As Calm as The Sky of Love

Chapter 9

"Shira, come with us to Jugra tomorrow. Naim has training there," Isha's cheerful voice came over the phone. Shira paused at her study desk, considering the request. Jugra? Farhan's training ground?

"Umm... why would I go? Is it necessary? I mean... your husband's the one in training, so you go," Shira replied, trying to hide her nervousness. She'd had plenty of encounters with Farhan lately, and her feelings were getting more and more tangled.

"We'll go together, silly! Just for fun. You need a break anyway. Some healing time. And even if you say no, I'll still drag you along!" Isha joked, but Shira knew she was serious. It was useless to resist once Isha had made up her mind. "This is your and Naim's idea, isn't it? Naim suddenly has training in Jugra—he's a pilot. Your prank isn't fooling me, Sha." Isha laughed out loud, realizing Shira had guessed correctly.

The next morning, Shira found herself in the car with Naim and Isha, on the way to Jugra. Isha sat in the front, chatting with her husband, while Shira sat silently in the back, staring out the window. Her mind was a mix of excitement and nerves. Jugra... the place where Farhan military trains, where he is fully immersed in his serious element.

"You okay, Shira?" Isha turned around, breaking Shira's quiet thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Shira replied with a small smile. She didn't want to reveal her anxiety, even though her heart was racing. This wasn't just an ordinary visit.

The journey to Jugra felt long. They passed vast green fields, with hills stretching across the horizon. The peaceful scenery outside was a stark contrast to the growing tension in Shira's heart. She couldn't stop thinking about Farhan. How would he react when he sees me there? What will I even say?

When they arrived at Jugra, the place was bustling with soldiers in training. Muscular men in camo uniforms moved purposefully across the training grounds, and Shira could sense the disciplined atmosphere. Naim led them to an area where Farhan and his team were practicing.

From a distance, Shira could see Farhan. He was leading a group of soldiers under his command, his face full of focus and determination. He looked so different from the man she met in the café or the hospital. This was Farhan in work mode, she thought. He looked powerful, responsible, and incredibly dedicated. Watching him like this made Shira feel small and distant.

"That's Farhan—or Captain Farhan, to be precise, when he's here," whispered Isha, nodding toward him. Shira only nodded in response, her gaze fixed on Farhan, who was intensely focused on his team.

Despite the nervous fluttering in her chest, Shira couldn't deny the admiration growing within her. Farhan wasn't just a man trying to win her over. He was someone who led and inspired others, a man responsible for the nation's air safety. Her admiration mixed with doubt—could I really be with someone as strong as him?

After the training session ended, Naim and Isha led Shira to where Farhan was resting with his colleagues. When Farhan saw Shira, a smile lit up his face, and he immediately walked over to them. "Shira," he greeted her, his eyes bright with genuine happiness. "Didn't expect to see you here."

Shira gave a shy smile, feeling a little out of place. "Isha and Naim invited me along... said Naim had training here," she replied, glancing at Isha, who chuckled beside Naim.

Farhan laughed lightly, still looking at Shira with his full attention. "Well, thanks to them, I'm glad you're here. I've wanted to show you this place for a while. This is my world," he said, his tone soft but meaningful.

Farhan invited them to explore the training grounds. Shira walked slowly, taking in the environment around her. Farhan walked beside her, pointing out important areas on the training ground—from the shooting range to the tactical room.

Throughout the tour, Farhan shared stories about how he joined PASKAU, the rigorous military training, and the sacrifices made to ensure national air safety. Shira listened intently, even as she began to feel even more distant from him. He lived in a world so different from hers. How could I fit into a life like his?

Although she was gaining a deeper understanding of Farhan, Shira couldn't shake the sense of distance between them. Farhan was so perfect in his role, a captain fully dedicated to his country and his duties. He seemed like a man who had no room for weaknesses—unlike herself, full of doubts and fears.

As they paused in a quiet, open field, Farhan finally said, "Shira, I know you might feel uncomfortable here. This isn't an easy world to understand. I don't often talk about my job because I don't want you to feel overwhelmed." Shira looked at him, meeting his gaze. He truly understands how I feel.

"But I want you to know something, Shira," Farhan continued, his voice growing softer. "Even though my work demands a lot of sacrifices, you will always be my priority. I do this because I want to be the best—for my country, and for you, too."

Farhan's words touched Shira deeply. For a moment, she felt choked up. Farhan had never asked for more than she could give, and now she could feel his sincerity. Even though Farhan lived in a world of his own, he wanted her to be part of it.

However, despite recognizing Farhan's dedication, Shira was still struggling with her own fears. She worried that she wasn't strong enough to stand by Farhan's side. What if she couldn't understand the world he lived in? What if she couldn't meet his expectations?

"I'm not sure, Farhan..." Shira finally said, her voice soft. "I don't know if I can be part of your world. Even though my family's life is similar to yours... I'm just an ordinary person. But you... you belong to the country."

Farhan gave a gentle smile, stepping a little closer. "I don't need you to be part of my work world, Shira. I just need you to be yourself. That's more than enough for me. You being you is all I need."

Shira paused for a moment, his calm and sincere words touching her heart. Maybe she had been so focused on the differences between them that she had forgotten that Farhan only wanted her to be herself—without any expectations.

As the sun began to set over Jugra, painting the sky with soft shades of orange, Shira stood in the open field, taking in the beautiful view before her. Beside her, Farhan stood silently, enjoying the quiet evening with her.

In that stillness, Shira felt something shifting inside her. She wasn't entirely sure if she was ready to open her heart completely, but there was something about Farhan that made her want to try. Perhaps, for the first time, she dared to imagine a future involving this man—without the shadows of fear holding her back.