Locked in the memory

Chapter 2 Part 2

Hayat:  I am so sorry. I wasn't seeing where I was walking.

Stranger: I'm Cihangir. Cihangir Tapeli. And it's okay. You seemed in a hurry. 

Hayat: Oh hi! I am Hayat by the way.

Cihangir: Where are you headed to?

Hayat: Oh I've to go to the international terminal to check in and then exchange my TRYs too.

Cihangir: I've to do the same. Do you mind if I join you?

Hayat: Of course not! (awkward silence)

We both exchange the currency, check in and complete the security check. Now we have approx 1 hr to kill and I excuse myself to the washroom.

As soon as I enter the washroom, I cry it out. It is overwhelming. But I have to be stronger. You cannot turn back now. This is it. I look in the eye in the mirror and affirm, " The moment you step on that plane, you leave all your emotional baggage behind. Those 11hrs of flight you have to plan about your life in Tokyo. You can stay 90 days without visa, not forever. You are HAYAT. You have to build a life for yourself." 

Honestly speaking that felt a lot better. I come back to find Cihangir waiting at the lobby of my flight gate. 

Cihangir: So you're going to Tokyo too?

Hayat: hmm. First time?

Cihangir: Nope. I've been there once. Why don't I grab a coffee for both of us and then we talk? We can ask one questions each.

Hayat: Okay. I'll have cappuccino. 

He returned with the coffee and asked: So why you are going to Tokyo?

Hayat: To build a new life. Why  are you?

Cihangir: To study interior designing and take care of family business. Why did you leave behind your phone and why couldn't you book ticket from your own phone with netbanking

Hayat: Hey that's two questions (I smiled playfully. It felt like ages since I smiled the last time) And the boarding began. We stood in line to board. And guess what? Cihangir was allocated a seat next to me. I had the window seat he was in the aisle seat. (It was a 2-4-2 configuration)

Cihangir: You didn't answer. But I feel I overstepped my boundaries. You can ask me the question.

Hayat: At that airport then at this airport and now seating next to me I don't think that is coincidence. What's the deal?

Cihangir: Okay alright you caught me. When you pleaded me to book your ticket at the Giresun Airport, something in your eyes made me uneasy. I wanted to help you out, to protect you from whatever that was bothering you. Then when when I checked the history, I realised that you booked a flight for Tokyo same as me. I didn't have hopes of seeing you, but when we bumped again, that intense desire to protect you grew stronger. So I requested at the check in counter to give me a seat beside you. And they did. 

Hayat: You felt the need to protect me?

Cihangir: Yes, from the moment we met, I felt like you were the little sister I never had. And thus the story.

Hayat: I am running away (I answered before he could say anything) I am running away from few people I called my family and don't wish to be traced. Hence I sent back the phone. Hence I asked you to book the ticket for me.

Cihangir: Running away?

I did not know why but I saw safety in his eyes. Before I knew what was going on I ended up telling him my entire lifestory. It felt light as if I dropped all the heavy weight I was carrying. I was fearing he would pity me but I saw admiration in his eyes.

Cihangir: You are a strong girl Hayat. And since even I'm going to be in Tokyo till I finish my business, I'll be your brother, your guardian.

Hayat: Can I use your tablet to book a place for me to stay?

Cihangir : No. I have two apartments in Tokyo. I am using one. The other one is empty. You can use that.

Hayat: Okay but I will pay the rent. No arguments

Cihangir:  You'll pay 50%. Because you are a family now.

Hayat:  Can I still use your tab though? Need to book a slot for entrance exam of the university.

Cihangir: Okay. And as a welcoming gift to the family, I am buying you a phone first thing we land. No arguments he said sternly as I was about to protest.

They soon started serving food. The time flew by. I witnessed a beautiful sunrise from the window. Just like a new day had started, a new fresh chapter was starting in my life. Heck no. A new life was starting. I am no longer Hayat Uzun. I am just Hayat. I decided to grab few hours of sleep.

I did not realise how long I had slept. I woke up when we were about to land.

TOKYO I AM HERE.