A Turkish delight

Photo: Nigar

Dear Aynur,

Yes, we all have safely reached our homes and I hope you and your family are doing well too. Please give my regards to your parents, we are eternally humbled by their hospitality. As for your little brother, tell him that I will set a pack of Pixies on him if he annoys you too much, LOL (am I doing it right!). It would have been a pleasure to meet your sister, next time perhaps!

When I arrived, there was a letter waiting for me. I have been appointed the head of the Slytherin House. Oh, I can’t really express how honored, happy, and at the same time, overwhelmed I feel. I wouldn’t lie, I always dreamt about this. But never in my wildest dreams, had I thought it would happen so soon. Wish me luck, will you! I would be following in the footsteps of so many illustrious predecessors.

As you know I’m a bit (Hmm, a lot actually) out of touch with the modern world and I don’t have any clues about your computer thingies, software, and apps; but I do know that you are eagerly waiting for your classes to begin. I’m sure you will have a wonderful term learning and doing things that sound so incredible that I think it’s magic. Please tell me that you have released the poor woman locked inside your phone, LOL (I hope I’m doing it right).

What a wonderful holiday I had. I enjoyed the rich tapestry of thousands of years of colliding cultures. I enjoyed the vibrant cacophony in the gathering of the continents. I enjoyed the heavenly aroma and the rich colors of Turkish cuisines. But above everything else, I enjoyed your company, every moment of it. I enjoyed the madness of riding behind your scooty and I enjoyed the serenity of us sitting quietly on the beach. I enjoyed your exhilarated chirping of hundreds of questions & answers and I enjoyed your dumbstruck face at learning that I don’t have a mobile. There’s something utterly magical about you. Please tell me that you are not a witch, LOL (I really hope I’m doing it right).

The days are still long and warm here. But they are getting short and somber. The summer symphony is clearly reaching its finale and the lusters and melodies are slowly giving way to a mystifying serenity. The trees are yet to catch the blaze and there’s so much lushness all around. This is a lushness that calms your mind. It’s so tempting to drop everything and drown myself in this tranquility and sometimes I do give in to the temptation. Oh, how much I have enjoyed those silent nights by my window or the afternoon walks in the golden sunlight. But soon I will trade my solitude and calm for the roaring bustles of Hogwarts. I’m so eagerly waiting for the start of the new term and I know I will enjoy every moment of it, but I also wish that I didn’t have to leave this quiet corner of my world.

No, I haven’t got a mobile. I’m not even sure if these machines are even allowed in my school. Like I said, we are encouraged to discover and enjoy the little magic in our lives. Speaking of modern marvels, thank you so, so much for the pictures. I know a lot of people who wouldn’t believe the things I saw and the things we did without those pieces of evidence. A picture indeed speaks a thousand words, and I don’t have words for so many things I have enjoyed. But I will write you (unless things are crazy busy) and I will love having your letters. I’m blessed with some wonderful friends, but you my friend, are one of a kind. You swept me off my feet, then pulled me up, then took me on a ride (not just on your scooty) of my lifetime.

Love, Piova (AKA Piv and Pivsy)