MARRIED 'SINGLES'

AN UNNAMED RELATIONSHIP

Happy reading.....

After another episode, they decided to call it a night. Mahir shut down the TV and turned to Bela, asking her to come.

But Bela's eyes were filled with confusion and her face held an anxious expression.

Mahir immediately sat down beside her and asked, "Is something bothering you?"

She turned completely towards him, holding his t-shirt between her fingers, searching for the right words. What if he misunderstood her or something?

He lifted her chin gently and asked softly, "What happened, Sunshine?"

She looked into his eyes and said, "I'm confused."

He asked, "Confused about what?"

"Confused about something that's related to me... perhaps both of us."

He listened intently as she continued. "Mahir, I'll be honest with you. I was really happy when my sister told me she got a marriage proposal. But I'm not interested in marriage right now. I respect its value and bond, but I'm just not ready for it. I want to understand what love is first, then marry when the time comes. But before knowing anything, I don't want to be tied down to anyone. Who knows what kind of person I might end up marrying? I want to enjoy my freedom and live as I want without caring about the 'what ifs' and 'buts.' Am I crazy for thinking like this?"

Mahir looked at her, saying, "You aren't crazy, Bela. See, I also don't want to get married anytime soon. That thought scares me, and like you said, you have your concerns about a partner. It's the same for me. I really don't know what kind of life partner I want for myself. No matter how many examples we have and see in real life, everyone's life is different. Only we can decide what we want and what we can do without worrying about the 'what ifs' and 'buts.'"

Bela was shocked to learn that they had similar opinions on the subject. Then, cautiously, she said, "I want to say something if you wouldn't mind or think I'm insane."

Mahir smiled, touching her cheek. "I wouldn't mind any of your words."

Bela asked, "Why? Why wouldn't you mind any of my words?"

Mahir was stunned by her reverse question, unsure of what to say. Bela scooted closer and continued, "I've noticed your love and affection for your friends, whether male or female. But when it comes to me, it's different..."

Mahir was speechless, not expecting Bela to be so straightforward. He worried she might think he was a pervert or something if he expressed himself.

"I'm not saying you're biased towards me," she said. "But you make me feel special. I don't know if it's a normal thing for you, but for me, it's not. Because I like it... I like your attention, your care, your affection so much. I wait for the day to end just to come home and see you, spend time with you. I'm confused because it's my first time being close to a guy. I don't know what you might think if I say I want your attention only on me... I like it when you hug me affectionately, when you ask me how my day was, when you give your whole attention to me when I talk... I know I’m being unreasonable, selfish, and asking for too mu—"

Mahir stopped her by placing his index finger on her lips. She looked into his eyes.

He said softly, "You don’t have to feel guilty or anything for expecting my attention. Because my attention has been solely on you since the moment I befriended you. I understand you want a relationship where you wouldn’t have to force yourself to name it or fear anything but want support and care..."