Captain Qadrul Hafiz

Part 14

Several months had seamlessly flowed since Aishah and Qadrul began their shared journey under one roof. 

On one bustling day at the clinic, amidst the hum of activity, a voice she knew all too well pierced the air. Looking up from her work, Aishah was pleasantly surprised to find Qadrul entering the room. A quizzical expression graced her features. "Qadrul, what brings you here?"

Qadrul's smile was both enigmatic and endearing as he arranged items on the table. "Bringing lunch for my angel. Word on the street is that she's not taking care of herself." His fingers playfully pinched the tip of Aishah's nose.

Aishah protested halfheartedly before her lips curved into a reciprocating smile. "You really don't have to do this, you know. You should be using your day off to rest."

Qadrul's eyes sparkled with affection as he replied, "How can I rest when my wife is working so hard right now."

Their banter was interrupted by the unexpected chorus of Aishah's rumbling stomach. Laughter danced between them. Qadrul's words were tinged with amusement. "Sounds like the lion is roaring. Let's eat."

As Aishah unwrapped the package he presented, her expression transformed into one of pleasant astonishment. "Ikan Patin masak Lemak cili api! How did you know it's my favorite?"

Qadrul's smile held a hint of mystery. "I have my ways, Mi Angel. Try taste it."

Deliciously, Aishah savored every bite. Upon finishing, she couldn't contain her curiosity. "Where did you get this? It's incredibly delicious." Her smile, though tinged with sadness. "It tastes exactly like my mum's."

"Who said I bought it? I actually prepared it especially for you. I had the chance to learn it from your mum before our marriage."

The confession touched Aishah's heart deeply, tears gathering in her eyes. She hugged him tight, gratitude evident in her voice. "Thank you, Qadrul."

With his arms around her, Qadrul whispered softly, "Anything for you,Aishah."

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

Every day held the promise of a new adventure for Aishah and Qadrul. They often went out for dates during their days off. Despite Aishah's initial reservations about reliving a "lovestruck teenager" phase, the joy of their outings began to fill her heart with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the next chance to be with her husband. An added bonus was that she could finally discover her perfect husband's weakness - animals. She chuckled, remembering how Qadrul behaved on that day; the day they went to see various animals at the wildlife park, a heaven for Aishah and apparently a hell for Qadrul.

Qadrul's face contorted with anxiety. "Aishah, trust me, I don't have the best history with animals. Please don't make me do this."

One of the animals even touched Qadrul's hand, sending him into a panicked state. "It touched me, Aishah!" Qadrul exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of fear and surprise.

"Let me go, Aishah. I want to get that alpaca!"

"I don't want to let you go; you look like you're ready to slaughter that cute little alpaca. Do you know it's just their nature to spit when they feel threatened?"

"You called that spiteful animal cute? They feel threatened?! I'm the one who should feel threatened by them," Qadrul grumbled.

Aishah could only shake her head. Qadrul did seem to have bad luck with animals, and now, he smells bad too. She made a mental note not to take Qadrul to see an alpaca again because that man looked like he had a deep grudge against that cute animal. 

What's even better about this 'date' is that Aishah could meet Qadrul's friends and their wives, who have now become Aishah's best partners in crime.

 "So, Aishah, is Qadrul treating you right? If he steps out of line, you know where to find me. I'll make sure he learns his lesson." Her playful gaze shifted to Qadrul, who exchanged a knowing glance with Iman – they were well-versed in Lily's reputation.

"No worries, Lily. He treats me like a queen. Sometimes I wonder how he stayed single for so long. Or maybe he's secretly got a girlfriend stashed away somewhere.Sometime I feel he is so mysterious, isn't Lily?"

Lily's laughter joined Aishah's, as she shot a meaningful look at Qadrul. "Fear not, Aishah. I'll unveil all his secrets to you. We should all hang out sometime and have a heart-to-heart." Qadrul and Iman excused themselves, heading to the counter to fetch their orders.

As they returned, the harmonious chorus of Aishah and Lily's laughter greeted them. Iman let out a sigh, shaking his head with a grin. "We better sleep with our eyes open, Qadrul. Seems we've unwittingly formed a duo that might just be our downfall."

 Everything seemed perfect; it felt like a dream for Aishah.