The sun rays penetrated through the glass walls of the greenhouse, stimulating the plants growth. Najmah was busy transferring the blooming seedlings into various pots after asking Ferah for permission who was more than happy for she was far too busy to take care of it.
After successfully transferring them to the pots, she arranged them in a corner then set to plant new seeds. Using her thumb and index finger, she pinched the top of a few leggy plants, for them to grow fuller and healthier before spraying pyrethrum around the greenhouse to ward off ants and aphids.
Using the back of her mud covered hand, she wiped away the tiny sheen of sweat that rolled down her face then bent down to pick a broom and began to sweep the mess she made while transplanting.
When she was done, she stepped back to admire her handiwork. Satisfied with it, she turned around to go back in and take a shower when she froze, letting out a scream.
"God, for someone who loves horror movies you do get scared easily," he smiled, placing his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants.
He was on his way into the house after jogging around the neighborhood when movement in the greenhouse caught his eye so he decided to check out who it was.
She stared at him in awe, seeing how handsome he was when he smiled, it was the first time she had seen his smile ever since she came to Istanbul. For the one week she had spent with him, she came to think that he had no emotions; his face was always stoic and neutral.
"How did you know?" she queried curiously. They've never had a long conversation except for the time he told her not to expect anything from him.
"I have my ways," he shrugged, leaning unto the doorframe. "You have a lot of hobbies I must say. So apart from painting and gardening what else do you do?"
She stared at him, trying to decipher what he was trying to do. "Sleep," she shrugged.
"Really?" his brows rose up, his lips lifting up into a mock smile.
"Yup," she replied monotonely stepping out of the building together with him.
They walked side by side into the garden, making idle conversation, talking about nothing in particular. She plucked some lavender blue hyacinth and passed it to him then plucked a few white roses and lilies. She collected the hyacinth, thanking him then moved towards the house.
From the balcony of her room, Afet had watched the exchange between the duo. Her hands clenched into fists by her side and she gritted her teeth, her nose flaring. She'd been in the house for more than a year yet he had never walked with her talk less of engaging in a conversation with her yet there he was, smiling at the Nigerian idiot. The girl was beautiful she'd give her that credit but apart from that, she saw nothing appealing about her character so why was he giving her his attention? The attention she deserved. Why was it so hard for him to love her?
Afet wasn't the only person who had seen the duo, Ferah and Faik were on their way out when they caught sight of them. Her heart had fluttered with joy at the sight of her son smiling down at Najmah as she clutched her husband's hand, a tear escaping her eyes.
"Look," she pointed at the duo. "He seems happy Faik. Just look at his smile."
The last time she had seen that particular smile was two years ago before that incident. He had been so hard on himself that he pushed everyone away but now, seeing the two of them together gave her hope; Najmah was slowly bringing back her son to life.
{••}
Najmah had showered and changed into a red fit and flare dress, wrapped a veil in a turban style before strolling towards the library. Pushing the door open, she went in, walking towards the books and picked the first book that caught her eye; “The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Weisberger. She sank into the beanbag chair, getting completely immersed in the story. When she was done reading, she returned the book back where she took it then proceeded to look for another book to read.
"I knew I'd find you here," she walked further in. "Lunch is ready, come down and eat with us."
"Okay," she nodded, abandoning her mission. Lale had a penchant for interrupting her reading sessions, she thought as she followed her out of the library.
They walked down the stairs with Lale telling Najmah about her almost-done project. The fashion show was only two weeks away and she was so happy that she was finally going to achieve her dream.
They sat down on the table with Najmah right next to Aslan and Lale across from them, Afet was busy shooting daggers at her but she wasn't aware of it.
Lunch was eventful, as Lale was going on and on about her fashion show. Aslan hadn't uttered a word, just nodding his head. Najmah occasionally threw in a word or two when she was addressed.
Afet although irked by the presence of Najmah had kept her contempt aside and engaged in the conversation with Lale, apparently, fashion was one of her greatest weakness.
When they were done eating, Lale, Afet and Aslan filed into the living room while Najmah went up to Hilal's room.
{••}
"Some people have a habit of coming into places where they are not needed," she stated, staring at Najmah with contempt.
"And some people have a habit of poking their noses in matters where their opinion is not needed," she retorted, scrunching up her face a little.
"You know, it'd only be a matter of time before he sends you packing after all you aren't his choice and you don't fit in the category of women that he desires."
"Oh, pray tell, what kind of woman does he desire?" she turned around to face her, deciding to put her in her place. "Certainly not you."
Afet's face paled, the smirk dancing on her lips disappeared and was replaced with a deep scowl. "He desires a woman with the highest calibre of poise and elegance, beauty and intelligence which are the departments you're lacking in," she responded, crossing her arms.
"Well that is not my problem," Najmah shrugged. "Whatever woman he desires, or should I say desired is a thing of the past. He's a married man with a woman who has neither poise nor elegance as you clearly stated or beauty and intelligence. Deal with it."
"Watch your back, you never know who's coming for you after all a man acknowledges the lover more than he acknowledges the convenient wife," she sneered, her tone too confident.
"Whatever the consequences of our marriage, you have no say in it. Do yourself a favor and stop daydreaming. If he loved you, he would've married you, but he didn't. I'm his wife, his very first wife. Suck it up!"
"Doesn't matter because you are just a gifted bride to him and you know what happens to gifts when we don't want them," she smirked when she saw the displeased look on Najmah's face. "We discard them."
"You know what? You're not worth the calories I burn in talking to you," Najmah stated, making way for the exit.
"You are unfit to be his wife, you don't belong here and I'm going to make sure that I send you back to the place where you came from even if it's the last thing I do," Afet sneered, raising her hand to strike Najmah but she quickly caught her wrist.
"Let me express my gratitude for your attempt to slap me and for showing me who you are," Najmah raised her hand to slap Afet but she caught it also, smiling triumphantly.
"You think you can hit me?" she smirked.
"Oh but honey, you are forgetting something. I have my left hand," Najmah responded, her expression mirroring Afet's.
Before Afet could comprehend what was happening, Najmah's left hand had connected with her face. "You..." she began but stopped, holding her chin.
"Next time you attempt to hit me, a mark on your chin wouldn't be the only thing I leave," Najmah threatened, sidestepping the now astounded Afet.
She left the media room and went to Aslan's room, seething. She paced the length of the room, her fists clenching and unclenching.
"How dare she?" she groaned, feeling the urge to go back and teach her a lesson. She wasn't a violent person as she hardly interacts with people but when someone tries to hit her, that's when she becomes violent. The veins in her neck popped out, her breathing became ragged and she struggled to get her bearings.
"Whoa easy there," Aslan careened towards her. "Calm down, try and breathe."
Her eyes burned as streaks of tears rolled down her face, she was finding it hard to breath and his presence was making it more difficult.
He placed his hand on hers but she pushed him away, wiping her tears. He ignored her and placed his hand again but this time around she didn't push him away.
After a few breathing exercise, she was able to breathe normally again. She was being a crybaby in front of him and she hated it but it was beyond her control.
"What happened?" he queried, passing her a glass of water.
She gulped it down, then stared at him deciding on whether to tell him or not. "Afet."
He raised his eyebrow up, urging her to explain further.
″Why do you care?″ was what she wanted to say but seeing the look on his face, she replied instead;"She said mean words to me, very rude words then she tried to hit me.""She hit you!" he exclaimed. "She's so going to..."
"No, she didn't, I did. I caught her hand just in time then slapped her," she cut him off. Again, she wanted to call him off on his sudden interest but decided to let it go.
"Well I'm glad that you're okay," he replied.
His eyes widened at the realization of what he just said, he was glad that she didn't hear him otherwise it'd be really awkward. He didn't want any connection with her, yet he finds himself completely drawn to her and he can't stay away.
"Thank you for..."
"It's nothing, I'm sure you would've done the same for me," he replied, cutting her off.
"Yeah," she nodded.
"Friends?" she stretched out her hand for him to shake, surprising herself. She almost retracted her hand when she saw the speculative look on his face.
"Yeah, friends." He took her hands in his, smiling at her.
"Can I get my hand back please?" she quirked her eyebrow, fighting off a grin.
"Sorry," he released her hand smiling sheepishly.
{••}
Time flew by and it's been a week since Najmah and Aslan made a pact to become friends. Slowly, he began to smile again although not the way he used to, but it was a step in the right direction.
With Aslan's presence in her life, Najmah had become less depressive and her anxiousness had taken a back flip.
Lale's fashion show was fast approaching and she had been absolutely busy, trying to get everything under control.
Lale stared at her reflection in the mirror, scrunching up her face in distaste. Bags were visible under her eyes and her face looked pale due to exhaustion from lack of sleep."You shall sleep when everything is set," she said to her reflection as she added another layer of foundation to her face. When she was satisfied with her look, she donned her hijab then padded to Aslan & Najmah's room.Just like she predicted Najmah was sitting on bed with a spoon hanging on her mouth, staring intently at the book she was holding, a jar of Nutella kept to her side. She never could understand the girl's obsession with books and Nutella."Hello Missy, care to join me on an adventure into town?" she queried, startling Najmah who threw her book away.Although exhausted Lale fell into a fit of laughter, clutching her stomach and pointing at the sullen look on Najmah's face."You...look...look.
Blood pounded in her ears, her heart thudding in her chest. Her hands shook as she felt a tingle in her feet. Her vision became blurry and she gripped the edge of the basin, trying to steady her breathing. Each moment that passed, breathing became harder for her.She took long measured breaths, staring at her reflection through her blurred vision. She debated on whether to bolt out and run back home or stay and face her demons.If she stayed, she was likely to make a mess of herself. If she left, Lale would be really disappointed. Either way, there was a sure risk on both of her decisions, besides if she left, she had no idea how to get home."Najmah are you okay in there?" Aslan queried, knocking on the door of the bathroom.She couldn't give him a coherent answer due to her lack of breaths. Sensing something wrong, he ran into the bathroom and found her hunched over the basin."Hey
She stared out of the window, her eyes unfocused. She felt empty and out of sorts like she didn't belong. She wanted to go back home, but she couldn't voice out her thoughts. Try as she might, the words don't seem to come out.She felt suffocated and trapped, like she was shackled. The Sadeks have been really kind and welcoming to her, she couldn't go to Aslan's dad and demand to be returned home. The few weeks she had spent with them were the best she's ever had. With them, she felt like she was finally living; like her life had meaning again.After Fahad, she hadn't thought she would care about anyone again but then came Aslan, and now Najmah wondered if being friends with him was the best decision she made.She sighed, pushing her hand through her hair,feeling disoriented and robotic. She hadn't felt like that in ages, not even after the news of Fahad's betrayal was broken to her. She still couldn't understand why he di
"So how was the therapy?" Aslan asked, folding the sleeves of his shirt."It went well nothing new," she shrugged scrolling through her twitter feed.Aslan sighed, sitting at the edge of the bed. He had been trying to get her to open up since she came back from visiting the therapist, but all he got were vague answers."So when did you...umm...learn..." he stuttered, trying to find the right words to say. He couldn't think of any word to use, lest he offends her."That I was crazy?" she chuckled, locking her phone and facing him."You aren't crazy," he frowned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're schizoid and schizoid people are not crazy. Though temperamental at times but definitely not crazy.""Did you somehow earn a degree in psychology overnight?" she teased, throwing her feet off the bed. "You seem to know a lot about my disorder than I do, Dr Aslan."
She stared out into space, a spoon dangling in her mouth. Aslan observed her, wondering what she was thinking and how to get her to open up to him. A thought occurred in his head and he cleared his throat to gain her attention."Walk with me?" he queried, extending his arm towards her.She raised an eyebrow, trying to gauge his expression but it was neutral. She capped the Nutella jar she was holding and set it aside then swung her legs off the bed, placing her hand in his arm."Where are we going to?" she questioned, staring up at him."The garden," he replied, leading them out of the room.They walked out of the house in comfortable silence, wrapped up in their own world."Let's play a game," Aslan suggested, coming to a complete stop by the swing."What sort of game?" she queried, sitting down on the swing."20 questions?" he smiled, pl
A Week LaterNajmah added the last finishing touch to her makeup-free face then capped the tube of lip gloss, a slow smile dancing on her lips. She left the vanity table and went towards the full-length mirror standing by the side of the walk-in closet. It was an addition by Lale who in her opinion thinks that a lady's room without a full-length mirror to appreciate her features is like a bachelor's pad.Najmah hadn't seen the need for it as she rarely looked at herself in the mirror and the room wasn't hers to begin with but today was an exception. Aslan was taking her out for sightseeing, and she wanted to look her best.At 5'6, Najmah stood with doll-like features which were her most significant assets. Her body sat in between slender and curvy which was an advantage on her part as she's able to work any outfit she wore. Her shoulder length African hair which she had used a lot of years taking care of it with natural oi
He paced the length of his office, clutching his cellphone in his hand. His fists clenched and unclenched, the veins in his neck popping. Things were not going as planned, he had everything set out beforehand so why was it not going as planned?His hands balled into fists as he spoke in rapid Turkish, his voice rising to a pitch as his anger escalated. He slammed his fist onto the desk, muttering profanities in Turkish. He sighed loosening his tie a bit then pushed back the strands of hair that fell over his face, pondering over what to do to remedy the situation.He had two options, it was either to stay or call Lale in. The situation would've been more favorable if he stayed but he didn't want to spend another day in Istanbul so calling her in would be his only option.How do I approach her considering how much she hates these meetings?He picked his office phone and punched in a few numbers, waiti
Their plane landed in Charles De Gaulle Airport after a three and a half hour flight, making Najmah sigh in relief. She had held onto Aslan's hand when they were about to take off, clenching her eyes shut till they were finally in air and now wasn't any different.As passengers scrambled off their seats, Najmah was busy doing breathing exercise while Aslan held her tightly. When she finally calmed down, they grabbed their luggage and exited the plane.They went through the preliminaries at the airport with the immigration, and when their passports were stamped, they headed outside to find their ride sent from the hotel.He held herhand in his as they scanned the crowd of chauffer’s with placards.Aslan saw one that had his name on it and raised his hand to gain the chauffer’s attention to them.Once he sighted them, he dropped the placard and moved towards them. He shook Aslan'