MINE (EDITED)

Chapter 28

It had been exactly a month since Muhammad and I returned from our honeymoon. Time had flown by so quickly, and last week I officially started my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps). The busy schedule meant that we only really got to spend quality time together at night or during the weekends. Thankfully, today was the weekend, and for once, we were both free with absolutely nothing planned.

To make the most of it, we decided to watch Everything, Everything. Muhammad had grumbled about how "boring" and "childish" the movie was going to be, but I stood my ground, insisting it was a beautiful story. With a sigh and a reluctant smile, he eventually gave in.

For lunch, I decided to make lasagna—something I hadn't made in a while. The kitchen, one of my favorite spots in the house, was the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. Every detail of its design was thoughtfully crafted, from the polished countertops to the modern appliances, and I often found myself lingering there, even when I didn't have much to do.

Today, though, I had a purpose. I prepared fresh lasagna sheets from scratch, and by the time I was done, the house was filled with the warm, savory aroma of melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. It smelled divine, and when I cut into the lasagna to serve it, the layers held beautifully together—a sign of success.

I plated the lasagna for both of us and popped the plates into the microwave to warm them up. While waiting, I perched comfortably on one of the stools at the kitchen island, savoring the quiet satisfaction of a meal well-made. A soft ping from the microwave broke the silence, letting me know the lasagna was ready.

Balancing the plates on a tray, along with two chilled drinks, I made my way back to the living room where I'd left Muhammad. He was sprawled out on the couch, flipping through channels but waiting for me to start the movie. As I approached, his face lit up with a smile.

As I made my way back to the living room, Muhammad's face lit up as he caught sight of the tray I was carrying.

"Have I ever told you that you're a great cook? It smells and tastes amazing," he chirped enthusiastically, already eyeing the lasagna like it was his greatest reward.

I raised a brow and smirked. "You haven't even tried it yet, and you're already saying it tastes good. But yes, you've told me that—a gazillion times," I teased as I placed the tray down and started the movie.

We were halfway through our meal, enjoying the cozy atmosphere, when the doorbell rang.

"Are you expecting someone?" I asked, glancing at Muhammad.

He shook his head. "No, are you?"

I thought for a moment. Our house had been unusually busy with guests ever since we returned from our honeymoon, but nobody had mentioned visiting today. "Nope," I replied, standing up. "Ben bir bakayım," I added instinctively in Turkish (I tend to do that a lot) and grabbed my long hijab. I had been lounging in yoga pants and a T-shirt, with my hair uncovered, so I needed to make myself presentable.

When I opened the door, I immediately rolled my eyes.

"Who's at the door?" Muhammad called from the living room.

"It's Norah," I replied, my tone light but teasing.

"Oh, okay," he responded nonchalantly.

"Hello, Layloş! You look like you're not happy to see me," Norah declared dramatically, clutching her chest like I had just broken her heart. She didn't even wait for an invitation before sauntering inside. "And by the way, I'm not here to see you. I'm here for my brother."