"The reunion"

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The sun has risen and Hünkar woke up. It was a brand new day to be grateful for. She woke up with a bright smile in her beautiful face. As always, she had already forgotten what happened yesterday. As we all know that's her nature, she knows how to get over things quickly. It is clear that she was still thinking about it, but it was no longer anything that bothered her. She erased it from her mind and assimilated everything.

Today is a very special for Hünkar, as she is hosting the 35th anniversary of the Çukurova Ladies Club. They asked her to be the hostess, for being the most influential woman in all of Çukurova. No wonder we all know that! And she inmediately agreed to it.

She and everyone else spent their day normally. As they are used to. Demir went to the office, Hünkar got busy with her chores, Züleyha sewing and Adnan playing along Haminne.

It is already night and everyone was in their rooms getting dressed. Hünkar on the other hand, was a little indecisive while looking at all the dresses she has, not knowing which one to choose for this evening. Suddenly, her eyes captivated a dress. It was a long red silk dress with long sleeves, it shone from the silky it was, it had a perfect finish and it was made just for her, with a vintage touch and at the same time an elegant touch. It was perfect for the occasion, since she was going to be the center of attention.

[She took the dress and got dressed, then got out of her dresser. She began to choose her accessories.]
She chose her diamond ring and to accompany them she chose matching diamond earrings. She chose to put a ruby brooch on her dress. Then she put on a very simple but charming necklace. Finally, she chose black heels to wear, not so big but not so small and not so thick but not so light either.
[She did a few finishing touches, like hairstyle and makeup. She decided to wear a medium red lipstick, which would steal the show.]

[Demir was waiting downstairs for her mother when suddenly, he saws her coming down the stairs. He was speechless.]
Demir: Anne! You- are looking absolutely stunning.
Hünkar: Ahh ahh Demir! Thank you very much.
[Demir kisses her.]
Demir: I mean, just look at you!
Hünkar: And look at you. How handsome huh!
You are looking very good this evening too.
[Whispers to him.] After all, whose son are you?
Demir: Come, Züleyha is already waiting in the car for us.
[They sat in the car and drove straight to the club.]

[They arrived to the club and went inside.]
As soon as they entered, they were received with much respect and great admiration.
But they all laid their eyes on the lady of the night, Hünkar. Everyone was speechless to see her wearing her red silk dress, which perfectly marked her body. Her style and elegance added more attention. No one could believe how beautiful Yaman Hanim looked. They all already knew her for her beauty too, but she stole the evening completely with her look.

Later on, it was time to address the celebration. Hünkar as the hostess, was about to give a speech, of course written by the members of the club.
[Hünkar started her speech. She thanked the people for attending the invitation, she also said the importance of this club and how it plays an important role in their day to day, etc.]
Her speech also included something else, to mention someone who was about to make an entry to the club's celebration.
[She proceeded.]
Hünkar: I have been asked to mention someone who has made a large donation to the club and who is the special guest of the party.
[She then says.]
Hünkar: So, ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together to receive the special guest of the evening.
[She starts to read the name.]
Hünkar: Mr. Ali- [stops.] Rahmet...[again stops and looks disturbed.] Fe- [sighs.] Fekeli.
[She starts to look around and finally, got to see him.]

She could not believe it. Her eyes couldn't believe it. It was him. After so many years, he had returned and was facing her, heading towards her. She couldn't move, it was as if her soul had left her body. It was impossible for her to believe it. It was as if her world had frozen.

And as he heads towards the stage, their gazes collide. She couldn't stop looking at him, she was completely gone. He was staring at her too, it was like he didn't want this to end. She felt for a moment that everything around her didn't exist. It was just him and her. How long had she waited for this moment? She does not know. But surely she was not prepared to face him. So she decided to stay on the sidelines and very calm as always.

[Ali Rahmet went up on stage and extended his hand. Offering her a handshake.]
Ali Rahmet: Thank you very much Yaman Hanim.
[Still his hand waiting for the handshake.]
Hünkar was hesitating a bit. She didn't know what to do!
She seemed upset and a little disgusted. Rather, surprised.
[She slowly extended her hand and shook hands with him. And only nod her head without saying a word.]

The party continued a while longer, and he was still there, trying to approach her. She, on the other side, trying not to get close to him and avoiding colliding glances with him. His presence didn't matter to her but it was a little uncomfortable. And not  only for her, rather for Demir.
She knew that Demir could not bear to listen to his name let alone his presence.

After a while, Demir couldn't take it anymore. And he decided to go home. On the way home, he seemed upset with his mother. Something bothered him and he wanted to ask.
[Demir broke the silence and asked to Hünkar.]
Demir: Anne.
Hünkar: Hmm?
Demir: Why did you shake hands with him?
[Hünkar rolls her eyes.]
Hünkar: Demir, don't start.
Demir: Tell me!
Hünkar: Ya lütfen! Stop asking. Why should I explain a simple handshake to you huh?
Demir: Ama..[she interrupts him.]
Hünkar: No ifs, no buts. I don't want to discuss this, alright!? Is that clear? No one will mention this. Especially you.
Demir: [sighs.]

They got home and each kept silent. They all went to their respective bedrooms after saying goodbye and saying good night.

Meanwhile, Hünkar changed her clothes and sat down in her bed. Once again, it was her with her thoughts.
She still couldn't believe it, that she had met him after 20 years. And not only had she met him, but they also shook hands.
She wondered why he shook my hand. Perhaps he has no shame. After what happened between my family and him, how dared such an act?
But she was also wondering, why DID SHE shake his hand too? She found no answers. She didn't know what had prompted her. Something made her do that. She did it because it came out naturally from her and not because of pressure. Maybe that's why she couldn't give Demir an answer either.
[She was remembering the moment when they shook hands. A flashback.]
But something was more than clear to her, that after waiting for this moment, she finally confronted him. Of course, she didn't said a word. But her eyes said more than words. Her eyes clearly reflected what was she feeling, her eyes gave her away. How surprising was this moment for her? She couldn't believe it yet. Everything happened so fast that she didn't even had to assimilate it. It just happened.
But after all, she couldn't get THE REUNION out of her mind.

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