Grandpa's Choice Man

No Surrender?

The time to visit Nafisa's house arrived. Rama and Tiara left there using a luxury sleeper train that departed from Jakarta at 21:30 and reached Semarang 03:00. They also stayed at a hotel near the station to rest their bodies.

In the morning, Rama called Mr. Latif's number to inquire about Nafisa's whereabouts. Mr. Latif also replied that his daughter was home. After that, Rama asked to share the location to make it easier for him to find the intended house.

Rama and Tiara came to Nafisa's house with fruit parcels. Mr. Latif and his wife, Ms. Aida, welcomed them very kindly. Then, Ms. Aida came in and out carrying a tray of tea and snacks. Behind him, tailed Nafisa who looked down embarrassed with a face still pale and haggard. They also sat in the living room.

"From Jakarta at what time, Rama?" ask Mr. Latif.

"Yesterday night, sir," answered Rama trying to maintain his attitude because after all, Mr. Latif is his lecturer.

"Oh yes. What happened yesterday?" ask the old man again.

"Sir, I'm sorry if we came suddenly. Our arrival relates to what Mr. Latif said last time. With a heavy heart, I revealed that I could not accept your application. I am still determined to be loyal to my wife. Even in religious science, I am far from Nafisa. So wouldn't it be better for Nafisa to find something worth it?" resolute Rama.

There was a real look of disappointment on the faces of Nafisa and her parents. Nafisa also lowered her head deeper in shame and was crushed to be rejected by the man of her choice. Then, Nafisa suddenly unconscious made people in the room surprised to be overwhelmed with anxiety, including Rama and Tiara who immediately stood up to come near him. His face paled and his body drooped weakly helplessly.

"Astaghfirullah's. Inna lillaaah," said Mr. Latif and Ms. Aida in unison.

"What pain does Nafisa have, sir?" rama asked while watching Nafisa from a distance with full of compassion.

The guilt in Rama's heart but accepting it was also powerless. In addition to hurting Tiara, Bu Ina's blessing won't be easy to get.

Mr. Latif immediately laid his daughter down on the sofa and looked at her daughter with concern.

"Come, Rama. Every time we wanted to accompany control, he refused under the pretext of not wanting to bother or there was a reason. Lately he has fainted a lot, his body is weak, difficult to eat. He looks like he's really bad. Perhaps the shadow of his troubled marriage still traumatized him, let alone having to accept the fact that he could not bear offspring," replied Mr. Latif withstood the immense sadness.

"Sometimes, she was suddenly moody and cried for hours. Every time he was asked, he just answered it was okay. Sometimes, he wondered about fate and said that if maybe we used to accept Rama's proposal it seemed like he would not bear this burden and he could live happier. Somehow the faith he can absorb this even though he is still a child who obeys his parents and obeys his worship" continued Bu Ida while kneeling her daughter's palm.

"But, Sir, Mom. Now things are different. I have a family and I love my wife very much, not Nafisa anymore. Once again, I apologize if my arrival made things worse for Nafisa, but I feel I have to make things clear so that there are no misunderstandings or undue expectations. I hope, Mr. Latif and Bu Aida can understand what I say," hope Rama a little sorry but already more relieved in the chest.

"Well, Ayu, would you allow us to beg your husband to marry our daughter? Not long. Only temporarily until he can have hope and spirit of life again with the man of his dreams. Even if he is not long, at least he can be happier in the rest of his life. We can't do much, despite doing everything we can. Nafisa's only dream is to marry Rama. I promise not to demand anything, religious marriage and no need for a party we are willing to. In fact, if you hide this marriage, we will accept. Importantly, Nafisa can realize her only dream. She already could not have any offspring, so she only had hopes of having a partner who could make her happy," Bu Aida persuaded as she rubbed Tiara's hand.

Tiara was suddenly confused and didn't know what to do. Bu Aida's expectations were very high for her, while her heart was opposite to her expectations. On the one hand, it is indeed so sorry for the situation of Nafisa that is as severe as this. On the other hand, she could not imagine if her husband had to marry again.

Nafisa who had awakened from her stupor was crying bitterly at Rama's response. Pupus is his hope with Rama and forever a wish. He bore shame and immense heartache. He was optimistic that Rama would love and accept it again but other with the reality that is in sight.

Mr. Latif and Ms. Aida are equally disappointed. They regretted a little the rejection he had made of Rama. However, regret is immediately dismissed because all destiny already has a way, certainly no one will be lost or wrong.

"Is there really no hope anymore, Rama?" ask Mr. Latif to make sure.

"No, sir," said Rama.

"Dad, I want to go to Jakarta. Maybe there can meet a doctor who can cure my illness or at least ease my pain" Nafisa said hopefully.

The eyes of Rama and Tiara fester upon hearing Nafisa's unexpected request. They are not finished with Nafisa who does not want to give up.

"Can. Wherever it matters you heal, son. We will accompany you wherever we go" said Mr. Latif while helping Nafisa sit.

"No, Dad, Mom. You guys should stay home. There's Zara who needs you more. Although he is not a real child, but the affection and attention he gets must be the same as Nafisa. Nafisa is big and can take care of themselves" said Nafisa.

"But you're sick, son. How could we leave you in Jakarta alone. We certainly will not be calm to take you that far," said Ms. Aida.

"Even though Dad worked there, we don't have any family or relatives to look after you either. Don't ask us anything to incriminate, son. The cost of course we will not be heavy to spend anything for your recovery but releasing you in Jakarta alone is too difficult for us to follow. What if you suddenly get sick and pass out, who will take care of you?" persuade Mr. Latif to let Nafisa undo his intentions.

"Trust me, Dad, Mom. Nafisa's gonna be fine. Importantly, you pray for the healing of Nafisa," Nafisa said while sitting down because she felt her strength had returned.

"Nafisa, please. You understand our worries," Pinta Bu Aida held back her anxieties and tears.

Nafisa directed her gaze to Rama and Tiara making them both stricken with anxiety and anxiety. Their minds were fixed on the same thing and made them silent waiting for the next speech from Nafisa's lips.

"Rama, can I stay at your house during treatment? I promise I won't trouble you and be willing to help with whatever you need. At least, let Daddy and Mom take me off more peacefully during the treatment. I heard from Dad, at your house there is still Mom and the housekeeper as well so maybe there will be no slander if I hitch a ride while there. Can you, Rama, Tiara?" asked Nafisa with eyes sparkling with hope.

Just this time, Mr. Latif and Ms. Aida saw hope back in her daughter's beautiful eyes. Between sad, confused, and happy to see his daughter's change in attitude. They are actually not happy if Nafisa hitchhiking at Rama's house but if it can help the recovery of her only biological daughter, they will let her go far temporarily. They also think, maybe by being near Rama can recover the trauma of his daughter even though he can not realize his marriage.

Rama and Tiara were astonished to find that their prejudices did not miss the reality. The two looked at each other full of excitement. Tiara immediately wrapped her hand to Rama's arm because she did not know what to answer and did not know what made her so afraid that squeezing Rama's arm was so strong. While Rama was still standing with a flat expression so shocked he heard Nafisa's question that made him run out of words.