Two months had passed since Aneela's father, Captain Raza Sakda, had gone missing during his mission. The uncertainty still lingered like a heavy cloud over her life. Despite her mother's reassuring words, Aneela's heart refused to let go of the fear that something had happened to him. She couldn't let it go. Her father, a man of honor and courage, deserved more than just waiting. She had to take action.
After finishing her Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aneela made a decision that surprised everyone, even herself. She would join the Navy, the very place where her father had served with pride. The thought of being closer to him, of finding out what truly happened, gave her the strength to push forward.
Her mother, understandably, was scared. "Aneela, this is dangerous. You don't know what it's like in the Navy," she had said, worry evident in her voice. But Aneela had made up her mind. "Mama, I promise you, I will find him. I have to do this, for both of us."
The days leading up to the Navy entrance exam were filled with preparation, determination, and intense studying. Aneela, usually a quiet and reserved person, found a new sense of resolve in her. Every moment she spent training, she imagined it bringing her one step closer to uncovering the truth about her father.
When the results finally came in, Aneela's heart raced. She had passed. She was officially accepted into the Navy.
Her mother was nervous, but she could see the determination in Aneela's eyes. "Be careful, my daughter," she whispered, holding her close. "I know you'll make us proud."
Aneela's new life began in earnest. The Navy was everything she had expected and nothing like she had imagined. It was tough, demanding, and unrelenting. She didn't live on the base, returning to her dormitory each night to check on her mother. By morning, she was back in her uniform, ready to face the challenges ahead.
Her friends Ana, Lily, and Aoi, all of whom had supported her through the most difficult days, saw her off on her first day at the Navy. "Good luck, Aneela! We're proud of you," Ana said, giving her a tight hug.
The Navy was intimidating, but Aneela was determined. She had joined to uncover the truth, and she would do whatever it took.
On her first day, she met Emily, a fellow soldier. Emily was outgoing and cheerful, the kind of person who seemed to make friends effortlessly. They exchanged introductions, and Emily quickly became her first friend at the Navy base. They spent the day together, attending the Navy's orientation tour. Senior soldiers explained the various tasks they would be performing, the intensity of the training, and what it truly meant to serve.