My Choice of Woman

Episode 24

Farah glanced at her watch, there was still time for her to buy stationery. During this time Farah studied at night after finishing work. He still takes an online taxi. Farah requests a destination to a famous bookstore near the Wholesale Market.

Farah came down and paid her travel expenses. He went into the bookstore and went straight to the shelf that provided books and stationery. Farah chose to pick up a few notebooks, a ballpoint pen and other stationery. He also saw books of fiction and non-fiction novels displayed on the shelves. Farah chose a good book title in her opinion. After choosing Farah decided to buy a novel by Dee Lestari entitled Aroma Karsa. When it was done Farah paid everything at the cashier. He then left the bookstore.

This bookstore is adjacent to the Wholesale Market. Farah looked at a woman who was a parking attendant at a clothing store. He felt familiar with the woman who was stylish like that man. He made sure of it again.

“Really! That's Kinan,” his gum.

Farah approached Kinan. How surprised Kinan that someone approached him.

“Why are you here?” ask Kinan.

“I'm buying stationery. You work as a parking attendant here?” ask Farah back.

Kinan did not answer. Kinan invited Farah to sit on the sidewalk and order two glasses of iced tea.

“We chat here,” Kinan said.

“Why do you work like a man?” ask Farah.

“There are many answers to your questions. What is clear is that I have to work whatever is important halal,” Kinan replied after sipping iced tea with a straw.

“There is no better job than this?” asked Farah who looked at Kinan's hot, sweaty and greasy face.

“I haven't got a job, so yes this is what I can do.”

“Kinan, what's your last massage?”

“SMK, mechanical engineering, “ Reply Kinan briefly.

“Why not work according to your expertise?” ask Farah.

“Today you're so chatty Farah, more chatty than yesterday. If I follow according to my expertise many vacancies secure male workers rather than women,” Kinan replied explaining.

Farah fell silent, he drank the iced tea. A fresh and cold taste entered his throat.

“Sorry if I talk too much,” said Farah.

“What's wrong, I understand. If I had a better job, I would move on from this job. I need money to survive. My mom's dead, my dad's working, but his pay's always running out to pay the debt. I have a sister that I have to take care of and I meet her needs,” Kinan's answer made Farah speechless.

“You bought a book, did you study Farah?” tanya Kinan broke Farah's silence.

“Not yet, but that was my dream from a long time ago Kinan. Next year I plan to go to college.”

“Our dream is almost the same Farah, it's just that I want to learn to drive a car or other four-wheeled vehicle. But I don't know when that dream will come true.”

Farah and Kinan chatted until their iced tea ran out. Farah then said goodbye, she had to go home, she did not want to come home late to prepare for her husband's dinner.

***

It feels like time is running fast but the feeling is very difficult to open up. The heart of Inspiration is still closed to Farah. Whatever Farah has done, starting from preparing whatever Inspiration needs. But that was not enough to make Ilham like Farah.

***

In recent days Ilham often left his shop, to check for himself the development of a new branch of the store. That makes Farah time to meet Ilham less, for chatting time also less. Plus the rule for Farah is not to take a day off or leave without Akmal's permission.

Mother was once very angry with Inspiration who allowed Farah to change Rahma's work. But Farah always quibbled if he worked voluntarily and could meet with Ilham every day, making lunch for him. Even if it's all with a little conversation. But in the end, my mother understood. Mother has no power over Farah, because now Farah is the responsibility of Inspiration and Farah's heaven has moved to the Ridho Ilham.

***

A few days Farah noticed something, a piece of paper taped near a roadblock as she waited for the bus to come home. A sheet that says job postings. Farah took the paper and put it in the bag. A bus stopped where Farah was standing. But Farah did not get on the bus, making the bus driver shake for the actions of prospective passengers who did not get on the bus. Farah runs back to the store to find Akmal.

After meeting Akmal and negotiating a long time. Farah finally obtained permission from Akmal. He then said goodbye, he was very impatient for tomorrow. While in the yard outside the shop Farah contacted someone to bring something he wanted.

***

Arriving at Farah's house and cleaning up. Ms. Tin conveyed the message that Ilham did not come home today because she stayed close to her new branch. Ilham oversaw the full development process of his new shop. According to him, ensuring a plan and finalizing the action is very important in the world of business. According to him, even the smallest problem must be addressed immediately so that big problems are minimized a little. Inspiration will not stop until what it is about to achieve is completed.

Hearing that, Farah called Ilham. But Inspiration did not answer. Then Farah sent a short message that tomorrow she is on leave to take care of something. After all, Farah put herself in bed. He wants to go to bed early, because tomorrow will be a very tiring day.

***

Inspiration saw his phone that read, a short message from Farah. Inspiration is wide-eyed, in disbelief. “He took another leave!” ilham guman.

Without thinking, Ilham called Akmal.

“Halo, what can I do Mr Ilham?” ask Akmal who's across the street.

“Did Farah ask for another leave?” ask Ilham.

“True Sir.”

“What's the reason? To the obstetrician again?”

“Not Sir, mbak Farah just said that she wanted to help a good friend.”

Hearing that, Inspiration rubbed his face. Confused about what his wife would do this time. So troublesome!

“OK, tomorrow you follow Farah, don't get caught. Just follow where he's going. For the store let me take care of. Do you understand Akmal?!”

“Good Sir. I will carry out the orders of Mr. Ilham.”

Ilham also dropped his phone. Tonight Farah managed to make Ilham worry about what he will do again.

“Who do you call that good friend? Is your friend male or female?” ilham guman.

Inspiration closed his eyes, he could work overnight for, working tirelessly. But when what Farah did outside of his habit that became the burden room of the mind of Inspiration became very broad only for Farah. Sometimes Inspiration is inexhaustible, why Farah always suddenly has a plan that may be without careful thought when doing it.