Nezat looked at his wife. He had no choice.
" I am doing this for Olivia. "
It was almost an hour later when they came down to find Mr. and Mrs. Sarsilmaz seated on the couch, playing chess. Noticing them coming down, Nezat stood up and spoke in a meticulous voice, " Murat, come with me. I have something to discuss with you. "
With that he was out of the room. Murat looked at his mother, who shook her head and beckoned him to go after his father. Feeling nothing better could come out of it all, he walked up into the balcony where he was standing with hands in his pockets.
Taking in a deep breath, he asked, " What do you want dad? "
Nezat turned around and their eyes met. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes that Murat couldn't make out. Switching his expression to that of calm, he replied, " For you to train Olivia. "
Murat couldn't believe his ears. There was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes as his face blanched. That's why he was called here today? To play mentor to Olivia?
Truth be told, he had no grudge against Olivia or his father for that matter. To not take upon the company and to make a name for himself, was his own choice. He had chosen to give up the company and no one had forced him to do so!
Then why did it hurt like hell? Maybe because of the fact that he had spent his initial, younger years training to be the perfect heir of the Sarsilmaz group. Murat could still remember the vigorous and intolerable training and guidance, the pain and the beatings he had undergone, just to please his father.
Of course, he did not wish for Olivia to undergo such hardships, but without it she would not be able to shut the mouths of those rejecting her. But why him?
Looking up, he saw his father watching him with hawk like eyes, awaiting his response. Taking in a deep breath, he asked sarcastically " Why me? "
Nezat laughed, a chivalrous laugh. " Well it's either you or Sofya. And yes, I have talked to her. I thought it would be better if Olivia learned from her brother but if you are -- "
" I will do it! " Murat snapped, too well aware of his father's threatening abilities. It wasn't just because of his honest moral principles that he had touched the heights he was at today.
Nezat heaved a sigh of relief. He hated being rude with his son, especially now, when he was aware that he did not have much time to live. His last wish was only to see Murat succeed as a world famous lawyer and Olivia taking care of the Sarsilmaz group.
All these years he had not been much of a father to Murat. He had always been busy with the company and Murat saw him rarely except for the weekends. No wonder Murat had turned out that way, rebellious. He did not intend to make the same mistake with Olivia.
After having the talk, they moved back into the house where Olivia and Mrs Sarsilmaz was seated at the couch in living room. As soon as she saw them, she went over to her husband's side, looking enquiringly at his face. Nezat smiled, assuring her that his mission had succeeded.
" Well I will be leaving now. It was a wonderful dinner! " Murat answered, hugging his sister and mom and with a nod to his dad, he was out of the door.
------------------
The wedding was only one week away now. Though Sofya's grandfather and Arnav's father had taken upon full responsibility themselves, but still there were a few things that demanded their self presence. The exquisite taste of food to be served, guest list, the fitting of their custom made dress, selecting the bridesmaid and best man, all these had to be looked upon by them.
Arnav and Sofya had both agreed upon one thing: not to have a lavish wedding. Although they had the means and money to do so, still it was over rated. As the wedding date drew closer, there was more and more hype about it on the social media and news. It seemed as if more people would be electronically present as compared to physical presence. Then there was the issue of security, to keep out the unwanted people and the media.
" No I don't want him to come. " Arnav commented, striking off a name from the notebook that was kept on his lap.
It was a cold Sunday, with grey clouds covering the sky. Every minute or so, the rumbling of the sky could be heard, giving the incessant feeling of rains that would happen any moment now.
They were at the Thornfield Mansion, to cover up the guest list since wedding was around the corner.
" But we can't just uninvite him. It would look odd! " Sofya replied, chewing the end of the pencil as she tick marked another name thoughtfully.