𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 ↳𝐓. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐲

Chapter 1

The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows upon the Turkmen families gathered around it. The vibrant swirls of brunette hair spun in tandem with the long red and gold traditional dresses, a celebration of culture and unity. Barefoot, Evrin felt the solid earth beneath her toes, the warmth of the fire contrasting with the cool night air.

Disentangling herself from the lively circle, she dashed indoors, leaving her cousins to revel in the festivities. Inside the remnants of her home, she moved with grace, the echoes of the dance still reverberating within her. Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility, causing her heart to race with fear. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with Dawood, his laughter ringing in the air.

"Dawood! You fool! Where have you been?" She scolded, her annoyance tinged with relief at his familiar presence. Slapping him lightly, she demanded an explanation for his absence on such an important night. "Why did you miss Hıdrellez?" she queried, her frustration evident.

"Relax, Ev, look what I have for you." Dawood's voice held a hint of mischief as he handed her a delicate brown paper, adorned with elegant cursive writing.

Evrins gasp of disbelief echoed through the room as she clutched the ticket to London in her trembling hands. "Oh my god, a ticket to London?" Her excitement was palpable, her breathless words tinged with wonder. "Did your aunt speak to the movie producer?" she inquired eagerly, her eyes alight with hope.

Dawood rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips as he reclaimed the ticket. "Of course she did. She's well-connected in London," he boasted, his tone laced with pride. "They want to feature you in a movie with Gloria Swanson!"

Tears of joy welled in Evrin's eyes as she struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the news. Little did she know, that moment would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one filled with promise and uncertainty.

"Save the drama for the movies," Dawood teased, gently shaking her from her reverie. "Go and start packing!"

"Okay! Let me go and inform my parents!" Evrin exclaimed, her heart racing with anticipation.But Dawood's hand on her shoulder halted her in her tracks, his expression suddenly serious

"Do you really think your father will allow you to pursue acting?" he questioned, his voice tinged with concern. "You want to be a star, make your parents proud, don't you?"

Evrin nodded eagerly, her determination unwavering despite the doubts clouding her mind."And what about us?" Dawood's voice softened, his gaze piercing hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "Do you love me?"

Blushing, Evrin turned away, her gaze fixed on the ground as she bit her lip nervously. "C'mon, Dawood," she chuckled, attempting to deflect his probing question. But Dawood wouldn't be deterred. Taking her hand, he pressed her for an answer, his eyes searching hers for the truth.

"Do you love me or not?" he demanded, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

He reached for my hand "when are you ever going to get this opportunity again?"

She grunted not wanting to face him in worry that he would see her red hot face.  "So do you want me to keep this ticket or tear it up?" He held it up. She turned around looking at him with desperation and love.

"You love me right?" She asked "tell me"

8 hours later

The train hummed with the rhythmic clatter of wheels against tracks, and as Evrin nestled her head against Dawood's shoulder, she couldn't help but feel a sense of security. His presence felt like an anchor, a grounding force in the midst of uncertainty. She smiled warmly, offering him a taste of the Thelpa her mother had prepared, the sweet and spicy aroma tempting his senses.