(Not) The Substitute

Eps 21 - Have Each Other

Elnaz still seemed doubtful about her husband's decision, but Arfan was very sure, considering they also lived side by side with Elsa and Bu Isna. Elnaz could be their impingement again, which is why Arfan won't take any chances.

They are both in the house of Elnaz. Because whatever anger Arfan had on them, whatever the disappointment Arfan felt on them, they were still his family and now the family bond was getting closer with his marriage and Elnaz.

Arfan and Elnaz are good-natured, trying to be as natural as possible but of course it can't. But the time cannot be turned and what happens cannot be returned to the beginning. Of course Ms Isna did not care about their departure, while Mr. Malik was just yes, so flat and tasteless. While Elsa, she never went out of the room and was reluctant to meet anyone.

Only Grandma was sad but also happy with their decision, sad because she could no longer always be with her favorite granddaughter, happy because Elnaz and Arfan were about to start a new life.

"Grandmother will always pray for you, no matter what happens, never let go of your hand" exclaimed the grandmother who, when she put together the hand of Elnaz and the hand of Arfan "Keep holding each other, keep going together, keep going, and Arfan... The Elnaz is a precious diamond, so keeping it may not be easy. But it's your responsibility now"

"I understand, Grandma. I'll always be there for El"

"I keep your promise, son"

.........

No one drove Arfan and Elnaz to the airport, as if their departure was not expected by anyone.

Even so, Elnaz and Arfan hold hands and still smile.

Now that the two were on the plane, Arfan pulled Elnaz to lean on his shoulder.

"Sleep, Dek. Later sister wake up if it wants to land" said Arfan because he saw Elnaz who looks sleepy.

Elnaz was very sleepy, so he raised his head on Arfan's shoulder and Arfan put his hand on Elnaz's shoulder.

"El always felt comfortable every time with Brother" muttered Elnaz who began to fall asleep, Arfan who heard it immediately frowned. He looked down and noticed that Elnaz was asleep, and Arfan shook his hand in front of Elnaz's face and the girl did not respond.

Arfan also let it go, until he felt someone who poked his shoulders.

Arfan turned his head and was surprised to see Liam there.

"Where are you going?" arfan asked half a whisper, afraid to nod at Elnaz.

"To Hong Kong" Liam replied gruntingly, "Where do you know this plane is flying, still asking" his grunt that made Arfan laugh "Is the goose princess asleep?" ask Liam again.

"Yes" replied Arfan still whispering.

"Good, I appreciate your decision" Liam said again but Arfan did not respond.

When the plane was about to land, Arfan built Elnaz and they were ready to go down.

Arfan waited for the people who were still scattering down, and after no more insistence, he brought Elnaz down and of course with Liam who followed him from behind.

"Sister Liam, brother to Jakarta too?" ask Elnaz while wearing his backpack.

"Yes, I want to take you to marriage counseling" Liam replied casually.

"Marriage counseling? What'sthat?" ask Elnaz.

Liam glanced at Arfan, while Arfan looked confused instead. Liam thought Arfan wouldn't tell Elnaz.

"Let me explain, Dek. Now we go home first yes, rest" said Arfan and Elnaz nodded.

Arfan and Elnaz board a taxi, while Liam is picked up by a beautiful woman.

"Yes, they're LDRs" Arfan replied and Elnaz only nodded in understanding.

After half an hour they traveled, at the end they arrived at a pretty good house.

Arfan and Elnaz immediately got off, the taxi driver also helped bring down their luggage.

"We will stay here, this is our home" Arfan said, holding Elnaz's hand. Arfan opened the door of the house and the two of them stepped in together.

"Not too big but the contents are very complete, there are two floors. Two main rooms above, one guest room below and also a room for a housekeeper, the kitchen over there and the dining table are also in the kitchen. There is a swimming pool in the back" explained Arfan explained the contents of the house to his wife.

Elnaz seemed to like the house, he still saw every corner of the house while Arfan was busy carrying their stuff up.

"Princess.." call Arfan from above. Elnaz who was still below immediately ran a small run up the stairs "Don't run.." cried Arfan again.

Elnaz went into their room, his room was quite large with bone-white paint.

"You should shower and then rest" Arfan said again.

"Are we going to stay in one room?" elnaz asked half a whisper, Arfan nodded while smiling.

"Let everything go as it is, El. We are husband and wife, we deserve one room. And you should not think about it now, you must be tired so quickly shower. Brother also wants to take a shower after this" said Arfan.

Elnaz took a bath after picking up a set of clothes from the suitcase along with towels, soap and others.

While Arfan is still busy arranging their goods in the closet.

It was already night and it was dark out there, Arfan turned on all the lights and after that he went back upstairs.

Elnaz already looked much fresher and he was also already wearing his sleeping pajamas.

Arfan immediately took a bath, then prayed maghrib alone because he knew Elnaz could not pray.

After the prayer, he climbed into the bed because he also felt tired.

"We sleep yes, brother tired" said Arfan and Elnaz who was playing his phone was nodding and he put his phone on the nightstand.

"El.." call Arfan again because Elnaz turned his back on him.

"Why, Brother?" elnaz turned his head without turning back.

"What the hell." answered Arfan and he also slept on Elnaz's back.

Elnaz closed his eyes, even though he had not fallen asleep.

Now, in this town, in this house, in this room, and in this bed, he only has Arfan and vice versa.

But both of them still can not force themselves to a higher level in marriage.

Both are awkward and nervous.

"It's okay, it's still early. Slowly everything will change, flowing like river water. Hopefully we can have each other, not just as a brother, but as a couple"