Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Part 8

Qadrul sat alone in his office at the base, lost in thought. The bravo team noticed his distant demeanor as they walked by. Daniel, always the playful one, couldn't resist a quip, "Assalammualaikum, Captain. Why the long face, newlywed."

Iman chimed in, his tone more sincere, " If something's bothering you, you can always talk to us."

Qadrul let out a sigh, his frustration evident. "Aishah is angry with me," he admitted, his voice tinged with concern.

Iman couldn't help but to chuckle,"Welcome to the club Qadrul."

Ridhwan, the joker of the group, couldn't help but tease, "Who would've thought that the Lion is afraid of his wife?"

"Well, I don't think it's lion, more to a cub. Captain, Roar~ "Daniel teased while pretending to roar with his hand.

Laughter rippled through the team, Qadrul took the chance to kick Daniel.

"Ouch,Captain.This is bullying."Daniel complaining as Qadrul kick him until he falls on the floor.

"Oh, now I'm bullying you. Now shoo shoo get out, it's useless talking to you guys."Qadrul sighing.

Daniel, trying to be helpful, chimed in, "Come on, Captain,don't be so serious.It's girl afterall, just apologize to her. Maybe give her a thoughtful gift, and she'll cool down eventually."

Another sigh escaped Qadrul's lips. Just as he was contemplating the suggestion, his communication device crackled to life. "Bravo team, report to the debriefing room immediately."

Qadrul stood up abruptly, his gaze fixed on his team. "Alright, let's move. Duty calls."

As they made their way to the debriefing room, Qadrul's mind was racing. He thought about how he wished his problem with Aishah could be as easily resolved as his team had suggested—a simple apology and a gift. But deep down, he knew that the issues between them ran much deeper than that. Qadrul prayed silently in his heart, "Oh Allah, please soften my wife's heart for me."

When they arrived at the debriefing room, Qadrul prediction is correct, the Bravo team had been deployed for a mission lasting 1 months. Qadrul knew that with this deployment, his problem with Aishah would likely worsen. However, he understood that there was nothing he could do; duty called. 

Before departing for the mission, he managed to send a brief message to Aishah, explaining that he might be unreachable for the next month due to work commitments. The weight of the unspoken truth pressed heavily on him, the knowledge that he couldn't share the full extent of the dangers he was about to face. 

Meanwhile, every day, every night and every prayer, Aishah's prays for her husband, "Oh Allah, protect my husband with each step he takes. Bless his every action and decision. Bring him back to me safely."

***************

One month later

"Welcome back, Bravo team. Congratulations on the successful mission," Commander addressed the Bravo team. His gaze shifted to Qadrul and he noticed that Qadrul wasn't fully attentive, as if something was occupying his thoughts.

"Attention, Captain Qadrul Hafiz!" Commander's authoritative voice cut through the air.

Qadrul snapped to attention, his mind refocused. "Yes, Commander!"

"In recognition of your success, I'm granting you a 3-week holiday," the Commander announced.

Daniel couldn't help but interject, "Commander, what about us?"

"Rest assured, there's something in store for all of you as well," the Commander replied with a knowing smirk.

The members of Bravo team exchanged wary glances; they were all too familiar with that particular smirk, a nightmare is waiting for them.

"Bravo team will remain at the base to assist in the selection of new cadets for the upcoming establishment of the special forces," the Commander stated.

Suppressing their groans, Bravo team maintained their professional composure.

"Any objections?!" the Commander demanded.

"No objections, Commander!" Bravo team responded in unison.

"Very well, then what are you waiting for? Depart immediately!" the Commander commanded.

With a final salute to their Commander, Bravo team turned and exited the office.

"Qadrul, hold on," the Commander's voice halted Qadrul in his tracks.

Turning back, Qadrul stood at attention before his Commander.

"Qadrul, I expect you to use this holiday wisely. Resolve your issues and return here with a clear mind. I shouldn't need to remind you of the consequences of letting personal problems cloud your focus during a mission, correct? Captain Qadrul Hafiz, remember that above all, you are a soldier," the Commander's voice carried a stern yet caring tone.

"Yes, Commander!" Qadrul replied with a salute.

******************

"Assalamualaikum,"

"Waalaikumusalam. Oh, my beloved son is back. How are you?" Mrs. Aufiya said, hugging Qadrul warmly.

"I'm good, Ummi. Where's Aishah?" Qadrul asked, stepping inside the house.

"She's in the kitchen, cooking," Mrs. Aufiya replied. Qadrul headed for the kitchen, but his mother held his wrist gently and said, "Wait, Qadrul. Aishah... she's not really okay with all this. She might say she's fine, but I can tell she's upset that you disappeared for a month right after the wedding, with no update. I understand your job, son, but remember, you're not only a soldier now; you're also a husband."

 "Ummi, I'm done. Let's go eat tog...," Aishah's words trailed off as she saw Qadrul standing there with Mrs. Aufiya.

Without wasting any time, Qadrul then approached Aishah, holding out a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates that he had brought.

"Aishah, this is for you. I'm sorry for..." Qadrul began, but Aishah interrupted him..

"Alhamdulillah... welcome back.. Qadrul," Aishah said with tears threatening to fall. She then took Qadrul's hand and kissed it.

Qadrul was taken aback by Aishah's sudden change towards him. 

After recovered from his shock, an idea pop in his mind,he couldn't resist teasing his wife, "Oh, Siti Aishah,my beautiful angle, I missed you so much." Qadrul playfully attempted to hug Aishah, but his intentions were met with a swift response. Aishah exclaimed, "Pervert!" as she pushed him to the floor, catching him off guard and sending him tumbling down.

Auff!

"Astagfirullah,Qadrul!!! I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Aishah frantically apologized upon seeing Qadrul on the floor. Qadrul himself was in shock, realizing how he had fallen with just a gentle push from his wife. He had let his guard down completely when he was with Aishah.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Aufiya couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.

"Alright, that's enough, you two. You can continue your antics later in your bedroom. But for now, let's go eat. Ummi's stomach can't wait any longer," Mrs. Aufiya said with a hint of amusement, leading the way towards the kitchen.