Azize (Unfinished)

The Reunion

Adnan was awaiting to meet Kuzey for coffee at a cafe in the city. He is mentally struggling with finding the correct words to say as he awaits for Kuzey. The time reaches close for his arrival, & he looks around to see if his long-lost son was looking for the table.

Eventually, Kuzey walks in looking for Adnan sitting at the dark wooden table. He approaches him and takes a seat in front of him. Kuzey greets Adnan, awaiting for him to initiate conversation.

Adnan: "Thank you for coming, son. I ordered some coffee for you."

Kuzey nods his head as he is anxiously waiting for what comes next.

Adnan: "Kuzey, I know we have just met, but I want to be in your life. I want to know you. Please let me be a part of it?"

Kuzey sits in silence for a moment. Adnan's efforts to learn about Kuzey proved his affection for him more than Balkan ever did. If he agreed to welcoming Adnan into his life, Kuzey may actually have a loving parental figure. Not to mention, the fatherly bond that was always neglected from him.

Kuzey: "Ok. Well, I like to draw. I am very good at it and want to go to school, but my grandpa has other plants for me. I don't want what he wants. But I want to be me and follow my passions."

Adnan: "I understand, son. If you were to live with me, I will let you go to school. Whatever your heart desires. I want to be there for you."

Kuzey looks up from staring at the blank table, shocked to hear his response. No one would push Kuzey hard enough to pursue his dreams of going to an arts school, not even Yildiz.

Adnan smiles seeing that Kuzey was engaged in the conversation, noticing the sliver of hope in his eyes.

Kuzey: "I will consider it, but what about aunt Tuna? My mom Yildiz?"

Adnan: "Son, I will talk to them, do not worry. Think about it and we can discuss the matter."

Kuzey's spirit was lifted by these words. Knowing that his love for art was acknowledged enough to open the right door for him, not forced by his grandfather.

Kuzey: "Thank you, no one understands how much I want to go to school for this, rather than working with grandfather."

Adnan slightly nods his head in response. A waiter approaches with two cups of coffee & places it on the table. Both Adnan & Kuzey thank the waiter for the coffee, and enjoy Turkish coffee together as father and son.

***

In the meantime, Kartal was awaiting for updates from Kuzey about his meetup. Azize is preparing chai to drink with Kartal, as he sets his phone on the table beside him.

Kartal walks up to the kitchen and stands directly behind Azize. As she reaches for a glass to pour hot the chai into, she is surprised by Kartal as he places his arms around her waist, hugging Azize from behind. She turns around to give him a proper hug, not wanting to separate from his warm embrace. Kartal lifts his head from her shoulder to kiss her forehead.

Kartal: "Have I told you I loved you today?"

Azize: "Yes, only a hundred times."

Azize gives a slight smirk, as Kartal lets her go to pour the chai.

Kartal: "You know I will only say it a hundred more."

Azize: "And you know I will say it back."

Kartal smiles at her, knowing that even though her back was turned, the love was there.

Azize gives Kartal the hot glass of chai and grabs hers to meet him in the living room. Kartal is seated on the couch, waiting for Azize to join him. She takes a seat next to him, filling the empty space. Kartal takes a sip & sets the glass down on the table.

Kartal: "So Kuzey is having coffee with Adnan, and I told him to text me how it was going."

Azize: "Really? Hope it is going well if God is willing."

Kartal: "I'm sure he is fine, Adnan seems like a good person. I just want to make sure we take care of Kuzey... poor guy has a lot on his mind."

Azize: "I know, I can't imagine how he must be feeling."

Kartal's phone buzzes on the table. He picks it up finding a text from Kuzey.

*Kuzey*: "All is well, uncle. We are talking."

*end of text*

Kartal: "Azize, he says things are well."

Azize: "Thank goodess, so happy to hear!"

Kartal: "I'm relieved. I am glad he is able to talk to Adnan... I know Balkan was not the best father for him, or the best at all."

Azize nods her head in agreement.

Kartal: "I have been there for him when Balkan was not. I was not only his uncle, but a father to him... just to make sure he had someone watching over him."

Azize: "And you did a great job, Kuzey is very well-mannered. He even reminds me of Yigit."

Kartal: "Yigit is a good boy too, you raised him well."

Azize smiles at Kartal after hearing those words.

Azize: "Thank you, really it means a lot."

Kartal: "You are amazing, do you know that?"

Azize blushes looking at Kartal. His eyes meet with hers, filled with love & passion for the view in front of him.

Azize: "So are you, my darling."

Slowly they decrease the space between them, uniting their lips together. Kartal breaks the kiss, placing his forehead against Azize's. Kartal whispers to Azize:

Kartal: "I love you so much."

Azize: "And I love you."

They sit in silence together, taking comfort in each other's arms.

—end of chapter—