Happy reading.....

After another episode, they decided to call it a night. Mahir shut down the TV and turned to Bela, asking her to come.

But Bela's eyes were filled with confusion and her face held an anxious expression.

Mahir immediately sat down beside her and asked, "Is something bothering you?"

She turned completely towards him, holding his t-shirt between her fingers, searching for the right words. What if he misunderstood her or something?

He lifted her chin gently and asked softly, "What happened, Sunshine?"

She looked into his eyes and said, "I'm confused."

He asked, "Confused about what?"

"Confused about something that's related to me... perhaps both of us."

He listened intently as she continued. "Mahir, I'll be honest with you. I was really happy when my sister told me she got a marriage proposal. But I'm not interested in marriage right now. I respect its value and bond, but I'm just not ready for it. I want to understand what love is first, then marry when the time comes. But before knowing anything, I don't want to be tied down to anyone. Who knows what kind of person I might end up marrying? I want to enjoy my freedom and live as I want without caring about the 'what ifs' and 'buts.' Am I crazy for thinking like this?"

Mahir looked at her, saying, "You aren't crazy, Bela. See, I also don't want to get married anytime soon. That thought scares me, and like you said, you have your concerns about a partner. It's the same for me. I really don't know what kind of life partner I want for myself. No matter how many examples we have and see in real life, everyone's life is different. Only we can decide what we want and what we can do without worrying about the 'what ifs' and 'buts.'"

Bela was shocked to learn that they had similar opinions on the subject. Then, cautiously, she said, "I want to say something if you wouldn't mind or think I'm insane."

Mahir smiled, touching her cheek. "I wouldn't mind any of your words."

Bela asked, "Why? Why wouldn't you mind any of my words?"

Mahir was stunned by her reverse question, unsure of what to say. Bela scooted closer and continued, "I've noticed your love and affection for your friends, whether male or female. But when it comes to me, it's different..."

Mahir was speechless, not expecting Bela to be so straightforward. He worried she might think he was a pervert or something if he expressed himself.

"I'm not saying you're biased towards me," she said. "But you make me feel special. I don't know if it's a normal thing for you, but for me, it's not. Because I like it... I like your attention, your care, your affection so much. I wait for the day to end just to come home and see you, spend time with you. I'm confused because it's my first time being close to a guy. I don't know what you might think if I say I want your attention only on me... I like it when you hug me affectionately, when you ask me how my day was, when you give your whole attention to me when I talk... I know I’m being unreasonable, selfish, and asking for too mu—"

Mahir stopped her by placing his index finger on her lips. She looked into his eyes.

He said softly, "You don’t have to feel guilty or anything for expecting my attention. Because my attention has been solely on you since the moment I befriended you. I understand you want a relationship where you wouldn’t have to force yourself to name it or fear anything but want support and care..."

Bela's eyes filled with tears as she heard him. "I know you're a good person, so I can't help but feel like I'm forcing myself on you."

Mahir cupped her face. "You crazy girl, you’re just overthinking... This isn’t forced. I genuinely like your company, and I wanted to hide it, but now I’ll say this: you’re making a special place in my heart. I don’t know what it is, but I feel really protective and possessive of you. Just now, when you talked about your marriage... It felt like someone was choking me."

Bela's tears flowed freely now, but they were tears of relief and joy. "Mahir, I don't know what this is either, but I feel safe and cherished with you."

Mahir smiled, brushing away her tears. "Then let's just be together and see where this takes us, without any pressure or expectations."

Bela nodded, her heart feeling lighter. "Yes, let's do that."

Bela looked into his eyes and asked expectantly, "Can I hug you?"

Mahir pulled her into his embrace, holding her close to his heart. "You don't know how happy seeing you makes me. I don't know how to put it, but let's just stay together and enjoy each other's company."

Bela rested her chin on his chest, looking up at him expectantly. Mahir asked, "Do you want to say something?"

Bela nodded and hesitantly said, "It's just that I used to sleep with my sister. I like hugging and cuddling while sleeping. Since I came here, I've been struggling to sleep alone. I even tried hugging a pillow, but it didn't work. Yesterday, I had a good sleep with you..."

Mahir smirked. "So you want me to be your pillow?"

Bela's cheeks flushed at his words, but she tried to look cool. "Would you say no if I said yes?"

Mahir let out a throaty laugh, pulling her closer. "Of course not. But I don't want to make you uncomfortable..."

Mahir thought for a moment before saying, "It's just, you know, I'm not blind. You're sexy... I might not be able to control myself but to touch you..."

Bela's eyes widened as she backed off. "Stop teasing me. I know I'm anything but sexy..."

Mahir leaned forward, looking into her eyes. "You're naturally gorgeous. No matter what you wear, you look so damn fine."

Bela blushed deeply at his open compliments. "You should compliment me daily because I have a lot of insecurities about myself..."

Mahir glared at her, saying, "You shouldn't have any insecurities. Trust me, you're beautiful inside and out. And what I said before is just to let you know about the natural effects of hormones between men and women. But when it comes to myself, I know where to draw boundaries. I'm not a pervert... I just want you to express directly if something is bothering you. I won't mind."

Bela looked at him, wondering, "How can you be such a gentleman?"

Mahir laughed. "Oh, come on, I'm anything but a gentleman."

Bela smiled. "Of course you aren't..." She asked him to come closer. Mahir, confused but smiling, leaned down. She whispered in his ear, "You're definitely a good person with a good heart." Then she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him back onto the sofa along with her.

They landed in a comfortable heap, laughter bubbling between them. Mahir held her gently, his heart swelling with affection for the woman who was quickly becoming so important to him. "You’re something else, you know that?"

Bela giggled, nuzzling closer. "And you, Mahir, are my favorite person."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, the room filled with a sense of peace and understanding. 

The future was uncertain, but for now, they had each other, and that was enough.

*****
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