Deniz came home in the morning. He went to the room silently and had a warm bath. Since Zara was in a deep sleep, he didn't make a single noise and went down stair soon after the bath. In the down hall, David was waiting for him. Soon after he got down, David proceeded with his questions. Deniz didn't want to answer and even he didn't have a proper response too. He was mute for a while and then looked at his father's tired-eyes.
"Neither mom nor I had a good sleep yesterday. Grand pa is shocked too. What is going on Deniz? Deon and you came late home and still you guys are keeping mum."
"We are solving a puzzle dad" Deon came to them.
"What puzzle Deon. What happened really?" David was confused.
"Actually dad, Deon thinks, fire isn't unintentional. So, we gave this case to Julius. He'll find the culprit soon I guess." Deniz said briefly.
"I can't believe this. We don't have such enemies." David spoke after some time. He was thinking deeply and was hurt.
"That's why we are finding proofs dad. Don't worry. Now we should think about our stocks. I got a call from Lisa, she said me that we should call a board meeting as soon as possible. In the market, there are some rumors, spreading."
"I don't know about your grand pa's decision. But I will discuss with him."
A week passed quickly. Julius was investigating about the fire but no news was found. Since all the CCTV footages were damaged badly, only evidence he had was few of foot prints. And he had found a scratched invoice of gloves in car park. So, Julius was focusing on those without a break.
But, in Arnaulds' mansion, both Deon and Deniz were busy with their respective scheduled meetings and couldn't have some family times. Deniz had to face dozens of interviews and television shows. But luckily, since the news was one week old, there was no big whispering regarding fire incident. And that was the only relief of Arnaulds' to continue their regular routine.
It was a sunny evening and Zara was making some donuts with Dalcy. She was the only person in the family that couldn't forget that flaring night. So, she always found time to prepare snacks and food to divert her fretful mind. Deniz came to her and hugged behind while she was filling chocolate syrup to her donuts.
"Shall we go somewhere far?" He asked from his loving wife.
"Suddenly?"
"Why? Don't you like to travel?"
"Leaving dad here? I don't feel good Deniz. He's not so healthy. Last week doctor talked to me. He didn't have much hope." Zara was dull and moody.
"Oh Zara! it's just for a couple of days. And your dad can't travel with his condition, right? Unless I'll definitely send him to Canada. I had a word with the doctor earlier than you did." Deniz was hopeful. But Zara didn't want to leave her sick father even for a day. She silently applied some caster sugar on the top of the donuts and said.
"I don't feel so.. Deniz, please don't force."
Deniz went back with a mournful face as his plan was waste. Zara looked his action and followed him to the garden after some time. She could see his stubborn face was getting red in anger. She offered him a donut and tried to feed.
"No." He looked around.
"Eat this first. I'll do packing for the trip." She said while enjoying her hubby's temper. His dark face was vanished by a radiant smile when she said that. He made her sit on his lap and cuddled her lovingly.
"Sometimes I'm afraid Deniz. I'm afraid of your love. It changes like monsoon."
"My love for you, can't be changed even for a second Zara. But you can change my mood at any time. Since, my day starts from you and ends with you." Deniz whispered to her ear.
Zara kissed his forehead twice. She loved caressing him and his hair in those quaint evenings.
'Welcome Brussels!'
Zara and Deniz was in Belgium. After a few hours in flight, they had reached their beloved destination, Brussels. Zara breathed loud, releasing her all the worries to the Brussels wind. It was her first time in Brussels. So, she was awaiting to explore the city.
"I have come here last year, but today is special, Brussels is beautiful like in winter. You know why?" Deniz asked from his dear wife.
"Because I accompanied you?" She replied smilingly.
"Oh no! Don't be overconfident Zara. Look at my pose. It's because I look dashing than last year. Can you see my fans? They are so happy to see me here."
Zara turned her head around but she couldn't find anyone looking at them. People were busy with their regular duties and they were not paying attention to the super star Deniz. She laughed loudly while mocking at him.
"Deniz, you and your jokes. So old." She pinched his cheek.
Deniz didn't speak. He was just fascinated with her gracious smile which was hidden for days.
"That's what I was missing…" He kissed her blushing face, making her bashful.
They went to the hotel first then had a deep nap. Deniz didn't want to miss a single minute of the journey. So, he had planned to visit 'Mont Des Art' for the first day. And it was the place that he did his first musical video. Zara loved the place as well. That landscaped garden was quite wonderful scenery to spend a day. Many tourists were having a great time there. Some recognized Deniz and reached them for photographs.
Time was flowing and Deniz didn't have any idea about leaving Brussels. He was making a new melody for his next song. He wrote down some notes and started playing his guitar. Then again, he got into his musical world leaving Zara alone in the room. Zara felt bored without having anything to do. So, she started folding their cloths. In the meantime, Deniz came from the balcony and sat beside Zara.
"We're leaving tomorrow night."
"So?" Zara was puzzled.
"Why are you packing bags now Zara. We can do it tomorrow. Let's go for a dinner date. I want to spend my whole night with you." He was in a romantic mood.
"But, few minutes ago, you were very busy with your guitar, right." She replied irritatingly.
"Oh! Jealousy, I love you."
Zara dressed up in a yellow lace frock making her prettier. Deniz helped her with her hair as usual.
"I think, we make a great couple." He said while looking at the mirror.
"Since you look dashing than the last year?" She asked.
"No, since we are together, for the rest of our lives." He said looking into her glowing eyes. Zara nodded her head smilingly like a small girl.
They reached an old restaurant, 'Le Marmiton' by six. Since the place was pleasant enough to have a proper evening date, Zara liked it the most. Even though there were few families around, they could get a peaceful corner table beside the spiral staircase. Deniz and Zara, they both loved the atmosphere with the wonderful smell of Belgium traditional cuisines.
"I love this place since childhood. This is my mom's favourite. Do you know?" Deniz asked from Zara. She said nothing but waited for his answer.
"This is where my dad proposed to mom. Actually, my mom's maternal father lived here. So, mom spent her childhood in Brussels."
"Great." Zara gave a short reply then bagged Deniz's warm hand. Deniz turned his face towards her and made her head lie on his shoulder.
"Every time I come here, I feel great. Last year I came with Esmee as well. But this time it's totally different Zara. I can't even express my feelings right now."
"Because, you are under my magic." Zara replied glimpsing at him.
"Because, I'm fated to love you and I love that unexpected destiny." His expressions on that answer was a bit of tragedy. Soon after saying that, he sipped wine again and again. Zara felt as he was hiding something behind his handsome face. But she didn't wish to ruin their moment by questioning him.
While having glasses of wine, they had a wonderful dinner date there. Neither of them knew that the time had already passed ten. But still, they were proceeding their romantic conversation like newlyweds.
Even though they had plans for the rest of the night, one phone call altered the moment. It was ringing for a while and neither of them wanted to answer. But eventually, Deniz picked up the line and listened nothing. He just said 'stop disturbing' and switched off the phone. Soon after that took Zara's phone and did the same while being half-intoxicated.
"It should be an important call. You should have answered." Deniz didn't listen to Zara. He poured another glass of wine and gave that to her and cheered.
"Shall we go back to the hotel? I think, we should stop drinking now." Zara asked again.
"Sh…Zara.." Deniz said covering her mouth. "Let me be drunk then I can tell you, how lucky I am.."
They went back to the hotel after a long dinner date. After having a bath, Deniz was sober enough to get into bed with Zara. He embraced her lean body which was full of floral fragrance in that cold night.
Morning was misty but Zara got up early. She arranged the baggage and ordered some fresh fruits for the breakfast. Then she switched on their phones and connected to the chargers. Soon after she switched on Deniz's phone, couples of messages and missed call alerts started popping up continuously.
Deniz grabbed his phone when she was about to open the message inbox. Zara was surprised with his act and was about to scream.
"Are you mad Deniz?" She reacted in anger.
"Because of you." He just replied to her and went into the bathroom in no time.
Even though Deniz tried to be normal Zara could feel something was fishy. She sat on the dressing chair and looked at her face in the mirror. She stroked her hair gently then made a hair bun. Then again, she looked at her self and relieved a breath. She remembered his sudden reaction on previous day, when she tried to take a photograph from his phone, as well.
'Sometimes people can't understand words, but I can understand your silent as well Deniz. What's the matter? You're hiding something.' She expressed to her reflection.
Zara's phone started ringing in that time. It was Camillie other side.
"Are you coming today Zara?" She asked even before Zara's greeting.
"Yes mom. I'm packing now. Is everything alright?"
"Ya. No worries. Just wanted to see you two. How is Deniz? I called you yesterday. Seems to be you two are busy and no time for mom."
"Actually mom, we went to a special place you love."
"Le Marmiton?" Camillie asked surprisingly.
"Yes mom. Your favourite place." Zara said.
"Hm.. David and I, we both love it. Ok Zara. Meet you soon. Bye."
Camillie ran to her husband, David, who was reading a paper in portico. His mind had got lost in news that he couldn't hear Camillie's loud voice.
"David. Couldn't you hear me?" She said annoyingly. "David.." She said again.
"Why darling? You don't call me often this way. What's the matter?" He put the news paper aside and turned to his wife who was sitting beside.
"Last night I saw a bad dream David. Deniz was full of blood and he was grieving. I'm afraid." Her voice was sad. Her eyes were teary and red.
"Don't be a typical mom Camillie. Dreams are dreams. Stop watching Netflix series. They're ruining your mental health." David said to console her but his mind was a bit of shaky. With the birthday incident, everyone in Arnauld family was having a hard time. Though David made tough decisions in meeting rooms and life, inside his heart, he was struggling alone to be a good dad and a husband.
"Our time is so bad David, that's why I'm afraid. Zara arranged Deniz's birthday so lavishly. But what happened eventually. Deniz always get a problem." Camillie responded after some time.
"His anger is his best enemy. I don't know anyone else." David calmly replied.
"Deniz visited Le Marmiton with Zara."
"So? It's great. They're having a good time there. Now, what's your problem Cami?"
"Don't you remember his habits now? He visits it when he has a confession. When he got bad marks on mathematics paper, when he fought with his friends, when he did something that made you angry, he always brought me there to confess his mistakes."
"So, Did Zara tell you anything like that?" Camillie nodded her head.
"Then? Stop overthinking Cami. He's our little boy. He won't do anything stupid. Besides Deniz loves food there. I think, he may have tried to share his food feeling with Zara. Like I tried years ago." David said it, winking his left eye.
Camillie gave a delicate smile. But deep inside her heart, she was thinking about her dream. It was a heavy feeling that she couldn't ignore being a mom. So, she thought of going to the church and visiting their church father.
Deon was in Julius's office waiting for him. He had to wait at least, more than two hours for him.
"I phoned you and Deniz. But you both didn't pick up my calls." Julius entered to his cabin saying that.
"Ya. I don't know about Deniz. But I was stuck in a meeting yesterday. It was regarding the annual budget. You know Julius. Business are such."
"No. No. It's fine. Actually, I found something that might be so interesting. And you will be surprised to hear." Deon got up from the chair hearing that.
"Do you think we can find him soon?" He asked happily.
"I think I have already found him. But I need some more time to clarify few things. But I called you because I had few of questions Deon." Julius proceeded his talk.
"Go ahead. I came to you today cancelling my all the appointments. I'm restless to know the culprit."
"What's you shoe size?"
"What a question is that Julius? Deon was amazed to reply. Julius didn't say a word and smirked. So, he replied without a delay. "11"
"Deniz?" Julius asked again.
"11. We both wear 11. But sometimes Deniz wear 12 as well. It depends on the brand we choose."
After hearing that, Julius went into a thought. So, Deon had to wait until his friend returned to him. He was uneasy and impulsive. He stood up and sat few times. Then, walked here and there slowly. Looking at his behavior Julius laughed slightly.
"Is there a reason to smile?" Deon asked in anger.
"Deon, Stop being judge-mental man. I just asked to know. There were few foot prints as we saw that night. And the shoe sizes were different. 11,12, both sizes, were there. And the shoe brands are different as well."
"What are the brands? I wore 'Gaziano Girling' pair on that night. And Deniz….?" Deon started remembering his shoes.
"Deniz had 'John Lobb's in size 11 or 12." Julius replied.
"So, what's the conclusion?" Deon was so keen to know. Julius looked at his inclined eyes and opened his drawer.