• • •

" I think we should date"

A voice came making me glance upwards. My eyes landing on a forest of green before me. A small smile formed on my lips as I wiped my hands from the clay and now stood in front of the man.

Arching an eyebrow at him. I found myself observing the man before me; seeing him dressed in a white top with navy blue jeans and a leather jacket. He was definitely out to impress someone today.

" Oh do we now Kenan?"

I asked taking my gardening gloves off and placing them on the small box near the garden. Walking towards the backyard patio my eyes immediately landed on the swing underneath the tree.

" As much as I want to. I don't think Moustafa will let me. Besides your boy here has caught someone" Kenan spoke as I sat down on the swing seeing him sit on the stairs to the treehouse.

Just the sound of his name made my insides clench. It had almost been one month since the accident. Almost a month since I had come back home and during that whole time. He hardly ever spoke. Hardly ever came in to the room, to which Esma was very pleased but somehow I felt lonely. Until I took an unlikely kinship with Kenan and Mirya and we often found ourselves in the garden planting or cutting the grass, now that the weather was slightly getting warmer.

I didn't quite know the right word to describe how I truly felt. I was lost, then again we all were. So instead of trying to figure it out. I ignored it as much as I could.

I was now getting used to Esma's taunts and glares from Murat.

It was strange, from growing up in mansions and having everyone at the snap of your finger to living in the mountains in an unknown land.

There is no denying that the house, well, villa that Moustafa called his home was magnificent. Yet it was missing something. Something which I didn't quite know.

Love

" Hello! Earth to Farya"

A voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Looking up to Kenan I gave him a sheepish smile seeing the man roll his eyes.

" You make it sound like you found a fish Kenan, that's not a way to a girls heart"

I spoke standing up, all the whilst looking at him seeing the man imitate taking notes down, before he wiped fake sweat from his forehead.

Taking a step back I felt strong hands on my shoulders making me gasp feeling a warm breath fan across my neck.

" Then, what is a way to a girls heart?"

A deep voice spoke making shivers run down my spine. I could feel my knees weaken as I felt warm lips lightly touch my neck. Making me gasp and move away, just to be pulled back by strong arms.

" Kenan?"

" So the way to a girls heart is, Kenan?"

Moustafa spoke beside me as I found my body being turned making my eyes widen. Landing on the grey ones before me.

" N-no?" I whispered seeing his eyes soften as he stared at me. His face tilting a little. Almost as if he was staring at a portrait, trying to retrace every detail.

" Then Farya, what is it" He spoke, a hint of smile in his eyes making me breath in sharply. My gaze flashing from his eyes towards his stubble and his lips. Looking downwards, he sported a black suit as he held on to my arms. Giving it a small squeeze.

" A double date"

A voice snapped besides us making me look towards Kenan. Seeing a bright smile on his face.

" I'm sorry what?" I asked seeing Kenan roll his eyes at me before standing right in front of me.

" You and Moustafa and me and my mystery girl should go on a double date. Tonight. Please say yes Farya. Don't worry about your husband, if he doesn't want to come. You've always got me" He sent me a flirty wink causing Moustafa hold to tighten on me.

Moving from the two men I shook my head and started walking towards the house feeling them both hot on my heel.

" I'm not going anywhere. I have so many things to do"

" Yeah like what? Playing chess with Mirya and staying in your room all day" Kenan spoke as a matter of factly making my stomach turn. The words causing my heart to sting more than it should.

I remember the days with Nourie and Agha and how Deniz would persuade Agha to let us go outside for Homework and how we'd then spend the day roaming around Istanbul. Trying to find the best spot and Cafe's.

" Yeah Kenan, just that" I spoke entering the house before taking my shoes off. Inhaling sharply, I tried to calm my nerves before turning around just to smack right in to Moustafa. Seeing his grey eyes darkened.

" There's more to you than that" He suddenly spoke before looking at Kenan and nodding at him.

" We're coming"

" Does Farya?"

He winked causing Moustafa to glare at the man. Staring confused at the two, I could see Kenan clear his throat awkwardly before he walked out of the house. Leaving me all alone with Moustafa.

Oh god

Striding towards the stairs, I walked slowly trying not to cause too pressure on my stomach and ribs. I had a burnt specialist that came twice a week with Layla and surprisingly, it was healing pretty quick. The redness from the burn was dying away and even if there was a scar across my ribs. I was happy it was healing.

" Haven't I told you to stay away from her, Mirya"

A voice spoke from one of the rooms making me tense. Halting in my tracks I could hear Mirya small voice protest before Esma's familiar voice spoke again.

" Your uncle Moustafa senses will soon come when she leaves. Now go"

Esma's voice spoke as I felt my body numb, as if I had been drenched. Glancing over my shoulder my eyes landed ontowards Moustafa, now walking up the stairs. His grey eyes landing on mine in question.

I could feel my breathing hitch, the words replaying in my mind again and again. Looking away from the man, I reached the top of the stairs before walking towards the familiar door.

Pushing it open, a sense of security washed over me as I glanced around the simple yet elegant bedroom.

Glancing around my refuge I felt my eyes landing on Roshan's photo seeing his blue eyes stare at me making me smile. My heart skipping a beat.

" You finally found your way back"

I spoke lightly glancing towards Moustafa seeing him lean on his desk as he glanced at me.

" I mean to this - place"

" I did"

He spoke as I sat down on the bed. Reaching towards the night stand, I held on to my cream knowing I needed to apply it soon, already feeling the burning sensation on my skin.

Walking towards the bathroom, I closed the door behind me before lifting the beige top upwards seeing the white dressing. Slowly reaching towards it, I picked at the folds feeling the dressing pool around my waist.

Biting back a hiss my fingers gently massaged on the cream before applying new dressing.

I was surprised to find Moustafa sitting on the bed, this time. Deep in thoughts. Then again, he seemed to be doing that quite a lot lately.

Ironically it was the first time we were together in our room after a month. Glancing upwards at the clock, I knew I needed to get a move on. Imaam Mebarak and his wife would be expecting me soon.

It became our routine. Everyday around two I'd visit Imaam Mebarak and his wife; and whilst the elderly man taught children I'd keep Aslie some company. Sometimes she'd even give me some recipes and I'd find myself cooking with her- well more like following instructions.

Staying with them reminded me that there was happiness left in the world. You just have to be lucky enough to see it.

Shaking my thoughts away, I walked towards the wardrobe finding a maroon coat. Even though the weather was changing, the chilly air still lingered around. Wrapping a scarf around my neck I walked towards the bedroom door, once all ready.

Stopping for a minute. I glanced over my shoulder seeing Moustafa stare intently at a file he was reading. Most of the writing was in turkish which made it hard to understand.

A pang of hurt fluttered through me realising Moustafa didn't glance my way, or even ask where I was going. Then again, he didn't need to and I shouldn't be feeling this way.

Walking out of the bedroom and down the stairs. I found myself glancing towards Elif who was reading a book intently. Her large doe like eyes glancing over each word.

The door suddenly opened as Murat walked inside the room. His eyes glancing around till they landed on Elif and the man who was a monster suddenly relaxed a little. His eyes flickering over the woman before him, who was lost in her own world.

Looking away from the two, I walked down the hall and towards the main door feeling eyes land on me and it didn't take a genius to know Murat was looking at me.

" You need to stop visiting Imaam's house. The men from the mosque will talk" He spoke bitterly making me look at him. Anger slowly burning through me.

" Don't the man from the mosque have anything better to do"

I spoke back seeing surprise flash through his face, and surprise filling me as well at the fact that I answered back. I never did.

" Watch what you say woman. Or else"

" Or else what Murat?"

A dark voice came from the stairways making Murat tense. Glancing upwards, I felt my eyes landing on Moustafa walking down the stairs. Sporting a long black coat.

Biting on my lower lip in nervousness, I could see the man now stand next to his brother. His grey eyes swarming with a storm.

" Moustafa, it's enough that the entire district knows you've married her. Now that she visits the Imaam's house. All the men are talking about Moustafa's Wife"

He spat hateful. His cold words making my body tense. Glancing towards Moustafa, I felt my breathing halting seeing a dark smirk on his face as he stared at his brother.

" Yes Murat. Anyone has a problem with Moustafa's wife, speak to me. Tell the men they know where to find me"

The man spoke as he glared at his brother who looked as if he could kill me. I could see Esma walk down the stairs making me groan eternally.

Great, this is just what I need.

Turning around, I found myself walking out of the house feeling the cool air rush through me. The lingering scent of fire and freshly cooked tea running past me. Closing my eyes for a split moment. I felt the air rush through my hair, the overwhelming feeling of freedom clawing through me.

The moment was broken as I heard loud voices behind making me open them again. Realising freedom isn't given so easily.

Fastening the coat buttons, I found myself walking down the patio and towards the small road.

It's ironic, having thousands coming to me I wasn't able to get a hold of any of it. Roshan had done all he could, leaving me all his shares. Yet the saddest part was, I owned 50% of the share but couldn't retrieve them because my mother owned the remaining 50%. Even though the money was going to my bank account, it was frozen.

Deniz swore up and down the place saying we could take legal actions against them; but to be honest. I didn't want their money. I didn't want anything from them.

Too lost in my thoughts, I didn't realise a black car stopping beside me. Jumping a little in shock, I felt my eyes landing on grey ones before me.

Opening the car door, Moustafa stared at me. Waiting for me to get in, and a part of me wanted to disobey him and walk but the cold was a little overbearing and the last thing I needed was to get sick again.

Knowing he wouldn't budge, I walked a little further before stepping inside the car and sitting next to Moustafa.

Reaching towards the heater, he placed it on causing the car to warm up immediately.

Nothing was said as the man started driving, yet not to our destination making me look at him.

" Where are you going. I need to go to Imaam's house-"

" I know but that's not where I want to go" He spoke as he took a sharp. Closing my eyes, I tried calming my breathing.

" Moustafa stop. They're expecting me" I spoke as the man continued driving making me groan and run a hand through my hair in frustration.

" Farya! Zip it"

Moustafa spoke making me glare at him as he continued driving. Reaching towards the radio, the car was suddenly filled with turkish music as the man causally tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.

" Farya, you glaring isn't going to make me drop you off at Imaam's house" He spoke making realisation suddenly dawn on me. Of course he wasn't going to let me go there anymore. I was becoming the talk of the town.

" You could just say I can't go there. Why give me a tour of the black sea" I spoke softly seeing his eyes snap towards me. A dark look flashing in them making me look away. Feeling my throat clog up.

" I didn't say you can't go Farya"

Moustafa suddenly said as the car stopped in front of the large market. Parking the car, I felt his eyes land on me making my breathing hitch.

" I won't stop you from something that makes you happy. Ever"

He spoke before stepping out of the car. Reaching towards my end, he opened the door making me glance at him slowly, at loss for words. Stepping out of the car, Moustafa took the lead as he walked further in to the open market causing a few people to look at us. Their whispers reaching my ears.

" Why are we here?" I asked softly as the man looked at me, a hint of smile on his face before he shook his head and continued walking.

Glancing around, my eyes flickered across goods of every kind. Hearing the owners shout for their lowest bid. A warm hand suddenly reached towards mine, as I felt Moustafa hold our hands. Our fingers entwining.

Glancing over his shoulder I could see the man give me a soft smile making my heart warm up. The world around us stopping for that split second, in the middle of the market.

Tugging my hand softly, the man walked out of the open market and towards a street of shops. Looking around, I felt my eyebrows furrowing.

" Come on" Moustafa spoke as I felt his hand leave mine, the sudden feeling making my heart skip a beat. Walking towards a small cafe, he walked inside as he greeted an elderly man near the till.

" Casim how are you?" Moustafa spoke, greeting the older man who suddenly had this cute grin on his face. As if he was overwhelmed at Moustafa's presence.

" Moustafa my boy! I'm well. Please come and sit. Someone get two tea" Casim spoke, before calling out for one of his workers. Leading us towards a small table. I could feel the elderly man looking at me curiously. Moustafa must have noticed as he nodded at the man.

" Casim, this is my wife. Farya"

Moustafa introduced as I smiled at the elderly man, who returned the gesture and stood up. Probably to bring our tea which he had called for.

" I found this place when I was fifteen. I'd come here every evening. Casim was the first one I met, that day" Moustafa recalled as Casim came towards us with a tray of tea and some cakes.

" Casim elder, have you prepared the order?" Moustafa asked the older man with salty white beard, who in return nodded eagerly and rushed towards the back.

" What order?" I asked seeing the man easily reach towards his red tea and take a sip of it. Leaving me in the dark again.

Knowing he wasn't about to spill his darkest secret. I glanced down at the coffee and walnut cake finding myself take a bite. Resisting the urge to moan at how tasty it was, my eyes immediately flickered towards Moustafa seeing his gaze trained on me. His eyes darkening before he cleared his throat and looked away.

Okay then

" Here's your order. Freshly out of the oven" Casim spoke as he walked with a white box in his hands making me wonder what Moustafa had ordered.

Standing up, Moustafa took the box off Casim before thanking him. Giving the man his money, Moustafa looked at me. As if he was waiting for me, which in a way he was.

" Thank you for doing it on short notice. Farya" Moustafa spoke making me give Casim a kind smile before walking out of the cafe and in to the busy streets.

Walking next to Moustafa, the man looked ahead of him. A calming silence falling on us despite all the noise from the market.

Reaching the car, Moustafa placed the box at the back before sitting on his side whilst I took a seat at the front with him.

My mind suddenly went blank for a short moment. As if a wave of thoughts had clenched me. I was fully aware of Moustafa starting the car and driving down the road. Yet I was too lost in my thoughts, to realise where we were going.

Out of habit, my fingers trailed towards the necklace around my neck. The shape of a crescent now laying against my chest.

Roshan

" What did Murat say to you?" Moustafa spoke making me snap out of my thoughts, my fingers still holding the small crescent. Furrowing my eyebrows, I glanced at Moustafa unable to say anything to him.

What was I supposed to say? And would he even believe me over his brother?

" Nothing"

I spoke, faking a smile seeing his jaw clench as he continued driving. I could see his knuckles tightening against the steering wheel, and his eyes turning stormy making my breathing hitch.

" Are you sure, Farya" He spoke, my name being emphasised making me nod. Knowing if I remained quiet he wouldn't be able to catch my lie.

" Moustafa"

" Hmm?"

The man looked at me, as I glanced down at my hands. Feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden.

" That day- in the hospital. I didn't mean everything I said" I murmured seeing him look at me briefly before nodding his head and continuing driving.

" I thought I lost you"

He suddenly confessed as he took a sharp breath, his eyes focused on the road. And even though he was the one speaking. I found myself speechless.

" It wouldn't matter anyway" I whispered softly seeing him give out a dark chuckle, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

" You're too naive Farya" He spoke as he suddenly stopped the car making me look upwards. My eyes widening. A sudden overwhelming feeling clawed down my body as I stared ahead of me.

He brought me to the beach.

Biting on to my lower lip in nervousness. I felt a surge of butterflies float through my stomach as I reached towards the door and opened it. Almost like a child, I found myself running down the stairs and towards the sand feeling the cold air rush past me.

Closing my eyes tightly. It almost felt like the wind was embracing me, even if I was on foreign lands. It still greeted me, as if I had finally found my way back.