As Calm as The Sky of Love

Chapter 16

Days passed, yet Shira's anxiety over Farhan's mission only intensified. Each conversation, every message he sent, seemed to mask her unease. She knew he was capable and experienced, but the looming suspicion planted by Hanif continued to gnaw at her heart.

On the morning of Farhan's departure, he left without sharing details about the mission. Bound by PASKAU's strict confidentiality protocols, he couldn't reveal any information. But he managed to send her a parting message:

Farhan: "I'm leaving today, Shira. I'm not sure when I'll return, but don't worry. Take care of yourself, and I'll reach out as soon as I can. I promise you. Assalamualaikum, my dear."

Shira read his message multiple times, her heart tightening with fear. She wanted to believe that everything would be okay, and that Farhan would return safe and sound. Yet, in the back of her mind, she sensed an impending storm.

Farhan wasn't aware that Hanif's plan had been set in motion. Behind the scenes, Hanif had manipulated critical information about the mission, a twist that could lead to catastrophic failure.

Days after Farhan's departure, Shira's life became a blur of worry and routine. She threw herself into her university research to distract her mind, but thoughts of Farhan lingered persistently. Every shadow seemed to remind her of Hanif, lurking and plotting in the darkest corners of her life.

One night, unable to bear the tension, Shira confided in Isha.

"Isha, I can't shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen. I feel as though Hanif had something planned, and I'm terrified that Farhan might be caught in the middle of it," Shira admitted, her voice trembling.

Isha looked at her with sympathy and concern. "Shira, I understand why you're worried, but there's nothing we can do right now. Farhan's on a mission, and we can't interfere. All we can do is pray for his safety."

At that very moment, Farhan's mission—meant to run smoothly—began to spiral out of control. The intel they had received was flawed, leading Farhan and his team into a trap. Now, each step was fraught with danger, and their mission teetered on the brink of failure.

As the leader, Farhan felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He knew he had to act quickly to save his team. I can't let them fall. Taking a position at the front line, Farhan shielded his team from the imminent threats as they tried to escape.

A few days later, Shira was working on her research when her phone rang. The call came from Lieutenant Malik, a team member of Farhan's and someone who only reached out in emergencies.

Shira answered the call, her heart pounding. "Hello, this is Shira. What's wrong, Lieutenant Malik?"

"Hello, Shira. This is Lieutenant Malik from Captain Tengku Farhan's team. I have some complicated news to share."

Shira froze, her eyes widening. "Complicated news? What do you mean, Lieutenant?"

Malik sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, Shira... Captain Farhan was severely injured during the operation. Our intel was incorrect, and we were ambushed. He's in critical condition now and hasn't regained consciousness."

It felt as if Shira's world had shattered. Farhan... severely injured? How could this happen?

"Where is he now, Lieutenant Malik? I need to see him," Shira's voice wavered as she tried to keep calm.

Malik provided her with the address of the military hospital where Farhan was being treated. Without a second thought, Shira prepared to leave immediately, driven by a desperate need to see him.

On her way to the hospital, her phone buzzed with an unexpected message from Hanif.

Hanif: "Shira, you've heard about Farhan, haven't you? I didn't mean for it to happen this way, but I warned you that Farhan isn't who you think he is. Do you really believe he'll make it out of this?"

Reading the message, Shira felt a wave of rage and dread. Hanif's words were cold and calculated, designed to manipulate her.

She replied quickly, her anger barely contained.

Shira: "Hanif, what have you done? This is on you! If anything happens to Farhan, I'll never forgive you."

Hanif's response was swift and chilling.

Hanif: "I warned you before, Shira. Farhan isn't the person you think he is. If you choose to believe him, that's your problem. But don't say I didn't warn you."

Her grip tightened around her phone as fury welled up inside her. Hanif had crossed the line. She wanted to confront him, but her priority was Farhan.

Finally reaching the hospital, Shira's heart raced as she stood outside Farhan's room, mustering the courage to enter. Uncertain of what to expect, she braced herself for the worst.

Tuan Kamal and Kamarul, still dressed in their police uniforms, stood by her side, offering strength. Their presence reminded her that she was not alone. Gathering her courage, Shira took a deep breath and stepped into the room, where she would face the reality of Farhan's condition for the first time.