Not a Choice

22

...******...

...“Your presence in the middle of the past will only add new problems. To him, you are just a stranger seizing his happiness. Remember that! There is a future that you must promote.”...

...~David~...

...******...

With heavy steps Ata left Runa's house. The pain he was enduring right now was more painful than the expulsion Runa spoke of. Yeah, sorry it squeezed every beat of his pulse. The excruciating regret made her breath feel tight.

"It's only right if Runa drives me away. In fact, even if Runa kills me, my sin is still not forgiven."

Along the way to the hotel, Ata thought again. Wouldn't it be more cruel if he took Khan from Runa's side? However, the image of a happy little family between Runa, Sandy, and Khan really made her jealous. In his mind, only Ata was entitled to Runa and Khan. Only Ata deserved to be in their midst.

The weather was still so cold when Ata's feet climbed every inch of the hotel floor. Although the mustard began to appear, but the light was not able to warm the heart of Ata who was frozen.

"Yes, God. What I should do. Why does all this have to happen?" Many times Ata squeezed her hair. He is not heading straight to his room. Ata was confused as to how to explain this to David. Ata was sure that her best friend was waiting for her.

Ata chose to walk through the emergency stairs to buy time. As he thought about what words he would give to David. His best friend would definitely be looking for it all out. Moreover, at that time Runa also asked his whereabouts to David, and David also replied according to Ata's request.

"I'm sorry, Run. If I had known that time, I might not have canceled my departure either, but I could have delayed it by a few days."

That time there was a great upheaval in Ata. His years-long struggle to pursue the scholarship was finally welcomed, though for that Ata had to forget his love. Actually it is not easy for Ata to forget about Runa. Because at that time Runa was half his soul. However, Ata could not deny if the scholarship was her dream. For the sake of these ambitions, Ata thought if breaking communication with her beloved girl would make Ata easier to forget her love. Until that time David had to lie to Runa by saying he did not know the whereabouts of Ata.

Month after month passed like torment to Ata. In fact, forgetting Runa is the toughest thing throughout the course of his life. Until one day, when the image of Runa's sad face and the rhythm of the night's sigh became the peak of his longing, Ata immediately contacted Runa. However, what he got, Runa's mobile number could not be reached. Ata started to overstretch. Moreover, David has not found any news about the existence of Runa.

“How, Vid. Have you found Runa?” ask Ata one day through her cell phone connection.

“Not yet. I've been trying to find him. I even met Runi. But their families don't know it either,” replied David weakly.

“Job! Why not call the police!” ata who started the emotion.

“Ta, there's no way I'm calling the police. Runa family not reporting.”

“Crazy! If there is anything with Runa who is responsible? What if Runa is killed by someone?” ata's tone getting higher made David keep the phone away from his ear.

“Ta, that's for real. You, tuh, should pray for Runa's safety. Don't you say, you!” David also began to get emotional. “Lagian Runa is alive, Ta. Runi said that Runa several times commented on her post on Instagram. During Runi's birthday, Runa also said congratulations. When Runa's father entered the hospital, Runa also prayed for him.”

“What is the existence of Runa can not be traced?” ask Ata whose anger is starting to decline.

“Hey, wake up Lo! We're not mafia or anything like in the movies. We are just ordinary people, civilians trying to achieve a more decent life. Let alone to hire a detective, can eat three times a day already grateful!” David tries to resuscitate Ata. It was their hard time. David is still an employee at a private company. As for Ata, she had to work side by side for the sake of her survival. Ata did not want to bother her parents. His presence in England was of his own accord.

Approaching her graduation day, slowly Runa's shadow begins to fade from Ata's memory. Moreover, he was always accompanied by a beautiful and cheerful girl. Who else if not Alea.

“Have you come home, you? Kirain will not go home,” said David without taking his eyes off. Because the shadow Ata has been seen from the window glass that stretches outside in the room.

Ata did not answer David's question. He dropped himself on the bed. Occasionally his hand punched the mattress to vent his regret. While David only looked pity towards his best friend.

“If I may guess, my suspicions of yesterday are true.” David sat on the sofa beside the bed. “You must not have eaten, I pesenin breakfast first. You shower! Let your brain come back fresh.”

Like a child ruled by his mother, Ata complied with all of David's wishes. Either because Ata felt she had no power to argue, or because Ata felt David's guess was right so she could not avoid it.

Ata stood for quite a long time under the warm water. Runa's shadow pleads to end their relationship back on the surface. If only Ata could beat a little ego, surely he would not lose Runa. In fact, maybe now they are living happily with the fruits of love.

“Ta, game! The food is getting cold.” David's scream from outside made Ata wake up and rush to end her bathing ritual.

Without speaking, Ata forced herself to enjoy the food that David prepared. Although his appetite evaporated, Ata still fed a spoonful of rice into his mouth. Moreover, Ata realized, since last night he had not eaten. He doesn't want to get sick. Because after this there are still many things that Ata must do to pursue Runa.

“So how?” David's voice again shocked Ata.

“Means?” ata asked because she was honestly confused about where to start the story.

“Khan your son is with Runa, right?” David tried to clarify.

“Iya.” Ata put down the spoon after putting in the last mouthful.

“Runa admitted it?” David approached Ata. “Keep what's your plan?”

“I'll take Khan,” Ata replied looking David in the eye.

“Lo is not sane! Remember, Brow, don't add any more trouble!” snapped David who did not finish thinking with Ata's plan.

“But he's my son. My flesh-blood. The one most entitled to be called father by him, yes, just me!” kekeh Ata's.

“True. You're the biological father, but have you ever lived them? Have you ever given them love? Who has been protecting them all this time? Who's been giving them a bite of rice? You think up to that, no!” David tries to dampen emotions by scooping up as much oxygen as possible. “Khlask them, let them be happy after what they have been through all this time. Your presence in the middle of the past will only add new problems. Khan doesn't necessarily accept you. To him, you are just a stranger seizing his happiness. And remember! There is a future that you have to advocate for. There's Alea you should pay attention to.”

Silent. No more words that Ata could utter. His mind was so stifled that without them noticing, there was a piece of his heart that was injured. The girl smothered her own mouth withstanding the sobs that were as strong as she could keep. In fact, this was the reason behind Ata's changing attitude. Alea who had been at the door, heard all their talk. Slowly the girl inched from her current position. He went with a deep wound.

...******...

...to be continued...

...Who here wants to hit Ata? Thumb up, dong 😅...