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1463 Words
The next day, as I was getting ready to explore the city, Mizgin called out to me.
"Hicran, come on! They’re already here, waiting for us."
"Oh, relax Mizgin! They can wait two minutes. It’s not like they’re going to die," I replied while taking one last look in the mirror. I had paired denim shorts with a red tank top and thrown a stylish blazer over my shoulders. I was officially ready to take on Mardin with Mizgin, Hashim, and Ashir Agha.
"Girl, stop being ridiculous. I’m telling you they’re at the door. These are the most powerful Aghas in Mardin—hurry up!"
"Big deal! So what if they’re Aghas? Waiting a bit won't kill them," I grumbled.
Mizgin just pushed me toward the door. "Stop talking, Hicran. Just walk."
"Fine, fine!" I muttered as we headed down.
Stepping outside, I saw Hashim and Ashir each leaning against their own cars, waiting in silence. The moment Ashir looked up, his eyes locked onto mine. Once again, he scanned me from head to toe, his brow furrowing in disapproval.
"Hicran, I told you not to wear stuff like that here," Mizgin whispered urgently. I just shrugged. No one was going to tell me how to dress.
While we were bickering, Hashim suddenly walked over and grabbed Mizgin’s hand. I was stunned, but his next words surprised me even more.
"Hicran, I’m taking Mizgin with me. You go with Ashir. We’ll leave the cars at the bazaar anyway," he said. Without giving me a chance to protest, he whisked Mizgin away into his car.
What a brute, I thought.
As I stood there looking confused, Ashir finally spoke. "What on earth are you wearing?"
"None of your business," I snapped.
His frown deepened. "The hell it isn't! We’re going to be together all day. People will talk. Do you want them saying 'the woman next to Ashir Agha forgot to get dressed'?"
I was taken aback by his nerve, but I wasn't about to back down.
"Listen to me, you wannabe tyrant! I am nothing like the women around here. And believe me, the man who can tell me what to do hasn't been born yet. As for this 'trip,' I’m not exactly thrilled to be with you either. Go ahead, I can explore on my own."
I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my arm firmly.
"Get in the car, you nuisance. I promised my father, otherwise, I wouldn't be interested in spending a second with you." He climbed into the driver’s seat, and I reluctantly got in next to him. Fine, I thought, I can survive one day with this ox.
The Clash of Wills
After a short drive, we stopped and met up with Mizgin. I immediately linked arms with her, and we began wandering through the historic streets.
"Ugh, I’m exhausted! Can we please sit somewhere?" I whined. I caught a glimpse of Ashir almost cracking a smile, but he quickly masked it.
"Fine, there’s a tea garden up ahead. Let’s go there," Ashir said. I followed him without a word; at that point, I would have sat on the dirt if he'd asked.
"Finally, heaven!" I exhaled the moment I sat down.
"So, what are we drinking?" Hashim asked.
"A Coke for me," I said. Mizgin agreed, and Hashim placed the order. Once the waiter left, he turned to me. "So, Hicran, tell us... what do you think of Mardin?"
I took a deep breath. "It’s beautiful. Honestly, it’s even more beautiful than I imagined."
Hashim looked puzzled. "What do you mean 'than you imagined'?"
Before I could answer, Mizgin chimed in. "Even though she’s not from here, Hicran has always been fascinated by the East. Especially by the Aghas." I felt my face flush with embarrassment.
Ashir perked up instantly. "Oh? Fascinated by Aghas, you say?"
Mizgin smirked. "Oh, definitely. When we met last year and she found out I was from the East, she grilled me with questions. 'Are there real Aghas? Are they handsome?' Her biggest dream was to marry a powerful tribal leader."
I shot Mizgin a murderous look. Ashir, on the other hand, had a smug grin on his face as he adjusted his collar. "Well then... how do you find us? Are we handsome enough for you?"
I didn't skip a beat. "It’s true, that was the dream. But I expected Aghas to be more... modern. How was I supposed to know some of them would turn out to be total cavemen?"
Ashir’s smile vanished, his jaw tightening. Just as he was about to snap back, my phone rang.
"Crap, it’s my mom," I said. Mizgin told me to take it. I excused myself from the table while the two brothers watched me with curiosity.
"Hello, my Queen," I said, leaning into the flattery. We went through the usual mother-daughter pleasantries, and I promised to send her love to my father and brother before hanging up.
When I got back to the table, I caught the end of Mizgin’s sentence: "...and that’s why her mother doesn't like me."
"Ugh, Mizgin. It’s not personal. My mom is just like that toward everyone from the East," I sighed.
"Why?" Ashir asked, his voice low.
"I don't know... Anyway, can we go? I have to leave tomorrow."
Mizgin looked shocked. "Leave? To where?"
"You know my family doesn't know I'm here. I need to get back before they notice."
Ashir spoke up. "Fine. We’ll go together tomorrow. I have some business in Istanbul anyway."
"I can go by myself, thanks," I said. The last thing I needed was to be stuck with him on a flight.
"I’m sure you could," he mocked.
"What’s that supposed to mean? I travel between countries alone! You think I can’t handle a trip to Istanbul? Go wherever you want. I’m going alone." I stood up and walked away before he could get another word in. I flagged down a taxi and headed back to the mansion.
Ashir’s Perspective
I started to go after her, but Mizgin stopped me.
"Don't bother. Hicran’s stubbornness is worse than any Kurd’s. You can’t force her to do anything."
My brother nodded in agreement, so I sat back down. But she was going to pay for this. No one leaves a Yilmaz standing behind.
Hicran’s Perspective
"Bye, sweetie! Don't worry, I'll be at the wedding. I’ll even bring the whole crew," I told Mizgin as we hugged. I boarded the plane and took my seat, only to have someone sit right next to me. I looked up and saw—of course—Ashir.
"What are you doing here?"
"I didn't realize you owned this plane, Hicran," he said coolly, settling in.
"Go sit somewhere else. You're annoying me."
"I’m quite happy with my seat. If you're bothered, you move."
I stood up in a rage, only to realize the flight was full. There were no other seats. Ashir let out a dry chuckle at my predicament.
"What’s the matter? Can’t seem to leave me behind?"
"Shut up. And for the love of God, don't talk to me the whole way." I jammed my headphones in and closed my eyes.
Ashir’s Perspective
"Silent all of a sudden?" I asked, but got no response. I turned to look at her and realized she had fallen asleep. She looked so innocent while sleeping. That sharp, poisonous tongue of hers—well, poisonous only toward me—was finally quiet. Why did she hate me so much? It’s not like I enjoyed the violence. I never wanted to shoot anyone, especially not my own brother... but 'tradition' had my hands tied too.
"Please fasten your seatbelts. We are beginning our descent."
The announcement woke me. I reached over and fastened Hicran’s belt for her. As I leaned in close, a scent hit me—something floral and intoxicating. I quickly pulled back and buckled my own belt.
After we landed, we walked toward the exit. "I hope we never meet again," she said.
For some reason, that stung. I was about to snap back when two guys shouted her name.
Hicran’s Perspective
"HICRAN!"
I turned around and saw Uğur and Murat. I was so happy to see them; I’d actually missed my friends in just two days. I threw my arms around them. When I looked back, I saw Ashir getting into a car, looking absolutely livid. What’s his problem now?
I decided not to overthink it. I turned back to my friends and started explaining everything. Their jaws dropped more with every word, but like me, they were powerless. What could they possibly do?
- Writer
