Rayan's POV

We reached the Sofia Mansion,I remember last time we visited here,I was fifteen years old.

Anneanne always acted like a real grandmother to me,Mom also had a good relation with her,So we had to visit her in her difficult time.However Mom was over excited to visit her this time.

After greeting with Anneanne,I take a walk through the sofia mansion.My mind insist that I am admiring the estate grandure but my heart knows better -----I am searching for Maryam.

When I reach the open balcony area which I find the most beautiful part in the whole mansion,I see Ahana standing by the railing.

I was about to leave when Ahana walk to me and says," I wish she drawns in the same ocean."

I gaze at Ahana her face red in anger,"What?"confusion etched on my face. But she swiftly turns away, leaving me with unanswered questions.

I wander to the railing, my eyes drifting towards the beach area below. That's when I see them – Maryam and Samar, carefree and lost in their own world.

Samar chases after Maryam, his feet pounding the sand. He catches up, grasping her waist and swinging her into the air.

Samar lift Maryam off the ground,cradling her in his arms.

A wave of anxiety washes over me. I confront the harsh reality: Samar is living the life I once imagined with Maryam. The pain of what could have been still lingers, a constant reminder of my unresolved feelings.

.......................

We sat down for breakfast together, a sense of normalcy returning with Anneanne's presence. Samar was absent for obvious reasons, but Maryam joined us, her presence stirring mixed emotions within me.

It had been a while since we last spoke, not since that day at the NGO. She'd made it clear she wanted distance between us, believing it was best for both of us. I respected her wishes, even though ignoring her proved painful.

As we finished breakfast, Orhan and Ayesha announced their plans to take us on a trip through Turkey. It seemed Samar and Maryam had opted for a separate journey.

I trail behind them, my eyes scanning the crowded streets of Istanbul with disinterest. Another historic mosque, another bustling bazaar. I've lost count.

"Why do we have to visit every single one of these?" I mutter under my breath.

Ayesha's bright smile greets me as she turns around. "Come on, Rayan, keep up! We're almost at the Hagia Sophia."

I force a weak smile, feeling like a tagalong on their adventure. Alia, and Ahana seem to be enjoying themselves, laughing and chatting as we navigate the throngs of tourists.

As we stop to watch a street performer, Alia tugs on my arm. "Look, Rayan! A whirling dervish!"

Alia always like exploring different countries,food and culture.

I humor her, watching the performer's spinning dance with a polite smile.

However from the inside I feel restless, trapped in this never-ending cycle of sightseeing. My mind wanders back to my own problems,how I always stay restless these days.

I dont know what I want.

My mind always races with thoughts.

Orhan claps me on the back, breaking my reverie. "Let's get some lunch,Rayan! Maybe some adrenaline-pumping kebabs will revive you."

I nod, falling into step behind them. But my heart's not in it.

As we walk, the sounds and smells of Istanbul swirl around me – the call to prayer, the scent of spices, the chatter of strangers. But I feel disconnected, lost in my own thoughts.

Samar's POV

"Samar"She yells," They are everywhere." She adds.Her brrow furrows in fear.

I grab her shoulder and say," Pretend you cant see them.Just focus on your Ice cream."

"Its not working.I want to go home.I have seen enough istanbul today." She says.

I laugh.

" Stop making fun of me." She says annoyed.

" I am not making fun of you but its just hillarious watching you suffer like this."

" You are so mean." She says,there is sign of tears in her eyes.

"We will do something about this cat problem."I ask my security to find a non cat free place to go.

"Lets sit in the car till then." I tell Maryam.

After some search we finally found a bakery that is not Cat friendly.People search for cat friendly place and here I am doing the opposite.Funny enough.

I go to the counter to order and a woman approaches me,She is a foriengner and ask for directions.I am helping her when My eyes cought Maryam,sitting on the table,her eyes on me and that woman.When I see her she hides her face with the menu.

She is jealous,to further tease her I pretend to enjoy talking to her.I prolong our conversation.

I am loving this,Maryam is jealous.I cant believe it but I am enjoying it fullest.

When I approach the table,Maryam pretend to be busy on her phone.
" Love" I say.
" You came.You took a lot of time ordering for our coffee."
" Counter was busy,Love."
" Or you were busy."
" What"
" Busy in talking and smiling with a stranger.Was she a friend of yours." She inquires.
" No"
" The way you were talking to her by putting the biggest smile on your face.It seemed like you knew her since your childhood." She makes an annoyed face.I am loving her this side.
"She is tourist." I say
" What was she asking?"
" She was asking If I am single" I say looking into her eyes.
" Whatt?" Her eyes wide in shock."What did you said."
" I said sorry I am married."
" ohhh Mr Ibrahim." She says that in a sarcastic tone," So now You are sorry for being married"

I remain silent,enjoying her this new side.She is adorable in jealousy.

"Say something." She is irritated.
" I was not sorry for our marriage.I felt sorry for her feelings." I try to provoke her anger.

" Wow." She says,"You care a lot about a stranger's feeling."
" Yes because I am a good person."
" Ohh" She mocks," Then you should have went on a date with her so she cant get hurt."
"Are you serious,Love." I ask pretending to be genuine.
" Dont call me Love." She says genuinly angry.
I burst into laughter.
" Careful Maryam Ahmed! You are jealous" I say looking deep into her eyes," I will misunderstand it as Love"

Her face turns pink.

She looks away

" I am jealous." She says," Why would I be jelaous of her or anyone else."

" Yes why would you?I also want to know the reason." I say scanning her hasitation.I feel something different about her today.She is weirdly strange around me these days.

Her gaze are different,her behavior is different its not bad different its good different.I know I am being delusional but It seems like she likes me.

She changes the topic by saying," I had dream of opening a book cafe,something like this." She scans the place.

" Then do it." I say
" I wish I could."
" Who is stopping you.Do it if you want."
" I know you love supporting me but this is too much.I have already lot of things to do.You should say "Maryam,Now Rest'."

I smile at her humour.

" Jokes apart.I am serious about this.Now I even have your mothers incredible cook book.I will set the tasties cakes,sweets and cookies as the menu." She starts yapping abuut her new found bussiness idea.

" And please add my carrot cake specially." I say.

" No I cant?"
" Why?" My burrow furrows.
" I told you I cant make it.Its a special recipe,no one can recreate it."
" You can try" I say.
" I will fail really bad."
" Still I want you to try."

We stare into each others eyes when waiter brings our order.

...................

Maryam stood at the coastline's edge, the warm sun dancing across her face. She gazed out at the turquoise waters, the sound of seagulls filling the air. Below us, the sea crashed against the rocks, sending sprays of water high into the air.

She held a bag of breadcrumbs, her fingers digging in to retrieve a handful. With a gentle smile, she scattered the crumbs along the artificial border between land and sea – a concrete wall adorned with intricate stone carvings.Its only 3 feet short so I am being extra alert as I know how clumsy and carefree she is.

The seagulls, sensing food, swooped down. Their cries grew louder as they landed beside Maryam, their feathers rustling against the stone.

Maryam laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Come,little birds."

I smile,watching her happy eventually makes me happy.

She continued to feed the seagulls, watching as they devoured the breadcrumbs. Some bold birds approached her, their beaks mere inches from her hands.

She moves closer to me in fear and our body touches,her touch always generates electricity in my body.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater and seaweed. The sun began its descent, casting a golden glow across the coastline.

I wonder what can be better than this moment in life.Me with Maryam alone,safe and happy.

I remember my last visit to Istanbul.I came here to forget her but now I am exploring this great city with her.Maryam filled my lonely life with hundred kinds of shades.I have never been so grateful for anything as much as I am grateful for her.

As I am in these thoughts my phone rings,Its from Dad.

I try to ignore him and silent my phone.I dont wanna ruin this beautiful moment.
Dad continues to call so I pick it up,"How are you,son." Hey comments.I walk away to distance myself from Maryam
"Happiest." I say.
I am some feet away from her,She goes closer to the concrete wall and I yell," Maryam" She turns," Stay away from the wall.Be careful."

She smiles.

" Happiest" He laughs," Well not anymore." He adds.

" What are you saying?"
" Your grandmother prepared a gift for you." He says.
" What gift."
" I thought she has given it to you by now."
" Tell me clearly." I say irritated.

I hear Maryam's voice and lift my gaze to see.

She slips

Down the concrete wall.

How

I am unable to process this,my body frozen.I try to move but it seems like my feet are rooted to the ground.

I start sweating.

I am again an eleven years old.I am knocking the door but their is no response.

I knock harder

Harder till my knuckles bleed.

Mamma........Open it....I am getting late for school.

No response

Silence

I sit beside the door,tears running down my cheeks.I can feel the cold floor.

My legs lost control.I drop to the ground in thud.People gather around the wall to see what happened.I swueez my eyes to wake up from this horrible dream but I cant wake up.No matter how many times I blink.I cant wake up from this nightmare.

Finally the door opens,she has gone

Far away.

I cant even move a finger.I am on my knees,I cant make words.I try to speak.

The relevation is hard to believe.

Maryam is gone just like Mamma leaving me alone.

Again.

I cant even save her just like I couldnt save Mamma.

I cant hear and speak,the whole world spins in front of my eyes.