BETWEEN THE CEO AND MAFIA 2

Meeting at the Grave

Andin walked lunglai down the row of tombs that lined up neatly on his left right. His hands clasped a bouquet of purple orchids. His gaze was sad as if there was no longer any passion for life.

Every year, the same feeling he always felt when visiting his mother's navel. Today is the 14th anniversary of his mother's death. That's a long time, but not for Andin. The sadness of a mother can never be forgotten. The passing of time did not make him forget the figure of a loving woman who had raised him to the last breath.

Wulandari. That's the name written on the tombstone. Andin put the bouquet of flowers he carried there, his mother's favorite purple orchid.

He was pensive in front of his mother's belly button. Will his mother be happy to see the life Andin lives from up there?

Sometimes there was regret in his heart. After his mother died, his attitude changed greatly. He became a bad boy and acted as he pleased. His behavior always made his father worried. Not only does he destroy himself, but he also troubles others.

It's not really meant to be a bad boy. He was just disappointed in the situation. Why did her mother leave her so soon? He feels very sad. To allay her grief, she tried cigarettes, befriended naughty children and abused people. The goal is only one, he wants to forget his sadness.

But, all of that is only temporary. Maybe he can still laugh while acting crazy with his friends. On his own, he felt lonely again. Condemn his fate as a poor and miserable orphan.

Now, his life is also no less sad than before. He had a fake marriage, lied to his father and pretended to be happy.

He wants to live a normal life like people. Marry the man she loves, have children, then live and age together. Things go awry, his dreams are instantly shattered when Arga reneges on his promise.

"Why should I meet that son of a bitch. Goddamnit!" objurgation.

"Mother, forgive Andin who has not been able to make father live a quiet life. I still like to make trouble like I used to."

Andin rubbed his mother's headstone, imagining that the one in front of him right now was really his mother.

"I will try again to live this life well and make Dad happy. Mama should be happy up there too."

After saying those words, Andin again stood up while confirming the location of his sunglasses.

When he had just walked a few steps, his steps stopped again. Up ahead at a distance of ten meters, there was a man wearing black clothes while holding a girl who was also wearing black clothes.

That man is Arga.

Of the many places in this world, why did he have to meet that man there? It would be better if he didn't meet her at all. Lousy. It feels awkward to meet people who have hurt him but he cannot hate.

Sucks.

In his deepest heart Andin still expects the lekaki to take his hand again and invite him to live together. He sighed, trying to convince the heart that Arga was not the best man for him. He's just a bad, bad guy.

Arga led his son closer to Andin.

"You're from your mother's grave, Ndin?"

Andin nodded. "Self?"

"I'm going to my mom's grave too."

"You want to accompany me?"

Andin should have rejected that call. He should have ignored Arga's first greeting. But, in reality, he is currently accompanying Arga sitting near the tomb of his mother.

Arga placed a bouquet of red roses on top of the tomb. For a moment he closed his eyes while cupping both hands and then chanting a prayer.

The atmosphere was silent, not many people visited the tomb that day. It only looks like some people are on pilgrimage just like them.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Ndin."

"Sister didn't stop by the mansion?"

"No, I'm only in S for a little while. It just so happened that my business partner gave me a party invitation so I came. After this I'll go back to J."

"How are you?"

The question you hate the most. The news? Does he have to answer that it's not good? His life is still a mess because of his actions.

"Good." she replied lightly.

"If it's your former secretary, how is it now?"

I don't know why Andin spontaneously wanted to ask that. Arga did not answer.

"He's dead."

Arga's reply made Andin speechless, "Sorry, I'm sorry for the condolences."

"It's okay. Thank you." Thank you."

"So, now this kid lives with you?"

"Yes. Meisya has no other family. I've been trying to find her family, but it's like Meisya herself said, she's got no one but her son."

"After all, he is my flesh and blood. At least I'll have to make amends to her by raising her to the best of my ability."

"Hello, Arsya, introduce your aunt's name, Andin." Andin extended his hand before Arsya. The boy returned his hand.

"My name is Arsya, Aunt."

Andin rubbed the boy's head. There is a sense of compassion that he feels. The fate of the child was the same as her, left by the mother and strayed. At least Andin was still lucky, his mother died when he was Junior High. But, this child, has been left by his mother in the aftermath who was still a child. The anger and hate she should feel turned into empathy. That's how Andin, behind his stubborn attitude, actually cares a lot about the feelings of others.

"Arsa is strong, yes. Even if your mom's not next to you, she still sees you from above. Try to be a good, smart kid so your mom up there can smile at you."

Arsya.

"Tante Andin is Papa's future wife, right?"

Arsya's question made Andin shocked. He looked towards Arga who also seemed to be as shocked as he was.

"Said Mama, she didn't want to see Papa for the rest of her life. Mama knows, Papa has made an unintentional mistake. Mama doesn't want to burden Papa's life to take responsibility for her life."

"But, it turns out that Mama has a severe illness and Mama's life is not long. He was very worried that I was living. My mother has no brothers. Mama can't take me to the orphanage either."

"Forced Mama to call Papa to leave me to Papa."

"Auntie.... Mama didn't mean to take Papa from Aunt. Mama just wants to leave me to the people she trusts."

"Mama also regretted making Auntie's relationship with Papa not good."

"Please forgive my mother, Auntie.... "

"Arsya, why can you talk like that?" Arga seems also surprised his son can tell about it.

"Mama told Arsya herself every day. In the letter that Mama wrote to Arsya there is also a message for Arsya to ask for an apology for Mama to Aunt Andin."

Meanwhile, Andi was still staring at the story that the little boy told. The taste in his heart was mixed. He becomes increasingly unable to hate the woman who made Arga leave him. Why is the problem so complicated?

"Auntie.... "

Andin turned towards Arsya. "Will Aunt forgive my mother?" ask again.

Andin smiled, "Yes, honey. Aunt forgave your mama."

"Thank you."

"Will Aunt forgive my Papa?"

Andin looked towards Arga. The man returned his gaze flat, but there was a twinkle of hope emanating from his eyes.

"Arsya, let it be a matter between your aunt and your father, yes."

"But, Aunt.... Papa loves Auntie very much."

"Arsya often saw Papa daydreaming while looking at the photo of Aunt in her room. At Papa's house there are so many photos of Auntie, youh."

"If Aunt wants to marry Papa, Arsya doesn't mind either."

"Arsiah, you can't talk like that. It will be a burden of mind for Aunt Andin."

"Papa's mistake is indeed very big and does not deserve to be forgiven."

Andin tried to breathe. Her chest feels tight. "Em, it looks like I should be right back. It's been too long I've been here."

"Arsya, you're in good health, yes" Andin said with a smile.

Arga held Andin's hand as he was about to leave, "Andin, let me take you home."

"No need, Brother. I'm still your sister-in-law, after all. I don't want any bad gossip if anyone sees us together. We were almost married."

Arga had to take his hand off Andin. He let the woman walk away from him. Only the part of his back he could see was getting farther away, the more unachievable it was.

"Papa, Aunt Andin's mad, huh?"

"No, Honey. Aunt Andin just needs time to think."

"Tante Andin that seems like a good guy huh, Pa?"

"Of course, he's very good. That's why papa likes it."

"If Aunt Andin doesn't want to be with Papa, how does Papa go?"

"Haha.... Why are you thinking about it? You already have someone who wants to live with you."