Mr captain

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Crossing Paths

Sumayah's POV

Sumayah adjusted her scarf, glancing at her reflection one last time before stepping out of her room. Her heart raced, but she kept her nerves in check. It wasn't every day a man visited her family home with serious intentions.

When the doorbell rang, her father, Abubakar, was the first to rise, signaling to Sumayah that she could answer it. She opened the door to find Faisal standing there, looking sharp in a crisp white kaftan and a confident but respectful smile.

"Assalamu alaikum," she said, her voice soft but steady.

"Wa alaikum salam," Faisal replied, taking in her modest but elegant appearance.

He stepped inside, exchanging greetings with her father and mother before settling in the living room. The introductions were seamless, and Faisal's natural charm quickly won over Abubakar and Rahmat. Tea was served, questions about his background and work were asked, and everything seemed to flow smoothly.

As the formalities wrapped up, Faisal turned to Sumayah with a smile. "Would it be alright if we took a short stroll? Just around the area?"

Sumayah glanced at her father for approval. Baba gave a slight nod, his expression calm but knowing.

"Don't go too far," he said, his tone even.

The Stroll

Sumayah led the way out of the gate, the cool evening breeze brushing against her face. Faisal walked beside her, his hands tucked into his pockets.

"It's a beautiful evening," he remarked, glancing at her.

"It is," she replied, her tone light. "I hope you're enjoying Bida so far."

"It's different from Abuja," Faisal said, his lips curving into a teasing smile. "Quieter. More... peaceful. Or maybe it's just because I'm walking with you."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her lips. "You're quick with the flattery, aren't you?"

"Not flattery," he said, shrugging. "Just honesty."

They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments before Faisal glanced at her again. "So, tell me something I don't know about you."

"Hmm," she mused, tapping a finger to her chin. "Let's see... I used to be terrified of heights as a child. My siblings once tricked me into climbing a tree, and I got stuck there for an hour before my dad came to rescue me."

Faisal laughed, a deep, genuine sound that made her smile. "I can't picture you climbing a tree. What changed?"

"Life," she said simply. "You either face your fears or let them control you. What about you? Any irrational fears?"

He grinned. "I wouldn't call it irrational, but I hate snakes. Can't stand them, even the harmless ones. My cousins still tease me about it."

They reached a small park nearby and sat on a low bench under the glow of a streetlamp. The conversation shifted effortlessly from childhood memories to favorite books, and eventually, to their goals for the future.

"Do you ever get tired of being in the Navy?" Sumayah asked, tilting her head curiously.

Faisal's POV

"Sometimes," Faisal admitted, leaning back against the bench. "The discipline, the structure, the distance—it's not always easy. But it's also rewarding. I've learned things about myself that I never would have otherwise. The sense of duty, protecting people, it gives me purpose."