Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Part 4

One more time Qadrul found himself sitting in the same cafe facing Aishah. Qadrul knew that this meeting was the result of his decision to accept the arranged marriage with Aishah, even though she had expressed her reservations about it many times throughout their meeting, their chat.

"Qadrul, I'm sure you know why I wanted to meet you," Aishah spoke with a cold demeanor so much different from their first meeting.

Qadrul replied, "I truly want you to be my wife, Aishah. I'm certain of my decision."

"Don't you think it's too soon. It's only been three months. We don't even know each other well,"Aishah questioning.

"That's our journey after marriage. Get to know each other, and fell in love along the way," Qadrul said with a soft smile

"What if we never fell in love even after the marriage?" Aishah questioned

" Aishah, the feeling of love, Allah is the one who created it,"

Aishah questioned again ,"Why me? There are surely other girls who would want to marry you. Why did you accept this arrangement when we both knew it was our mothers' s idea? Beside...... my mum.... is not even here anymore to see whether we fulfil her wish or not, "

Qadrul answered, "Aishah, I believe you are a wonderful women.And I'm sure our mothers know what's best for us."

Aishah's eyes searched for any signs of insincerity. "What if I'm not what you expect?"

With sincerity, Qadrul spoke, "Aishah, when the time comes when I take your hands as my wife, I accept everything about you. Your specialties, your weaknesses. Maybe our marriage is not built solely on romantic love, but we can build it on the love we share for Allah. I want you to be my companion till Jannah."

Aishah's eyes softened, but there was still something she needed to make sure of. 

"Okay but there's something I want you to promise me."

With determination, she laid out her four promises. "First, you must respect my independence and support my dreams. I won't just be a housewife waiting for you at home. I have my own aspirations, and I need you to stand beside me not against me."

Qadrul nodded, understanding her desire for autonomy. "I respect your ambitions, and I'll always be your partner in this."

"Second, don't touch me and that's means I don't want children until I'm ready. That's non-negotiable," Aishah asserted firmly.

Qadrul assured her, "I won't push you into anything you're not ready for. We'll decide on that together."

"Third, I despise liars. If you're hiding anything, tell me now. I won't tolerate deception," Aishah warned.

Qadrul was silent for a moment. He remembered the promise he made with Mrs. Wardiah, Aishah's mother.

Flashback

"Qadrul, can you promise me something?" Mrs. Wardiah asked.

"What, Mrs. Wardiah?" asked Qadrul.

"Stop with Mrs... just call me Mum. We're going to be family, right?" Mrs. Wardiah's voice held a warmth that instantly made Qadrul feel closer to her. But as he looked into her eyes, he sensed a hint of sadness beneath her gaze.

"Qadrul, can you promise me not to mention your relationship with Captain Usman," Her words were soft, almost pleading.

Qadrul's brows furrowed in confusion. "Mrs. Wardiah... "

A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "I'm sorry for asking you to do this. I know everything, Qadrul . And I knew my daugther the best. If she learns about all of this, she will not accept you."

"Then why you still want to continue this? Knowing that Aishah might be hurt once she finds out the truth. Why allow me to marry your daughter, despite the fact that I'm part of the same unit that caused your family so much pain? Are you prepared to subject Aishah to the same uncertainties you've endured?"

Mrs. Wardiah's expression softened, and her eyes glistened with emotion. "My late husband, Captain Usman, held you in the highest regard, Qadrul. He often wished that you could be a part of our family. You see, Captain Usman wasn't just a soldier; he was a loving husband and a loving father. And I trust him, if he believe you are the best for my daugther, then you are."

"Promise me, Qadrul," Mrs. Wardiah's voice trembled, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. "Promise me that you'll cherish Siti Aishah with all your heart."

" I vow to you,Mrs Wardiah. I'll always cherish her, I will stand by Aishah's side even when the whole world is against her, thank you for trusting me,"

End of flashback

Qadrul's voice held a solemn tone, "I promise, Aishah, to be honest and transparent with you. I won't keep anything from you," Qadrul felt really bad for lying to Aishah; he hoped that one day Aishah could forgive him.

With a touch of vulnerability, Aishah added, "Lastly, I need you to promise that you always be patient and understanding. I have my fears and insecurities, and I won't always be easy to handle."

Qadrul talk with gentleness, "Aishah, I promise to always be there for you."

Aishah eyes softened for a while and then she proceeds to give a deathly glare to Qadrul and warning him, "Remember, Qadrul, if you ever break our promises, I will not hesitate to kick your ass and you'll wish you never met me."

Qadrul couldn't help but grin, finding her feisty remark amusing, for sure Aishah is the daughter of the fearless Commander Usman. "Noted, Ma'am , I'll be on my best behavior, I promise."

Her best friend chimed in, "Oh, he better be. I've seen her make men cower with just a look."