Mystery of Small Shoes

37

Rizal fell asleep after he took headache medication again because the longer his head grew sick due to stress thinking about his fate which was divorced by Sarah.

From the beginning Rizal did realize his mistake that had left Sarah without explanation, but at that time he promised himself that he would explain everything to Sarah so that Sarah understood the problem she was facing.

At that time Rizal had no choice but to marry Marlina, the son of his mother's friend who was rich and happened to Marlina had already put her heart on Rizal.

Marlina already knew that Rizal was married, but it did not dampen her intention to still have Rizal. Although she is a spinster and wealthy, she does not want to choose a future husband. Rizal is handsome and highly educated makes him fall in love and can not turn to others so he justifies all means to get it.

Marlina asks Rizal's mother for help to persuade Rizal to marry her. After much rejection from Rizal, Marlina finally got what she wanted. She and Rizal's mother set Rizal up to marry him right then and make Rizal unable to evade.

"Zal, please marry Marlina right now!" while sobbing Rizal's mother begged him.

"But Zal has a wife, Mom!" reject Rizal.

"That can be arranged, the important thing is that you marry Marlina first."

"Can't, Mom. Zal won't betray Sarah!"

"It's for the good of you two too. Sarah will remain your wife "

"How come, Mom? Zal doesn't want to complain about Sarah. Zal loves Sarah!"

"Yes, I know. But I'm sure your wife will understand. I will also bless your marriage. I'll consider her Mom's daughter-in-law too!"

"But Zal doesn't want to, Mom!"

"If you don't want to marry Marlina, I'll kill myself! I cannot bear the shame of her family. I promised them!" Rizal's mother took out a fruit knife that was nearby and pointed it at his chest

Rizal was surprised and tried to grab the knife, but his efforts were unsuccessful and even made his mother's hand hurt while trying to snatch the knife.

"good. Zal will marry Marlina. But take off the knife!" shouted Rizal.

"Then marry Marlina today!" pinta.

"Now? That's right, Mom. Zal has to talk to Sarah first."

"Can't! It should be today too. Or you won't see me again forever!" rizal's mother shouted while crying and further advanced the knife she was holding towards her chest.

"good. Zal is going to marry her now!"

That same night Rizal and Marlina's wedding took place. Unbeknownst to Rizal, Sarah was there watching the wedding with great sadness. He realized that he who was a nobody and unclear origin would not be acceptable to the Rizal family.

At that time Sarah decided to leave her husband's life, even though she was in a state of containing the fruits of their love. Sarah left their rented house without leaving any message for Rizal in tears.

Armed with potluck money Sarah rents a room in a house inhabited by an old mother, who is none other than Sani's mother. Thanks to her help she was able to get through her toughest days, living without a husband in a state of pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Rizal can't find Sarah in their contract. Rizal intends to explain everything to Sarah, but Sarah does not meet him. He looked for her everywhere, everyone he knew was close to Sarah, but Sarah seemed lost without a trace.

Rizal promises that his love is only for Sarah until whenever and is determined to find Sarah until he meets. He even tried not to touch Marlina and temporarily stopped her fertility so as not to make Marlina pregnant.

Rizal never cared for Marlina and did various ways for Marlina to divorce her, but so far her efforts have been in vain.

Rizal's mother and Marlina's family really wanted their grandchildren given the age of Marlina who was arguably not young anymore. Rizal doesn't care about it, he even tells his mother that he won't give his mother a grandchild.

"Sorry, Mom. Zal has complied, but Zal makes sure you won't be able to get grandchildren from Zal and Marlina."

Although sad and surprised by his son's words, Rizal's mother could not do anything.

"Zal, this mother is old, maybe the age of the mother is soon. Give me a chance to take your grandchildren."

Marlina is very sad because Rizal is not interested in touching her. Rizal rarely even went home, and more took care of the business he was starting. Marlina repeatedly offers her help to grow her business but Rizal refuses. And that made Marlina desperate. He could only give in to the circumstances that befell him.

"Zal, you've tried to care about Marlina. Talk, go for a walk, or just take a vacation. Poor him. I think you need to go on your honeymoon."

"Can't, Mom. Zal's busy!"

"You can leave your job to your assistant, after all, a honeymoon is only a few days, it won't interfere with your business."

"Zal doesn't have time for unimportant things!"

Rizal's days are filled with work and searching for Sarah in his spare time. Until one day he sees Sarah in a mall. Rizal is overjoyed that his efforts are paying off, but soon he must swallow the disappointment that Sarah is disappearing again.

***

That morning Rizal woke up and immediately prepared to leave even though it was a holiday. She had planned to ask Arini about Sarah after she was done with one of her clients. Rizal is convinced that Arini knows all about Sarah.

Rizal drives his car towards Arini's house.

"Their address, Ar."

"Wa'alaikumsalam," replied Arini who was taking care of the plants in her yard.

"Can we talk for a second?"

"Oh yes, please sit down, brother. Wait a minute, will you? Wash your hands first."

While waiting for Arini, Rizal sat on the chair on the front porch of Arini House. Arini came with two cups of tea.

"Don't bother, Ar."

"No, Brother. Just some tea. Please drink."

"Thank you. Go straight, Ar. I'm here to ask you about Sarah. Did Sarah really divorce me?"

"Yes. Sarah once told me that she had taken care of her divorce. Sarah has let Brother."

"But I never got a subpoena, or anything about the divorce, Ar "

"I don't know what the story is either, Sarah just said the judge decided to divorce her. I think there must be a reason why the judge decided that. Ask yourself Brother. I really don't want to interfere, brother. But as Sarah's best friend, I know how Sarah is." Arini had a little emotion on Rizal.

"I know that I'm wrong, so I want to make up for all my misfortunes."

"Don't worry, Brother. Sarah has given me and thank God my friend is a strong and strong woman."

Rizal felt cornered by all of Arini's words. He was silent for a moment.

"Ar, did Sarah have a child from me?" asked Rizal suddenly.

"I have no right to tell you that. Try asking yourself Brother, did you ever impregnate Sarah? Or maybe you were so happy back then that you forgot about Sarah?"

Once again Rizal felt cornered, he grew more and more helpless before Arini

"Please tell me, Ar," pinta Rizal.

"sorry. I can't. I can only suggest that Rizal's sister forget Sarah. Don't bother him anymore. Let him build a new life. Pity him, for too long to endure suffering and sorrow."

After saying goodbye, Rizal left Arini's house. There's no point in him lingering there because he won't get the information he wants from Arini.