After leaving the magistrate's office, Asa made her way straight to the Khalid Center's headquarters, a place she also called home. As she approached the gate, she gazed up at the huge, bold letters that spelled out "The Khalid Center" in a majestic arc. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, her feet carrying her through the gate and into the bustling courtyard.
The Center's grounds were alive with activity, as young students of all ages practiced their martial arts techniques, their shouts and laughter echoing off the walls. Asa's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the sheer number of students; it seemed that this year's intake was one of the largest yet. As she made her way through the crowds, Asa was greeted warmly by those who recognized her.
"Asa! Welcome back!" one of the older students called out, as he bowed respectfully. Asa smiled and returned the bow, feeling a sense of pride and belonging. She continued on her way, taking in the sights and sounds of the organization. In one corner of the courtyard, a group of young students were gathered around a makeshift target, taking turns to practice their archery skills.
Nearby, a pair of older students were engaged in a fierce sparring match, their movements lightning-fast as they clashed in a flurry of kicks and punches. Asa watched the sparring match for a moment, impressed by the skill and agility of the two students. She then made her way towards the main building, where she knew she would find the Khalid Center's leader, Master Khalid.
As she entered the building, Asa was greeted by the familiar sight of the organization's reception area. The room was simply furnished, with a low table and chairs arranged in a neat circle. Behind the table, a large wooden screen bore the organization's crest, a proud eagle soaring upwards.
"Welcome back, Asa," a soft voice said, as a young woman emerged from behind the screen. "We've missed you. How was your journey outside?" Asa smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "It was... interesting, as always," she said, taking a seat in one of the chairs.
"I'll tell you all about it later. But first, how are things here? I see we have a lot of new students this year." The young woman nodded, smiling. "Yes, we do. And they're all very eager to learn. Master Khalid is pleased with their progress so far." Asa grinned. "Impressive. Is Master Khalid inside?" she asked, and was responded with a nod from the young lady.
Asa smiled back at the lady one last time and started heading to the office. She opened the door and entered, closing the door behind her. However, upon entering the office, she was surprised to find the main chair empty, and the desk before her was full of documents. It seemed as if Master Khalid was not inside, despite being told otherwise.
Asa's eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Master Khalid. Suddenly, a voice spoke from behind the bookshelves. "Someone needs to knock before entering." Asa smiled, recognizing the voice. She turned to see a secret door open, revealing Master Khalid standing behind the bookshelves.
Asa's face lit up with joy, and a smile spread across her face. However, Master Khalid's expression remained neutral, his eyes fixed intently on Asa.
Asa approached Master Khalid, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Greetings, Master," she said, reaching out to him.
Master Khalid's expression softened, and he opened his arms, embracing Asa. "It's Father, for you, Asa. I am your father, even if it's adoptive," he said, his voice filled with warmth.
Asa's eyes shone with affection as she replied, "Yes, you are. And I am back home." She took a deep breath, her voice filled with emotion. "I have been eager to see you again."
Master Khalid's eyes searched Asa's face, his expression serious. "Is that so?" he asked, his voice measured. "Then are you saying there will be no more traveling for you?"
Asa's eyes widened in surprise as she approached the seat opposite Master Khalid. "No," she said, her voice firm. "I am still close to finishing what I set out to do."
Master Khalid sighed, his eyes filled with concern. "Yet, you haven't found the one you truly desire to see," he said, his voice laced with a hint of sadness. "I think you have had enough of traveling. It's time you settled down."
Asa's expression turned skeptical, her eyes narrowing. "Settle down where, Father?" she asked, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Master Khalid's voice was heartfelt as he replied, "Here at Rahali village, it's your home. Stop searching for reasons to leave just because of your past experiences." His eyes filled with understanding, and Asa knew that he remembered the harsh treatment she had received from the villagers when she was a child.
Asa's voice was truthful as she spoke, "I wish that could be a reason, but I have no place in Rahali, not even once, and I don't wish to." Her past experiences still lingered, a constant reminder of the pain and humiliation she had endured.
Master Khalid's expression turned solemn, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. "You have a place here in Rahali, and that's this center. The center needs you..." he began.
Asa's voice was firm as she interrupted, "No, Father, the center doesn't need me; it still has you to guide." She shook her head, her eyes filled with conviction.
Master Khalid's expression turned serious, his eyes filled with a sense of urgency. "Not for long, I am old and in need of a successor, and you are the one I choose as the next owner of this organization." His words hung in the air, and Asa felt the weight of responsibility settling upon her shoulders.
Asa's heart skipped a beat as she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, "You want me to take your place here at the Khalid Center?" She felt overwhelmed, her eyes scanning the documents on the desk before Master Khalid.
Master Khalid's voice was firm as he replied, "I want you to take your rightful place, Asa. You are my daughter, and this center needs your guidance." His eyes searched Asa's face, seeking understanding.
Asa's voice was soft as she spoke, "You want me to be tied down to one place, to one responsibility. I don't want that. I want to be free to do what I love..." Her voice trailed off, and Master Khalid's eyes narrowed.
"Something like what, Asa?" he asked, his voice measured.
Asa's voice was resolute as she replied, "Travelling from one place to another, experiencing new things, meeting new people. That's what makes me happy." Her eyes shone with conviction, and Master Khalid's expression turned firm.
Master Khalid's voice was firm as he spoke, "There's no one who can do this better than you, Asa. You must at least consider this." His eyes searched Asa's face, seeking understanding.
Asa stood up, her movements sudden, and Master Khalid's eyes widened in surprise. "I must rest, Father. I have had a long journey. We shall speak of this later, at another time, as I stay here," Asa said, her voice firm but polite. She bowed her head in respect and walked out of the office, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she left the weight of responsibility behind.
As Asa walked out of the office, a sense of relief washed over her. Her footsteps echoed through the hallway as she approached the reception area, where the young woman looked up and smiled brightly, though somewhat forcefully, at Asa.
"You're out, Asa," the woman said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Have you had a long talk with Master Khalid?" Asa nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Yes, I did."
The woman's smile widened. "Then you should go rest now. Later, you'll be called for your homecoming celebration." Asa nodded, her eyes scanning the room briefly before she turned to leave.
As she walked away, the sound of her footsteps echoed through the hallway, overwhelming her senses. Rahali was no place for her to live happily ever after; it was never where she felt truly welcome. Everywhere Asa went, she was greeted, smiled at, and talked to with joyful faces, but it was all a facade.
Behind the masks of kindness, Asa sensed the unspoken disdain that people hid from her. No one truly loved her; they only respected her as they seemed to in front of her. Those people might think Asa was stupid and foolish not to realize their pretence, but Asa was no fool. She sensed it through the vibrations of their voices, the hatred hidden behind their smiles, and the talks they had after she passed.
Asa had endured them for so long because she had Master Khalid, whose shield was enough to give her shelter and courage, but not enough to give her the happiness and respect she deserved. Thus, these people didn't deserve her, and she didn't want it either. Travelling had always been the best decision for her, a way to escape the toxic atmosphere of Rahali.
As she entered her old room, Asa breathed a sigh of relief, surrounded by the silence that was a welcome respite from the fake greetings and smiles. What she hadn't anticipated was Master Khalid asking her to take his responsibilities. How could she? Where should she begin to start taking care of these people who didn't truly care for her? The weight of the task settled heavily on her shoulders, and Asa felt her resolve wavering.
Master Khalid sat in his office, deep in thought, reflecting on his conversation with Asa. He was genuinely glad to see her back from her travels, safe and sound. He had anticipated her reluctance to take over the organization and assume his responsibilities. Asa's stubbornness was nothing new to him; he had expected her to resist the idea.
Asa was not one to shy away from a challenge, and when she set her mind on something, she pursued it with unwavering determination. Master Khalid recalled her early days of training, when she had shown an unrelenting passion for martial arts. She had proven to be his most skilled student, and he had no doubt that she would excel in his position.
Just as Master Khalid was lost in thought, a knock at the door broke the silence. The door swung open, and a middle-aged woman, Madam Farheen, entered with a small tray in her hand, bearing a covered bowl. Her warm smile was welcoming, and Master Khalid returned the gesture.
"Madam Farheen," Master Khalid said, his voice filled with appreciation.
"Yes, Master Khalid, I brought your medicine," Madam Farheen replied, placing the tray before him.
Master Khalid glanced at the window, where the orange hues of sunset were visible. "Is it time already?" he asked, taking a sip of the medicine from the bowl.
Madam Farheen nodded, watching as Master Khalid drank. "I heard Asa is home already. Have you seen her yet?" she asked, her curiosity evident.
Master Khalid set the bowl down and stood up, walking over to the window. "Certainly," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "But she brought no good news."
Madam Farheen's expression turned sympathetic. "It's a shame," she said softly.
Master Khalid sighed, his eyes gazing out the window. "What now?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Madam Farheen's expression turned determined. "We have to stop her, Master Khalid. If we don't, she'll continue to wander, searching for...whatever it is she's looking for."
Master Khalid nodded, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I've decided to give her my responsibilities, hoping it will change her mind."
Madam Farheen's eyes widened in surprise. "Your position in the organization?" she asked, her voice incredulous.
Master Khalid turned to face her. "Yes, but she refused, as I expected."
Madam Farheen nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, in that case, I think I might have a solution."
Master Khalid's eyes sparkled with interest. "Go on."
Madam Farheen took a deep breath. "Asa is twenty-two years old now, a woman. Every woman needs a family. I think it's time we find her a suitable spouse, someone to love her deeply and keep her from leaving."
Master Khalid's expression transformed, a look of surprise giving way to consideration. "Why didn't I think of that?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
Madam Farheen smiled. "We can start by inviting eligible bachelors to her homecoming celebration. Perhaps we'll find someone who catches her eye."
Master Khalid's eyes lit up with excitement. "Let's do it. Prepare the guest list, and make sure to include all the eligible young men in the region."