Loving You In Silence

Episode 11

Outside, the rain is getting louder. Cold air gushed in through the windows of Zahra's room. They are both still struggling with their respective laptops accompanied by the aroma of hot coffee and some snacks. It seems like tonight both of them will be overtime completing college assignments as well as responsibilities in their organizations. Silent. Just a sound of typing their laptop keyboard.

Actually Anita is not focused at all with her task this time. I don't know, something like pounding his chest since this afternoon, precisely after the endless debate with Hanif. A few times Anita rubbed her face before continuing her finger movements over the laptop keyboard. For a moment stop, scramble the hair, then type again.so continue to make Zahra pester.

“why to me, your debate was like a husband protesting to his wife because his allowance was withheld?” zahra said, breaking the silence.

“what the heck. It's not clear.” Anita replied with a grin.

“sama-sama is stubborn.” Zahra sighed before continuing.

“I know you like Hanif, but we are discussing about our activities right? Don't bring personal feelings dong.” Clearly Zahra was getting more and more anxious because Anita did not also open her voice.

“maxutmu what? Who brings personal feelings?” Anita finally ignited hearing Zahra's innuendo even her voice sounded shrieking.

“sit first, Nit..” Zahra said. Now he softens his voice and Anita complies. He sat still facing his laptop.

“have you met the two before yesterday? You guys got into a disagreement?” ask Zahra. His premonition to Anita was never wrong, they were like a soul mate in friendship, understanding each other without even being expressed. So romantic.

Anita silent. To him the events of a month ago were not a misunderstanding, but he did not know how Hanif was towards him.

Is Hanif still misunderstanding me?

“i don't want to accompany you and discuss this budget if you are still both stubborn. I want you to settle your affairs first.” Zahra firmly demanded.

“theway?” Anita asked. The one asked remained silent.

“how to do, Zah? I don't know which of our affairs are unfinished, nor do I feel misunderstood to Hanif. Then I have to finish how?” said Anita. Now his eyes felt hot flushed, and a clear thread at the end of his eyes escaped.

“or max you I have to stop my love for Hanif mas so? You know it's not my power.” continued anita again. His chest feels tight now when he mentions the name of the idol.

“maaf.. forgive me, Nit.” Zahra hugged Anita. Longtime. Until Anita's cry subsided a little. Then a message came in on Anita's phone.

Ting

Mas Hanif's. Anita called it in her heart. Then open the locked screen and read the contents of the message.

Assalamu’alaikum. I'm sorry about this afternoon, Anita.

The content of the message was that short but made Anita stare at the phone screen for so long. Apparently he was confused to answer then. Then hand over the phone to Zahra.

“mas Hanif's. What should I reply?” ask Anita.

Zahra was silent while reading the message, now he who changed was confused because he had to say what. For a long time, they kept quiet.

Elsewhere, Hanif waited for a reply from Anita with a huff. And his memory went back to this afternoon.

***

Back in the afternoon in the cafeteria.

Hanif is reevaluating the results of their division meeting, the consumption division. After Anita came and handed over the file she sent via Anita's email, Hanif got a message notification on his phone and opened the contents of the message.

Mas, looks like we should break first. I want to focus on college. Excuse me.

Instantly Hanif's countenance changed and made his chest rumble violently, eager to shout why? But he held it because Anita was beside him. A message from the lover apparently. Hanif then glanced at Anita at a glance, putting back his phone, leaving the message without a reply. Focus on her tasks again and Zahra comes along. At the time of the discussion began and when Anita was a little insistent because her opinion was denied at once also Hanif who had been holding back emotions because the message was even provoked and replied to Anita's words a little harsh.

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Look forward to the next story..