The next morning, sunlight streamed into Hasan's room, waking him. Asifa slept peacefully beside him, her nightwear making her appear alluring in the soft light. He steeled himself, pushing down any fleeting feeling, and headed to the shower to prepare for his pilot duties,a job he respected for the sheer responsibility of holding hundreds of lives in his hands, however temporarily. ✈
As he finished getting ready, his phone rang. It was Manalo, Anisa's father.
"Ah, good morning, Uncle. What's the occasion for such an early call?" Hasan asked, his voice smooth and calm. 🌄
"Good morning, son. I hope I didn't wake you? I'm calling about something important. I need to speak to my daughter next," Manalo said.
"Not at all, Uncle. I was already up, getting ready for work. What's the special news?" Hasan inquired, his interest piqued. 🗣
"Well, your mother came to see me. Now, you two aren't getting any younger, and there's no point in delaying these things, is there? We've finalized the arrangements. We're going to have your wedding on the 20th of next month, in April," Manalo announced, his voice brimming with happiness.
"Ah, Uncle, that's wonderful. I'm certainly agreeable. But, are we sure Anisa will be happy with such a quick date? Her consent is the most important thing," Hasan said, feigning respectful concern. 🎭
"She's my daughter. She won't go against my word. She'll be agreeable. Don't you worry, son," Manalo replied confidently.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they ended the call. A profound sense of relief and triumph washed over Hasan. Anisa is just a stepping stone to my goal. Once my work is successful, I'll discard her without a second thought, he mused privately, elated that his grand scheme was progressing perfectly on schedule. 💫
He finished putting on his uniform, ordered breakfast to the room, and woke Asifa. Despite her lingering soreness, she got up and ate with him.
"You don't have work today, baby?" Hasan asked casually between bites. 🍔
"No, honey. It's my day off," she replied.
After eating, as Hasan prepared to leave, a sudden, uncontrollable impulse took hold. Perhaps it was the thrill of his confirmed plans, or a need to solidify his hold on his current distraction. Before leaving, he pulled Asifa to him and kissed her deeply, passionately, a French kiss that lasted several minutes. 😘
Finally breaking away, he rushed out, already running late for his shift. Yet, even in his hurry, he didn't forget to send a quick "Good morning, my wifey ❤️" text to Anisa.