"I'm Salim and he is Behram," Salim continued his introduction that was interrupted earlier. "Behram is like a father to me. But we're not related by blood. So we aren't father and son as Yıldıray told you," he continued.
Aria looked at them both. First, she focused her eyes on Salim since Arsia had interacted with him the most. Her eyes as well as herself were getting used to the existence of that elegant man.
Now it was Behram's turn. Arsia stared at him. That old man's face was flat without expression and bent. Behram reminded Arsia of that type of unfriendly man who was excluded from social life.
Of course, that was just Arsia's prejudice. But she wouldn't be surprised if her prejudice about Behram were true. That man had been watching her as if to pounce on her. Even though they only talked to each other once or twice, his manner always made her irritated.
Arsia couldn't figure out how an educated yet attractive man like Salim could end up with Behram. Well, as for an educated man, Arsia just assumed it based on Salim's aristocratic appearance. Salim and Behram were like the sky and the crust.
And what did Salim just say? That Behram was like a father to him?
'Huh, what kind of child will he raise?', inwardly Arsia sneered at Behram.
Arsia knew that she shouldn't think bad things about other people. But Behram was too weird not to think about. Another example of his weirdness, Behram was sitting on the mat under Salim's feet right now even though Salim asked him to sit next to him.
A gripping possessive air derived from Behram. He sat down there and stared intently at Arsia. The more Arsia looked at him, the more she felt that Behram was growling-like at her right now.
Horrified, Arsia turned her gaze back to Salim hurriedly. Arsia sighed. She resigned to her current situation.
"I'm Arsia. I just moved in today and I didn't know that Yıldıray wasn't the owner of this house," she said, introducing herself more decently. Not to forget, also explain her situation briefly.
Silence for a moment. Salim's eyes were on her. But that man seemed considering something. And Behram, didn't have to ask about his attitude toward Arsia. They had just met less than an hour ago but were already like mortal enemies.
"Hmm, interesting..." Salim commented.
Arsia looked at Salim confused. "What do you mean with interesting?"
"It's been an old story that Yıldıray always tried to rent this house. no doubt that he tried to sell it too. But he always failed," Salim explained.
"Why?" Arsia asked innocently.
Salim smiled with a humble smile. He didn't expect that Arsia would be so naive.
"They suspected something odd from him," Salim replied patiently.
"Then why didn't I realize it?" Arsia was talking to herself. Her pair of black eyes stared at the ceiling and her lips pursed in annoyance.
To be honest, Salim was amused by that girl's attitude. He also smiled because of it.
'That was because you're a slow thinker', Salim muttered.
Both of Arsia's eyes then fell over on Salim. Without hiding her anxiety, she asked, "So are you going to kick me out of here?"
"Tell me about how you met Yıldıray first. Then I will decide it," Salim said.
Arsia took a deep breath. She began to tell him the chronology.
***
One day ago
It was almost two weeks that Arsia had been rolling in search of a new flat. She searched from one property agent to another. There were no flats that match her. If it wasn't too expensive, it was too far from her campus, or the condition of the flat wasn't comfortable enough for her.
Arsia had to move out of her current flat because two of her housemates -- Nadia and Alina -- were about to graduate and they would turn back to Indonesia soon. The rent was too expensive to pay by her alone. Not to mention other bills such as water, gas, electricity, and WiFi. Oh well, dues too. Hence, she had to find a new flat as soon as possible. Of course, the cheap one to save her money.
Today she tried again. Arsia entered a small real estate agent's office which she saw while riding a bus.
"Please, Miss. How can I help you?" the agent greet her immediately after seeing Arsia's entering his office.
"I want to rent a flat," Arsia replied.
"Of course, Miss. What kind of flat that you wish for?"
Arsia was silent for a moment. It wasn't because she had no criteria. It was because she hesitated to tell the agent. Arsia was very pessimistic that she would find a flat that would suit her.
'There's no harm in trying, right, Arsia?', herself reminded her.
Finally, Arsia ventured to try. With a doubtful gaze, she stared at the agent while saying, "There's no need for a big one. A flat that can accommodate one or two students is enough. A well maintained one, rented with its furniture, safe environment, and close to campus is preferred."
"I understand, Miss. And how about your budget?" the agent asked.
That was the question that Arsia was really afraid of. How high a scholarship awardee could rent a flat?
"Um, about 700 liras," she replied.
There was a bizarre silence afterward. Arsia wanted to say something. But let alone to spoke, even to look at the agent she felt so embarrassed.
"Alright, Miss. I know which flat is right for you," the agent said.
Arsia was so happy to hear that. Her eyes lit up like a human who had just found hope in life.
"Really? Where is it located?" she asked enthusiastically.
"In dreamland, Miss," replied the agent in a low voice.
Arsia's face turned sour when she heard it. She wanted to curse the agent. But she just could do it inwardly since she was afraid that the agent would call the police if she disrespect him.
'You fucking agent!'
So Arsia got out of the place in such a state. Her today's plan to visit several property agents must be canceled because of her bad mood. She had written a list of agents. But because of this incident, her good mood was gone.
"Miss!" a voice called her.
Arsia turned around. She found an unfamiliar young man there.
"Sorry, did you just call me, Sir?" Arsia asked by pointing her index finger at herself.
The man nodded. "I'm Yıldıray," he said introducing himself. "I heard that you wanted to rent an apartment."
Soon Arsia took a cynical look at Yıldıray. "I'm sorry, but I'm not in the mood to deal with any agent right now," she responded.
Without waiting for Yıldıray's reply, Arsia continued her steps to leave.
"But I'm not an agent," Yıldıray chased after her.
Hearing this, Arsia stopped her steps. She looked at him. She stared at Yıldıray with a glance that asked for further explanation.
"I'm owning a house. I want to rent out my house. House, Miss. Not an apartment. Maybe you're interested?" Yıldıray explained.
'Home?', Arsia repeated.
Arsia shook her head immediately. She even couldn't afford a flat, let alone a house. This was Turkey. In the city, only rich families could have a house or rent it. And look at her! She was just a student. A humble one.
"Thank you for your offering, Sir. But I'm looking for an apartment," Arsia refused sadly.
"You don't have to worry about the cost of the rent," Yıldıray held her back. He used Arsia's weakness so she would be interested, no doubt. Even Arsia began to wonder about what it would like to live in a house in Istanbul.
"Would you like to explain more, Sir?" she wanted the details.
"I have to move out of town, Miss. That's why I want to rent it so my house isn't empty and cared for. What do you think?" Yıldıray explained.
"Are you serious?" Arsia asked in surprise.
"Of course. I don't care how much rent you're going to pay or when you're going to pay it because like I said before, that's not why I'm renting the house," he said.
Arsia was silent for a moment. She thought about Yıldıray's offer which was very tempting to her.
"Um, can I see the house first?" Arsia asked, she couldn't resist.
"Of course!" Yıldıray replied enthusiastically.
And there they were now. After walking for 15 minutes they arrived in front of the house that will be rented by Yıldıray.
From the outside, Arsia looked at the house. Not as big as a villa but it was beyond her expectation.
The house was only one floor with an exterior that looks like a wooden house. Its condition was well maintained and very cozy to live in. As for furniture, she didn't need to worry because Yıldıray would rent it out as a whole. Importantly, Yıldıray didn't mind renting it for 700 liras. Wasn't it so perfect? Too good to be true! So there was no reason for Arsia to refuse Yıldıray's offering.
'When will a commoner like me gonna have a chance to live in a house in Istanbul?', she thought happily.
"Okay. Deal. I'll rent your house," Arsia said.
"But I've one condition. You have to move tomorrow. Deal?"
"Tomorrow? Isn't that too hasty? I have to pack my things and so on, " Arsia objected.
"I have to go tomorrow. You can take the things you need the most first. Later, you can move the rest of your stuff here," Yıldıray insisted.
"What about tomorrow?" Arsia tried to bargain.
Yıldıray shook his head. "If you won't, I won't be renting this house out to you. So please come tomorrow."