Not a Choice
39
...****************...
...~I don't care about what Sekar's grandmother says that doesn't approve of our relationship. Gradually, I'm sure Grandma's heart will melt and accept you.~...
...~Sandykala~...
...****************...
While waiting for Khan to take a bath, Sandy invites Runa to talk for a moment. Runa agreed and he chose to go to the yard next to his house where there is a Khan's pet fish pond consisting of various types of fish there. The two sat on wooden chairs made of woven rattan in the courtyard of the veranda of the Runa house directly opposite the fish pond.
“Run, I've thought carefully about our relationship. From the very beginning you know yourself, he's been hypnotized by your charm. Even really like you. Also with the presence of the cute Khan, make mama feel happy and entertained with his adorable behavior every day. Since my father died, I've never seen a happy mother like now. I feel indebted as well as grateful with you and Khan near mama, making mama more excited to live life,” said Sandy.
Runa silently heard Sandy's words. There is nothing wrong with the words coming out of the mouth of the man in white shirt with a denim jacket next to him. Runa agreed with that. Since the beginning of her arrival, Mama Mira welcomed Runa kindly. He considers and treats Runa like his own child. Helped care for Runa in the pregnancy phase even to give birth in the hospital, and also helped Runa raise Khan. Mama Mira's sacrifices over the past six years have been innumerable for Runa.
Without the support of Mama Mira and Sandy, maybe Runa would not be able to be in a position like this. His life must be far from happy, if not met with them. Runa could not imagine, the difficulty of working while pregnant and caring for her child. Moreover, he was far from the old man. In the end he was lucky to meet Mama Mira and Sandy who helped him and gave life spirit, until he could successfully open a famous restaurant in the Dieng tourist area.
Sandy continued her sentence. “You know, right, I love you so much and so does Khan. I love you with all my heart. I don't care what Grandma Sekar says that doesn't approve of our relationship. Gradually, I'm sure Grandma's heart will melt and accept you. Most importantly, mama is always on our side supporting whatever decision we will take,” Sandy said as she watched the fish swim into the pond. Occasionally he threw food into the pond making the fish gather while scrambling for bait.
Runa nodded in agreement with what Sandy said was all right. “I-“ Runa's speech was cut off as Khan came closer to them. With white and fragrant cocoa clothes typical of children, Khan looks very handsome like a child's upholstery with a skullcap mounted on top of his head. Without warning Khan directly climbed into the lap of Sandy while saying, “Dad, yuk, to the mosque! Magrib prayers soon arrive!” take Khan with you while shaking Sandy's hand which is coiled around her small belly. Sandy also improved Khan's position to look good. “Oh, yes. Let’s go our mosque first. Greetings first with Mother.” Khan followed Sandy's orders. He came down from his lap and said goodbye to Runa. “Bun, Khan and Dad leave for mosque first, yes, Assalamualaikum.”
“Waalaikumusalam.”
“Later on,” Sandy said before going outside from Runa's house with Khan to the mosque located at the end of Runa's residence gank.
Runa nodded then said, “Iya, Mas.”
***
Runa prepares dinner while waiting for Khan and Sandy's return from the mosque. Deftly Runa plays a skillet cooking Khan's favorite food, namely prawn saos padang and sauteed kale. Runa, astonished by his son's favorite menu is exactly the same as the ex-boyfriend and father of Khan, Ata. Even though since she was pregnant and pregnant with Khan, Runa was not very tasteful with the food menu that always made her nauseous. However, when Khan was present in his life, his son was always reminded of Ata's favorite food. Runa knew Ata and Khan's relationship could not be broken. Blood is thicker than water.
Sandy and Khan arrive home after greeting. Still wrapped in clothes worn from the mosque, both of them quickly walked towards the dining room. “This must be the aroma of mother's cooking, Well,” Khan said as he stepped in haste.
“Bene. This must be mom's cooking,” timpal Sandy.
Khan and Sandy come to the table. Runa who was arranging food invited the two of them to sit in the chair they used to occupy.
Runa smiled. He took Khan's plate and filled his rice and side dishes. “This, ‘kan, your request was last afternoon while you were still playing. Forgot, huh?” Runa reminded Khan of what Khan said this afternoon. He suddenly wanted to cook his favorite menu. Because when at school earlier, there was one of khan's friends who brought provisions with saos padang menu. Khan just grinned to justify the mother's speech.
“Mas Sandy want to get rice too?” ask Runa, whose attention is now on Sandy. The man sat opposite Khan. Runa sat at the end of the table.
“Neventless. I'll take it myself.” Sandy who did not want to trouble Runa rushed to fill her plate.
Khan led the meal prayer. The three of them ate quietly. However, occasionally accompanied by chirpy Khan that makes the atmosphere warmer.
After putting Khan to sleep who finished studying accompanied by Sandy, Runa also followed Sandy who is now in front of the terrace of Runa's house.
“Mas, what story did you want?” runa asked, sitting next to Sandy.
“I want to be serious about our relationship so that my bond with Khan is not in the way. So too with you. I always wanted to protect you. Stand in the vanguard of your life and Khan. Moreover, Ata already know about the existence of Khan who at any time will ask for custody and recognition as a biological father as well as his flesh and blood.”
Sandy glanced at Runa. “Therefore, I want us to go to Surabaya to meet your parents and ask for blessing so that our relationship can be inaugurated soon.”
Tears came back out of place. Remembering his parents in Surabaya who he had not met since he was expelled from home. Runa was again overwhelmed with sadness and fear of rejection by her parents. He was worried that if he went there again, Runa was rejected again. Moreover, the child he defended was already grown, and would be a disgrace to his family, because he returned with a child who was already grown. His heart returned a little bitter if he remembered both his parents. But on the other hand, the longing for the touch of his mother and father was no less he missed so far.
Seeing Runa grieving, Sandy rose from her position and brought Runa's slim body into her arms. He knew, Runa was sad every time he discussed his family. However, there is no other way but to Surabaya to meet Lina and Lukman to ask for their blessing so that he can bind Runa as soon as possible.
“You need not be sad. It's me and Khan. We both went there to meet your parents to explain everything and ask for blessing.” Said Sandy stroking Runa's long black hair. Runa was calm in Sandy's arms. All this time only the man in his arms was protecting and helping him out of his slump. Runa also agreed to Sandy's invitation to Surabaya.
“Alright, I leave it to you. Just set the time so that I prepare the needs of Khan.” Runa broke away from Sandy's embrace and turned to look at the handsome man before her.
Sandy smiled as she wiped the tears from Runa on her cheek. “I'll inform you soon. I want to tell my mom this too. Then I, pamit. Give my regards to Khan. Good evening. Assalamualaikum,” said Sandy with a happy heart.
“Waalaikumusalam.” Runa came in after the car Sandy was driving passed from her home.
...****************...
...To be continued...
