Langinese. Me, You, and a Wound

Women from the Past

"Do you really not like gifts?"

"Don't I do it because I like it, not because I expect a gift."

"While the one who wants you to receive that gift is me?"

Eh? Najiha suddenly turned around and found Lian already smelling a smile while thrusting a sizable package. "Consider it because it's from me, not because of your winning bonus in helping teach the students," he explained without letting go of a smile and Najiha hesitated to accept it.

His movements slowly opened the gift. Once found the contents turned out to be wrapped again Najiha's forehead so wrinkled with slightly squinting eyes. Lian suddenly quietly glanced while holding a smile.

"Do you want me to help you with the book, Ji?"

"No, brother Li. Thanks." Thanks."

Then he continued again, but still only contained packages in it. The girl's sweat was flowing while the count of five was still wrapped. The cards themselves are getting smaller.

"This is what's in it? Kok wrapped it up many times. Aha it's like this is the slag... doll?" Najiha's eyes bought in disbelief and then looked at Lian who was now pretending to focus on the bookshelves in the library.

There is nothing special actually, and the content is only about the reading of children, of course because it is more intended for the santri— who study at the madrasah owned by Lian's grandfather.

"Thank you, Brother Li," he said, "Sama-sama." by Lian. Gritting Lian's tail was like waiting for Najiha's next sentence, and so sure the girl would just be silent Lian chose to get up. Take something from behind the drawer. The rectangular gift is not too big but quite heavy.

"At least if you don't like something, just say it, Ji! This is! You like it better, don't you?"

He presented it to Najiha who now looked up but did not take a gift in her hand.

"Take Ji!" Until finally the guy who pacified and Najiha quickly took it. Once opened the contents were apparently only one book but quite thick, and for sure it was Najiha's favorite book. The girl even had the opportunity to buy and Lian had imagined that Najiha would jump around in excitement while hugging her and saying thanks, but...

One minute, no response at all.

Two minutes, same.

Three minutes, the book was put on the side and Lian quickly checked, afraid that something was abrasive or something else, but the plastic wrap was not open. His forehead is wrinkled.

"You don't like the novel or anything, Ji?"

Lian's gaze was full of questions, considering that Najiha even last week was traveling between bookstores just to find Lily Camilla Gibs— who was out of stock.

"No, Brother Li, just that Brother Naqi also gave me a gift."

"Keep this prize?"

Najiha nodded and Lian already suddenly wanted to curse herself. Again Naqi and he already did not know how to face his best friend and adoptive uncle. Although Naqi is well known for writing and knowing a lot about books, no one understands Najiha better than he does, and Lian doesn't like that!

"No pa-pa, Brother Li, I still like it. If

I need to reread let—"

"No need!" Lian hurriedly cut, her tone half up and Najiha gasped until Lian regained her senses and sighed.

"I'm sorry for Najiha, Brother Li."

"you're not wrong, I just don't want you to do things that you don't like just to please others, let alone that person is me. The Najiha I know never got to reread a novel of any kind, so keep it that way."

Lian followed her words by taking the book in Najiha's hand while smiling slightly.

"I'll be changing to another novel."

Afterwards Lian got up and left just like that, but just a step towards the door, Naqi suddenly walked in and told the two of them to face Hakam's grandfather?

Both of them are clenching taps, obviously. Grandpa Hakam had never summoned Najiha and Lian at the same time. Even if it is,

certainly there is also always Naqi in their midst, and will usually discuss about how to get funds for the continuity of the madrasah, as well, or how to design new activities to attract the spirit of children more active in learning, but for this time.

Grandpa Hakam was apparently reading in the middle room. Sitting in a rocking chair with half-sagging glasses. They were sure the man had just finished teaching after seeing from some books that were near the chair.

"Grandfather is old and it seems like he will soon face God, grandfather wants to leave this home to you," he said directly to the core of the problem, Lian also Najiha looked at each other before finally choosing to duck again.

"We'll take care of the parlour, Kok Kek, but stay with Grandpa because Grandpa will be fine." Najiha answered quickly and Lian added with calming words.

Grandfather Hakam smiled before finally letting a moment of pause between them and turning to Lian.

"Li, Grandpa wants you to marry Najiha.”

His words were slow but reflexes made both of them surprised, boughtak and both looked up at Grandpa Hakam, then they looked at each other again.

There was a glimmer of disbelief clearly reflected in the eyes of Najiha and Lian. Of course, although they are quite close, but no more than the status of both neighbors and small friends. Of course, plus the position of Najiha who now teaches in the orphanage.

"Grandfather will be fine, God willing, so there's no need to think things through." Lian who said although in fact did not mind secretly there is more hope and happy with the request.

"In fact no one can guarantee that, Li. hence grandfather wanted to make sure that you guys would really take care of and continue the grandfather's struggle. After all only you who have high concern and grandfather believe can take care of this Madrasah, grandfather hope you do not disappoint grandfather."

They don't argue anymore. Hakam's grandfather did not mean no one other than Lian as his family, because in fact there are Mama and Dik Rasita who still live at home with them, only Rasita and mama are less reliable.

Mama is too busy with the articles, then Rasita with childish nature is also easily bored. Half a minute close to the santri alone had made Rasita scream half to death, and Lian and Grandpa Hakam had seen how the girl left the santri just like that.

"You will not get married immediately, through the fiance is also okay, the problem in the future can be continued or not depending on the match."

Grandfather explained before they returned to the perpus room. There was no longer just a conversation between Najiha and Lian. Najiha looked down even more and didn't talk too much in the days that followed Lian tried to be ordinary. Something Lian had only understood after the day she was about to propose to the girl, Najiha suddenly left and all she found was Najiha's mother's crying by the side of the door.

The woman hugged Lian with a trembling body, while her husband stared outside as if ignoring the Lian family that was taking part.

"Ma... Najiha Li, he went with Naqi." Enough words to throw his face with charcoal and make his chest heat up with clenched hands.

***

Well that yesterday asked and guessed who this Najiha he answers:) but the complete will be missed in the next episode. Don't forget the support, yeah. 😊🙏