Just as Ira was about to surrender herself to Onik's words—right at that moment, the sky was torn by a terrifying sound from the sea.
CRASH! BOOM!
A flash of white light illuminated the entire room, blinding both of them for a moment. Ira trembled. Her eyes shut. She is terrified of thunder. In fear, she clung to Onik's chest even tighter. Her hands gripped Onik's shirt, as if Onik was her only refuge at that moment.
Onik did not flinch. He quickly closed the glass door of the balcony, then carefully moved the tray and mugs. Ira was still trembling with fear. Onik held her tightly with both hands.
Onik (Softly, in a deep, calm voice):
"Don't be afraid, Ira. I am here. It's just a momentary storm."
He gently kissed her head—her hair, the soft touch of her forehead.
Onik:
"Why are you scared? I am here. As long as this hand is on your shoulder, no storm can touch you."
With her ear pressed against Onik's chest, Ira could clearly hear his heartbeat—slow, steady, much calmer than her own wild pounding. This calm rhythm gave her courage.
But the fear of thunder was so intense that tears streamed down Ira's eyes. She cried silently, without making a sound. Onik understood. He held her even tighter.
Onik (In a very soft voice, as if lulling her to sleep):
"There, there, my Ira. Don't cry. Look, I am right beside you. This storm is just a game of clouds. Close your eyes and listen to me. The sea is calming down. You calm down too."
He slowly stroked her back.
Onik:
"Listen... remember? You were giving me Saturn's curse. Can this small thunder be stronger than Saturn's curse?"
Hearing this, the intensity of Ira's crying lessened slightly. She sniffled and held onto Onik.
Ira (Whispering, in a shaky voice):
"You... you always joke."
Onik chuckled.
Onik:
"I can do anything to take away your fear. I can bring you the moon if you want."
There was another muffled roar outside, but much farther away. Onik felt the trembling in Ira's body subside. He held her a little looser.
Onik:
"How do you feel now?"
Ira lifted her face from Onik's chest. Her eyes were wet with tears, but her gaze was steady.
Ira:
"Don't go... please."
Onik touched her cheek.
Onik:
"No, Ira. Never again. Now that you are so close to me... there's no question of leaving."
He gently kissed her wet eyes again.
Onik:
"Let's go inside. It's getting cold on the balcony."
Onik gently embraced Ira and led her inside the room. The soft light of the room clearly showed Ira's wet eyes and flushed cheeks. Although the fear had subsided somewhat, she still had a slight tremor in her body. Onik brought her to the side of the bed.
Onik:
"Sit down, Ira. No more fear. The storm has stopped."
As Ira sat on a corner of the bed, Onik sat beside her. He took her hands in his and gently rubbed them to give her warmth.
Onik (Softly):
"You should go and rest now. You must be very tired from the whole day's exhaustion."
Ira nodded in agreement. Although she wished Onik would hold her a little longer, she understood that Onik wanted her to calm down. Ira stood up, but couldn't take her eyes off Onik's.
Onik (Smiling lightly):
"Go to your room. I am here. Leave the door open, in case you get scared."
Hearing this, that shyness returned to Ira's eyes. Onik didn't want to see her weak right now, so he was creating this distance.
Ira (Whispering):
"Okay."
She glanced at the tray and mugs.
Onik:
"Leave them. I'll put them away later."
Ira didn't say anything more. She looked at Onik with a steady gaze, as if leaving not a goodbye, but a promise. Then she quickly left the room and headed towards her own door.
Silent Distance in Bed
Ira returned to her room and did not close the door, only pushed it to—as Onik had instructed. She lay down on the bed. Her pillow was slightly wet from her crying. She didn't change the pillow, but lay there on the damp one. Her mind was filled with a strange emptiness. Onik had left her alone tonight, even after coming so close. Was this respect for her, or something else—she couldn't tell.
Meanwhile, Onik also lay down on his bed. The door to Ira's room was slightly ajar from his room. He closed his eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. Onik's mind kept replaying Ira's fearful face, her wet eyes, and that whispered request: "Don't go... please."
Onik (To himself):
"I could have kept you close tonight, Ira. But to love you means respecting your decision. Let your fear subside, then you come to me—by your own will."
They lay in separate rooms, in separate beds. Only a wall and a slight distance separated them.
But their hearts were united—Ira, at the end of her tears, with the memory of refuge in Onik's chest; And Onik, with his deep, calm love for Ira.
Morning Light and the Embrace
Morning came. Sweet, soft golden light streamed into the room from the sea. After the night's storm, nature was now more soothing, more vibrant. The chirping of birds and the gentle sound of the waves created a calm melody.
Ira woke up. The lingering emotion from last night left a slight blush on her face. She peeked out the door and saw that Onik's room door was closed. She sighed. Well, at least she didn't have to face him first thing in the morning light. She quickly freshened up and headed towards the kitchen. She decided to make their favorite pancakes and coffee. This morning felt like a new beginning for their relationship.
The faint sweet aroma of pancakes had spread through the kitchen. Ira was focused on making the pancake batter, her hair falling loosely over her neck. It was as if she was organizing her mind through this calm activity.
Suddenly—She felt someone's presence behind her. A calm, familiar warmth moved right up close to her. The next moment, Onik's two strong arms wrapped around her waist from both sides, embracing her gently. His head rested on her shoulder. The scent of Onik's shirt sent a shiver through Ira's entire body.
Ira was startled, but not afraid. The spoon in her hand stopped moving. A flush immediately spread across her face. Onik's breath fell near her ear. His voice was as calm and deep as the morning light.
Onik (Softly, smiling):
"What are you doing?"
Onik held her even tighter, as if to ensure that Ira would never walk away again. Ira closed her eyes and felt the warmth.
Ira (Whispering):
"You... when did you come?"
Onik:
"Just now. The aroma of your Nilkontho tea woke me up and dragged me here. But now I see it's pancakes, not Nilkontho."
Onik leaned in and gave her a soft kiss near her shoulder.
Onik:
"Making breakfast for me quietly like this... is this the reward for my waiting all night?"
Ira laughed. All her shyness melted away with Onik's touch. She put down the spoon in her hand and placed her hands over Onik's.
Ira:
"Maybe. But how am I supposed to finish cooking if you hug me like this, sir?"
Onik laughed again. But he didn't let go of Ira. He had no intention of leaving the warmth of this morning.
The Sea Visit and Photo Session
After the warm embrace in Onik's arms, their morning in the kitchen passed with smiles. After finishing pancakes and coffee together, they decided that they shouldn't stay indoors on such a beautiful, sunny day.
Ira went to her room and quickly changed her clothes. She was wearing a white top-like garment, which softly touched her body in the light breeze. To reduce the intensity of the sea sun, she wrapped a light white scarf or stole gently around her head, which covered half her face and gave her a serene, mysterious look.
Onik also got ready. Instead of his black shirt, he was now wearing a blue vest, over which he had put on a white shirt, which was open and fluttering in the breeze.
They walked hand-in-hand to the seashore. They took off their shoes on the beach. Cold sand and sea foam touched their feet. They stopped a little distance away, where the sound of the waves was quieter but the wind was more active.
Ira was looking at the horizon. The wind was messing up her hair, and the white scarf had slightly moved from her face, revealing her shy expression. Onik stood right behind Ira. His long shadow fell over Ira. Only the whisper of the wind was mixed with the sound of the waves.
Just as Ira was deeply focused on the sea, Onik suddenly took his camera out of his pocket. Ira didn't move at all. Onik quickly aimed the camera and froze that moment. Click!
Photography was Onik's passion. And his canvas was now Ira, her shyness, and the serene beauty of the sea. Hearing the sound of the camera, Ira turned around to see Onik smiling.
Ira (Frowning):
"Hey! When did you take the picture? Wait, I wasn't ready at all!"
Onik (Putting the camera down, with a smile):
"You are most beautiful when you are not ready, Ira. And this white stole and the blue of the sea... the frame is heavenly."
He put the camera in his pocket and stepped closer to Ira. He gently held Ira's chin and turned her towards him.
Onik:
"Here, my queen. I'm preparing a surprise for you."
Ira (Curious):
"What surprise?"
Onik (Looking into her eyes):
"The best album of my life. And every page of that album will have only you. All your anger, all your smiles, all your shyness. Will you give me the chance to take those pictures?"
Ira smiled and rested her head on Onik's chest. The wind, the waves, and the sun around them witnessed this new promise.
Ira Agrees to the Photoshoot
A smile bloomed on Ira's face hearing Onik's words. She lifted her head from Onik's chest and met his gaze.
Ira (Sweetly smiling, whispering):
"The best album of my life? And it will have only me?"
Onik wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
Onik:
"Yes, only you. Your smile, your anger, your craziness, your fearful face... everything. Do you agree?"
Ira nodded, consenting. There was no reason for her to stay away from Onik at this moment.
Ira (Shyly):
"Hmm... I agree. But if the pictures are bad, I'll break your camera."
Onik laughed.
Onik:
"Before you break my camera, I'll show you a thousand pictures, how beautiful you are in every single one. Come on then, let's start our photoshoot!"
Onik took out his camera again.
First Shot: Onik made Ira stand a little distance from him so that her full figure could be framed. Ira was still a bit shy. She tilted her head slightly and looked at the sea, her white dress top and white stole fluttering in the breeze. Half her face was covered, the rest was sparkling in the sunlight. Onik quickly took a picture. Click! Onik (Looking at the picture on the camera): "Amazing! Look, absolutely perfect!"
Ira (Curiously): "Let me see! Really?"
Onik showed the camera to Ira. The picture created an exquisite artwork of Ira's serenity and the vastness of the sea.
Second Shot: Onik took Ira close to the sea waves. The sea foam was touching their feet. This time, Onik asked Ira to stand facing away, so that the vastness of the sea could be framed with her. As Ira turned away, Onik gently hugged her from behind. Onik's blue vest and open white shirt were fluttering in the wind. Click!
Onik (Hugging Ira to his chest): "This one is even better! It tells the story of both of us."
Ira smiled. The combination of Onik's warmth and the sea's coolness gave her a strange feeling.
Third Shot: This time, Onik said, "Now show me your naughtiest face. Remember, when you tied my hands in the afternoon?" Ira opened her eyes wide and looked at Onik, a playful smile appearing on her face. Onik was waiting for that moment. As Ira stood with a bit of attitude, hands on her hips, Onik quickly took the picture. Click!
Onik (Looking at the camera): "There! That's my naughty Ira! Absolutely perfect!"
Their photoshoot continued on the beach. Onik took one picture after another of Ira—sometimes smiling, sometimes shy, sometimes mischievous. Ira gradually became comfortable in front of the camera; Onik's love made her more confident. Their hair was flying in the wind, and the sun was higher in the sky. But what shone on their faces was not the sun's heat, but the glow of love.
Onik (Putting the camera down, looking at Ira):
"No more. Enough for today. Now it's time to just gather the memories."
He put the camera in his pocket and pulled Ira close.
Onik:
"You are the best focus of my life, Ira."
Ira rested her head on Onik's chest, and the sea waves continued to sing the song of their love.
The Confession of Love
Onik put down the camera and pulled Ira close. Ira when rested her head on his chest, enjoying the silence of love, Onik gently stroked her head and hair. The sea breeze was touching them, but the warmth of Onik's heart shielded them from the chill of the wind.
Onik slowly lifted Ira's head so he could look into her eyes. Ira's eyes still held a hazy shyness.
Onik (In a deep, steady voice):
"Ira... do you know what the most beautiful scene of my life is?"
Ira (Whispering):
"What?"
Onik (Without hesitation, looking directly into her eyes):
"You. When you look at me and smile, or when you are angry with me... even when you tremble with fear."
He gently touched Ira's cheek. He sighed, as if preparing to speak the words he had held in his heart for so long.
Onik:
"I love you, Ira. From the very first day. Every time you wanted to run away from me, I became certain that I had to return to you."
This wasn't entirely unexpected for Ira, but hearing it so clearly, with such emotion from Onik's lips, made her whole body tremble like electricity. Her eyes filled with tears.
Ira (With trembling lips):
"Onik..."
Onik shook his head and stopped her.
Onik:
"No, don't say anything now. Just listen. I love you. And I know you love me too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have brought me Nilkontho tea even on that stormy night."
There was no restlessness in Onik's eyes, only a deep, calm commitment. Ira couldn't hold herself back anymore. Her tears flowed, but this wasn't tears of pain—it was of ultimate fulfillment, of love.
Ira (In a tearful voice):
"I love you too, Onik. I will never leave you."
Onik held her tightly.
Onik:
"And I will never let you go."
Scene Cut: Quiet Afternoon
Time passed. Returning from the seashore, they didn't realize when they found themselves relaxing in Onik's room. The bright sun outside had softened at the window, and a calm, lazy warmth descended inside the room.
Scene Cut.
Ira was lying down. Onik was also lying down. They were not lying side by side on the bed, but Ira had found a safe haven in Onik's embrace. One of Onik's hands was gently placed on Ira's waist, the other served as a pillow beneath her head. Ira was resting her head on Onik's chest, her face pressed against the soft fabric of Onik's shirt.
Both of their eyes were closed. There was no need for words. The storm, the shyness, the fear of the morning—everything had melted away in the warmth of love. Now there was only the silent satisfaction of feeling each other's presence.
Onik gently rubbed his face in Ira's hair. A deep, peaceful smile was on his lips. Years of waiting, years of unexpressed emotions had reached fulfillment today.
Ira could hear Onik's heartbeat—slow, steady, and exclusively for her. She snuggled closer to Onik, placing her hand on his chest.
Ira (In a very soft whisper, almost a breath):
"I'm glad you didn't leave."
Onik smiled without opening his eyes.
Onik:
"I didn't hold you back to leave, Ira. Today you came to me by your own will. And this sleeping peace... there is no greater reward for me."
Ira's Mother Calls from America
Just as they were lying in profound peace, the warmth of their closeness filling the room—right at that moment, the silence was broken by the loud ringing of a phone. RING! RING! RING!
Ira's phone, placed in Onik's shirt pocket, vibrated intensely. Ira was startled. Her eyes snapped open at the sudden noise in such a calm environment. She quickly sat up. Onik also stirred slightly, his eyes still half-closed.
Ira quickly took the phone out of Onik's chest. Looking at the screen, she saw the words 'Mom' glowing, with 'America' written small underneath.
Ira (Whispering, slightly anxious):
"Oh God! Mom called. Now of all times..."
Ira (Into the phone, trying to sound calm and normal):
"Hello, Mom. Yes... yes, I'm fine. It must be night over there now?"
Ira (Into the phone, slightly serious):
"Work? Yes, work is going on... Onik? No, he... he went out just now. For some important work. Don't worry."
Ira hung up the phone.
Ira (Sighing):
"Uff! Mom always calls at the worst possible time!"
Ira (Shyly smiling):
"What happened? Why are you staring at me like that?"
Onik (Smiling gently):
"I was thinking, does your 'outside' mean outside my heart to your mother?"
Ira laughed and ran to sit beside Onik.
Onik:
"Nothing will happen. She will only know—that her daughter has finally found the right person for her."
Onik's Mother Calls
Just as Onik pulled Ira close and spoke those deep words, the silence was broken again. RING! RING! RING!
This time, the phone in Onik's pocket rang. Onik took the phone out and saw 'Mom' glowing on the screen. Onik smiled and looked at Ira.
Onik:
"This is the curse of the planets, Ira. Your mother called, and my mother called! As if both of them conspired not to leave us alone."
Ira couldn't hold back her laugh.
Onik (Answering the phone, in a very sincere voice):
"Hello, Mom."
Mom (From the other end):
"How are you, son? Why did it take you so long to answer the phone? Too much work pressure?"
Onik:
"No Mom, no pressure. I was doing something very important. And the phone... the phone was on silent, so it took a little while... I'm with the most beautiful person in my life right now, Mom. What could be more important than that?"
Mom (Curious):
"The best person? You mean Ira, right? How is she? Did you meet her?"
Onik:
"Yes Mom, I am with Ira. She is absolutely fine. Better than me, in fact. And if you ask if I'm going to leave her... I'd say—not anymore. I'm in a place now, Mom, where there is no question of leaving her."
Mom:
"That's great. All that matters is that both of you are happy. Give Ira lots of love from me."
Onik hung up the phone. Immediately after hanging up, he hugged Ira tightly.
Onik (Kissing her lips):
"How was that? I told your mother I was 'outside,' and I told my mother I was with the 'most beautiful person in my life.'"
Ira (Hugging Onik in joy):
"You... you are truly crazy! But I love you for this craziness."
They Both Laugh
Joy overflowed on Ira's face and in her eyes when she heard Onik's words. When Onik played smart with their mothers about their location, a deep contentment overcame her shyness.
Ira had her arms wrapped around Onik's neck, and as soon as his words were finished, they both burst into loud laughter!
Their laughter was free, clear, and joyful. That laughter was a mix of the afternoon's mischief, the night's fear, the morning's shyness, and the certainty of their current love.
Onik held Ira close and laughed. He gently patted Ira's back, trying to quiet her laughter.
Onik:
"Stop now! Otherwise, if Mom calls again and asks—'Why are you laughing like that?', what answer will I give?"
Ira slowly moved away from Onik's chest, wiping the tears of joy from the corners of her eyes, still smiling.
Ira (Calming her laughter, but still smiling):
"Tell her—that you came to me and called me the best person in your life, that's why I'm laughing!"
Onik looked at Ira and smiled. Then he gently kissed her forehead.
Onik:
"Yes, that's the truth. No more hiding now. Now it's just laughter and love."
They both looked at each other and smiled again. In the afternoon light gathering in the corner of the room, their laughter seemed to further enhance the warmth of their new relationship. They were certain that no matter what storms came into their lives, they would always return to each other like this.