As Calm as The Sky of Love

Chapter 7

The days after Shira left the hospital were quiet, but it was a comforting quiet. She returned to her daily routine, back to campus and the lab, continuing her research as usual. But in her heart, something had begun to change. Farhan's words echoed in her mind like waves gently crashing on the shore, gradually wearing down the walls she had built over the years.

She tried to distract herself from these feelings by keeping busy. In the lab, she focused intently on her research project. Occasionally, Isha stopped by to check on her, but Shira often avoided long conversations. Though she appeared normal on the outside, Shira knew deep down that something had shifted.

That night, after finishing up in the lab, Shira walked slowly to her car. The sky was darkening, and a cool breeze began to blow. In her hand, she held her phone tightly, where an unread message from Farhan was displayed on the screen.

"Shira, I hope you're okay. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you need anything, I'm always here."

Shira took a deep breath. She didn't know how to reply. Every time a message from Farhan appeared, she felt her defences crumbling bit by bit. But she was also afraid—afraid to let herself be vulnerable again.

When she arrived home, Shira found her dad and Kamarul sitting in the living room. The aroma of dinner lingered, suggesting they had just finished eating.

"Did you eat yet, sweetheart?" her father asked softly.

Shira nodded, smiling a little, trying to hide the turmoil in her heart. But her father and brother could see that something was weighing on her.

"Dad has noticed that you've been a little different since coming back from the hospital," Kamarul said, looking directly at her. "Is there something you haven't told us?"

Shira was caught off guard; she hadn't expected her brother to ask so directly. She knew they were only concerned about her, though. Taking a deep breath, she sat down between them.

"Along, Dad... I... I don't know where to start," Shira finally said, her eyes downcast, avoiding their gazes.

Her father, who had been silent, finally spoke with his usual gentle tone. "If there's anything weighing on your heart, just let it out. Your brother and I are always here to listen."

Shira gave a weak smile. She knew her family was always there for her, yet the fear of exposing her vulnerability still held her back. But tonight, something inside her felt different. Maybe it was time to share the burden she'd been carrying alone.

"Farhan..." Shira began. The name slipped from her lips before she realized it, surprising her dad and brother.

"Farhan? Your Mr. Farhan?" Kamarul asked curiously. "What about him? Did he do something to you?"

Shira exhaled slowly, gathering her courage. "No, along... He... he said he's been waiting for me for a long time. He said he's willing to wait for as long as I need... But I'm scared... I'm scared that it's all temporary. I'm afraid he doesn't mean what he says."

Her father and Kamarul exchanged glances. They understood Shira's fear, but they also knew that life had to be lived with courage, not fear.

"Sweetheart... Farhan's a good man. If he says he'll wait, I believe he means it. And remember, not all men are like that jerk Haniff," Kamarul said, trying to reassure his sister.

Shira closed her eyes briefly. Even hearing Haniff's name still reopened old wounds. She remembered how he had manipulated her, how vulnerable she had once been in front of someone who was supposed to protect, not hurt her. But Farhan... Farhan was different. He wasn't like Haniff, though the fear within Shira remained strong.

"Dad and I will never pressure you into any decision. But I want you to know, not everyone is the same. There are people who are genuinely sincere. You don't need to decide right now, but don't let your heart remain locked away in fear for too long," her father said softly, holding her hand.

Shira nodded slowly. Her father and brother's words deeply touched her, but she still needed time. Yet she was beginning to realize that she couldn't live in fear forever. Something had to change, even if it was a gradual process.

The Next Day

Shira woke up with a slightly lighter heart. After last night's conversation with her dad and brother, she started reflecting on what she truly wanted. She didn't want to keep living under the shadow of her past, but opening her heart again wasn't easy. It required courage—and for the first time in a long time, she felt a small glimmer of that courage.

At campus, Shira met Isha at the café. They sat in their usual spot, enjoying a cup of coffee and chatting casually.

"Isha, can I ask you something?" Shira began, her voice slightly hesitant. Isha smiled, ready to listen.

"Of course, Ra. What is it?"

"Farhan... do you think he's really serious about me?" Shira asked, her voice almost a whisper. Isha's face broke into a wide grin, understanding that Shira was finally beginning to open her heart, even if just a little.

"If you ask me, yes. If you asked Naim, he'd say yes too. I think he really is serious. Farhan's not the kind of guy who plays around. Naim knows him well. It's been two years, Shira. If he wasn't serious, he would've moved on a long time ago."

Shira was lost in thought. Isha's words reassured her, but her fears still lingered.

"I'm scared, Sha..." Shira admitted. "I'm afraid that if I give him a chance and open my heart again, I'll get hurt. Like I did with Haniff..."

Isha shook her head gently. "Haniff is the past, Shira. Farhan's not like him. You can't let that foolish Haniff ruin your chance for happiness. I want to see my best friend happy too."

Shira sighed softly. "I... I don't know, Sha. But I think... I think I want to give my heart a chance. I want to try, but I'm scared... so scared."

Isha smiled proudly at her friend's decision. "That's the Shira I know. Bold enough to make a choice, even if it's hard to process and face."

That night, Shira returned home with a calmer heart. As she was getting ready for bed, her phone buzzed with another message from Farhan.

"Shira, I hope your day went well. If you ever want to talk or need anything, I'm here. As always, I'll be waiting."

Shira read the message slowly, her heart torn between fear and hope. But this time, something inside her gave her strength. Taking a deep breath, she finally replied to Farhan's message:

"Thank you, Farhan. Maybe... we can talk tomorrow?"