Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Siti Aishah

In the early days of her life, Siti Aishah clung to the promises woven by her father, Captain Usman. His authoritative uniform appeared as a cape of invincibility, and his words were engraved as unwavering truths,"I promise sweetie, I will be back."

As time elapsed, Captain Usman's commitments began to cast shadows on his assurances. Birthdays came and went without his presence, school events lacked his cheers, an empty seat beside her mother during her graduation.

"Duty calls," her mother would whisper, a reminder of his commitment to the nation.

Aishah keep holding tight on that promise up until one fateful day, Aishah returned home to a scene that foretold her deepest fears. An officer conversed with her mother, and apprehension gripped her. Stepping out of the car, she met her mother's tear-filled eyes, a wordless admission. Her father was no more. A letter lay on the table, a poignant embodiment of the promises unfulfilled, of the time they would never share.

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Time skip to many years after 

Aishah's mind wandered amidst the bustling corridors of her college, "Assalammualaikum, my beautiful friend. Lost in thought about your thesis or a dashing prince charming?" Sarah's playful tease earned her a playful pinch from Aishah, who retorted, "You're always like this, Sarah."

"Ouch, alright, I'm sorry. I couldn't resist teasing you. But really, what's on your mind?"

Aishah let out a sigh and admitted, "I'm facing a major dilemma. Remember that my mum has been arranging marriages for me for years now, and next month, I'm supposed to meet the guy."

Sarah chuckled and adopted a dramatic, dreamy expression. "Well, that's certainly good news, Aishah. We can't have you remaining single forever, can we? I'm already imagining you in a stunning wedding dress."

Aishah rolled her eyes and countered, "You never take anything seriously, Sarah."

In a more earnest tone, Sarah responded, "Alright, alright, I apologize. But seriously, what's bothering you? I'm sure your mother must have chosen someone wonderful for you."

Aishah hesitated before admitting, "I'm just not prepared for this. You know about my past experiences with men, right? I'm afraid he'll turn out to be just like that"

"Hey, don't worry, Aishah. I'll accompany you. If I even see him looking at you the wrong way, I'll kick him."

Aishah just sighed loudly.

"Relax, Aishah. I'm sure everything is going to be okay. Your mum won't give her daughter's hand to some scumbag."