After a month
The campus was alive with music, laughter, and the sound of tassels brushing against black gowns. Sunlight shimmered over the wide lawn where students gathered—some holding bouquets, some adjusting their caps nervously.
Sarah tugged at her gown for the tenth time, frowning at how it felt too big.
"You look fine, stop panicking," Aniya whispered, fixing Sarah's cap before adjusting her own. Abdullah grinned beside them, throwing his stole over his shoulder with unnecessary flair. Eric was clicking photos.
"Abdullah, stop acting like it's your fashion show," Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Jealousy doesn't suit you, Miss Graduate," Abdullah smirked, earning a playful shove from Aniya.
Sarah's laughter, though light, was quick to fade when her eyes caught a familiar figure at the far end of the lawn. Tall, poised, in his usual black suit—Mehmet. He stood slightly apart from the crowd, as if the chaos didn't touch him. His gaze found hers instantly. She froze. But then she heard a familiar voice.
She turned and there was Daud, his brother.
She hugged him quickly.
"I thought no one would come," Sarah almost cried.
"Baba and Mama couldn't make it, so I should be here for you. You're my best friend, though." He kissed her head.
"She's Aniya, as you know. He's Abdullah, and it's Eric. They all made me survive these two years," she introduced them.
"And guys, this is Daud—my elder, yet younger in senses—brother."
Daud greeted them and turned to someone who was standing behind Sarah.
"Mehmet, nice to see you." As Daud spoke, Sarah turned.
Daud greeted Mehmet and smiled.
Mehmet bowed his head and looked at Sarah for a brief moment with a faint smile.
The ceremony began. Rows of students marched, cheers erupted, and the hall filled with the echo of names being called one by one. When Abdullah's name was announced, he strutted across the stage with a grin wide enough to split his face. Aniya went next, graceful and glowing, and Sarah hugged her tightly when she returned.
Then her name—Sarah Fahim. She confidently walked on the stage and collected her degree with a wide smile on her face. In the crowd she saw Aniya, Eric, and Abdullah clapping like babies. Daud stood proudly, and there he was—Mehmet. Mehmet had risen from his seat, hands clasped in front, eyes locked only on her. It wasn't loud support; it was silent, immovable. Like a promise. She smiled at all of them.
"Mehmet," Daud called him, and he inclined with respect.
"Sarah is the only thing my parents and I can't compromise on. Make sure before you're taking her." His tone was sharp but kind.
"I won't give you all a single chance to regret choosing me for Sarah," Mehmet bowed his head and smiled.
When Sarah approached them and hugged Daud, Mehmet's eyes locked on her face.
"Congratulations. With all my prayers and your late-night complaining calls, you finally graduated," Daud said dramatically.
"Congratulations, Miss Sarah." Mehmet smiled and handed her a tulip bouquet.
"Thank you, Mehmet," she smiled.
"So what's next for you? Taking her degree, or her hand?" Daud smirked slightly.
"With her permission and your blessings," Mehmet said in a calm voice, and Daud smiled.
"Stay blessed, you both. Baba is waiting for you," he said to Mehmet, and Mehmet nodded.
Abdullah broke in with a loud clap. "Okay, okay! Let's take pictures!"
They laughed, threw their caps in the air, and captured the moment in endless photos. At one point, Mehmet, unnoticed, snapped a candid shot of Sarah laughing with Aniya. Her hair had slipped loose, her face bright—it was a picture he knew he'd keep forever.
Eric came to Mehmet.
"Mehmet Sir," he called, and Mehmet turned.
"I know she likes your tulips more than my roses," Eric said with a sad smile.
Mehmet placed his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm selfish in love, especially in her case," Mehmet inhaled.
"I know she deserves better than me.
Just two requests, Mehmet Sir.
Don't make us strangers…..
I swear I won't be an obstacle or anything in between you two.
And her life deserves happiness and loyalty. Give her both."
Eric added calmly and smiled.
Mehmet patted him and then hugged him softly.
"Sarah," Eric called, and she turned to him.
"Congratulations." He smiled softly.
"Congratulations, Eric." She replied with warmth, and he handed her some polaroids.
"You always capture me," Sarah chuckled.
"Always your unpaid photographer." He bowed his head and laughed softly, and Sarah joined him with a laugh of her own.
"Don't be a stranger ever, Sarah." His voice lowered, carrying a quiet sincerity.
She smiled at him—a smile that assured him more than words ever could.
"You'll go to Italy now?" she asked, her eyes drifting to the pictures in her hands.
"Yes. And I'll wait for you all to join me." Eric's smile was steady, though his eyes held a trace of longing.
"We'll try. And don't forget your passion for photography while building your future," Sarah reminded, her tone gentle but firm.
He nodded, tucking her words away like a promise.
Later, when the crowd dispersed, Mehmet managed to pull her aside, just near the railing overlooking the campus gardens.
"Today you shined brighter than Istanbul itself. I'll never forget this sight."
He smiled proudly, and Sarah gently nodded.
His eyes softened, a rare warmth breaking through his usual calm. "Today, Istanbul witnessed brilliance. And I…" he paused, his voice low, "I witnessed you."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she looked away to hide her blush.
From a distance, Aniya called, "Sarah! Come, group picture again!"
Sarah turned to leave, but Mehmet's voice stopped her.
"Keep the tulips safe," he murmured. "They're yours. Always. As I am."
She glanced back, meeting his gaze for one heartbeat before running toward her friends, her cap slipping, her smile impossible to hide.
________________________________________
Next day
Sarah was finally leaving Turkey with Daud and Aniya, her heart heavy as she looked back one last time. Mehmet stayed behind, watching silently, his presence steady even in distance, while Eric and Abdullah were there too, refusing to let them go without a smile. Eric, who himself would leave for Italy in a week, slipped in one last reminder to never forget him, while Abdullah, loud and playful even in the moment of goodbye, promised to visit them soon. It wasn't a goodbye, only a pause. She would return soon, not just as Sarah, but as his wife, a swan, ready to begin the life they had both been waiting for.