It was Sunday in calendar which were full of blossoms. Even winter was changing for a decorous evening. Cold winds sounded whistling happily arranging a perfect moment. In Arnauds' mansion, everyone was busy getting dressed except Alina and Deon. They had gone to the church earlier to organize the wedding.
"Camii.." David called his wife with much of love. He used to do that soothing act when he had something to request.
"Camii.. Can you tie this?" he showed his blue necktie.
"Give me a second David. I'll do it soon." Her voice came from the dressing table.
"It's Deniz's wedding not ours. You're taking much time." David laughed at her.
When the time reached six, Deniz arrived to the venue where his family and friends were present. He was dressed in a western grooming outfit which was customized by David. Camillie was happy seeing his handsome son but got saddened. She had big dreams to arrange his wedding day lavish like Deon's. But the situation didn't allow them to do so. And she knew that this was totally against his will. But that day was peaceful for Deniz since the media wasn't invited.
Deon accompanied him to altar. David and Albert were glad to see them together. Despite being stubborn, Deniz always followed his brother's word. And they were great siblings since childhood.
"Where's her?" Deniz whispered to his brother. Deon was full of laughter.
"Have you already started missing her?" Deon whispered back.
"Nonsense. I want to end this act soon. I'm afraid of getting exposed to the media."
"What are you saying Deniz? What exposure?" Deon enquired worriedly. "Everyone in the city knows you're getting married today."
"hmm…" Deniz didn't give a reply to his brother. He didn't want to inform about his plans for this fake marriage.
"Deniz, you may find it boring or troublesome, but marriage is beautiful. Look at me. It is awesome to be with Alina." Deon gave explanations. But he wasn't aware of them. He had lost his sight in Zara's gorgeous appearance. She was absolutely enchanting in pearl white mermaid frock. Her bouquet was full of white lilies that could get his attention more towards her.
"Deniz, give your hand" Deon pressed Deniz's hand. Zara's hand was extended by her friend Jade. But Deniz didn't notice anything despite Zara's prettiness. Everyone laughed looking at him. Even Zara became happy seeing his face. Deniz frowned at her. His eyes were sparking in anger. She looked down.
Ceremony started with preaching. Priest asked them to take vows for each other. Deniz followed the rituals carelessly. He didn't want to perform them well, neither did he. But Zara did all generously. She didn't think of faking her wedding day.
"Now, exchange the rings" priest demanded.
Deon gave Zara's ring to Deniz while Alina gave Deniz's ring to Zara. Deniz put it on Zara's finger even without looking at her. Everyone clapped for them happily. Flower petals were thrown towards the couple. "Congratulations!" wishes were flowing around the altar.
Zara's right hand was bagged by Deniz. They came out of the church handing together. Hundreds of balloons were released to the air following them to the car. Camillie kissed her son and Zara's foreheads. David hugged them too.
"Congratulations young man. Be responsible hereafter. You have to build a family together." Albert wished them good luck.
"Yes, grand pa." Deniz acted calm while embracing.
Albert caressed Zara's head. "Girls have many dreams when she marries. But you won't find it easy at the beginning. Don't worry, Deniz is not bad as he shows. Thank you for being my granddaughter in law." He spoke of love.
The couple got into Deniz's car which was decorated with roses and they departed.
Camillie was looking at them leaving with teary eyes. David hugged her and kissed her face.
"Are you missing him already?"
"Yes David." Her voice sounded sad.
"They're not going for a war. It's their honeymoon, they'll return in a week." He consoled her. "If you want, we can go for a honeymoon. We didn't go anywhere lately." David sounded cheerful.
"David…." Camilie patted her husband's cheek.
Zara and Deniz arrived late to the hotel due to traffic jam. It was a three-hour journey to Le-Havre from Paris. Deon had arranged that considering Deniz's preference. He was very fond of this city since childhood because it was their grandmother's home town. Deon and Deniz had spent a quality childhood in Le-Havre. Since the city was one of the greenest cities in France Deniz loved it a lot. There were so many parks and gardens too.
Deniz was welcomed warmly by the hotel staff. It was one of the hotels that belonged to Arnauds'. Zara followed Deniz who went in hurriedly to his room.
"What a shame!" Deniz told seeing Zara entering to his room. Zara couldn't say anything with his arrogant look.
"Stay away from me, it's my helplessness to share a room." He knocked his head on the wall. Then he went to the bathroom and came out wearing a regular short.
"Don't come following me. You can stay here." He said while going out.
Zara relieved a breath after sitting on bed. She got saddened looking at herself. It shouldn't be her destiny. She thought of her father who was unaware of this fake wedding.
Her phone started ringing after sometime. It was Jade on other side.
"Zara, are you fine?" Jade worriedly asked. She knew that her innocent friend wouldn't get a peaceful life with that nasty boy. Zara started crying hearing her sound. Jade got tears too.
"Hey, Zara…, don't cry my girl. Ever since I got to know you, you were the strongest person I knew." Jade tried to pacify her. "You can be happy that uncle's operation will be done soon. Endure all the pain for him."
"Yes… I know Jade. If my dad isn't sick, I wouldn't accept their offer." Zara told while crying.
Deniz was in the hotel's pub having a drink. He didn't want to return to his room. He was missing Esmee badly. He tried calling her few times but she didn't pick up. And finally, it was switched off. He kept calling her like a fool. And even tried to her landline too. Deniz loved her dearly, so their separation was like a deprival.
It was ten past twelve when he knocked the room door. Zara was asleep on the couch. She wasn't surprised with his certain behavior but she was sad to see him. She thought, it was her mistake to ruin his life like that. Deniz was intoxicated heavily, even he couldn't move alone. Zara helped him to bed with a great effort.
Deniz grabbed Zara's hand and swooped her wrist and dragged her to him. Zara fell on him like a rag. She didn't have enough energy to fight against. She got stuck in his sturdy arms. "let me go" She requested innocently.
But Deniz hadn't got any sense. He clasped Zara with his muscular hands and remained steady. "please let me go" Zara continuously requested. Her body was totally in pain with his firm grasp. But Deniz didn't hear or listen. He embraced her tightly that Zara couldn't move a bit.
He kissed her lips forcefully while she was struggling under his body. "Lilies" he murmured sniffing her fragrance. Zara's heart beat rapidly even Deniz could feel it if he was sober. He started kissing her whole body cravingly and Zara had to tolerate his wildish body over that night.
Deniz got up hearing the room bell. But his body was weak to get down from the bed. He remained for a while. Again, bell rang and Zara came out from the bathroom saying, "coming". But when she saw Deniz was awake she became shaken reminding the night. Hence, Zara ran into the bathroom again. Deniz was amazed seeing her attitude. He couldn't remember anything except going to the pub.
Hotel steward became frozen seeing Deniz's naked body. He looked at his head to toe. Even Deniz was surprised finding him nude, he shut the door immediately and creeped inside.
"Zara…Zara….." he screamed knocking the bathroom door. So, Zara had to come out before he broke the door.
"What did you do yesterday?" Deniz questioned him harshly.
"I didn't do anything Mr. Deniz. I just…."
"Don't show your stupidity here. I'm not interested in you." He further scolded. "Stay away from me. I can't repeat always."
After getting dressed, Deniz went out taking his wallet and phone. Zara was looking at him leaving. It was her unfortunate to get tangled with his life. Even god hadn't any plan for them. Zara ordered some pancakes with maple syrup for the breakfast. She was extremely hungry since she hadn't taken any meal for hours. So, she devoured the pancakes and drank a coffee soon after it was served.
Deniz proceeded to meet his friends. He had many childhood friends in Le Havre. There was a beachside villa that had belonged to Deniz's grandmother. It was bought by his one of friends Daniel few years back. Daniel had turned that into a restaurant lately. Deniz, Deon, Daniel and his cousin, Louis were best friends for years. They had shared a wonderful time together. Since Deniz was busy with shows they didn't get along well recently.
"Deniz.." Daniel was extremely happy to see his friend. He came running to him and hugged tightly.
"How are you Daniel?" Deniz greeted him back.
"What a pleasant surprise man. Where's your bride?" he asked mocking at him. "I thought you would marry Esmee. But as always you're unpredictable."
"It wasn't like that. Don't remind anything about my marriage. I came here to get away from her. Don't ruin my mood." He sounded bemused. Daniel got upset too. He hadn't seen him worried like that earlier.
"What happened bro? let me help you somehow" Daniel asked him willingly.
"No worries. Let's go for a swim. I miss the beach." Deniz drew his attention away.
Both of them had lots of fun while swimming and water skiing. It was a peaceful day for Deniz because he could get away from his problems. He lied down on the beach beside Daniel who was having a beer. Daniel extended another bottle to his childhood friend.
"Daniel, I love Esmee. I was about to announce our relationship to the media. But before doing that she came to my life. You can't imagine how much I hate Zara. I had to marry her on grand pa's will. Neither me nor my family chose her with love." Deniz amplified the situation. Daniel listened him carefully without interrupting.
"I got everything in life. But I became a loser in front of Esmee. When I tried to close her chapter from my life, she ended up being a part of it. She's everywhere Daniel. I feel suffocated." Deniz's voice was tentative. Sometimes it was tough and sometimes it was sad.
"Deniz, I don't want to justify grand pa's decision. But as I know he don't take decisions unnecessarily. Sometimes he might see something that we couldn't. Since, you're already married give it a try." Deniz was listening silently. Daniel proceeded with his words.
"I saw her photos, she looked innocent and pretty."
Zara felt boring all the day. She hadn't been to la Havre before, so, that city was unfamiliar to her. She dallied her day reading some magazines and listening to music. When it was noon in time, she got a call from Camillie, "Zara, how are you?"
"Good Mrs. Camillie."
"Zara, call me mom. We're one family." Zara got tears when she heard that. She never got a chance to call someone like that.
"Thank you, mom." Zara's words were sorrowful.
"Why are you crying my dear? Did Deniz trouble you?" Camillie questioned her affectionately.
"No mom, actually, it was my first time calling someone a mom. I hadn't used that word in my life. My mom passed away when I was a baby. Ever since my dad raised me alone" They had a small chat and ended the conversation after few minutes. Zara could feel a small relief because of Camillie. Finally, she got a mother to call. "Mom.." She said smilingly.
When Zara turned back, Deniz was behind her. She got afraid suddenly. She didn't wish to see him at this time. "You?"
"Why? Can't I come to my room? You're the guest here not me." Deniz replied her in his regular tone.
Zara didn't answer. By the time she had understood his behavior well. So, she was happy without arguments. Deniz didn't seem to like her that way. He just passed another tantrum to get her involved.
"She's my mom. Don't try to intervene."
"I don't." she gave a short reply and went out from the room. It wouldn't be a pleasant place for her further. Zara closed the door and walked to the rooftop. That area was colorful. She could see the horizon with golden sunset. Few birds were flying passing her head. Zara sat on terrace. It was her first time vising a beachside. But she couldn't get to enjoy the sea breeze or waves. She was watching the purlieu getting dark. Finally, she fell asleep feeling cold wind.
Deniz was watching a hockey match while having dinner. He looked at the clock several times while observing the door. But Zara wasn't present. He just felt like calling her but hesitated to do so. Time had passed quicker than other days. Time had reached twelve and there wasn't any news from Zara. Deniz called the hotel management. Unfortunately, they hadn't seen her going out.
Deniz acted normal but he was worried about Zara. He knew that there were some places that girls shouldn't go alone. So, he thought of calling her but changed his mind seeing her phone on the sofa.
"Where did she go?" he thought. Even there wasn't any of her relative or friend, as Zara told to his mother. So, he felt, there was necessity of finding her whereabouts.
Deniz called Daniel, "Daniel, did see Zara?"
"Zara. How did I see her? What happened?" Daniel asked him surprisingly.
"She went away and didn't return yet." Deniz responded.
"But no one came to the beach after you left." Daniel verified.
"Ok then, call you later bye." Deniz hanged up the call, put on jacket and left.
He went searching her everywhere in the city, but couldn't find. After spending two more hours he got fed up and returned back to the hotel. He had thoughts of filling a police report but got surprised seeing her lying in the bed calmly. Deniz got fumed and yelled at her in full of anger.
"Zara….." She woke up shaken to his voice.
"What do you think of yourself?" Deniz's sound was full of wrath. Zara was curious without knowing anything. Deniz was watching at her like looking at a quarry. His eyes were vivid that could pierce her soul.
"What happened Mr. Deniz?" she asked him after few minutes.
Deniz didn't say anything, he just drew out Zara from the bed and jump in. Zara went to the sofa.
Alina and Camilie welcomed Zara and Deniz who returned from their honeymoon. Camillie was extremely happy to see his boy. She hugged Deniz and kissed him.
"I'm too tired mom. Let me take a shower first." He made an excuse, before getting involved to her questions.
Zara and Alina sat in the veranda.
"Do you feel tired as well?" she mocked at Zara. Zara didn't say anything except a smile.
"How was the trip?" Camillie asked her. Zara didn't have a story to tell. She stayed in the hotel all three days.
"Good mom. I loved the sunset there." She told her what she really enjoyed.
"Deniz loves the sunset there too. That's why we arranged your trip to La Havre. How was the water skiing?" Camillied inquired further.
Zara had nothing to say. She didn't know that, there was something like that.
"I don't know water skiing mom. I haven't done earlier."
"You should ask Deniz to teach you. He's good at skiing." Alina also joined to the conversation.