As Calm as The Sky of Love

Chapter 17

Shira stood motionless in front of the hospital room door, her heart pounding, hands cold and clammy. Beyond that door lay Farhan, recovering from the injuries he sustained on his mission. The news of his unconscious state weighed heavily on her heart, like stones pressing down relentlessly. She had always known that, as a PASKAU officer, Farhan's life was constantly at risk. But nothing had prepared her for the sight of him lying helplessly like this.

With shallow, trembling breaths, Shira finally mustered the courage to enter.

The room was quiet, save for the steady beeps of the medical machines attached to Farhan. His face was pale, his eyes shut tightly as if caught in an endless sleep. Shira's world seemed to freeze. How is this real? she thought, looking at the man she had come to care for, lying there motionless, so unlike the strong, lively person she knew.

Slowly, she approached his bedside, eyes locked onto his face. The face that once radiated calm and confidence now looked vulnerable. She clutched his hand gently, feeling his warmth through the thin hospital blanket, holding on as if her touch alone could revive his strength.

"Farhan..." she whispered, even though she knew he couldn't hear. Her hand tightened around his, a silent plea for him to return to her.

"I'm so sorry, Farhan," she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I should have trusted you completely. I shouldn't have let Haniff's words make me doubt you. Now... all I want is for you to come back to me, just as you promised." Her voice trembled, each word weighted with regret and hope. "You told me you'd come back safe and sound. You promised... I need you."

Memories of their time together flooded her mind—their first meeting, the sweet moments that deepened their connection. Tears streamed down her face as she relived every cherished memory.

After some time, the door creaked open softly, and Isha and Naim entered, their expressions filled with sympathy. They knew how deeply Shira was affected by all of this. Isha approached Shira, embracing her tightly as Shira's composure broke, releasing her grief and fear.

"You have to be strong, Shira. Farhan is strong. He's going to fight through this. I know he will recover," Isha comforted, her voice a soft anchor amid Shira's storm of emotions.

Naim, standing by Farhan's side, looked at his friend with a heavy heart. As a soldier himself, Naim understood the risks Farhan took, especially as a highly-trained PASKAU officer. He, too, was worried, but he knew that this was the life they had chosen.

"Farhan is a fighter, Shira. He won't give up easily. I know he'll come back to you," Naim said, with a reassuring firmness that Shira needed to hear.

A few hours later, Shira's phone buzzed. When she saw the caller ID, her heart sank, and her expression turned dark with anger. Isha and Naim exchanged looks, sensing her turmoil.

Unable to contain her anger, Shira answered the call, her voice sharp and trembling. "Haniff! Do you know what you've done?! Do you know what happened to Farhan?!"

Hanif's low, mocking laugh echoed down the line. "I heard about Farhan. Unfortunately, the operation didn't go smoothly, did it? But don't blame me for that. Maybe it was just... fate."

"You can't fool me, Haniff. I know you had something to do with this. You wanted him to fail, didn't you? You tried to tear us apart, but I won't let you do this again!" Shira's hand clenched around her phone, anger boiling within her.

Hanif paused before replying in a cold, sneering tone. "You still don't understand, do you, Shira? You think Farhan is perfect? That he can't make mistakes? You're too naive. His life can change at any moment. Maybe now you'll see who he really is—a man who can fail."

Suddenly, Naim snatched the phone from Shira's hand, fury flashing in his eyes as he spoke.

"You're the failure, not him!" Naim yelled into the phone, while Shira wept quietly on Isha's shoulder. "Farhan has always done his best, and all you've ever done is let your jealousy eat you alive. You're envious of everything he has—his rank, his accomplishments, and his strength. Back off, Hanif, before this destroys you."

For a moment, Haniff was silent, absorbing Naim's words.

"You're just a pilot, Naim. This isn't your battle," Haniff retorted coldly, dismissing him.

Naim scoffed, his voice steady with contempt. "I'm a pilot, yes. But we're all under the same unit, TUDM, you moron. Your resentment has poisoned you."

There was a chilling pause before Haniff's voice returned, low and venomous. "I won't let Farhan have everything without consequences. If you think he'll live a peaceful life, you're wrong, Shira. I'll make sure he suffers."

"Enough, Haniff!" Shira took back the phone, her voice shaking with fury. "You destroyed my life once, but you won't do it again." She ended the call with trembling hands, her anger and heartbreak swirling together. She knew Haniff wasn't done, but this time, she wouldn't let herself or Farhan be his pawn.

"We'll make sure he gets what he deserves, Farhan," Naim said, looking at his friend, who remained motionless on the hospital bed. Meanwhile, Isha held Shira tightly, supporting her as she broke down once more.

The following days passed with an agonizing slowness. Shira rarely left the hospital, remaining by Farhan's side, praying for him to awaken. Although his condition was stable, the uncertainty about when he might regain consciousness weighed heavily on her.

Every day, Shira would sit beside Farhan's bed, hoping her presence would be enough to keep him holding on. I won't let you go, Farhan. You have to come back. You promised me.

In one quiet moment, Shira recalled Farhan's promise to her before he left for his mission: "I'll come back to you." Fresh tears blurred her vision as she remembered his words.

"I'll wait for you, Farhan. I'll keep waiting until you wake up and come back to me," she whispered, her voice soft but resolute.

As Shira remained at his side, facing her deepest fear—that she might lose the man she was falling for—she knew that she wouldn't give up. Meanwhile, Hanif's intentions became increasingly clear, and though Shira's heart was battered, she was more determined than ever to protect her love and confront the darkness that threatened them both.

The days ahead were uncertain, but she clung to the hope that Farhan would rise, just as he always had, stronger than ever.