• • •

There was silence. Complete silence as we walked from the beach. The cool air hitting against our faces, reminding us of a much simpler times.

The sun had retreated allowing the stars to light the sky. Each corner I glanced at, sparkled with bright light, almost as if it was guiding me home.

Home

" Farya"

A voice called out making me look upwards, my eyes landing on the grey ones before me. I could feel a faint smile on my lips seeing the man look at me. His eyes narrowing a little as if he was trying to figure something out.

" Yes, Moustafa?" I replied back with ease, seeing the man reach his hand out. Extending it to mine, and I glanced at it for a few moments before placing mine in his. Feeling the man pull me upwards from the steps and now, next to him.

His strong cologne whiffed past my nose making me inhale sharply. A warm kind of feeling swarming my stomach.

What was happening to me?

" Come on. We're getting late" The man spoke making me nod and follow after him. Needless to say the moment I sat in the car, in was thankful for the heating. Despite loving the cold chilly air. The last thing I wanted was to fall sick again from the weather.

I could see Moustafa start the car as he reversed it before driving down the road. Silence suddenly engulfed us, and I felt my eyes flicker towards the man beside me.

He was handsome yet there was something about him I couldn't quite place my finger on. He smiled yet there was a hidden meaning in his eyes. He'd look but it's almost as if he was searching for something.

He was an enigma that I couldn't solve.

" Thank you" I spoke glancing down at my hands feeling his eyes land on me. Looking upwards,I gave the man a faint smile seeing his eyes soften before he focused back on the road.

" For what?"

" For bringing me here, to the beach"

I answered seeing him nod yet he remained silent and somehow the silence gave me strength as I spoke. Hearing my voice echoing across the car.

" Why are you so kind to me?"

I suddenly blurted out and immediately regretted my words. Internally face palming myself I realised Moustafa showed no reaction as he continued driving. As if nothing had happened.

" You've done no wrong Farya"

He answered back and I realised he wasn't in the mood to have a heart to heart and so instead I remained quiet for the rest of the journey. Occasionally looking out of the window and at the passing trees.

Moustafa drove the car on a familair road and I felt my eyes snapping towards the house we were now parked next to.

" Why are we here?" I asked, seeing Moustafa take the keys out before he reached towards the door and stepped out.

" We're here to see Imaam Mebarak and his wife" Moustafa spoke as I too stepped out of the car and followed the man. I could see him holding the box from earlier, the one Casim had given him and despite my dying curiosity I didn't question him.

Standing outside the door, Moustafa knocked on it lightly and with the third knock we were greeted to Imaam Mebarak opening the door.

" Moustafa, Farya! What a lovely surprise. Please come in" Imaam Mebarak spoke as we stepped inside the familiar cottage. Slipping my shoes off, I was greeted to the scent of freshly cooked tea.

Walking inside the main room, I felt my eyes landing on Aslie seated near the fire place. A black scarf tied around her hair. The woman suddenly looked at me, a bright smile on her face making my heart warm up.

" Farya my daughter! How lovely to see you here" The woman spoke as I walked towards her, kissing her hands in respect before giving her hug, hearing the woman laugh.

" My beautiful daughter. Look at you. You're more prettier by the day" Aslie spoke making me blush and smile at the woman.

Moustafa walked towards Aslie as he greeted her, by kissing her hands and she patted his head slowly.

Sitting next to Aslie, I felt my eyes land on Moustafa who sat beside Imaam Mebarak. The two falling in to a conversation.

" I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier" I spoke sadly looking towards Aslie who shook her head and gave me a warm smile.

" No worries my love. I know you have your home, and your husband to look after. One day you'll have children as well"

Aslie spoke as she held my hand in hers and I could feel my neck warming at the sound of her words. Glancing upwards, I felt Moustafa eyes on me. An emotionless look was across his face yet there was a storm in his eyes. A storm I dared not to venture towards.

" Layla is covering the night shifts today or else she'd be happy to see you here. She was asking about you " Aslie spoke and we fell in to an easy conversation. Venturing in to every topic, till it landed on Hamza.

" Elif is quite young. Moustafa, have you asked if she wants to marry again?" Imaam spoke respectfully and I could see Moustafa body language change as he, sat upwards a little before he glanced at Imaam.

" I haven't Imaam. She's young and if she wishes to re-marry we will fully support her" Moustafa spoke making me glance downwards.

" This rivalry has gone on for too long Moustafa. Habib and Tayib shouldn't have started it. Now look at how everyone is still suffering from them"

Aslie spoke and I could feel my heart beat accelerate all of a sudden as I glanced upwards at the woman. At loss for words. Habib.That was my grandfather. Surely they weren't talking about him

" Habib?"

I whispered but it was enough for Aslie to hear as she looked towards me. Nodding her head.

" Ye-"

" Aslie that's enough"

Imaam Mebarak suddenly spoke. Staring pointedly at his wife who looked down and sighed. There was an eerie silence across the room as I felt the wheels in my head turn. Trying to match any dots together yet I got nowhere.

It felt as though I was trapped in maze surrounded by walls I couldn't break. Looking upwards at Moustafa, the man gave me an uncertain look before he cleared his throat.

" Farya felt bad for not coming so- we bought you a little present to thank you for everything"

Moustafa spoke as he stood up and walked towards the table where he had placed the box. Handing it towards Imaam Mebarak, the man smiled at him in thankfulness whilst I stared at Moustafa in awe.

" We should really get going. It's getting pretty late"

" Of course. Thank you for coming and if possible would you come round during the weekend. Layla as you know is engaged and we were looking for you to construct her house"

Imaam spoke as he stood up with Moustafa and I followed their actions. Looking towards at Aslie in question, the woman spoke clearing my confusion.

" Oh Farya I didn't mention. Layla is getting married soon. To Zubaira a very hardworking man, you'll meet him on Saturday. Moustafa bring our daughter here as well"

Aslie spoke giving Moustafa a pointed look who in return nodded and smiled at the older woman. Greeting the two farewell, I found myself back in the car this time, the silence was washed away by some music. Which I couldn't quite understand.

" Moustafa, what was Aslie talking about earlier?" I asked looking towards the man who shrugged and stared ahead.

" I'll tell you someday " Was his reply making me groan and look away from him. Why won't they tell me. It's like they magically expect me to know things I have no clue of.

" Elder Ali once said ' We killed theirs as well'. Who did they kill?" I whispered looking towards the man seeing his jaw tighten as his gripped on to the steering wheel.

" Farya enough! Drop it"

Moustafa spoke darkly making me stiffen, my breathing halting for that split second as he glared at me. His eyes darkening.

" I-I'm sorry" I murmured seeing the man pull towards a familiar driveway and the once feeling of peace suddenly flew away. Inhaling a sharp breath, I mentally readied myself for the scene ahead.

" Farya there are a lot of things you don't know. Matters that are best to remain in the dark" He spoke softly making me glance over my shoulder and nod towards him. Unable to say anything else.

" Why does it sometimes feel Moustafa, that its too good to be true" I spoke and he knew exactly to whom I was referring yet he remained silent and as did I.

Walking out of the car the cool chill suddenly rushed past my body making shivers bubble my flesh. Holding the coat a little tighter, I stared at Moustafa opening the door before he looked towards me.

" Come on"

He spoke holding the door open making me rush towards him. Walking past, I felt his strong arms reach towards my waist. The side of my profile hitting his hard chest.

Gasping in surprise, my eyes flickered towards him in question, and I immediately regretted the action realising we were only inches apart.

" Farya-" He breathed, his face touching the side of my jaw. His stubble making my skin tickle a little.

" Mhm" I whispered a little dizzy from our closeness, and I could him smile against my skin. My eyes widened feeling his teeth graze against my jaw.

" Moustafa son is that you?"

A loud voice suddenly spoke as I felt the man beside me tense before he cleared his throat and moved away. Letting go of my hand, I felt his fingers linger for a while before he took a step forward just in time for a tall built man to walk out of the room and now in the hallway.

The first thing I saw was salty grey hair as the man remained the same height as Moustafa. Standing behind him, I took a step to the side taking in the stranger's figure.

With a built figure, the man before me had greying beard and dark green eyes that reminded me all too well of someone.

" Uncle Burak how are you?" Moustafa spoke greeting the man who patted him on the back. His green eyes flashing at me for a split moment before they focused on Moustafa again.

" It's all the grace of God! I was getting worried thinking where you'd be but I see the young lady has occupied your time" The man spoke, in what was meant to be a pleasent manner.

Moustafa nodded before he looked at me. His eyes softening making heat trail past mg cheeks. Remembering hid little action from earlier.

" This is Farya-"

" Oh yes, Kenan has told me all about you" The man spoke making me nod and smile at him. Unsure exactly what to say.

" Are you planning on staying outside. Come in. You must be freezing"

The older man spoke making me take my coat off and hang it on the hook. Walking towards Moustafa, he handed me his coat making me smile at him, as he leaned in a little.

" Greet our guests. If you want you can stay" Moustafa spoke yet I knew there was an underlying meaning to his words and despite not saying it clearly. I knew he too remembered the second day of our marriage.

" Okay"

I said, inhaling in a breath, I ran my hand through my hair before down my clothes, I found myself walking inside the room to be greeted with a sight of almost ten people.

My throat suddenly clogged as I glanced from Elif to Kenan and then towards Murat. Gradually my eyes lingered towards Esma sitting next to a woman in her late forties who looked to be an exact replica of Elif. And from the woman i stared at another man who looked to be in his early fifties sitting beside a younger man who looked awfully a lot like Kenan.

" Speak of the dark cloud"

A voice muttered yet I didn't need a confirmation of who it was. Instead I went towards the woman beside Esma and greeted her, and then towards the man next her.

" It's lovely to meet you" I suddenly spoke seeing the older couple give me a bitter look making my heart drop.

" And it must be. Oh Lord, I pray for justice. What they did, may the same thing happen to them" Esma spoke raising her hands upwards making my breathing hitch. I could feel my hands turn cold and my legs shake a little. Unable to support itself. The feeling of happiness from earlier washing away

" Aunt Esma just so you know. Allah doesn't accept prayers that harm others"

Kenan spoke in a matter of fact manner and I don't think he realised that he had voiced his thoughts as he suddenly stiffened. His face paling, clearing his throat he placed his tea on the table and glanced around nervously.

" Dina my home is yours. My sorrow is yours. This boy, that I've raised. The boy who carried hamza on his shoulder married his killers daughter. I've been shamed by the community, by the country" Esma spoke sorrowful as I felt my eyes suddenly blur with tears. My throat clogging up.

" I have nothing left. All I pray to God is, that this witch drops dead or kills herself like her druggie brother -"

" Farya have you seen my phone-"

A voice suddenly spoke as I found myself glancing over my shoulder seeing Moustafa walk inside the room.

It was as though someone had slapped him across the face as his features tensed. His jaw tightening.

Assessing the scene before him, the man took a step inside the room almost as if he had stepped inside a parallel universe.

Clearing my throat, I shook my head unable to say anything. Not bothering to turn around, I found myself walking out of the room feeling all eyes trained on me, just for Moustafa hand to reach towards mine. Stopping my movements.

" Moustafa..please" I whispered hoarsley seeing the man shake his head. His eyes widening with unspeakable anger.

" Let go please" I pleaded quietly seeing something flash within his eyes before he released his hold.

" How long will you run?" He suddenly spoke making me glance down, unable to say anything.

" As long as I live"

" You're not going anywhere Farya. Sit down"

Moustafa commented in a harsh tone making my eyes widen. Not accustomed to his anger. Glancing downwards at my hand, my eyes flickered towards his for a brief moment as he indicated to the empty seat.

I could have easily disagreed with him and walked out of the room but something within told me to stay. How long will I run from these people.

Inhaling a sharp breath, I took a seat on the empty couch opposite Kenan and Elif. I could feel Moustafa sit next to me making the atmosphere in the room even more tense.

" Your uncle and I couldn't make it to your wedding- in fact we didn't know until quite recently" The lady, Dina spoke in a soft tone making Moustafa nod and forge a smile on his face.

" I wouldn't call it wedding but oh- no one listens to me"

" Mother! And that's alright aunt Dina, it happened all of a sudden" Moustafa spoke causing Dina to nod as the woman gave me a unknown look before she glanced towards her daughter.

" We've actually come here, sister Esma to discuss something with you" The man beside Dina spoke. His hard tone echoing across the eerily quiet room.

" Of course" Esma spoke with sweet tone making my stomach roll. This woman was something else. Clearing his throat, the man glanced towards Elif before looking back at Esma.

" As you know, our daughter here is very much your daughter. Yet you can understand that with her such tender age. We think, she should settle down again" The man spoke staring straight at Esma whose face suddenly paled.

It was as though a grenade had landed in the room. Each corner sang with silence. Utter eerie silence that left each one of us speechless.

I could feel my heart beating erratically as I glanced at Elif's face. Seeing hundreds of emotions pass her. As though the messenger of misery had come to take her soul, and she wasn't prepared. Not yet.

On instinct my eyes flickered towards Murat's face, and in all the time I've come across the man. This was the first time I had ever seen an emotion on his face. A look of utter defeat. It lasted merrily a moment but enough for me to see.

" Hamza was our son too, but Elif is only Twenty-five. She is very young"

" I don't know what to say to you, Riyaz" Esma spoke in a faraway tone. Almost as if someone had taken the will to live, away from here.

" S-She has every right to, of course, if she wishes"

Esma spoke in a soft tone and somewhere, at the bottom of my heart. I felt sorrow for the woman. Losing Roshan, had taken everything from me, now imagine losing your son who didn't even get to meet his child.

For the first time ever. I wished none of this had happened. Even if I didn't know the full tale. I wish hamza was still alive for Elif.

" Well I don't want to"

A voice suddenly came making me glance upwards seeing Elif stand up, holding Mirya's hand. A wave of shock came across me and then I felt proud. Happy that she stood up for herself.

" I may be young, but I have a daughter too. I have a reason to stay. This is my home, my Hamza's home. I'll not separate my daughter from her father's home, even if he is gone"

Elif spoke, fat tears blurring her eyes as I felt my throat clogging up. A wave of chills crept down my body seeing the woman walk out of the room, with her daughter.

" I think Elif has spoken. If she doesn't want to marry she doesn't have to " Kenan spoke in a stern tone making my eyes widen. Glancing instinctively towards Moustafa, I could see his jaw clenched tightly and his eyes swirling with anger.

Clearing my throat, I stood up away from him and walked out of the room. In search for Elif.

Walking up the old creaky stairs I could hear sniffles coming from the room opposite mine, and I found myself knocking on the door with much needed courage.

" Can I come in?"

I asked, trying my luck hearing silence come from the other end. Defeat swallowed down my throat and just when I was about to turn around. I heard Elif's soft voice reaching my ears.

Pushing the door lightly, I stepped inside the room instantly greeted to the scent of lavender. Glancing around, the room was quite simple yet elegant.

There was a queen size bed at the middle with large windows overlooking the front of the house. A matching wardrobe was placed opposite the bed, covering the entire wall and on the ceiling, falling gracefully down to the walls and to the bed were fairylights.

My gaze flickered towards the photo framed on the wall next to the bed. A young Elif, in her early twenties wore a long white dress with the matching sparkly veil covering her hair. Beside her sat a man, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes as he smiled at the camera. Flashing his pearly white teeth. Hamza.

" Please come in" Elif spoke kindly as she wiped her face, and patted on the bed, to a spot next to her.

Nodding, I smiled at the woman and sat beside her. Feeling my gaze trail towards Mirya I could see the little girl reading a fairytale book, reminding me a lot of my childhood.

" When Moustafa married you, we got the news from one of the men that work for him. They said he married 'Fatih Khizan's daughter'"