Lightly Longing

Meet the Former-In-Law

"Mother brought gifts for us."

My mouth was perfectly rounded, rushing me to change clothes. When I finished, I sat down at the dresser.

A brown envelope disturbed my calm. I fumbled at the smooth paper, then turned towards Mr. Arbi who was busy with putting together our things.

"This is what, Mas?"

"I don't know, try opening it."

According to his orders, I tore off the end of the envelope. Issuing the contents, our marriage book has come out tenyata, complete with the certificate.

"Marriage book" I said, holding both books of different colors. Mr. Arbi took the time to take a picture. "What the hell, Mom?"

"I'm just capturing the moment, honey."

That means, only our identification card must be changed. We don't know where we'll live either. My house or Mr. Arbi's.

During the day, we told everyone to go back to Medan. Aisyah seemed unwilling if we had to leave the pesantren.

Aisyah hugged me tightly, so I could hardly breathe. I rubbed his back gently.

"Dad, next month Big Brother can still come again. Udah, yes," I said to calm him who looked sobbing. I wiped the tears on her cheek.

"Sister of promise, yes. Next month come here again" he said on the sidelines of his cries.

"Yes, Shah. God willing."

The atmosphere suddenly, we went riding a motorcycle Mr. Arbi. The box in the corner of the room, we sent through the bus, along with other items.

We only carry clothes that are attached to the body, as well as small bags. It takes about three hours to get to Medan. Approaching the direction of the city, Mr. Arbi asked, "Ta, where are we stopping? Or, should I take you home?"

"I mean drive home? We go home to each other?"

"Hehe, do you think?'

I glanced at the watch on my wrist, five o'clock in the afternoon. I promised Satria to visit her mother. I don't know what he wants until he keeps saying my name.

" Em, go to my house first, Mas. Just come home later to see his mother Satria staying at your house."

Mr. Arbi nodded in agreement, surely in my house there are no clothes. Some of Satria's clothes may still be left there.

We arrived at my house, Mr. Arbi went straight in without being told. Like a husband and wife who is not awkward, even though it is only a few days.

My phone keeps ringing, I'm sure it's Satria. Still busy with body cleaning, I ignored the incoming phone. Again, my gait sounds.

"Hello" replied Mr. Arbi without asking.

"Yes, Ananta is with me. In your old home" he said with great emphasis. Mr. Arbi seemed to be clenching his teeth, clearly his jealousy.

"Yes, we'll be there soon. Loc share!"

I let them interact, they never get along.

I continued my steps towards the bathroom, Mr. Arbi knocked on the door. Whining wants to come with me.

Luckily, the marriage certificate is out. Otherwise, we will be crushed by the masses for committing adultery. Also, it will be seen by law.

***

We stepped towards the hospital, Satria looked puzzled. He was waiting for us in the lobby. Without asking at length about Mr. Arbi, he immediately led us to his mother's room.

I saw his body lying weak in the hospital bed. His wrinkled hands had been pierced by an infusion needle. My heart saw it.

That hand always cooks for me. His weak body that never tired to come visit. Slowly the clear grain escaped my eyes. Moisten the back of the hand that has been linked, not strong to see it.

"Mom, Ananta's coming."

"Ananta, are you coming?" ask him whose eyes looked sparkling and condensing.

"Yes, Mom."

"Ananta, is Satria doing you no good?"

"No, Ma. Bang Satria is very good."

"Why are you getting divorced?" He seemed to be pulling his lip line inward, crying slowly. I'm confused how. Satria rubbed her mother's shoulder, as if she was trying to calm her.

"Mom, there's something Ananta can't explain to me. Please understand Ananta, yes. Ananta is evil, so just hate Ananta."

"Satria? Can you hate Ananta?"

Satria was silent, there was no response to the mother's question. Likewise with me, many things cannot be expressed even if it is already at the tip of the tongue.

"Mom should be healthy, yes. Did you eat?" ask me after a few minutes of walking with a quiet and haru atmosphere. He shook.

"What do you want to eat?"

"No one, Ananta. I just want you to accompany me to sleep."

I got up and sat down beside him, replacing Satria. I hugged that old body. He rested his head on my chest.

It didn't take long to put him to sleep. The proof, only fifteen minutes later, a subtle snoring sound had already been heard.

I very carefully placed his head on the pillow. He also straightened his body in a comfortable position.

I came out joined by the two men who seemed to be sitting back to each other. Mr. Arbi is facing east and Satria is heading the other way.

"Mas, Bang Satria."

Satria seemed to frown, maybe she did not believe the sweet word that came out of my mouth when calling Mr. Arbi.

"Udah finished?" ask Mr. Arbi who turned his body towards me.

"Udah. Bang, that's mommy sleeping. Mom went to the hospital in shock with our divorce, huh?"

Satria nodded in agreement, then bowed deeply. "I can't keep lying to Mom, Ta. I had to be honest."

"It's okay, Bang. You should pay more attention to Mom."

"Yes, thank you, Ta. Oh, ja. You called him, Mom?"

"Yes," replied Mr. Arbi quickly cut off the conversation that I had not yet answered.

"Abain and I are married. Legal and religious!" said Mr. Arbi by puffing his chest full of pride.

"Congratulations then."

"Bang, this isn't what you think it is. I am not married because.... "

"Let's go home, Ta!" cut Mr. Arbi fast before I explain to Satria. I don't want any misunderstanding, even though we're divorced.

Separate us in a good way, also throw all the grudges that exist. There are so many wonderful things we have been through. A decade, it is impossible to be erased just like that.

The past becomes a memory, the future becomes a wish to be achieved. Past stories teach lessons, new stories give hope.

I hope this marriage will be my last. Mr. Arbi meets everything I want and need.

"Ta," called Mr. Arbi who seemed to have handed me a helmet since. "Dreaming?"

"Hehe, sorry, Mas."

"OK, forgive. But this time, yes."