Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Part 7

"So, Aishah," Mrs Aufiya began with such a cheerful tone, "are you ready to take over the kitchen duties in this house?"

Aishah offered a warm smile, "I'll try my best not to poison us all, Mrs Aufiya"

The room filled with laughter with Aishah's response.

"Don't be too humble , I'm sure you're an amazing cook just like your mum. She is the one who taught me how to cook. I still remember her saying I couldn't even be trusted alone in the kitchen, capable of burning even water. And Aishah, enough with the formalities. Just call me Ummi. We're family now, after all, " Mrs Aufiya added with a hearty smile.

As the conversation continued, Qadrul couldn't shake the weight of the news he needed to deliver, a heaviness that threatened to disrupt the cheerful atmosphere.

"Aishah, I have to return to Negeri Sembilan tomorrow. There's something I need to handle at the base," Qadrul announced with a hint of sorrow in his smile.

His mother's brows furrowed. "Can't it wait, Qadrul? You just got married yesterday."

Qadrul's response remained guarded. "Unfortunately, some matters can't be postponed, Ummi."

Aishah bit her lip, a tinge of disappointment settling in. She knows that this marriage is not for love, she had not expected much but deep in her heart, she had hoped that Qadrul would break the cycle she associated with her late father. Yet, she found herself facing a familiar situation.

Standing up, she pushed her chair back, the sound of its legs scraping against the floor. "It's fine, Ummi," she said in a composed tone, "I understand."

Retreating to their room, she shut the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling a heavy sigh. Was this the inevitable consequence of being entwined with a soldier, forever overshadowed by their obligations? Her father had followed the same path, absorbed by his duties. 

The door creaked open, and Qadrul stepped in.

"I'm sorry, Aishah," his voice carried a gentle, apologetic tone. "I'll make it up to you."

Facing him, Aishah's demeanor remained cool and distant. "Don't worry about it, Qadrul. This marriage was arranged to fulfill our mothers' wishes, after all."

Qadrul's gaze softened, a hint of hurt in his eyes. "Aishah..."

Interrupting before he could continue, Aishah's voice held the weight of unspoken emotions. "It's fine. Let's not dwell on it, Qadrul."

And so, Aishah left the room, a trail of unresolved tension and unspoken sentiments lingering in her wake.