at his face, reaching out to caress his cheek. She placed a quick kiss on his lips.

"Nihan," he murmured.

"What are we doing wrong?" asked Nihan.

Her eyes were bright in the low light of the room. He realised she was happy, she was still his mischievous Nihan, the woman who had made him laugh with her antics from the moment he'd met her. He chuckled softly.

"Nothing, we're doing nothing wrong," he responded.

Nihan smiled, kissing him again softly.

"I love you," she murmured.

"I love you too," he said with a smile.

Nihan happily snuggled closer, closing her eyes.