Yasak - Forbidden (A Goktug Alp/Kongar Love Story)

Chapter 27

*listen to this whilst reading this chapter...and i think that this is the end of the slowburn?*

Before Melike could answer the Sheikh's question, they were interrupted by someone's arrival. She and Edebali turned to see a rather doleful-faced Bala walking toward them with a forced smile on her face. Her father smiled at her, whilst Melike gave her a rather curt nod. She was still somewhat upset with Bala for dealing in matters she had no say in when her brother and Sumeyye were suspecting her of seeing Goktug. Bala walked over to them and stopped in front of them, and Edebali and Melike stood up out of respect. "Selam Aleykum, Sheikh'im, Melike," said Bala in a soft tone. "Aleykum Selam," said Edebali and Melike in unison. "May I join your presence here?" asked Bala. "You may, kizim," said her father kindly. "You came just in time, after good news from Osman Bey and our own." He outstretched an arm, waving it around to indicate the area.

"We will be building our dervish lodge here, for the winter," he explained. "Not only will this be a shelter for us, but a headquarters of warning. We will warn them of the coming dangers and troubles that lurk around, threatening the muslims from the physical dangers of the enemy to the dangers that lurk inside their hearts. May our path be blessed, Inshaallah." "Ameen," said Melike, Bala and the other dervishes in unison. Bala turned to Melike; "Melike, I wanted to apologise to you," she said. "I meddled in matters that only concerned your family, and was rude. Please forgive me, and give me your blessing." Melike looked at her up and down, and sighed. "You're forgiven, and you have my blessing," she said with a smile and hugged her friend kindly. Bala hugged her back, and sat down with them upon the rug and cushions on the ground.

"So, tell me, kizim," began her father, turning to his daughter. "Why did you abandon your duty and the tribe?" Bala blushed, embarrassed, and looked down. "You were supposed to be our eyes and ears there. Why did you leave?" Melike raised an eyebrow at her friend. "I see you look upset, Bala," she said softly. "Why did you lose your patience like this, did something happen?" "I'm sorry," said Bala softly, not looking up. "I th-thought I would be of better use here, and I needed a break. I wanted to do something good for myself." Her father's brow furrowed; "So...you came purely for your own good?" he asked. "Why couldn't you find that goodness in the tribe?" Melike tried to excuse herself, thinking that she should leave for the sake of their conversation. But the Sheikh raised his hand, allowing her to stay. "It's nothing like that, Baba," said Bala. "Everyone is nice...Sumeyye, Selcan Hatun, Bamsi Bey, Gunduz Bey...no one has, er...hurt me." It was obvious she was lying, and Melike narrowed her eyes at her. "Are you sure?" she asked. "And Osman?" "Yes, how is he, from your view?" asked the Sheikh. Bala shook her head, and Melike noticed that they were turning watery.

"I don't know what Osman's up to at present, Baba," she said softly. "Only those he informs know what he is doing. But I know for certain that he is not on good terms with his uncle." "Yes, Melike has told me," said the Sheikh. "Dundar Bey has given Aygul's hand in marriage to Alisar," said Bala. "They...they argued because of this....Osman doesn't want Aygul to marry Alisar." Her expression turned depressed and downcast, and Melike placed her hand on hers. "Is that why you are upset...?" she asked. Bala cleared her throat and forced a smile onto her face. "N-no, I just wanted to see my father," she said. Her father raised his eyebrow at his daughter skeptically, but his face broke into a kind smile. "Alright, let's just say that you missed me," he said with a chuckle. "I'm happy you're here, Bala'm. But..." Bala looked up, anxious at what Edebali would say. "I have never seen you give up on a duty and lose patience like this before, Bala," said her father. "It concerns me, and I believe it concerns your friend here too." Melike nodded, and turned to Bala.

"You can tell us, if you are upset, Bala," she said kindly, giving her hand a squeeze. Bala sighed, and gave in. "I just...Burcin Hatun told me that Osman is very overprotective of Aygul," she began in a quiet voice, barely within earshot. "And she told me that he would do anything for her, and protect her from marrying Alisar. And...I know that Aygul is in love with Osman." "Do you think Osman returns her feelings?" asked Edebali. "Because if you do, Bala, you have been very foolish." Bala flushed, and looked down. Melike smiled, and let out a chuckle. "Bala'm, my dear friend, Osman loves you, and only you," she said with a smile. "I've known him all my life, and I know Aygul too. He loves her, but only as a sister. I'm sure that he only wants to protect her because of that sisterly love." Bala sighed, and looked down. "I just...I just felt so jealous, especially because of Burcin's words..." "Do not pin your feelings purely on Burcin, kizim," said Edebali in a kindly yet warning voice. "Sure, her words must have hurt. But it is you who are in control of your response." Bala nodded, looking ashamed. "But...can I still stay here, Baba?" she asked timidly. "I need some time away from the tribe." Edebali nodded, a smile on his face. "Of course, my daughter," he said, and held her hand. Melike smiled at them, and stood up. "I best be going, Sheikh'im," she said. "Konur will be waiting for me."