HUSNA

Chapter2

ATATURK  AIRPORT ISTANBUL
"Ladies and gentlemen, as we begin our descent, please ensure your seat belts are fastened and your tray tables are upright..."

The soft voice of the flight attendant hummed through the speakers, but Abdulhameed barely heard her. His eyes were fixed on the horizon through the cockpit glass ...Istanbul spread below him like a golden mosaic, the Bosphorus glimmering beneath the fading sun.

"Flight attendants, prepare for landing please," he announced calmly through the intercom. His voice carried that familiar authority ...deep, confident, and smooth, the kind of tone that made even nervous passengers relax.

"Cabin crew, take your seats for landing," he added, his gaze steady on the runway lights flickering into view.

Moments later, the wheels touched down with practiced grace. The aircraft rolled to a gentle halt, earning quiet applause from the passengers. He smiled faintly...he never got used to that sound, the small human gratitude that followed every safe landing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Atatürk Airport, Istanbul," came the flight attendant's cheerful voice. "Local time is 5 p.m., and the temperature is twenty-one degrees Celsius. For your safety, please remain seated until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign..."

Abdulhameed exhaled deeply, removing his headset. Another flight completed. Another promise kept.

The doors hissed open, and a wave of cool evening air greeted him as he stepped out of the plane. His black Carhartt boots made a solid thud against the tarmac. He stretched his tall frame, the muscles in his back flexing under his crisp pilot uniform.

"Captain, shall we?" his co-pilot and longtime friend, Faisal, asked as he joined him.

"One sec," Abdulhameed murmured, switching on his phone. It buzzed instantly.... ten missed calls. He didn't need to check to know who they were from.

He dialed back, and before the first ring ended, a familiar voice answered.

"Abdulhameed!" his mother's tone was sharp with worry. "Have you landed?"

He chuckled softly. "Wallahi, Mom, I'm fine. I'm standing on Turkish soil ....safe and sound."

"You're always joking! Don't play with my blood pressure, my son."

"Ah-ah, mommy," you worry too much. I told you before, you need glasses, you can't keep stressing your fine eyes like this."

Faisal chuckled beside him. "She didn't warn you to eat this time, right?"

"Eat first before anything!" she scolded from the other end, proving Faisal's point.

Abdulhameed laughed, "Yes, ma, I'll eat. Ameen to your prayers. I love you."

She softened. "Allah ya tsare ka, Abdulhameed. Ka kula da kanka, okay?"

"Yes, mom. Insha Allah."

He hung up and slipped the phone into his pocket, still smiling.

He was the kind of man who drew attention without trying. The glow of the evening reflected off his fair, clean skin. His neatly trimmed beard and sharp jawline added a touch of quiet masculinity to his calm aura. His almond-shaped brown eyes were alert yet gentle....eyes that spoke more than he did.
Even in silence, Captain Abdulhameed Aliyu Danbatta carried a presence....one that whispered discipline, intelligence, and warmth.

They entered a taxi headed toward Swissôtel The Bosphorus, their temporary stop before their connecting flight back to Cyprus. The hum of the city filled the air.... the call to Maghrib echoed faintly through the streets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts wafted through the car window.

Faisal leaned back with a sigh. "Bro, I'm finished. Germany yesterday, Istanbul today...this job no go kill us so?"

Abdulhameed smile . "Come on, Faisal. Be honest ...you're just missing home. Or maybe... one of your girlfriends?"

"Kai! Wallahi, I'll throw you out of this taxi." Faisal laughed, shaking his head. "At least I have a social life. You? You just fly and sleep."

"I prefer peace," he replied simply, gazing out the window. "Relationships... too much drama."

"Drama?" Faisal scoffed. "You're Captain Abdulhameed ....half of Cyprus is crushing on you! You could marry ten times if you wanted."

He chuckled, running a hand over his short, neat fade. "That's exactly why I'm not rushing. They like the idea of me.... the uniform, the fame, the pictures online. Not the real person."

Faisal  sigh. "So, Captain Mr. Perfect, you're waiting for what..... divine revelation?"

He smiled faintly. "Maybe."

At the hotel, the staff greeted them with practiced warmth. The marble lobby gleamed, and a soft scent of Turkish oud floated in the air. Abdulhameed nodded politely at the receptionist as she handed over their keys.

In their room, he peeled off his uniform jacket and unbuttoned the collar, feeling instant relief. After Asr prayer, they headed to the hotel's dining area.

Faisal filled his plate with kebabs and rice, while Abdulhameed chose a modest portion of pasta.

"Bro," Faisal raised an eyebrow, "you're eating like a bird."

He shrugged. "I'm not hungry."

"Not hungry?" Faisal laughed. "Your mom is right... you'll fade away one day, and we'll blame her for pampering you."

Abdulhameed laughed too, though his mind was far away. The faint ache behind his eyes from the flight pulsed again. He needed rest.

Later at night, lying on his hotel bed, he stared at the ceiling, listening to the hum of the city beyond the window. Faisal was already snoring softly beside him.

He thought about his mother. About how proud she was every time he landed safely.

He thought about home....Lagos.... and the way the evening breezes

He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.

"Ya Allah," he murmured softly. "Grant me peace of mind... and maybe, someone who'll see me beyond this uniform.....

We have met captain ooooo
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