Unexpected Ever After chapter # 5

Chapter # 5 Tiny steps ahead.

For the following few days, I avoided talking to Hana. I wasn't certain what she thought about all that went on before. I wanted her to contact me first. I pushed myself to work for those few days but failed. I had restless nights and was afraid of losing her. As I pictured her smile I felt the chills. I used to think back on all the times we had together.

Perhaps it was simply because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life alone. I believe I was afraid of becoming lonely. She made me feel valuable. I wished to be by her side. And I wished for her presence in my life. I had no issue listening to her former life and family. I genuinely enjoyed her company. The fact that we both suffered the same amount of loss, made a connection between us. We were in it together. And we could break out of this fog together to lead a normal life. I was prepared to offer everything I had.

 

 

 

Finally, I got a call from Hana one day. I was overjoyed to read her caller id. I answered her call, and she informed me that the officials had contacted her to collect her possessions and the apartment keys that had been assigned to her.

 

I offered to drive her to the flat later that afternoon.

She was delighted to see her tiny apartment. I inquired if she missed her own home, which was three times the size of this tiny flat.

" It's heaven for a person like me." 

What was divine about it? I couldn't believe her.

"Now I have a place of my own... it's temporary though, and I'll be back at Mehmet's house shortly," she explained. She stopped for a moment and stated that she intended to sell the house rather than relocate there.

"Why? It's considerably larger and better." I was curious. "The government is proposing to restore it shortly."

 

"That was paradise when I lived there with my children and spouse. It will now be empty. I can't live in such a huge house by myself."

 

She stated this and walked into the kitchen to investigate. "Well, I guess I'll have to go out and get some new necessities."

 

 

"I can take you shopping if you like," I said quietly.

She poked her head out the kitchen window and inquired whether I was all right.

 

"Yes, I'm fantastic," I said as I walked away.

 

"Well, you are a fantastic man and a treasure of a friend." She stated

 

I spun around, thrilled, and said, "Am I?"

 

"You are, indeed." 

"You remained there when I was by myself in that hospital," she beamed, "and so of course Reda, how can I forget him." She murmured.  "But you gave all your precious time to visit me regularly, you paid my hospital expenses without letting me know but I know it all, you respected my needs, you found me a family (Maria's parents), you shared everything with me to make my life bearable when I lost all my hopes. I sincerely appreciate that, Aariz." She moved in closer to me.

 

I blushed.

"But now I don't want to be a burden for you anymore." She added. While she walked past me. 

 

I wanted to assure her that she was not a burden in any way. She was the peace within my heart. My life's spark of hope. I didn't do any favors, however, she gave me hope. I wish I could see her every day. But I can't tell her because I was worried I'll lose her.

"Burden?," I responded.

 

She looked at me and wanted to say something, but I ignored her because I was afraid of hearing something I couldn't stand and said, "Let's go." If you wish, you may schedule your shopping trip with Mother Mary." And then I walked out of the apartment.

 

She hurriedly followed me and handed over the apartment keys. I was confused.

"Can you please lock the door for me?" She asked. 

 

"Sure" I locked the door, silently handed over the keys, and headed towards the parking area. 

 

We both spoke nothing and I dropped her at Maria's parents’ house and left. I knew she felt my cold behavior. I felt so left alone at that moment. Hana was so excited about her new apartment. She wants to live alone and I can't live alone anymore.

 

Hana never informed me about her plan for shopping and I assumed she already did with mother Mary. 

 

After a week, on a weekend, I contacted Mother Mary, who informed me that Uncle David was not feeling well. She described how he became weak in three days. When I inquired for additional details, she provided them. "Hana took very good care of him." She informed me. "She was really lovely to both of us and never left us alone for a second," she added. She additionally stated that Hana had inquired about me.

 

Aunt Marry said she made a mistake when she told Hana that she wanted Hana and me to get married. "I should have talked to you about this before asking her." "She denied it right away and pleaded with us not to tell you about it Aariz." Hana, on the other hand, seems to be lost since then. and she's been eager to move to her apartment ever since."

"What? Why?” I asked in disbelief. "Why would you say that to her?" 

To that she explained that both of you need a partner and despite of find a partner you should both consider each other. She told me to visit them so they could talk about it in detail. 

 

"I stopped Mother Mary and told her not to think too hard." Even though it was what I wanted, hearing it from her felt odd. I could see why Hana was so insistent about getting her own apartment.

 

I told Mother Mary not to bring it up again in front of Hana and that I'd be stopping by later today.

 

I phoned Hana when I hung up the phone. She inquired whether I was annoyed after we exchanged friendly hello. "No, why would I be?"

She remained silent.

 

"I'm not. When is your doctor's appointment?" I inquired. 

"It's on Saturday morning." She replied.

"Okay, should I take you or..." I paused 

"Oh yes, I wanted to request you for the same. Only If you are available." She said.

"Yes, I will," I replied

"Oh yes, uncle isn't well. You should visit him." She told

" Yes, Mother Mary told. I'll be there in the afternoon " I said. 

 

When I reached there. Maria's parents were leaving for a visit to a nearby clinic. Hana served me a glass of fresh lime and asked me to check on the updates of the apartment procedure. I locked my eyes on her and asked what was bothering her. 

 

Unexpectedly, she said boldly, "I should have my own place to live." Maria's parents have already done a lot for me."

 

In response, I enquired about her future objectives, and how she plans to manage her financial affairs. She assured me that she would be fine because Mehmet had left a lot for her. I eventually gathered my courage to inquire as to how she intends to spend her life alone.

 

She looked away and said I can live alone. I watched her for a while then sipped the glass of lime without saying anything. I had a lot to ask her but I didn’t.

 

When Maria's parents returned they called me into their room and talked about how they wanted Hana to get married. I mentioned the discomfort Hana is feeling in all this and suggested they let her shift to the apartment and then will think about it. 

 

At the Dinner table, only Maria's parents talked and we kept quiet. I was leaving the house when Hana greeted me and reminded me of buying essentials for her apartment. 

 

"I thought you’d already shopped for the essentials," I said. 

"No, I didn't." She said

"Well, I‘ll inform you of the time and date soon, if that’s okay with you," I told. 

"Whenever you have time. It isn't urgent."

 

Mother Mary stood there and watched us talk. I looked at her and smiled. "Soon our house will be lonely." She uttered.

 

I looked at Hana to see the guilt in her eyes. "Hana isn't leaving the city Mother. She'll be visiting us." I gazed at Hana again to see the sudden spark in her eyes. 

 

"Oh yes. I know our daughter will not leave us alone. Living independently is important. I value Hana's decision. God bless this kind soul. "

 

Hana's smile widened. 

 

"Well, I should be going now. Both of you take care of yourselves and uncle, if you guys need me, do let me know. “I said. 

"Hana! Just give me a call, I know Mother Mary will never call me for help." 

 

She obediently nodded with a smile. 

 

Uncle called out his wife's name so she immediately went inside to answer. 

 

I turned to exit when Hana called out, "Aariz!"

 

I turned, "Don't you miss Maria?" She asked.

 

I stopped for a moment to look at her, "I do" I smirked.

 

"How do u look so strong?” she paused,” How do you look so calm and composed?”

 

"Life never stops; it didn't stop for me, and it didn't stop for you either." Nature kept me alive for an unknown reason. As soon as I recognized this, I accepted the truth that I'm on my own. I respect it. It will be simpler for us if we go on and help those who truly need us." "Isn't it Hana?" I said, pausing to look her in the eyes.

 

 "Hm," she muttered.

I closed the door behind me. I took a few steps toward my car before stopping and turning around to check whether she was still there. I couldn't find her, so I slowed down and pulled out my phone to text message her bye. It wasn't suitable, so I erased the text and turned around, this time to see Hana standing on the balcony gazing at me. I waved goodbye and smiled at her. She returned my wave.