• • •

Silence has many messages. It comes in all shapes and forms. It can depict loss, and it can depict victory but most importantly. Silence can also depict peace, a word that is yearned by millions yet used worthlessly.

What was my peace?

I still knew not. All I knew was that the silence that now surrounded me didn't feel like peace, nor was it victory or loss. This silence was filled with raw pain.

Pain caused by blood that streamed in all different yet the same bodies, through the same roots.

Intaking a sharp breath, I found myself closing my eyes tightly. Allowing the cool breeze to wash over me. The smell of fire and freshly brewed tea reached my nose, yet the chilly night had already taken over my bones.

Glancing upwards at the sky, the twinkling starts were merely a small dot in the pool of darkness; yet to many it remained as a symbol of hope.

Hope and peace!

These were the basic rights of every soul yet still no one could truly acquire it. Everytime I close my eyes, I can still hear Elder Ali's words.

The raw pain that dwelled his tale still haunted me. How he described Faryal, and her beauty. How her grace touched the hearts of others and how she tried her best to help everyone; yet no one could help her.

What wrong had she done?

Just remembering Elder Ali mention my grandfather, Habib's cruelty. I felt my stomach turn and bile raise at the back of my throat.

They say Karma has her way round, and it surely did hit us hard. Albeit he wasn't the one to commit the heinous act, yet he was much worse for causing her emotional and physical pain.

At the same time when I do remember Habib Dede which wasn't much of him. I had been given nothing but love.

Of course you were. You weren't someone else's daughter.

All these thoughts ran a marathon in my head as I tried closing my eyes. Hoping to find some sort of pattern to calm myself down.

" How long will you stay silent for?"

A voice spoke as I felt a warm hand on mine and a large shawl draped over my shoulders. Looking upwards, I could feel my heart stop for a split moment seeing the handsome man before me.

Moustafa had changed his formal attire and was now in black trousers and a matching top, which somehow made his defined body stand more against the material.

Jeez get a grip

" Till I find peace"

I spoke seeing the man smile a little. Staring upwards at him, the bright twinkling stars made his eyes sparkle as the man shook his head and sat next to me on the swing.

" Then you'll be searching for eternity"

Moustafa spoke as he held my hand. His fingers brushing lightly against mine, making me take a sharp breath and look towards him.

" Whys that"

" Because peace isn't around much these days, which is why you have to make your peace"

He spoke wisely making me raise my eyebrows. A serious look was on his face as he looked towards me making me smile lightly.

" When did you become so wise?"

" I've always been wise wife, you just didn't notice"

Moustafa spoke teasing making me nod and lean my head against his shoulder, feeling the man relax against my touch.

" Well I guess we're related then"

I spoke making Moustafa chuckle, the loud sound echoing around us making me chuckle slowly as well and look towards him.

" So what, does this make you my cousin of a sort?"

I asked seeing the man raise his eyebrows and nod his head. I knew religious wise, it was acceptable but personally I wouldn't have married my cousin!

" Oh, is that so Farya Aydin?" A voice spoke making me look towards Moustafa who gave me a slight annoyed look.

Oh shit! I just said that aloud

" Yes you did, but to help you ease your conscious. It's two generations down" Moustafa spoke making me grin and shake my head.

" Still"

" Farya should I be worried?"

He asked seriously as he reached towards my shoulder and turned me to him. Hiding back a smile, I looked at his worried face as the man reach forward and lifted my chin upwards.

" Why are you so beautiful Fairy"

He asked as he leaned forward and placed a kiss on my forehead, making me raise my palms and hold on to his top lightly.

" You better behave yourself! Your mum will kill us if she sees"

I spoke seeing a grey cloud pass his face as he sighed before he reached towards my hand and placed it against his lips.

The act was so innocent yet it held meaning beyond any words. I could feel my stomach turn as I opened my mouth.

" Moustafa there is something I need to tell you-"

I started seeing the man tense a little as he looked upwards, at someone behind me making sit upwards.

" Tonight baby, we'll talk all night but we have company. You go inside"

He spoke, and the once carefree man that was before me was immediately gone. Standing up, his hand reached towards mine as he helped me upwards.

I could feel my throat tighten as his hand held me tightly. We rounded the car and walked towards the open doors.

" You go inside, if you need anything Elif will help you"

Moustafa spoke making me nod as I walked inside the warm house. Slipping my shoes off, I found myself glancing over my shoulder seeing Ferhat standing in front of him. The man's cold eyes trained on his nephew.

It turns out, our great grandfather had married for a short time and had a woman birth the likes of Ferhat, before she took a divorce.

Good for her, but bad for us as the man sent me a dirty look.

Turning around I walked further in to the house, hearing lively chattering and the sound of Elif laughing lightly at something.

Stepping inside the room, I felt my eyes landing on Elif holding her phone as she showed something to Mirya who too, joined in the joke and giggled.

Looking at the sight, I felt my heart warm up. Instinctively my hands travelled towards my stomach. Yearning to see the sight with my baby too.

" Farya"

A voice spoke beside me. Tensing up, I felt my gaze travel towards the owner of the voice seeing Murat stand in front of me.

" Listen I-"

" Murat, I really really don't have the strength to hear about how much you hate me or how upset you are about this baby-"

" That's not what I was going to say. I just erm- wanted to say that although we may have our differences and we don't see eye to eye. You make my brother happy, which I haven't seen and for that. I thank you"

He spoke as he gave me a closed lip smile and nodded hi head before he walked past me. I could feel my eyes widening, and my mouth gaping a little as I now stared at the spot where Murat once stood.

What just happened!

The rest of the night didn't bring any more shocking news or confrontations. Instead it was filled with silence as everyone quickly had their dinner and went to their respectable places.

I on the other hand found myself in my old bedroom again. Everything around me was just as I left it, all that time ago expect a few places had been dusted here and there.

Elif helped me with putting the new bedding on before she went to put Mirya to sleep and I found myself taking all my necessary medication before changing in to my nightgown.

Sighing softly, I stood infront of the large wardrobe. An idea striked me, making me open the wooden door as I felt my gaze landing on all my clothes, hanged neatly. My t-shurts and trousers were folded neatly and all the dresses hanged up. An overwhelming feeling clogged up my throat as I stared at the top section of the wardrobe seeing my jewellery box.

My shaky hands reached upwards nervously, as I held the black box. Swallowing sharply, I opened it slowly feeling my eyes widen. Seeing all my gold jewellery placed neatly alongside the ring Moustafa had given me that dreadful day.

How is this possible. I took all my gold with me and then Emre pulled his dirty stunt and I was with him, and so was my bag. Unless Moustafa got it back. All these thoughts roamed my head as I placed the box back in its place. Moving my dresses to the side, I felt my gaze landing on a large white box.

A small smile made its way across my face as I knelt down and reached towards the box. Biting on to my lower lip in nervousness, I lifted the lid upwards seeing the white dress folded neatly.

The white sparkly sequences twinkled against the light as I held the dress upwards seeing the large skirt flow down, in an elegant puffy way.

Hundreds of thoughts ran through my head as I held the dress in my hand, admiring its beauty. It had cost us thousands and I hadn't truly realised how beautiful it was until now.

Turning the dress a little, I felt my stomach turn seeing the stain of red at back. I felt my back flinching a little, as if I was there again. Forced to wear the dress with my wounds still open.

Tears suddenly rolled down my eyes making me reach forward and brush them away, hearing the low clearance of throat.

Looking up from my sitting position my gaze travelled towards Moustafa standing in front of me. His handsome face morphed in to a pained one. Kneeling in front of me, I could see his hands reached towards my face as he brushed the tears away. A small smile coming across his face.

" Did I ever tell you how beautiful you looked in that dress. You must be wondering why I came knowing I wasn't invited"

He started as he cupped my face, his warm breath fanning across my cheeks as I shook my head. Unable to say anything.

" I wanted to see you one last time. In a white dress. Truth is Farya after I saw that day in the mosque. You made something here come to life"

Moustafa spoke as he reached towards my hand and placed it on his beating heart. I could feel my throat clogging up, as tears blurred my vision.

" Moustafa I need to tell you-"

" All in due time Farya. I'm sure we can wait, we've got all the time we need"

He spoke as he leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek making tears roll down. Inhaling sharply, his strong arms wrapped around me tightly.

The smell of him of, outdoor musk scent with faint traces of fire, made me remind of home. He had become my home and by god, I was so scared of losing Moustafa now that I had just gotten him.

" What if we don't have time"

I mumbled against his chest as he chuckled slowly and cupped my face.

"Farya, my love. Time is what god has given us, so all that we have lets cherish it"

He spoke as he reached towards my hands. Taking the heavy dress off me. The man before me glanced at the fabric as white as snow, before his gaze flickered towards the zipper seeing blood stains.

Inhaling sharply, his jaw clenched tightly, a mix of pain and anger flashing across his face before he looked towards me and smiled.

" Come let's go bed"

He spoke as he folded the dress neatly before placing it inside the box. Handing it towards me, I placed the lid on top. Putting the box away, I found myself walking towards my bed.

" Oh god! It's nice to be back at home, in my bed with my wife"

Moustafa spoke as he looked towards me and gave me a tired smile. Shaking my head I sat next to him before adjusting the pillows and laying down.

Strong arms reached towards me and I soon found my head laying down on Moustafa's strong arms.

A comfortable silence fell on us. The one in which we remained together yet our minds drifted elsewhere.

" What did your Uncle Ferhat say"

I suddenly asked hearing the man take a breath before he looked down at me and shook his head. A worried look on his face.

" He's just stirring trouble Farya"

" Because I'm here?"

I asked seeing him shake his head as he slowly reached towards my hand and held it. Our fingers entwining.

" No, because I married you and refused to marry his daughter and let you go. Quite frankly Fairy, I have eyes just for you. He can say what he wants. What difference does it make"

He spoke making me inhale sharply and nod my head. Not fully understanding what was happening around me.

" You don't need this rubbish. At this point, we are here till Elder Ali feels better and then we'll go home. After the baby comes, I'm going to buy us a house somewhere. Away from all this, these revenge stricken people"

" Mhm"

I spoke as tiredness both fell on us and the events of today took a toll on us. Moustafa was the first one to fall asleep and I, lay beside him till the darkest part of the night.

I had to tell him. I couldn't keep him in the dark any longer. I thought with a pang of pain rushing through me making my stomach turn.

Sleep consumed me with the prayer of a brighter future on my tongue.

I had almost forgotten what it felt to be back in this household, but the moment the morning prayers were called everyone was up. Especially now as everyone took turns to sit with Elder Ali to make sure he was okay and he had some company.

The moment I walked downstairs, I knew there was a certain unsettling atmosphere. The morning felt heavy and there was an uneasy feeling creeping down my stomach.

Elif was at the kitchen, placing the breakfast on the table. As the sight of me, a smile came across her face as she insisted I take a seat and have breakfast.

Moustafa had woken up before me, so I hadn't seen him all morning till now. Walking inside the house with Kenan and Murat, the three of them talked intently as Moustafa reached towards his back pocket almost as if he was adjusting something.

What were they up to!

" Morning ladies. Don't you two look good" Kenan spoke receiving a glare from Murat, who elbowed him.

" Elif did you see that! Tell Murat to stop" Kenan spoke making me freeze and it seemed as though both Murat and Moustafa did the same but all for the different reasons.

I could feel my eyes glance towards Moustafa seeing a surprised look come across his face, making me smile and see realisation flash in his eyes.

" Why would I? Murat I'm sure you can look after yourself"

Elif spoke holding the tray in her hand as she turned towards us, and her beautiful eyes landed on Murat who looked a little taken back. As if he couldn't believe Elif had addressed him by his first name. Which wasn't often.

" Ignore Kenan. You know, I'm going to get you married to woman who'll put you in your place"

" That is true and Murat when are you going to get married. Mirya has already planned her dresses for your wedding"

Elif spoke, completely oblivious to the pained look that came across Murat's eyes. Looking towards Moustafa, I found myself staring at him, a worried look on my face as the man eyes widened.

It was comical seeing Kenan look between Murat and Elif, and then towards me as he shook his head unbelievably.

These two were as bad as each other.

" Oh wow! Theres a flying donkey outside" Kenan spoke as Elif looked at me and shook her head, as if he was silly but rather Kenan was the smartest one out of them.

" Come on Farya! Lets eat before I lose my mind" Kenan spoke holding his hand out to me making me chuckle and spread mine out just to have Moustafa look at me intently.

There weren't many occasions where I was intimidated by Moustafa. Then again he never did make me feel intimidated, but right now. I could feel my body freezing a little as I stared at the man seeing him cross his arms.

The black shirt he wore had his sleeves rolled upwards as he placed his hand on the top of his jaw and looked at me. His dark grey eyes trained on me and a stoic look on his face.

" I'd rather not have Moustafa so angry early in the morning" I whispered to Kenan who rolled his eyes and reached towards a chair and pull it backwards before taking a seat.

" Mon Dieu" He murmured as Elif placed omelette on his plate.

" These Aydin and their obsession with their women. I mean bloody hell, you had the likes of Habib and Tayyib kil-"

" Enough"

A voice spoke making me tense. Turning towards where the sound came from, I found Esma walking out of the room. A white scarf around her head, covering her hair as she walked forward. Taking a seat at the table.

" Don't just stand there. Come sit we have a long day ahead of us"

Esma spoke as we all stared at her in shock. Moustafa was the first one to make a move as he sat at the far end of the table followed by Murat next to him and Kenan. Elif and Mirya sat next Esma leaving me a spot besides Moustafa on his right end.

Clearing my throat I sat down. Doing a small prayer, we found ourselves falling in to a comfortable silence as we ate.

" As you all know, Elder Ali is very ill but I hope and pray that he will recover soon. He in the past day has made some shocking revelations, some may knew, some didn't"

Esma spoke as she looked towards her children before her eyes landed on me and then towards Elif.

" We as a family have to stick together through these times. Elder Ali has also requested something of you all. Especially you Murat"

Esma spoke as she looked towards Murat who suddenly tensed before clearing his throat and placing his bread on the plate.

" Of course Mother. Whatever it is, I'll happily oblige"

Murat spoke and somehow I had a feeling, call it a hunch but I feared the words that were going to come out of the woman's mouth.

" You should be careful of what you agree to my son" The woman spoke as I felt my eyes flicker towards Moustafa seeing him sitting upwards. His strong arms relaxed and his gaze fixed ahead, almost like a king. A sultan.

Feeling my eyes on him, the man looked at me sneakily before sending me a small wink making me look down. A smile coming across my face.

" If that's the case, then my son. Your Elder Ali wants you to get married"

Esma spoke as silence fell across the large table. A look of shock came across Murat's face as he tensed and inhaled sharply.

" Mother, do you have someone in mind"

Moustafa spoke as his hand suddenly landed on mine underneath the table. Almost as if he was seeking support. Swallowing sharply, I held his hand tightly with mine as the man took a deep breath and looked at me. His eyes widening.

" I do son, I do"