Defne said:
- It hurts.
Omer rose up and, without releasing her hand, bent over her. Frightened, peering into her face, he asked:
- Darling, where does it hurt? What hurts? - she frowned and opened her eyes. - Allah! Did you come to your senses ?!
"Don't shout," her eyes closed again and a wrinkle appeared between her brows. - Fingers hurt ... Let go ... crush.
Not yet fully believing what had happened, Omer instantly let go of her hand and cupped her pale face in his hands. Looking at her face, ordered:
- Defne, look at me!
She opened her eyes. Her gaze, albeit blurred, was quite conscious. Omer was dizzy and his hands shook. Euphoria comes over him. He laughed and leaned over to kiss her, but Defne turned her face away and asked:
- Where I am?
"In the hospital," Omer touched her forehead with his hand. Cold and wet. - How do you feel?
Defne frowned and rubbed her lips.
- I want to drink.
"Now, my love," Omer pushed the doctor's call button. - Wait a minute. The doctor will examine you. As soon as he does, I'll give you some water.
- Why are you here?
She spoke slowly and detachedly. Looked wary. The vertical wrinkle between the eyebrows became deeper. Omer ran his thumb over it and looked into her eyes for a long time.
- Because you are here.
A doctor entered the ward. The sight of the patient waking up caused a wide smile on his face. He, pushing aside Omer and examining her, said:
- Mrs. Defne! I am happy to see your eyes. They are beautiful! Never hide them again.
Saying that the doctor threw the sheet and began to examine. He felt her stomach, arms, and legs, and then pulled out from his pocket a ballpoint-like gadget and pricked Defne in the big toe. She screamed and Omer rushed to her. Squeezing a small foot in his palm, he indignantly shouted at the doctor:
- What are you doing? It hurts her!
"And that's great," he answered, not at all embarrassed. - In this case, pain is our friend. It says that the nerve endings are alive.
Defne, who had been watching the manipulations of the doctor cautiously all this time, looked at Omer and asked:
"What is the doctor talking about?" And why am I in the hospital?
- You were on the waterfront. Fainted and fell into the water ...
Don't you remember anything at all?
In the brain, in bright flashes, incoherent images appeared. A black SUV drives into a street near the house ... A gray-haired man with faded blue eyes gives her paper ... Nihan's frightened face ... The fascinating depth that calls to her ... Iso cry ... That's just Omer did not fit into these pictures at all. He was not in any ... And again a bright image - a white veil on the red carpet. Serdar, hugging her shoulders ... And in this picture, Omer also wasn't ... Where is he? She closed her eyes and concentrated. The receptionist in the red cloak ... "Yes", - Omer ... Dance ... Luxurious hotel room ... Icy look and the door closed with a loud bang like a shot.
She remembered. Everything. To the smallest details. The memories poured into the brain that was awakened and hurt. Much stronger than a finger shot.
Defne opened her eyes. The doctor and Omer watched her with intense attention. The first smiled contentedly while the second grew gloomy with anxiety.
"Please, I want to drink," she asked hoarsely. – Can I?
"You can," the doctor said.
Omer poured water from a bottle into a cup and helped Defne lift herself.
She clutched at it with both hands and greedily drained to the bottom. The water softens her throat and the breathing became easier. Giving the empty cup to Omer, Defne lay back on the pillows and closed her eyes. The doctor patted her hand encouragingly and ordered:
- Rest. You need to gain strength. - He looked at Omer. - Let the monitor remain on until morning. And then we'll see. If your wife will ask to drink - you can safely give water. In the morning, try to feed her. She is very exhausted and the restoration of physical strength is no less important than the return of consciousness.
Omer nodded and thanked the doctor. When the door closed behind him, he carefully covered Defne with a sheet and sat down beside her. As usually took her hand in his, but she freed her and turned away to the wall.
Omer sat in an uncomfortable hospital chair and with mixed feelings looked at the thin back and redhead of his wife. She came to her senses and his happiness was boundless. But it seems that the presence of her husband was not at all pleased. And from this thought melancholy ached in his chest.
When Defne's breathing became quiet and measured, he went out into the corridor and wrote messages to Nihan and Sinan. There were only two words in them: "Defne awoke."
In the morning, the entire Topal family, as well as Iso and Sinan, appeared in the hospital. As an exception, the doctor allowed everyone to go to the ward. But at the same time, he made a condition that her relatives would behave with restraint. Topal easily agreed to the demand. The reason was simply explained: when Nihan read Omer's message into the voice, each family member threw out his raging joy and quite calm people came to the hospital. There were tears and embraces, but without hysterical crises. Nihan and the grandmother were seated in armchairs, the others surrounded the bed of Defne and did not take happy eyes from her. Omer stood by the window and watched his wife and her relatives.
Interrupting each other, they told their Defne the latest news. She was pale, with dark circles under her eyes, half-sitting on the bed and, smiling with bloodless lips, listened to her relative's voices.
Defne tried not to attach great importance to the fact that Omer was in the ward. She did not understand why he is here. Why he was with her at night. There was no logic in his presence here in the hospital, and she decided not to think about it yet.
When there was a pause in the conversation, Defne looked at Iso and asked:
"Tell me what happened."
- And what's the last thing you remember? - in reply asked Iso.
Defne frowned thoughtfully.
- I remember sitting on the bench. Then I got up and went to the water's edge. In the eyes darkened ... I heard you calling me by name ... nothing else.
Omer held his breath. He, like Defne, wanted to hear this part of the story.
"Nihan called me," Iso began his story. - She said you went to the waterfront. I ran after you. You stood at the very edge. I had to reach some hundred meters, as you swayed and fell into the water. I jumped for you. But in that place, it is very deep and the water is muddy ... I had to dive three times until I saw you and could lift you to the surface. Thanks to the people on the waterfront. By the time I pulled you out, they had already called an ambulance. It arrived quickly. You did not breathe and there was no pulse. I tried to give you artificial respiration. Then the doctors arrived ... You came to your senses. You even recognized me and spoke. And then turned off again. An ambulance brought you here ... That's the whole story.
- And how long have I been here?
"Ten days," Nihan answered instead of Iso. In her voice, the whimsical notes that had disappeared earlier appeared again. - You frightened us, girl! If I give birth prematurely, just know - you are guilty!
Defne looked at her friend and smiled. For the first time in two and a half months. Her smile caused a storm of joy among those present. They looked at each other and their eyes shone with happiness. Omer moved away from the window, approached Defne's bed and took her hand. He gently shook it and reminded her of himself with this gesture.
- Why is Omer here? She asked and looked at her relatives in turn. They were silent and averted their eyes. And only Sinan looked at her. He answered:
"I told him that, and he flew out of Marseille on the same day."
Omer felt her fingers tighten, and he squeezed them tightly in his palm. But Defne with silent insistence removed her hand and said quietly:
- Oh, yes ... From Marseille, - her lips quivered and her face again became sad and detached. - I'm tired. Drive home. Come tomorrow.
Relatives did not argue. Grandma kissed her on the forehead, looked at the amber eyes surrounded by dark shadows and said pitifully:
- You have not forgotten that you are my life? Don't scare me like that anymore, Defne. Good?
-Well, grandma,-promised Defne, and her throat was intercepted by spasm. She just now noticed how in recent months her grandma aged. Her face was completely exhausted. What a selfish girl she was all this time. She closed in her grief and saw nothing and no one around. Frustrated grandmother and pregnant Nihan. Scared Esra. Never again, never will she allow it.
Stroking her grandmother's wrinkled cheek, she smiled at her and nodded at the door.
- Go home and have a good rest. And tomorrow you cook me your pilaf and meatballs.
Aunt Turkan blossomed with a joyful smile. Her beauty wants grandma's pilaf and meatballs! Wants to eat again. She's going to do her best, she'll cook the most delicious.
Relatives, and after them, Iso and Sinan left. Omer stayed. Defne looked at him in surprise and asked:
- Why aren't you going?
This question hurt his heart. The alienation of Defne scared. He understood the reasons for its occurrence, understood that he was very guilty before his wife, understood that it would be difficult to return her trust, but hoped that her generosity and good heart would be stronger than resentment and she would allow him to explain everything and forgive him.
"I'll stay with you," he said affectionately and reached out to stroke her cheek.
Defne jerked her head back and burned him with a warning look.
-It is not necessary. I want to be alone. Please leave.
- Good. I will come in the evening.
- Do not.
- What does it mean? - he raised his voice.
Defne answered indifferently as if he was a stranger:
"So you don't need to visit me." I'm fine. You can go back to your business with peace of mind.
- You are my business! He shouted, but Defne only frowned in annoyance and touched her fingers to her temple. Omer immediately changed his tone. - Sorry. Have a good rest, and then we'll talk.
Defne did not answer. She turned her face to the window and stared blankly at the leaves swaying behind the glass.
Omer left the chamber. As soon as the door closed behind him, Defne buried her face in the pillow and wept.
He walked without noticing anything around him. The euphoria that raged in him from the moment Defne came to herself melted.
She does not want to see him.
He hurt her too deeply, hurt her too much.
On the street, near the entrance to the hospital, Iso was waiting for Omer. He stood, straightening his shoulders and thrusting his hands into his pockets, and his black eyes burned with determination. Omer stopped in front of him and answered with a calm but full of bitterness.
"Speak," he said.
- What do you want from Defne? - asked Iso!
"I want to explain everything and ask for forgiveness," Omer answered honestly.
- She will forgive and what's next? How much is enough for you? Until the next mistake of Defne? And she will do not hesitate. This is Defoe ... She is not perfect and will never fit into your impeccable principles. And what will happen next? Another reanimation? The next time she may not get out.
Omer looked ahead and was silent. Without waiting for an answer, Iso continued:
- I do not blame you. Not. Your position in life can cause respect, but it is not for Defne. Defoe will never be the way you want her to be. And such as it is, you do not want to accept her.
"You are mistaken," Omer objected. - I love Defne.
- How much do you love her? Just enough to put above your pride?
- Yes!
Omer's answer was firm and immediate. But Iso did not believe it. He shook his head and spoke with sad conviction in his voice:
- Inside you now speak fear for her life. But it will soon pass and everything will fall into place ... Leave, Omer! Go back to your ideal life and your important business. Leave Defne alone. I saw her eyes today. Life reappeared in them. Defne will be cured of this, destroying her, love for you and will be able to start a new life. Do not ruin her, do not give false hope again ... Please.
Omer looked up and looked Iso in the eyes. So hard and doomed that his soul turned upside down.
- What about me, Iso? - he asked. - How should I be? I will not recover from the love of Defne. Now I know for sure. She is in my soul, in my heart, in blood ... She is my soul and my heart ... I thought a lot ... And I understood ... I don't need pride ... don't give a damn about it! And life itself is not needed if Defne is not in it ... Do not ask me to abandon her. I can not.
They stood on the wide porch of the huge, imaginative hospital building. Men tormented by grief, but steadfastly survived. Tall, beautiful, with a proud posture and a widespread of the shoulders. Both attracted the attention of onlookers. People stopped and openly watched the drama playing before their eyes. But men did not notice either these views or the curious observers themselves. They looked into each other's eyes.
"If you break her heart again, I will kill you," Iso firmly promised.
"You'll not have the time," Omer answered firmly. – My heart will stop earlier.
Despite the sleepless night, arriving home, Omer could not sleep. Thoughts, climbed into his head, buzzed there without stopping, arguing among themselves and drove him crazy. Defne's life -threatening stone fell from his heart, but a new one lay in its place - unbearable guilt before his wife for everything he had done in the past two and a half months. And this stone could only be removed by Defne. Her forgiveness and love. But will she want to do this? Omer did not know.
Lying on the bed like that for an hour, he got up and went wandering around the house. Every corner of it reminded of Defne. Living room, kitchen, study. All the rooms kept memories of a sunny girl who came and brought with her light and happiness. And he did not appreciate it. Refused. Now, more than anything, he wanted her back, and the warmth and joy that she gave him.
Omer returned to the bedroom, went to the window. The garden behind the glass looked well-groomed and bright. The flowers that Defne once planted did not perish. They bloomed wildly and colorfully. For some reason, this circumstance calmed his shattered nerves. Flowers survived and their feelings with Defne will also overcome all obstacles. He wanted to believe it.
In the stomach, he felt pain. He remembered that he had not eaten since yesterday and immediately thought of Defne. Hospital food is not super. What if she wants something delicious. Without thinking twice, Omer called at Lunch restaurant made an order and asked to be taken immediately to the hospital for the patient Defne Iplikci. And he went to the kitchen to warm up what Sukru's wife prepared yesterday.
Omer called the hospital several times a day and learned about Defne's condition. He was told that everything is fine. Her vital signs are normal, she underwent an MRI, which did not reveal any abnormalities in the brain. The patient herself feels satisfactory and even took a few steps around the ward. Having heard the last, he could not stand it - he got into the car and drove to the hospital. But near the ward, he stopped. He remembered Defne's prickly look, her frowning eyebrows, and instead of entering the ward, he sat down on the sofa in the foyer and sat on it until late at night. When there was a sleepy silence in the hospital, he quietly entered Defne's room. She slept on her side, her palms folded under her head. Barely touching he stroked her hair, kissed her forehead and whispered:
- I missed you, my soul ...
Then, silently, he pulled the chair closer, sat down, and began to listen to her quiet breathing. And he did not understand when he fell asleep. Awakened by pain in the numb neck. He shook his head and stretched, and then looked at Defne. She slept all the same calmly and quietly. Omer kissed her temple lightly and left the ward. Now he can go home. And tomorrow, or rather today, he will return, and she will not be able to put him out the door.
***
Today Defne felt much better. The weakness gradually disappeared, her head cleared, and she could even eat. Yesterday she was brought lunch from Lunch r-t. All tasty, healthy and exactly what she loved most. Even a chocolate souffle for dessert. Defne did not have to think long who took care of her and got rid of the hospital food. But she did not understand why he was doing this. If out of guilt, then in vain. She does not need his sympathy. And what she needs Omer can not give her. Now she knew that for sure.
How did that hurt? Her feelings have not gone away. She loved him, as before, with all her heart. Neither his departure, nor the cold silence, nor the fact that he filed for divorce made any difference. Love lived and her soul wanted Omer. She saw him everywhere. She heard his voice, felt the presence ... On waking in the morning, the first thing she sensed was his smell. So dear ... With her heart full, she opened her eyes and looked around. The ward was empty. Again, the subconscious deceived her. And again the treacherous tears ran down her cheeks ...Later came grandmother and Nihan. The first in the doorway appeared a round tummy, and behind it, a smiling girlfriend and the precious grandma Turkan followed. Upon seeing them, Defne sat up in bed and genuinely smiled. And again her smile caused the opposite effect. Both women burst into tears and rushed to hug their girl Defne.
Then the grandmother personally fed the granddaughter with her famous pilaf and meatballs. And Nihan sat beside her and told her about home news. The fact that Esra began to read a thick book of Russian classics, from one glance at which Nihan mood spoils.. And this crazy girl says she likes it. And Serdar disappears all day in a cafe. Although not in vain - things are going uphill. Nihan proudly lifted her nose.
- Imagine, my hard-headed hubby finally realized that he was the breadwinner in the family. I am delighted!
"My son is like that," her grandmother supported.Defne listened to them carefully and then asked:
- And how are the neighbors? Why not talk about Mune and Merve.
Both women fell silent. Wary glances at each other, and grandma answered:
- How can it be? Good, I guess.
- Good good! - Nihan supported her, but Defne was difficult to hold off.
- And what are you hiding from me? Just do not dodge and lie! What happened?
"Gossipers, they all, that's who!" - spitefully replied Nyhan. "They only know how to gossip all day long and discuss everyone!"
Defne went cold inside. She knew about the favorite occupation of all women in the area without exception - to wash the bones of the neighbors and discuss the news. Grandmother and Nihan were no exception. And if they are now opposed, it means ... gossip concerns their families.
- And what do we do?
Asking the question Defne already knew the answer. She returned home the morning after the wedding. Her husband abandoned her, left. What food for gossip and condemnation. Allah! For two months she was in prostration, and her family was ashamed to go out. And while she lives in their house, nothing will change.
"Forgive me," Defne asked quietly.
Nihan even jumped in the chair. It's so funny. Like a big rubber ball. In other circumstances, Defne would certainly have laughed, but now it was no laughing matter.
- You what, girl? What do you want forgiveness for?- shouted meanwhile Nihan. - They are big fools! And you are the best girl in the world!
"Hush," grandmother Turkan patted her daughter-in-law. - Don't shout like that. Let them talk. You cannot shut people's mouths. And for us, the main thing is that Defne is alive and smiling again.
"You're right, " Nihan agreed. - They condemn us. Let them look at themselves!
Omer, unnoticed by women, stood near the open chamber door and experienced another wave of self-hatred. Running away from Istanbul, he didn't even think for a minute, but how will Defne be here? What will people think about such an early end to her family life? And when Iso on the evening of his arrival, here in the hospital he shouted that the whole area was talking about her name, he did not hear him. And now he heard. And he understood. He quietly walked away from the door and left the hospital on the street. There he sat down on a bench and found Iso's number on the phone. After a second hesitatingly hit a finger on the screen. There were long beeps on the phone, and then Iso's mocking voice:
- Wow! Wow! Mr.Omer calls himself an ordinary shoemaker!
"Don't scoff," Omer cut him off. "You're a friend to me, and you know that very well."
True? -The anger was ringing in Iso's voice. -Then why, when a friend called you, not one, but dozens of times called, you did not pick up?
"You know why," Omer answered.
-Then what do you want from me now?
-You said that the whole area was gossiping about Defne. What did you mean?
-What do you think? We live in the neighborhood here, not a society with its free morals. If the girl in the morning after the wedding returns to the parents ' house, and even in а wedding dress-it's a shame for the whole family.
Omer covered his eyes, and through his clenched teeth, he asked:
- How can this be fixed?
- And here there is no exact recipe. Think for yourself! - cut off Iso and disconnected.
Omer pressed the phone to his forehead. Yes, the situation is awful, but it must be solved. Topal's family do not deserve to interfere with their names. Moreover, Defne does not deserve this.
He looked at the phone again and found the number in it. He called and waited for a reply with a curt:
- Hello! I need your help.
***
Grandmother and Nihan left, and Defne leaned back on the pillows and thought. Unwillingly, she brought problems to the family, and they would not resolve themselves. Gossip and mockery will haunt her relatives while she lives in their home. Serdar works to provide the whole family. Besides, he and Nihan will soon have a child. And yet there is a debt to Fikret ...
Impermissible luxury to revel in her grief when relatives suffer. It's time to start looking for a job and think about renting an apartment away from their area. Defne stood up and took the tablet brought by Nihan. Having opened the job offer site, she began to carefully study the vacancies.
***
Omer saw how grandmother Turkan and Nihan left the hospital and headed towards the taxi stand. Watching them out, he got up and went to Defnе. She half-sat on the bed and carefully looked at the tablet.
- Hello! - greeted Omer.
He wanted to kiss her to shivers, but the cold look of brown eyes stopped his outburst. Today Defne looked better. Her face was still pale, but no longer wax and the dark circles under the eyes became lighter. Lips, which yesterday seemed bloodless, returned color, and they turned pink. Omer peered at her face, mentally noting all these changes. The anxiety lessened. The doctors didn't lie - Defne is better.
"Good afternoon," she greeted, showing by her appearance that she didn't like such close attention, and returned to her occupation.
- What are you looking at? - He asked and looked over her shoulder into the tablet. On the screen, job postings were highlighted.
"I am looking for a job," Defne said, flipping through the pages on the screen.
- Why do you need it? - Omer sincerely surprised.
- Weird question! I need to pay bills, help relatives. Buy food, clothes. Without money, this is problematic.
Omer sat down next to her on the bed and looked into her face. He so wanted her to hear him.
- Defne, you are my wife. My money is your money.
"Ex-wife," she reminded her. - I remember very well that I signed the papers for divorce.
- I did not sign! - Omer rapped in response.
Defne looked up at him. She could not cope with the feelings, and he saw in the amber depth of her eyes a storm of emotions. Distrust, joy, hope, fear. But they disappeared as suddenly as they appeared. She looked down at the tablet screen again and spoke indifferently:
- Is that a problem. Sign it up a matter of seconds.
He took her chin, raised her frozen face to himself and asked:
- Look at me.
She obeyed. Looking into her eyes, Omer spoke with barely contained vehemence:
- I will not sign! Neither now nor in a month, never! You are my wife and you will remain so.
Defne removed his hand but did not look away. Her face no longer held a mask of indifference. Lips twitched:
- Why do you need it? You left, started a new life ... why do you need to go back to the old one?
He shook his head. He brought his face close to her and whispered on the lips:
- Did not start ... Defne I ...
She pulled away and resolutely interrupted his speech.
- Do not! Don't answer. It doesn't matter. Please go away. I need to look for a job.
Omer got out of bed but was in no hurry to leave. He crossed his arms over his chest and asked:
- Why do you work unknown where? You have a job at Passionis. Like me. We are designers, Defne, and inadmissibly long ignored the work. It's time to go back and engage in the autumn collection.
- In Passionis? - Defne asked in surprise. - I have not appeared there for more than two months. I think I was already fired for absenteeism.
"We'll consider this a long-term vacation," Omer assured.
Defne thought. Return to Passionis. See Omer every day. Watch from the side for his life ... live with hope again and die of love ... She cannot.
- Thank you for the offer, but no. I will not return to Passionis.
Omer could not resist. Her detachment tore off from him the armor of civilized tranquility and set free the real feelings that were now tearing his soul to pieces.
- Why? He shouted.
"You have no right to ask about it," metallic note sounded in Defne's voice, but in the next second it faltered. - Please leave! Sign documents for divorce. Come back to your perfect life. You are not guilty of anything! I and only I am guilty of all the troubles of my life. Therefore, do not feel obliged, do not come here. No need to send anything. You made the decision and hold on to it! And I will hold on to my own.
"You have no idea about the decision I made." But in one thing you are right - I will hold on to it.
Defne's face turned gray, and she closed her eyes. Omer panicked.
- What's the matter? - He asked frightened and touched his hand to his forehead. - Call a doctor?
"No," Defne said. - Just leave. I'm tired.
"Good," he retreated. - I'll leave. I'm leaving now, but I'll be back in a couple of hours.
He nevertheless called the doctor and waited in the corridor while he examined Defne. As soon as he left the ward, Omer rushed to him and asked:
- What's with her?
"It's okay," the doctor reassured him. - Pressure dropped a little. Mr. Omer, your wife has experienced nervous stress, a great shock, many days in a coma. She is physically exhausted. She needs calmness, positive emotions, care, and good nutrition, - he smiled encouragingly and joked: - With the latter, as far as I know, there are no problems. The best restaurant in Istanbul delivers food directly to your wife's ward.
Omer smiled wryly and shrugged one shoulder.
- Defne is not a big fan of restaurant food, but while she is here, so be it.
- By the way, as for "while she is here." If there are no complications, in a couple of days Mrs. Defne can be taken home.
The doctor's words delighted Omer, but at the same time, they worried. He knew that he would not allow Defne to return to Topal's house again. She is his wife and her place in their common home. But how to implement it?
- Thank you, Doctor! - he thanked. - This is great news.
Omer went outside and stopped deciding what to do next. He needs to talk to Sinan, and this means - after a long absence, reappear in the office of Passionis. Meet with colleagues, not staying in the image of the perfect Omer Iplikci. He looked at his old jeans and a polo shirt and mentally sent everyone to hell. Let them get used to the new look of the boss. He is no longer a cold iceberg and will not build an immaculate deity. He is human! A common person.
Passionis met his creative director with raging joy. And he responded with the same feelings. He gladly shook hands with the men, smiled affably in response to the assurances of the girls, how happy they were to see their dear boss and even allowed Derya to throw himself on his neck. However, immediately suspended and severely frowned eyebrows, but the fact remained a fact - Mr. Omer Iplikci removed an icy barrier between themselves and his subordinates. Sinan, leaning his shoulder against the wall and crossing his arms on his chest, with a satisfied smile on his face, watched his friend and partner return to the home walls of the company they had created. Noticing him, Omer stepped forward. Office people, without words understanding the importance of the moment, parted. Sinan separated from the wall and held out his hand.
- Welcome back, brother! - he said excitedly. – Glad for your decision!
Omer shook his outstretched palm and answered:
- Me, too! - he looked around at the breathless employees and asked loudly: - Well, are we starting work on the autumn collection?
The people joyfully buzzed, and Sinan firmly embraced the Omer and enthusiastically declared:
- I recognize my brother!
"let's go to you," Omer said softly in response. - We have to talk.
Partners settled in comfortable chairs and carefully looked at each other.
"Tell me," said Sinan. - How Defne?
"Thanks to God, better," Omer smiled, but his eyes remained sad. - The doctor says - in a couple of days we can take her home. "How glad I am to hear that!" - Sinan exclaimed sincerely and asked: - Then, what worries you? Does Iso bother you? Or Defne relatives?
Omer shook his head.
- Not. We spoke openly with Iso, and Topal behaves, though not benevolently, but with restraint. But Defne ... She wants to cut me off completely. She requires me to sign the papers for divorce. Looking for a job ... Sinan, I know that she has not appeared in Passionis for more than two months and according to the rules of the company we are obliged to dismiss her, but I ask you to make an exception.
- What are you talking about ?! Of course, we will. But ... will Defne want to return to Passionis?
"That's what I want to ask you about," discarding his restraint, Omer spoke ardently. - Talk to her. You were always on the same wavelength and understood each other. I know she will listen to you! Defne, after all, is the soul of Passionis. I say this not because she is my soul too, but because Defne will not be anywhere else as necessary as here. She will not be so happy at any other job. I'm sure of it.
- Good! Well, do not worry, - Sinan covered Omar's clenched fist. - I'll talk to Defne.
How long the time in the hospital lasts. Defne was tired of endless lying in bed, from the tablet her head ached. She also wanted to take a shower. But the doctor did not give permission, and Defne did not venture to willfully. And yet she asked the nurse when she came to do the injection. She replied that, of course, possible. A little later, she will free herself and help Mrs.Defne. But either she forgot, or she was busy, more than an hour had passed, and she never came. After listening to herself and deciding that she had enough strength to bathe herself, Defne got out of bed. Pulling on her hospital gown, she stood for a couple of minutes and barefoot took a step towards the bathroom. And it was precisely at this moment that Omer was to enter the chamber. Seeing Defne standing in the middle of the ward, he threw the package on the floor and, in two steps, covering the distance, picked her up in his arms.
- What are you doing? - he was indignant.
"I'm going to shower," she replied.
- Why alone? Couldn't the nurse help you? - Omer turned and carried her to the bathroom.
- She's busy, and I feel good. And my legs are great for me. So kindly put me on them.
"Well, yes, now," Omer answered ironically, and pressing his elbow on the door handle, he flung open the bathroom door.
He brought Defne to the white-tiled room and set her on her feet right in the shower stall.
"Come out," she said.
Her eyes threw sparks. How Omer was happy to see them! Let her be angry, swearing, smarting. Just better than indifference and empty eyes.
- Not. I will not leave you here alone. Just turn away.
- Are you kidding me? - Defne's eyes narrowed and the sparks became even brighter. - Or do you think that I will take a shower while you are here?
- As you want. If you don't , then let me take you to the ward, "Omer calmly suggested.
- Off! - Defne sharply closed the curtain. - Turn away.
He obediently turned away. He even closed his eyes. But he heard the slightest sound. The rustle of clothes being removed, the rustling of water, the click of an opened tube of shampoo. And the artist's imagination finished the rest ... The blood ran faster through the veins, spreading excitement through the body in a hot stream.
"Iplikci! - the inner voice was indignant. - Are You Normal? Defne is only the second day when she came to herself, exhausted, she barely holds on her feet, and you already dream of the devil knows what! Besides, she doesn't want to see you. What are you going to do with it? "
"I will love her!!!" - Omer mentally snapped.
- Can you give me a towel? – he heard the angry voice of Defne.
Is she still asking? Omer opened his eyes and looked around. A pile of towels lay on a shelf by the opposite wall. There were clean shirts. He took one item from each pile and turned to the shower stall. A thin silhouette shone through the matt curtain.
"Hold on," he shook and held out the towel. A slender hand appeared from behind the curtain and snatched it. - There is still a clean shirt. Will you take it?
- Thanks.
Again, a hand appeared from behind the curtain. Omer held out the shirt and closed his eyes. Allah! Be merciful! Let the ice around Defne's heart melt. May she find the strength to listen and forgive.
The curtain rustled as she opened, and Defne, wearing a blue, wide shirt and a towel turban on her head, gazing at him cautiously, asked:
- Bring slippers from the chamber. I forgot.
- What for? - surprised Omer and in one motion picked her up. "You spent so much energy on the shower."
He carried her to the ward and put her on the bed.
"I saw a hairdryer in the bathroom. Now I will take it and dry your hair."
Omer went to the bathroom, and Defne shouted to him:
"I'll dry it myself," he pretended not to hear, and the disgruntled Defne sarcastically added: "You have to go back to your important business."
Omer returned to the ward with a hairdryer in his hands. He plugged it into the socket and, holding it with one hand, pulled the turban off her head.
"Defne, you repeat yourself," he muttered caustically. - I already told you: you are my most important business. Do not turn and let me gently dry your hair.
The hairdryer boomed. The warm air pleasantly tickled the skin. Defne involuntarily closed her eyes. Omer's care was so touching ... made her heart so sweetly shrink ... Oh, if love was the reason for it, not guilt.
Carefully dried and combed hair flowed along the narrow back with fiery silk. Omer could not see enough of them. How did he miss it? Carefully, he picked up a strand and leaned over to kiss, but Defne pulled away and looked warningly. Omer sighed, released a curl from his fingers, and walked away from the bed. He lifted the package thrown in a hurry on the floor and took out a small easel, pencils and a folder with white sheets of paper.
- I thought - you are bored lying idle. Why not draw.
Defne's eyes flashed joy for a moment, but then they went out.
- It was not worth the trouble. I don't want to draw, she answered coldly.
Omer's heart ached. He put the art supplies on the bedside table and headed for the door. But holding the handle, he looked around and looked at the girl who was everything to him. Which he pushed away, betrayed her trust, left to die from the pain. Omer understood her new feelings and did not blame her. He deserved it. A thousand times deserved it. But he couldn't give her up. He just could not. Why does he have to live without her?
"Do not give up what you love, because of a grudge against me," Omer asked. - I'm not worth it ...
He left the chamber and closed the door behind him. A nurse passing through the corridor wanted to say something to him, but when she saw his eyes full of bitter despair and determination, she changed her mind and silently passed by. Omer gritted his teeth.He is to blame for the fact that his kind-hearted, sweet, warm Defne has disappeared. And only he can bring her back.
He will bring her back!
Towards noon the next day, two huge, expensive, status cars drove into the narrow street of the neighborhood. They slowly, as if sneaking, drove past the houses and stopped right outside Topal's house. Curious gossipers peered out the windows, and the most impatient went out into the street. And all, as if on cue, froze with bulging eyes and open mouths, when they saw what kind of guests came to the threshold of Aunt Turkian's house.