Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Part 13

"Aishah, it's late. Don't you want to go back? You've been here for hours." Sarah asked.

Aishah looked up from her screen, her eyes slightly tired but determined. "I think I'll stay here for a couple more hours. I'm almost finished with this analysis. You should head back first."

Sarah shook her head, concern evident in her voice. "You sure? It's already late. Beside there will be no taxi at this time."

Aishah smiled faintly, touched by Sarah's worry. " Don't worry,Sarah. I drove my car today and parked it in front of the café. I'll be leaving soon."

As Sarah packed up her things and left the science lab, Aishah returned her focus to her work. Time passed in a blur as she delved deeper into her research, her determination driving her forward. But as she looked up at the clock, her eyes widened in surprise. It was already past midnight. She hadn't realized how much time had slipped away.

Quickly tidying up her workstation, Aishah gathered her belongings.

As she stepped out of the science lab, the corridors were eerily quiet. The overhead lights cast a stark contrast to the darkness outside. Aishah felt a shiver run down her spine, a sense of unease settling in. She felt like someone might be following her. She regretted parking her car so far from the lab. Her footsteps quickened as she navigated the dimly lit path, her heart pounding a bit faster with each step.

Suddenly, her rush came to an abrupt halt as she collided with something solid. Stumbling back, she steadied herself and looked up to find a familiar face. 

"Qadrul?" Aishah's voice held a mixture of surprise and relief. She hadn't expected him to be here.

Qadrul held her arms to steady her, his eyes filled with concern. "Aishah, are you okay?"

Aishah let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Yeah, I'm fine. What are you doing here? I thought you will be at the base until next week."

Qadrul's worry softened into a smile. "Well, I miss my angel here so I try my best to finish my job as soon as possible."

He playfully pinched her nose, and she swatted his hand away, chuckling. "Hish, don't pinch my nose, Qadrul. And how did you even know I was here?"

Qadrul's smile widened. "Ummi told me. When I got home and saw you weren't back yet, she mentioned that you were still at the lab. She was a bit worried."

Aishah's guilt was evident as she spoke. "I should apologize to Ummi when we get home. I did text her that I might be back late, but I didn't realize how late it was."

Qadrul gently tugged her hand, his touch reassuring. "It's okay, Aishah. Ummi will understand. Let's head back home now. You can ride with me. I'll come back tomorrow to pick up your car."

**********

Months had flowed by, and Aishah had at last reached the pinnacle of her journey – she had completed her research, earning her a coveted Ph.D. in veterinary medicine. The culmination of years of dedication and hard work was a momentous achievement. Qadrul, steadfast as ever, was now back home more frequently, his visits becoming a cherished rhythm in their lives. However, with the thrill of triumph and the comfort of togetherness, a question started to brew in Aishah's mind.

One evening, as they sat side by side on their bed, a soft ambiance filling the room, Aishah turned to Qadrul. "Qadrul, I've been thinking. Wouldn't it be better if I lived with you in Negeri Sembilan? I mean, it must be exhausting for you to travel here every week."

Qadrul's smile was tender as he intertwined his fingers with hers. "Aishah, there's no exhaustion when it comes to you.Beside it's feel thrilling anticipating the time when we gonna meet again."

Aishah gazed at him with a mixture of affection. "What if I told you that I want to move in with you in Negeri Sembilan?"

Qadrul's expression held a blend of surprise and concern. "Really? Are you sure about that? What about your work? I don't want you to feel pressured into this. Our long-distance marriage has worked well so far."

Aishah's smile radiated reassurance. "Look at you, always caring. But yes, I'm sure. And about my work, you don't need to worry. Interestingly, my boss has been considering opening a clinic in Negeri Sembilan, and she offered me the opportunity to manage it."

Qadrul's eyes illuminated with delight, a brilliant smile gracing his lips. He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss on Aishah's forehead. "You know, Aishah, tonight you've made me the happiest man. Thank you, Mi Angel."