Chapter 2

"I will be leaving tomorrow morning with the others." Nur informs her mother while she packs her clothes in a bundle. The Chief gave her only one day to decide upon whether she wants to go or not. They both knew- the choice was just for show. If the Imperial Japan wanted then the soliders would use force to requiret the women, just like they did few months ago with most men in the village.

"Nur..." Her mother sits besides her on the floor and takes her hand in her own trembling ones. "Promise me something. If something bad happens then you will run away from there as soon as possible."

Nur smiles with loving gaze at her. "I promise. Amira and Fatimah are also coming with me."

Her mother nods affectionately then pulls out some cash from pocket and give it in her hand. "Take these and eat something on the way."

Her eyes widen and she quickly shakes her head. "No, Ibu! You keep these cash besides they will give us regular meal...like they said." Nur says the last part with uncertainty, not believing herself but she didn't want her mother to strave while she is not here.

In the end Nur finally gives up and takes half of the cash.

                    》☆《

"Do you really have to go?" Wan squeezes her hand in desperation. He hates himself for not being able to protect the person he cares and cherish. He was not even able to protect his elder brother when the Japanese soilders barged into his house and took his brother forcefully to work for them at the railway. It happened again- the woman Wan promised to be with always is leaving him and he can't do anything.

Nur sighs and takes her hand from him. "You know as well that I have no choice. If I refuse now then they will come some other day and take me by force." She looks into his eyes. "How worse can it be? They will make us work for hours or maybe gives us one meal a day. They promised that they will let us go when we get of marriageable age."

"Do you really believe them? The imperial Japan is cruel. They made us turn in their supporter while taking away our rights and will. We live in hell because of them. We..." His throat bobbles. "We can't trust them."

"Regardless I have to go. Please take care of my Ibu while I am away." She smiles  then her mood turns sour when her eyes land at the village chief who was grabbing a woman's hand from the window, the woman was clearly uncomfortable. "Look at the chief flirting with another woman while he has a wife and a daughter." She said in disgust then without thinking she stormed towards him. Wan following after her.

"Ah! Chief! What are you doing here? I thought you were preparing a place to stay for the Japanese soilders." Nur hide her disgust behind her grin. He quickly step back from the woman and turn to her.

"Ah yes! Oh my... look at the time. I think I should go and check on them if they need something." He tried to excuse himself from the situation.

"Please send my greetings to auntie." She says then let out a groan in frustration after the village chief leaves. "Those men disgust me to the core." Wan was still standing besides her with a grin and admiration in his eyes.

"You look a lot better when you are not smiling like that." Nur says and visually shivers.

"Why? Does my smile makes your heart flutter, Nur?" The way he says makes her breath hitch. She stares at him before replying.

"Maybe but it sure gives me a stomach ache."

"That's called getting butterflies, sweetie."

Nur makes a disgusted face despite the blood rushing to her face. "Don't make me vomit here."

Wan laughs heartily from her expression and Nur joins him too. "Why are we laughing?" She asks while chuckling.

His eyes crinkle at the corner and he flicks her head. "Idiot."

She gives him a sharp slap at his arm. "Hey! Don't call me that!"

They bicker until Aisyah grabs Wan's wrist, pulling his attention to her.

"What a little troublemaker doing here?" Nur gives her a playful glare.

Aisyah ignores her completely as if she is nothing but an insect.

"You want to watch the pot making again?" Wan asks, lowering himself to her level. Aisyah nods.

"You like pot making, Aisyah?" Nur asks and gets ignored by her again which is strange because her bubbly personality never let anyone ignore her- specially not by a mera child!

"Do you also want to come, Nur?" He asks her gently.

Nur shakes her head. "No...not now I have to go prepare for my departure." She says, the reality sinking in- she has never been away from her home in the past so this was a big step in her life.

Wan nods with pained expression before going back to his workshop, Aisyah following behind him.

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