Deniz entered the veranda from the back door hastily. Thinking about Noah he had lost his peaceful mind. Since Zara wasn't aware about his feeling, Noah's topic was always on her lips. Deniz had a shower then he started playing his favourite video game. When Zara came to the room, he was completely calm and silent. So, Zara didn't want to dig the situation again and acted normal like usual. She also had a warm bath and came to Deniz. But he didn't concern her presence and was concentrating on his game.
"Deniz, dad is discharging next week, can I stay with him for some time after he returns? He doesn't have anyone besides me"
"He can stay here. No need to go to that slum again. It won't be better for a patient either."
"Don't speak like that Deniz. It's where I belong." She was hurt and sad about his words.
"You're no longer related to that place or people. You shouldn't stay out and that's final." He said in a strident manner.
"Deniz, that's not right. Please understand my dad won't like to stay away from my home." Zara insisted but he didn't listen to Zara.
"This is your home." He was adamant.
"What's the use Deniz? After our divorce, I have to return to that house anyhow. I'm just a temporarily resident here."
"Divorce." He released a sigh. "Even before completing our agreement, you're thinking about it. What a hurry!" He didn't give a chance for Zara to explain. Instead that Deniz increased the game's volume and started playing it again. Zara wanted to speak more about her father and share her happiness of his discharge but Deniz wasn't ready to listen.
Finally, she left the room and stepped to the kitchen. Dalcy was preparing a chicken for the dinner menu. So, Zara joined her and helped to make the dinner. Ever since Zara had lost her mother, she helped her father with the regular home duties. Hence, she could cook really well like a chef. Deniz also enjoyed her dishes without a complaint.
In the room Deniz was cogitating about Noah. Even though he tried to divert his mind it couldn't help. He played guitar and sang few songs too. But the fear of losing Zara was pierced in his thoughts. 'Zara belongs to me only.' He expressed to the air.
In Arnauds' mansion, dining table was wonderful as usual. Arnauds' were having a great time together. Albert and David were discussing about a business matter. Camillie was the one who had dinner without uttering a word. In the middle of dinner everyone had something to say to each other. Even Deon was teasing to Alina about her new mutton dish. Alina was sad and angry.
"Look at him mom. Deon says it's not good" Alina said to Camillie. But she was not heeding to Alina and thinking about her beloved youngest son Deniz.
"Mom" Alina called her again. "Are you alright?"
"Ahh.. yes.. What did you say?" She looked at Deon and said, "Deon stop complaining and finish your plate." Her words were somewhat clueless and stern. Alina and Deon were surprised to hear her like that. It was very first time of Alina to see her attitude that way.
"Mom. I was just joking." Alina defended her husband.
"What happened Cami?" David asked her. "Don't say you're missing Deniz" he further added thinking about her heart.
"Camillie, if you miss him so much, we can call them here again." Albert informed them.
"Mmmm.. That's great grandpa. I miss him too. There's no fun without him. Let's call him dad." Deon happily expressed. David nodded his head to show his favour.
"Since, he has changed, no worries." David supported Deon.
Everyone looked at Camillie who didn't give any comment so far. But Camillie was mute and thoughtful.
"No need. Let them to live like this for some other time." She told later.
"But Cami. You are missing him badly, right?"
"He needs his freedom more than we need him David. After his marriage he lost his self-respect and now he's losing his fandom too. I saw, there were few anti-fan accounts in social media. I think he needs time. Furthermore, he has Zara."
Albert agreed with her. So, everyone started eating the desserts.
Zara brought dinner to the room. By then, Deniz was tired of his game and was lying in the bed.
"Deniz, I brought dinner. Let's eat. I'm so hungry."
Deniz was sleepy, "I don't want to.." he said in slumber.
"Deniz"
Zara tried to wake him up but it was useless. So, she let him to sleep comfortably and covered him with the blanket.
While having dinner. Zara's phone started ringing and Noah was on the other side. As Noah informed Zara he had found a new contract, so he wanted to share that news with Zara. She was extremely glad to hear that and screamed happily.
"I'm so happy for you, Noah. After this you'll be a successful businessman."
"Yes I guess so. Until today I worked in small, million-dollar projects. But this time everything will be different. My entire team is celebrating this." Noah said.
"Yes yes.. it should be celebrated. I know, how hard your journey was. But be happy now." Zara replied dearly.
"I want to celebrate this with you. Do you have some time tomorrow?"
"Ofcourse Noah, why don't I have time for you? I'll definitely come. Actually, after visiting father I don't have much to do tomorrow."
"OK then, I'll text you time and place. Bye"
Zara hung up the line and went to bed. She was happy about her childhood friend and wanted to share the news with Deniz. She fell asleep thinking about Noah. Deniz was awake. She didn't know he was listening to their conversation from the beginning. He was heartbroken at the thought of their friendship. He felt insecure and miserable. Deniz secretly took Zara's phone and tried to unlock it. He wanted to know their meeting time and place. But unfortunately, the phone lock couldn't be opened after trying few attempts. So, he angrily threw away the phone and went back to sleep.
Deniz was awaken up by Zara's squeaky voice.
"Deniz" She called him lovingly.
Deniz got up and sat on the bed. He couldn't believe her eyes seeing her glamorous look. Zara was dressed up in a pink silk gown. It was one of the presents from Camillie. Deniz could easily remember the frock and Zara's fancy on that. Pink colour lipstick and eyeshadow made her prettier than anyone else.
"I love you." Words were bustling than heart. Deniz said even without thinking.
"What?" Zara was surprised to hear those magical words.
Deniz felt bashful and spoke loudly, "Are you going to say those words to someone?" "Look at you, it's like you want to confess to someone"
"Oh no Deniz. Actually. Noah got a huge project yesterday. It was a multi-billion company." Zara said after relieving her breath. Her eyes were sparkling with joy.
"I also have a multi-billion company. He just works for one. What's the big deal there?" His sound was annoying.
"I'm sure, it's not a big thing for you guys. But, for people like us, it's a huge achievement. Sorry. I just wanted to share my happiness with you."
"My happiness? Oh god. Good good. Go to your billionaire and have fun."
Deniz was extremely disturbed by Noah. He angrily went back to his sleep and covered himself from the blanket. Zara felt sad too. She went to the hospital even without having breakfast.
It was thirty-minute ride to reach the hospital. After getting off from the bus she walked to the hospital thinking about Deniz's behavior. Emmanuel was having breakfast when Zara entered the room. She embraced him and kissed his forehead.
"I'm happy to see you like this dad. I was worried a lot."
"I'm fine my child. Now I can join to the music college again." Emmanuel said.
"No chance dad. You have to live with me. I can't let you work anymore."
"Zara, I'm glad to see your smile. I know your husband look after you well. But I can't live away from our house. It has lots of memories of your mom." Emmanuel wasn't ready to change his mind. She said nothing.
When they were talking Noah knocked the door.
"Noah!"
"Hi Zara! Hi uncle!"
"Hello Noah. Where did you disappear last time?" Emmanuel asked.
"Just for some business uncle. And finally, I'm back."
"But unfortunately, Zara got married." Emmanuel jested.
"Dad"
"Why? Didn't you know that he wanted to marry you?"
"Dad please. Stop it. Noah is my very best friend." Zara requested.
"She didn't remember the past now uncle. Since she got married to a billionaire, we're nothing for her." Noah spoke casually. But his emotions could be identified by Emmanuel.
"Noah! Please.." Zara said and went out the room. Looking at her childish attitude both Emmanuel and Noah laughed.
"Noah, I always considered you as my son. Don't be disappointed. I'm with you." Emmanuel called him closer. Noah bent his muscular body. He hugged Noah and stroked his shoulder.
"I wanted to see you by her. Even though she's married, don't go away. Remain as her friend forever. I don't have much time Noah. Please protect her."
Emmanuel's eyes were teary.
Deniz saw the white roses in the flower pot of the kitchen and inquired about them from Dalcy. Dalcy told him, that was gifted to Zara so she brought them. Before Dalcy described further Deniz could understand about the giver. He acted normal in front of Dalcy and stepped out the kitchen.
'What the hell is he doing? Why did he bring roses? What did he want? Why is Zara happy to be with him? What's the uniqueness of that bloke?'
Deniz had lots of questions to find answers. He was angry and intolerant.
'Deniz I'll be late today. Dad has some tests. After that I'm going to the Noah's party. Have dinner, don't stay hungry.'
Zara texted him as his phone was unreachable. Then she took her father to the laboratory for the last tests which should be done before his discharge. Noah went to settle the bills. Even though, Zara had given him her card Noah paid the bill.
On that day, evening wind was calm but cold. Zara put her jacket on even before leaving the hospital. She came to Noah who was waiting at the car park and then both went to their usual café.
"Aren't we going for dinner?" Zara asked out of curiosity.
"Hungry?"
"Obviously yes Noah. We didn't have much for the lunch either. Don't you feel so?"
"When you're around, NO." Noah said happily.
They both had eye-lock, but after some time Zara laughed. She walked in to the café and sat near the window which was closer to their college. She could see her classroom and their exam hall clearly from there.
"Noah" She looked for him but he wasn't nearby. She was wondered and searched him around the café. There were few college students chatting there. Zara remembered her old days.
Noah came to Zara with a bouquet of white roses.
"Again roses?"
"Because you love them." Noah gave them and sat beside.
"Do you know why I love them?" Noah nodded 'no'.
"Because that was my mom's favourite. I still remember her funeral day. Her coffin was full of white roses." Zara was about to cry. Noah drew his chair closer and pampered her with love. Zara hugged him and cried silently.
Deniz saw their togetherness and got angry. Neither Zara nor Noah were aware of his presence. But Deniz had followed them from the hospital. Deniz was furious that he could break Noah's bones. But seeing other people around he decided to leave that nasty place.
When Zara returned home it was ten in time but there wasn't any light. She rang the door-bell few times and Dalcy didn't come to open the door. Finally, she went to the courtyard and Deniz was there drinking in the dark.
"Deniz" Zara gave him a hug. He pushed her away and she fell on the ground. And roses on her hand were spread around.
"I'm not your private property. Don't get closer." He told Zara wrathfully.
"Deniz. I'm hurt." She got up with few bruises. Zara started crying.
"Don't show me your fake tears. Go away." Deniz went into salle from the back door.
Zara followed him crying. She couldn't understand his intentions or actions.
"What happened Deniz? Why are you behaving like this?" Zara asked after Deniz entered to their room. "If Dalcy hear us?"
Deniz reached Zara and pushed her to the wall. She couldn't move and got stuck under his strong arms. They were so close that could hear each one's heart-beat. And his alcohol smell was high too that Zara couldn't tolerate. So, she tried to pushed him away.
"Why? Aren't you happy with my body?" Deniz got closer to her even more and grabbed her lean body hard.
"Please Deniz, leave me. You're hurting me." Zara spoke barely.
Deniz smirked at Zara. His ridiculous look was terrifying. Zara was afraid to look at him so she narrowed her head down and started crying.
"Stop your nonsense. I hate them the most." Deniz scolded badly.
"What happened Deniz?" Zara's voice was weak and low.
"Didn't you enjoy your Noah's company? Why did you return so soon?" Deniz questioned her begrudgingly.
"Deniz. What's the problem? If you tell me clearly, I can understand."
"Understand? My foot. Take your belongings and leave me. I don't need someone like you." Deniz yelled loudly that Zara couldn't bear his sound. She covered her ears being helpless.
"Dalcy will hear us Deniz. Please.. I'm begging you."
"Dalcy? Dalcy can't save you today. I sent her to my mom."
He left Zara and started throwing things in the room. Glasses, books, blankets, pillows and even his guitars were thrown. One book fell on Zara's forehead and she got injured too. But, even without noticing anything Deniz acted violent.
"Deniz please stop this." Zara pleaded as much as she could. But Deniz wasn't in a mood to heed her.
Zara went to him and tried to stop his vigorous hands. Even though she could grasp his body she couldn't prevent him.
"If you want to fight, fight with me. Don't break them Deniz."
Deniz tried to push Zara away but she clutched him despite their struggle.
"White roses." He smelled Zara and said. "I hate roses and you." Deniz said in anger.
"If you hate roses, I'll never bring them home. I promise." Zara spoke after sometimes. By then Deniz was somewhat sober and sedate. But Zara didn't release her arms and remained embracing him. She was badly hurt and afraid, so she didn't let him to leave her grasp.
"Leave me alone." Deniz said and removed Zara's hands around him. And then, he went to the bathroom. Zara felt ease a bit and she sat on the bed while breathing fast. She then picked stuff lying on the floor and placed them. In the mean-time, Deniz came with a first-aid box making Zara surprised. Zara tried to get up but he made her sit on the bed and sat beside her.
Then he started dressing her wound on her forehead. Zara tried to look into his eyes but he didn't let her to do so. Even she wanted to say something after his work was done. But instead that she hugged Deniz.
"Thank you Deniz and I'm sorry. I didn't know that you hate roses. White roses are my mom's favourite. That's why I love them." Zara whispered to him. Deniz felt sad. He wasn't happy to be like that either. He was just mad at Noah and his roses. After sometime Zara got up and walked towards the closet. Deniz followed her footsteps and bagged her hand behind.
"I'm sorry." He said like a child. Zara turned towards him and stroked his cheeks lovingly.
"Even though I wish to be angry, you don't let me to do so." She said looking at him.
"I'm sorry. But I can't share you with anyone." Deniz said possessively and kissed her wound.
"Ouch.." Zara moaned. But he again kissed and clasped Zara.