Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Part 3 First meeting

Qadrul Hafiz, Muhammad Iman, Daniel Ramli, Ridhwan Ar-Rashid

"Sergeant Qadrul Hafiz," the Commander's voice, laced with authority, resonated in the room, "as of this moment, you assume the role of Captain of Bravo team. The names etched upon that parchment are no longer mere words – they are your comrades, your charge to lead."

Years had passed since that responsibility descended heavily upon Qadrul's shoulders; a constant reminder of the void created by those who had stood there before. Now, with new names etched alongside the old, Bravo team had transformed into a formidable entity- the unnamed protector for their nation.

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"Hey, Captain, what's the matter? You keep sighing at the phone like the worlds going to end."

Qadrul hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up, "Actually, you're kind of right. My world might be coming to an end. Remember about arranged marriage I talk about before? Next month, I'm gonna meet her."

The rest of the team burst into laughter, and Ridhwan couldn't resist teasing, "Oh, our captain finally leaving the single club behind!"

Qadrul's cheeks turned slightly pink, and he rolled his eyes playfully. "Very funny, guys."

Daniel chimed in, his eyes glinting mischievously, "Oh, come on, Captain. You've faced dangerous terrorists without breaking a sweat, and now you're scared of meeting a girl? This is going to be fun to watch!"

Qadrul glared at Daniel, "Watch it, Daniel! I can still make you run those 99 laps with full gear, you know."

Iman chimed in, "But seriously, Qadrul, we got your back if you need us. Is she going to be okay with your crazy life as a soldier, moreover something like us?"Iman understand this matter the most, he can't forget how he and Lily almost breaking up because of his work.

Qadrul sighed, "That's exactly what I'm worried about. I mean, it's not like I can just reveal to her that I'm in the special forces without breaking the secrecy contract."

The team burst into laughter again, and Ridhwan joked, "Hey, maybe you should bring us along to meet her, we will make her understand."

Iman added with a grin, "Yeah, if she can handle all us , she's a keeper for sure!"

Qadrul couldn't help but chuckle at their antics. "You guys are impossible, you know that?"

Daniel smirked, "Hey, we're just looking out for our Captain. We can't have you distracted by romance when we've got a world to save!"

Qadrul's smile trembles with mixed emotions as he joins his laughing team, cherishing this moment.

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Qadrul tapped away at his phone, furiously typing in the group chat with his team. He had sent several pictures of himself wearing different smart casual outfits, seeking their advice on what to wear for the big meeting. He is freaking out!

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At the café, Qadrul spotted the girl sitting with her best friend. His heart skipped a beat as he took in her captivating beauty. Approaching her, he felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. As he drew closer, the girl rose from her seat to greet him. "Assalammualaikum, Hi. I'm Siti Aishah binti Muhammad Usman. You're Qadrul, right?" she said with a warm smile.

Hearing her full name, Qadrul's heart clenched for a moment. "Muhammad Usman" was a name etched deeply in his memory, the man who had shaped his life's journey.But he decided to keep quiet about it for now, not wanting to make things more awkward than it is.

"Waalaikumusalam. Yes, I'm Muhammad Qadrul Hafiz bin Al-Azam," he replied with a polite smile.

As they talked, Qadrul discovered that Siti Aishah was strong-willed and independent women. She spoke candidly about the arranged marriage, confessing that it was mainly her mother's idea.

Qadrul couldn't help but smile, finding her honesty refreshing. He opened up about his own reservations, admitting that he was nervous about the whole thing.

"You? Nervous?" she exclaimed with a laugh, causing her best friend, who was sitting beside their table, to join in the laughter.

Qadrul's cheeks turned even redder, and he couldn't help but laugh at himself. It was true; he had faced dangerous missions without batting an eye, but here he was, getting flustered over a cup of coffee with a girl.

As the conversation flowed, Qadrul realized that there was more to Siti Aishah than meets the eye. He could see there's something special about the women in front of him. Qadrul couldn't help but wonder what experiences had shaped her, what stories those eyes held—mysteries and sorrows entwined.

"Qadrul, I know you are a soldier. Are you marine, air forces or what?

"Um, It's a bit complicated, I pretty much do eveything," Qadrul replied with an awkward smile.