My Choice of Woman

Episode 11

Nine o'clock at night. Farah was still waiting for Inspiration in the living room. Her husband has not yet returned. He asked for the number of Ilham. Had called several times but not answered even Ilham's phone is not active. Farah also sent a few short messages to Ilham. Farah decided to wait for him in their room.

The night is getting late, it has changed days. At one in the morning, Ilham went home. Just go straight to the room to sleep. Inspiration saw Farah who was sleepy – waiting for him. Farah did not sleep because she was waiting for Inspiration.

Once Farah knew that Ilham was coming home, Farah immediately greeted her husband, smiling even in a sleepy state. Farah was not angry not even asking why Ilham had just come home this late.

Farah took a T-shirt for Ilham to get her husband to change the clothes he was wearing. The scattered shoes of Inspiration will be picked up by Farah, but Inspiration prevents them.

“Do not touch my shoes!” ilham said, making Farah void to take her shoes.

Inspiration walked towards his shoes. Pick it up, and put it on a small shoe rack. In the corner of the room near the closet.

“Isn't that my job Mas?” ask Farah confused.

“I can do it myself, no need your help. I'm used to doing that myself!” kecam Ilham's.

Inspiration picked up the t-shirt that was in Farah's hands. I went to the bathroom to change my clothes.

A few moments later Ilham came out of the bathroom. Walk to the closet and pick up the blanket. He decided to sleep on the sofa in his room.

Farah couldn't believe it. Why does Inspiration do all this. Isn't this bed very large? Why sleep on the couch?

Farah took a long breath.

“Why doesn't Mas sleep here?” ask Farah.

“I used to sleep alone,” Ilham replied flatly.

“Not now is there me Mas? Shouldn't we share our feelings, share our stories? Am I not also a part of you?” farah's voice sobbed.

“Be quiet. And sleep soon!” firmly Ilham.

Hearing this, Farah decided to go to sleep. Pull blanket. Crying without a sound.

May Allah be tomorrow, all will be well. And open the door of his heart to receive me. May this sadness be reduced a little. Not a little grandiose. Aamiins.

***

Azan dawn reverberating. I think Farah slept for a while. His eyes are still too heavy to open.

Farah saw the couch. Inspiration is not there. “Where is he? Perhaps dawn prayers in the mosque,” guman Farah.

That day Farah was menstruating. Farah waited for her husband to come home from the mosque. Not long after that, it finally came.

Inspiration knew his wife was awake. He chose to ignore it. Immediately Ilham headed for the bathroom, he had to prepare this morning to the tavern. From today Ilham must leave as early as possible. Because the distance is far enough. Since living in the mother's house, Ilham often hassles if he will go to his shop. Looks like he has to live in his own house which is not so far from the store.

Farah is getting used to ‘kechekan’ Ilham. Farah knows if Ilham is taking a bath. Farah prepared a shirt that Inspiration would wear to work. Farah recalled her mother's conversation when she had to prepare papa's clothes every morning.

“Mama why the hell, must prepare his clothes papa, can not papa take his own clothes?” ask Farah.

“Sometimes men need this kind of small attention dear, someday if you already have a husband, you will understand by yourself,” replied Mama smiling.

“Ah, those memories again!” pieces of memories of mama and papa were still milling around in Farah's mind.

Ilham had finished bathing, seeing Farah who had been waiting for him. Farah hands over the shirt to Ilham. Farah smiled at him. Inspiration took his shirt from Farah's hands. Shut up without talking. Then go back to the bathroom to wear his shirt.

Farah was a little happy, at least Ilham was willing to accept his prison without rejection. Farah walked out of the room to the kitchen to help Yu Minem prepare breakfast.

Yu Minem felt strange. “Non, usually the newlyweds are waking up the day because the first night. Why Non even in the kitchen,” asked Yu Minem.

“I'm having a monthly guest Yu. And I also want to help Yu Minem make breakfast as usual.”

***

“Ilham yesterday home what time?” ask Mommy.

“Jam one,” reply Ilham briefly.

“It should be that late home?”

“Not that Mother never limits what time I go home?” Inspiration seems calm, like ignoring the interlocutor.

Mother looks upset by the answer of Inspiration. Farah and Mas Damar decided to quietly listen and continue eating them.

“Ilham, you're married, you shouldn't leave your wife. As a shop owner can't you take a few days off?” ask Mommy irritated.

“Nggak.”

“But you have to vacation with Farah!”

Inspiration very quickly exhausted his hope, then stood up. He did not want to extend his debate with Mother.

“Ilham departs Mother,” said Ilham while kissing his Mother's hand, and say goodbye to Mas Damar.

Farah also immediately stood up, he walked after Ilham who was going to the room to pick up shoes.

Previously the shoes have been cleaned by Farah when Ilham was bathing. As long as his mother and father were treated, Farah also wanted to be like them.

“Not necessary!” firmly Ilham.

“But I want to serve you, already I cleaned your shoes Mas.”

“I'm used to doing it myself!”

Inspiration is still the same, cold, do not want to be helped. Farah wondered why she could live like this.

Ilham is amnesiac if he already has a wife who is ready to serve and help him.

While Farah was still busy with her thoughts, Ilham had already finished tying his shoes and was about to open the door of the room. That made Farah move quickly towards the door and hold her back.

“Mas don't want to say goodbye to me?” ask Farah.

“Not that you've heard if I want to go!”

“Mas your hand is what it is ..!” said Farah slightly showing a surprised expression.

Makes reflexes look at his hands. At that instant Farah kissed the hand of Inspiration. Just a moment of silence made Ilham speechless. Bummer.

Farah smiled and said, “Have a nice day.”

Inspiration does not touch it. Shut up and go to the store.

I know you're getting used to this. I'm sure one day you'll get used to accepting me by your side.

Farah has to prepare. After breakfast, he and his mother will take Mas Damar to the airport. Mas damar can't linger here. He should return to his home in Bali.

***

“He must have been on purpose, why could I be off guard! That girl is driving me crazy! (and maybe happy)” little heart Ilham, “No way. And that can't happen!” hiss Ilham while driving his car. His feelings were mixed, only this time after a long time his hands were touched by women other than his mother.