Replacement Ribs

18. An Unknown Son-in-law

"I'm looking for Kirana, sir."

"Where's my son? Who is this, huh?"

Tristan wants to laugh at himself when his father-in-law doesn't recognize him. What kind of daughter-in-law is she who has never been in the news let alone visit her in-laws' house. Until the person who should be considered his own parents to not recognize him.

"I'm Tristan, sir. Kirana's husband, Father's son-in-law." Tristan grabbed the back of the hand of the man whose hair had turned white and kissed him.

Mr. Restu looked surprised to hear Tristan's confession. She herself almost forgot what her daughter's husband looked like. Kirana's marriage was quick. They did not meet before the wedding ceremony. Even on the wedding day, talking to get to know each other was not because Ambar rushed to take her home after the event was over.

"Astaghfirullah's. Sorry, I seem to be getting older. His memory has diminished. Come inside!"

Tristan was already thinking too much because he thought his father-in-law would welcome him unfavorably. But beyond his expectations, Mr. Restu actually hugged him and led into the house. Even presenting water that is always available on the table in the corner of the room.

As seen from the outside, the mansion was very quiet. No sound was heard other than the ticking of the clock. Makes the atmosphere even more awkward.

Tristan's gaze swept across the entire living room. Some picture frames lined up on the wall. Family photos of Kirana's graduation and some important moments .There was no expression on Kirana's face like when they were living together. All the photos show Kirana's cheerful face. Tristan only realized the dimples on both of his wife's cheeks and round eyes were so beautiful.

"Well, Tristan boy?"

Tristan curled her lips at the question of her elderly father-in-law trying to ward off awkwardness.

"Alhamdulillah. Sorry I just visited here," replied Tristan stiffly.

"It's okay. We understand your busyness" replied Mr. Restu.

Tristan hopes Kirana will appear soon. Although his relationship with his wife is not good, there is at least a third person who will melt the atmosphere.

But Tristan was suddenly shrouded in worry. What if Kirana doesn't come home?

"If you want to rest, you can stay in Kirana's room. While waiting for him to come home," said Mr. Restu as if understanding the thoughts of his daughter-in-law.

Tristan breathed a sigh of relief. "Where are you going, sir?" tanyanya.

"He's teaching naji at TPQ."

Tristan's worries vanish when he learns that Kirana is indeed returning home to her parents.

"Yes that's how Kirana is. He really likes kids. Every morning he goes to the PAUD post. In the afternoon, teach the children to teach. He can't be far from the children's world."

Tristan nodded his head hearing Mr. Restu's explanation. I don't know what to say.

Although his body was tired, Tristan felt bad if he had to go into Kirana's room. So he stayed in the living room chatting with his father-in-law. There is a lot that is known about his wife. Her father-in-law told her at length about the life of Kirana who had not wanted her to know. Tristan now understood, from which the patient nature of Kirana declined.

"Dad is sorry for not being able to educate Kirana so she has not been able to be a good wife to Nak Tristan. He's our only child and very spoiled since childhood." The words were like daggers that were pouring down right in the heart of Tristan. Especially seeing the face of his father-in-law flat.

It should be the curse that Tristan received. When he let Kirana go home with a wound on the body. But Mr. Restu responded very wisely. Even Tristan was feeling very embarrassed at this moment.

"I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I have disappointed Kirana" said Tristan with his head bowed. What else can be said besides a confession. He was dealing with a father. Which will certainly be the same as him, not willing if his son is hurt.

Their conversation was interrupted when a middle-aged woman entered the house. Tristan believes it was her mother-in-law. His face was almost similar to Kirana's.

"It's….Tristanis? Kirana's husband?" ma'am Ambar asked with a frown on his forehead.

"Yes, Mom." Tristan nodded. She got off the couch and greeted her mother-in-law.

Another case with the father, the welcome of his mother-in-law was so cold. Tristan knows it all. Even if Tristan had to accept it. He deserves all of that.

But it was not until it was done by her mother-in-law. Just a little bit of ketus talk even though he still wants to make warm tea for his daughter-in-law.

"Mom didn't think you'd come here." That sentence sounded like an innuendo in Tristan's ear. Until finally he had to return to pardon jarena had become a daughter-in-law who had never visited her in-laws.

Her mother and mother-in-law were like duplicates. Or all mama-mama like that. But he did not find anything similar in either Elita or Kirana who had always been gentle with Mentari.

Although his words sounded spicy, Tristan felt he got attention when Bu Ambar asked him to rest in the room. Not a guest room, but the same as the recommendation of Mr. Restu. He was ushered to Kirana's room. It was enough to show that he was still considered the husband of their daughter.

The girly pastel room. It seems Kirana has a habit like Elita. It was a pleasure to capture the moment of his life journey. Many photos of his wife from school to adulthood are displayed in the room. Tucked a photo that is familiar to him among a row of small frames. Tristan took a small frame on one of the wall shelves. Smiling blandly stared at the false happiness they created for the sake of Mentari. It turned out that the moment meant so much to Kirana. Until he put the photo between the photos of his collection.

Tristan pulled a door into a room in the room. A small bathroom with a bath and shower. It was in that room that Tristan cleaned himself after the trip and the body felt sticky. He even realized that since morning he had only had time to wash his face and brush his teeth. The focus is on the Mentari.

Remembering his daughter, Tristan takes a device to contact his mother. Tristan's call was greeted quickly and Mentari's face was plastered on the screen. Of course the first one to ask was Kirana's whereabouts. But Tristan no longer disputes that. At least Mentari can already smile knowing if she he has arrived at Kirana's house.

Tristan walked out of the room after hanging up the phone. Along with Mr. Restu who was taking the key of the motorbike hanging beside Kirana's room.

"Dad to pick up Kirana first. He had gone out with his friend" said Mr. Restu.

"Let me pick you up, Dad," Tristan said with a different call.

"Aren't you tired? Just rest up!"

"It's okay, Dad."

Mr. Restu also gave the motor key in his hand to Tristan. Then give a hint of the direction in which Kirana is teaching.

Riding his father-in-law's motorbike, Tristan finds Kirana teaching. The streets of the village looked silent even though it was late afternoon. Houses spaced with vacant land are not as crowded as in the city. Sometimes he had to nod when people greeted him. At first Tristan was astonished because he felt he did not know them but so kindly greeted him.

Tristan stopped in front of a classic house with a board standing in the courtyard of the house. The children were seen playing on a wide enough page. His eyes looked in all directions. Until then met a veiled woman with a pastel color gamis was talking to a man on the terrace. It looks very familiar despite keeping a distance. Tristan got off the bike and walked up to the two men with a feeling he didn't understand why he just showed up. She ... jealousy.