Ayaz POV
Faith, Istanbul
I was walking through the streets of Fatih, heading to my favorite café. They may not have an extensive menu, but the meals they offer are served with care—and more importantly, it's the only place that respects my privacy and keeps my identity hidden.
I had missed this street deeply. Even though I’m a celebrity in this country, walking here always makes me feel grounded, like I’ve come home. I used to pass by these same roads every day when I was still studying medicine at Istanbul University. Fatih is on the European side of the city, and many people here speak English, which often made me feel like I was in a whole different world.
Studying medicine was never easy, even though I was considered one of the brightest students of my generation. Being in this familiar environment always brought me peace during stressful times. The vibrant colors, the warm people, and the rich flavors of the local cuisine—everything about this place touches my soul.
Just a few steps away from the café, I noticed my left shoelace had come undone. I was on a call with Emir at the time. As I bent down to tie my shoes, a handkerchief suddenly dropped in front of me. I figured it must have belonged to the girl who had just run past—she was moving fast and probably didn’t even notice she lost it.
“Dude, I’ll call you back. I need to catch someone real quick,” I said, ending the call. I picked up the handkerchief and started running after her, but I was too late—she had already boarded the bus and disappeared from view.
I froze for a moment, struck by a strange sense of familiarity. I couldn't remember where, when, or how I knew her, but I was certain I'd seen her before.
Eventually, I turned back and continued walking toward the café, slipping the handkerchief into the left pocket of my jeans. As I walked, I absentmindedly pulled it out and held it to my nose. The scent was unmistakable—sweet vanilla with a touch of wild daisy. I recognized it immediately; it was the same fragrance I had noticed in the elevator earlier.
She was like the wind—passing through my life briefly, leaving something behind, a scent or a memory, that made me wish she'd blow by again.
When I reached the café, I headed straight to my usual spot in the corner. A moment later, I saw Mia running toward me, her smile lighting up her entire face. I stood to greet her, and we hugged, exchanging kisses on each cheek.
She beamed at me and said, “Boss, how was life at the camp? You’ve been gone almost a year.”
“I missed you too. And I missed the food here,” I replied.
“Alright, what do you want? We’ll cook whatever you ask for.”
“That’s exactly what I was waiting for. But I’ll just stick with my usual,” I said with a smile.
Mia, knowing my favorite order by heart, rushed to the back kitchen to tell the chef. A few minutes later, she returned and sat beside me at the table.
There’s something comforting about being around familiar faces—people who don’t judge, who let you be yourself. Life is too short to waste on stress, anger, or jealousy. You never know what’s coming. One day, the people you love could be the ones laying you to rest, and all that remains will be your faith and the good you've done.
This food, paired with the serene beauty of Turkey, makes me wonder—maybe I’ll leave the cameras and fame behind one day. Maybe I’ll go back to the quiet, simple life I had before all of this. Fame has brought me incredible opportunities, not only for myself but also for the people I wanted to help. But sometimes, it feels suffocating.
There are moments when I question if show business is really my path. Maybe being a licensed doctor was always my true calling. Long before I ever smiled for a camera or signed an autograph, I was prescribing medicine and treating patients who couldn’t afford care.
To be honest, I’ve forgotten the original reason I stepped into the spotlight. What was my purpose then? What is it now? Sometimes I feel disheartened, because I believed that by becoming a well-known actor, I could help more people. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe I’m the only one who truly believed that this career could make a difference. Yes, it can help—but often, the people who really need help are the ones who end up being ignored.
Right now, I don’t know exactly what direction my life is heading. But one thing I do know for sure: I never want to be a burden or a regret to anyone. Above all, I still want to be a light for those who have lost their own.