Husband is Not My Choice

Eps. 9 Love Received

I opened the door when Mas Baim came home. This time he brought a lot of Korean food wrapped in Styrofoam. I took over Mas Baim's luggage.

"Tumben, Mas," I said. While performing the ritual welcoming Mas Baim home as usual. Baim did not reject it.

"Yes, it just so happens that this food. We rarely eat out. I think that instead of eating out with little Dimas, it's better to just bring home the food. It feels the same, right?" mas Baim said. He took off his wet jacket.

"Jacket just put the bucket, Mas. All of tomorrow I wash," I said as I walked to the dinner table.I opened the package and put it on the plate.

"Dimas is asleep?" ask Mas Baim. I nodded.

Mas Baim took a small towel to dry his wet hair. He then walked to the sofa, picked up the remote, and turned on the television. While sitting down, his eyes stared at the television screen that was airing the singing stage while both of his hands were busy drying his hair.

I approached Mas Baim with a plate of Korean food and warm tea.

"It works fine, Mas?" I sit on the sofa near him.

"Yes, smoothly," he said.

I know his hours clearly. And know clearly his overtime hours. But if he doesn't come home on time, I never ask him why he's late. Maybe he got together with his friends. Yes, it is only trust that I believe can protect this family to the end.

****

"Ton, how was the date yesterday? Aman?" chirp Irfan who suddenly stopped by Toni's desk.

"Early safe, yes. But like yesterday doi suddenly got a stomachache. Mau haid said. After the toilet, ask to go home first" replied Toni.

"A big girl if you have a period, yes," says Irfan.

"Eitherway. But fortunately, I was fine after I called this morning. Yesterday I was worried when I saw his eyes suddenly puffy. He said if his stomach hurts again. That's why it's crying" Toni added.

Baim gasped at the conversation of his two best friends, even though he was not sitting together. But whatever may have to do with Maya, Baim always put an ear.

Baim has known Maya for a long time. During that time, Baim never heard Maya ever had stomach pain due to menstruation. Maya never had menstrual pain until she had to cry. When menstruating, he just cannot stand for too long.

Ah, suddenly Baim remembered last night's incident. When he forces Maya to fulfill her passion. All this time, Baim never did anything like that. Maya was surprised. Then crying. And to fool Toni, Maya says the reason.

****

Maya opened the pages of her memory book. Opened and viewed sheet by sheet with great joy. The memory book contained him and Baim. How their love story intertwined.

While enjoying the memories flowing in his head, there was a knock on the door. Maya lazily moved out of her chair and opened the door.

"What's the first, baby?" asked mama Maya gently.

"What's up, Ma? Maya is on holiday. And want to do whatever Maya likes. Mama didn't mean to discuss my cooperation, did she?" ask Maya back.

"No, really. Mom doesn't want to talk about work. It's natural for a mother to see her child" said Mama Maya casually. Suddenly his eyes stared at an open memory book on the table. "What's this, honey?"

"It's nothing" Maya replied as she lightning-fast as she tried to grab the memory book. But Maya's mama's hand was faster than Maya's.

Maya tries to reclaim the book. But Mama Maya fends off Maya's hand.

"You are my first love" Mama Maya said, spelling out the book. "May our love last until our grandparents."

Maya took a deep breath. He resigned to the situation.

Mama Maya slams the memory book. The memory books fell down violently. Some of the sheets are folded and the edges are torn.

"What do you still keep this for? My mom has told me so many times with you. Leave your past behind. Leave that indistinct figure named Baim. He's not a good man to you!" snapped Mama Maya. His hands ruffled around his waist after being content to point at the memory books on the floor.

"I just accidentally saw it, Ma," said Maya. He squatted down to pick up the book. But Mama Maya's feet were faster. He kicked the book until it crashed into the corner of the door.

" Don't you see me intentionally say? Where there is such a reason. Once you see that photo, you will remember everything about your relationship! that can't happen!" hardik Mama Maya's.

"Why does Mama always arrange meetings. Mama doesn't seem to accept my destiny, you know? Mom wants to be God to me."

"You remember. Your choice is always wrong. You're my only mama's son, Maya. My mom doesn't want you to take the wrong step. My mom just wants the best for you. You want to have a decent partner. Which will later keep you from replacing Mama with Papa," said Mama Maya.

Maya shook her head. Not agreeing with his mother.

"Mama just doesn't accept Baim. If Mama had known Baim's personality, I'm sure Mama would have agreed to my relationship with him. Besides, if he used to have nothing to be proud of, now he already has a college degree, Ma. If Mama's worried she can't finish college, Mama's wrong" Maya says. He held back his tears so as not to drip.

She desperately covers her feelings for Baim from her Mama. Ever since he foiled his wedding plans, he had always regretted. He regretted why he did not dare to go against the will of his mother. From then on, even now. Just because Maya still respects her mother as the woman who gave birth to her.

"You still like Baim?" tanya Mama Maya emphasizes the word 'like'.

Maya nodded. His encounter with Baim while at the restaurant, other meetings that only Maya realizes, convince Maya that Baim is indeed half his soul. His heart was always beating when he saw Baim, even from a distance. His heart ached when he saw Baim and his wife were together. Maya always watches over Baim.

"Baim is married!" mama Maya said firmly. "There's no more loopholes you can get into his life. His love belongs to someone else. He's already had a baby. You're just an outsider, Maya."

Maya grunts annoyed. "Even if I was just an outsider, if he had married even if I was still in his heart, I could shift them. I can take Baim back for me.

"If you do that, then you're risking our surname! Fuck your love. You're only getting married to Mama's man of choice!"

Mama Maya steps out. Leaving the cowering Maya withstanding the pain.

****connect****