Inside a private meeting room of the Beyazit City Court in Istanbul, a faint silence settled over the space. Two people sat at the long wooden table -- Lawyer Hakim and his junior colleague Almir.
In the corner, a television played softly, broadcasting a live news report.
The anchor spoke in a serious tone:
“Breaking news -- renowned businessman Mr. Demir Arslan is currently giving a speech to children at a government school. He stated that education is what shapes the future of a nation…”
Hakim glanced toward the TV, then at Almir. A teasing smile appeared on his face.
Hakim:
“Almir… your face, I swear, looks so much like this Demir Arslan. At first glance, anyone would think you two are long-lost brothers.”
Almir gave a small, embarrassed smile.
Almir:
“Yes, many people tell me that. But I’m completely different from him. He’s such a big businessman… and I’m just a simple lawyer.”
Hakim nodded, chuckling lightly.
Hakim:
“Yes, yes… I know. But still, the resemblance is uncanny.”
On the TV, Mr. Arslan’s speech continued. Hakim and Almir were still watching when, suddenly, Hakim’s phone rang. One look at the caller ID told him it was a client.
He quickly answered.
Hakim:
“Yes… alright. I’m coming for the meeting.”
The moment the call ended, Hakim hurriedly gathered the files scattered across the table.
Hakim:
“Almir, I’ll have to go right now. The client reminded me of a very urgent meeting.”
He was halfway to the door when he suddenly stopped, as if remembering something important.
Hakim:
“Oh, right! My daughter Sehra… she told me she was going to listen to Mr. Arslan’s speech at the school. And I promised I’d pick her up.”
Almir glanced at the TV , Mr. Demir Arslan was still on stage, addressing the students.
Arslan (on TV):
“I’m happy to have this chance to meet such bright and thoughtful young minds…”““I’m happy to have this chance to meet such bright and thoughtful young minds…”I’m happy to have this chance to meet such bright and thoughtful young minds…”
Hakim looked at Almir with slight tension.
Hakim:
“Son… can you drop Sehra home for me? She’s also at the school for the speech. I’ll get stuck in the meeting now.”
Almir nodded immediately.
Almir:
“Of course. Don’t worry. I’ll take her home safely.”
Hakim let out a relieved breath.
Hakim:
“Thank you, Almir.”
......
Almir drove through the slow traffic, gripping the steering wheel with slight annoyance.
Almir (to himself, irritated):
“Uncle knows very well that Sehra gets irritated just by looking at me… but still he sent me to pick her up. Amazing.”
But a moment later, he softened.
Almir:
“Anyway… it’s not his fault. He was busy. The meeting must be important.”
The speech had ended. A crowd of students surrounded Mr. Demir Arslan, eagerly taking photos with him. He smiled warmly, patient and polite.
Among the crowd stood a 13-year-old girl, Aisal, clutching her older sister Ekim’s hand tightly.
Aisal (restless):
“Ekim! Please… let me go. I want to meet Mr. Arslan!”
Ekim held her hand firmly.
Ekim:
“No, Aisal. There’s too much crowd right now. We’ll meet him later.”
Aisal pouted, unhappy.
Aisal:
“By then Mr. Arslan will leave!”
And before Ekim could react, she pulled her hand away and rushed straight into the crowd.
Ekim (panicked):
“AISAL! Stop! Don’t run like that!”
She hurried after her, pushing through the students in worry.
Near the front , right beside Arslan.
Aisal squeezed out of the crowd and stopped directly before him.
Arslan looked at her and gave a soft smile.
Moments later, a breathless Ekim appeared, seeing her little sister talking to the businessman with pure excitement.
Aisal:
“Sir, that’s my elder sister -- Ekim!”
Arslan’s gaze lifted to meet Ekim’s.
She looked back at him.
Their eyes met ..
for a brief second, something like recognition… or curiosity… flickered between them.
Ekim quickly held Aisal’s hand.
Ekim (politely):
“Come on, Aisal. It’s getting too crowded.”
Aisal waved goodbye to Arslan as Ekim led her away through the throng.
But Arslan’s eyes remained fixed on Ekim for a moment longer… something about her had caught his attention.
Then more children rushed toward him.
“Sir, please! A photo!”
Arslan immediately shifted his smile back in place and turned toward them.
....
Almir stood beside his car, hands in his pockets, exhaustion in his voice.
Almir (muttering to himself):
“I still can’t believe… I’m supposed to marry this girl.”
He let out a small, dry laugh at the absurdity of his own life.
Just then, Sehra walked out of the gate.
The moment she saw him, irritation flashed across her face instantly.
She approached him reluctantly.
Sehra (annoyed):
“Why are you here? I told Baba to come.”
Almir:
“He sent me.”
Sehra looked away, clenching her jaw, muttering loud enough for him to hear:
Sehra:
“Oh please… Baba sends anybody…”
Almir raised an eyebrow, amused.
Almir:
“I heard that.”
Sehra shot him a sharp glare.
Sehra:
“I said it so you would hear.”
She brushed her hair back in frustration.
Sehra:
“Fine. Give me the keys. I’ll drive myself home.”
Almir replied calmly, but with a hint of attitude:
Almir:
“This car doesn’t belong to your father.
It’s mine.
And I have other places to go after this.
So don’t waste my time… understood?”
Sehra stared at him furiously.
Sehra:
“What a headache…”
With a dramatic sigh, she yanked the door open and dropped into the passenger seat.
Almir started the car, and they drove toward home.
A crowd gathered around as Arslan was about to leave. Fans, reporters, and students surged forward.
His secretary Murat and security guards stepped ahead:
“Please move aside! Clear the way!”
Arslan offered polite thank-yous as he walked.
Finally, he reached his sleek black luxury car.
The door was opened for him; he slid inside. Murat took the front passenger seat.
The moment the door closed, Murat flipped through some files.
Murat:
“Sir, your father, Mr. Zamir, has called you. It’s regarding something important.”
Arslan gave a small, almost dismissive smile.
Arslan:
“Alright… but tell him I can’t come today. I’m very busy.”
Murat hesitated.
Murat:
“Sir… he said you must come today. It’s extremely urgent.”
Arslan leaned his head toward the window, his tone cool and sharp.
Arslan:
“If he’s in such a hurry…
he can come to me himself.
Whether I go or not is my decision.”
Murat fell silent and simply turned to stare out of his own window.
The car slowly pulled away from the crowd.
Aisal held her schoolbag tightly, her voice sad and small.
Aisal:
“I don’t want to stay in this boarding school anymore.
I want to stay with you, Ekim.”
Ekim gently fixed her little sister’s hair.
Ekim:
“I know… but you’ll stay here until I come next week.
And besides , your favourite Mr. Arslan visits this school often, doesn’t he?
You’ll be happy here because of that.
Please understand, Aisal… I have work.
I can’t come so soon.”
Aisal’s eyes dropped to the ground.
Aisal (quietly):
“But Ekim… I don’t like it here.
Everyone teases me…
and they make fun of me for fainting…”
Ekim lifted her chin softly.
Ekim:
“But you are strong, Aisal.
You never give up.
Not here, and not anywhere else.
Say ‘yes.’”
Aisal stayed silent for a moment, then nodded softly.
Aisal:
“Yes…”
Ekim pulled her into a warm hug and kissed her forehead.
Ekim:
“Good girl.
I’ll come as soon as I finish work…
and when I come, I’ll take you home.
Promise.”
She waved and began walking away, getting into a taxi.
Aisal watched her leave , sadness in her eyes, but a spark of courage too.
As the taxi moved through the dimming streets, Ekim stared out of the window.
Her thoughts drifted back to when she was fifteen
the night their parents died in the accident.
The screams.
The shattered glass.
Her own bloodied hands.
The hospital lights.
The realization that she had survived… but her parents hadn’t.
And little Aisal…
waiting at home, unaware, expecting her family to return.
Tears slowly filled Ekim’s eyes as the memories flooded back.
She blinked rapidly, wiping them away ,
but the ache remained, deep inside.