Taint

Receiving Pinang

"What ever?" I ventured to ask, because Brother Darren hung up his sentence for quite a long time.

Brother Darren looked at me wistfully, then slowly moved his lips.

"I chose a cheating path in my career. I became a mistress in order to pursue my position" replied Darren.

"Storage?" I muttered, very slowly.

"Yes." Yeah." Brother Darren nodded. "Amanda Rocella, she's my boss. Her husband was paralyzed from an accident 3 years ago. Amanda's husband is not a man from the upper class, he is a simple man who has a handsome face. At first, their house was fine. But that has all changed since the accident. Amanda couldn't accept her husband's shortcomings, that's why she's looking for fun on the outside" she said.

"Continue, Brother."

"The company owned by Amanda is a company that is quite influential in Indonesia. Although the office is not too big, but he cooperates with famous companies in the Capital City.

A fortune can be on staff there, because the salary is quite large. But I am greedy and not strong in faith. With the lure of occupying the director's seat, I accepted his invitation for fun. Long enough I've lived a life like that, Kirana" said Darren.

Brother Darren lowered his head, hiding the look on his face filled with regret. I was still speechless, I just stared at him while biting my lips. Without being asked, my mind began to wander. Explore old memories that almost disappear with the turn of time.

In his time, I was once amazed by Darren's career. He managed to occupy the top position in just a short time. I think it was all because of his intelligence. But I can't believe there's anything cheating that comes into play.

Is that as hard as the world?

"You are the only person who knows about this, Kirana. Mama, Papa, and Mama Imah, they don't understand at all" said Kak Darren, before I opened my voice.

"Lantas, why is it so easy for you to tell me all this, sister?" ask her.

"Because my intentions are serious. I don't want you to regret it after making a decision, just because I was late telling the truth. Kirana, you are the one who made me stop living that life. After I found out what happened to you, my heart was moved to chase after you. This feeling is still as great as it used to be, that's why I didn't waste the opportunity, because I wanted to stalk the future." Brother Darren replied while looking at me.

"Now, how's your relationship with Amanda, sister?" I asked back.

"I've separated from him. I've decided to end my wrong way of life, I've come back here and I've resigned my position as director" Darren replied.

"Did he accept your decision, brother?" I keep asking.

"Our relationship is not based on love, we are together just looking for profit and pleasure. I've given her a lengthy explanation, and she accepts.

Thanks to you, I was able to rediscover the light of my life. I crawled out of the shackles of sin and tried to improve myself. However, I am not as firm as you, Kirana, this heart often worries if things do not match expectations. Forgive me for being so angry, I can't control myself when you keep your distance and refuse to give me a chance." Brother Darren explained as he rubbed his face.

"Is there a ... other thing, sister?"

Reflecting on my own life, promiscuity made me pregnant and gave birth to Dara. Could Darren have experienced the same?

"No." Brother Darren shook his head. "He's barren," he continued. He understood at once the meaning of my question.

I just nodded slowly, without saying a word. I thought for a moment while holding the right answer. Accept or refuse.

"Sister Darren," call me, slowly.

"Hmm."

"Your past is no worse than mine, brother. You know, I already have a son with Daniel. Marry me, of course have to accept my son. Are you willing, brother?" ask her.

"More than willing. I love you, of course I am ready to accept whatever is inside you, including ... Dara," replied Darren.

"Now, what's your answer?" Darren asked again before I could find an answer.

"Can ... I ask for a deadline?" I asked back.

"I'm not good at making friends with hope, I'm afraid that reality doesn't match the shadow" said Darren.

I took a deep breath because I knew the meaning of his words. He objected if I stall for time.

"Kirana."

"I don't cover up the reality, the feeling for you still doesn't exist, sister, but .. From this moment on I'll learn to love you," I replied with a fast beating heart. I've made a decision for the future. I hope this choice is not wrong.

"You, you accept me, Kirana?" Brother Darren confirmed my answer with sparkling eyes.

"Yes." Yeah." I'm nodding.

"Thank you, Kirana. I'm so glad you gave me a chance. I won't waste you. From now on, your happiness is my priority. In the near future, I will bring my parents to your house. Soon I will justify you," said Kak Darren accompanied by a big smile.

"I'm waiting for you, I'll tell Mom the good news. May God bless our intentions, Brother," I said with a smile.

"Amen." Darren replied as he reached into his pants pocket. He took a small red object.

I saw the face of Darren's increasingly smiling, making me more curious about the small object he held. In the next second, Brother Darren placed the item on the table. He opened it, and there appeared a ring adorned with sapphire-blue gems.

"For you" said Darren.

I gasped, not expecting him to give me a ring so soon. When did he prepare it?

"Sir, you .. mmm___"

"Sorry, I'm overconfident." Brother Darren smiled as he scratched his head. "I bought this this this morning, after Mama Imah told me to meet you" she continued.

I slowly spread my hand and grabbed the ring that was thrust before me. I gripped the red velvet box tightly. Then I looked back at Brother Darren, I wanted to straighten out one thing that was still stuck.

"Sister, do you know what my relationship with Mother is?" my many.

"Yes, I know, and it makes me understand why you look like Arina. I told you once, you look like my dead sister. The sister I was referring to was Arina, Mama Imah's son," said Kak Darren.

"Do your parents know, too, brother?" I asked again and Brother Darren answered with a nod.

"Well how do they respond to me? My mother was wrong a lot Mother. Because of Mom, Dad left Mother. He left Arina, until he breathed his last. I'm an illegitimate child, and I also give birth to a child out of wedlock, is it okay for you to choose a woman like me as a wife?" My eyes started to glaze over. Remembering the past always makes my heart ache.

"You're not wrong, Kirana. Not that you want to be born that way, but, who can go against destiny. Mama and Papa do not mind this, instead they are very much looking forward to your presence since some time ago. They are happy, because thanks to you, Mama Imah is not as moody as before. About Dara, Mama and Papa no problem. They are aware that mistakes can happen to anyone" Darren replied. An explanation that made my lips review a wide smile.

"O Allah, may this be the path that You show for the servant to pursue the future. With bismillah, the servant received his proposal. May this be the right choice, O God," I said in my heart.

"Kirana, why?" ask Brother Darren. Maybe he was surprised to see me close my eyes.

"I'm happy" I whispered, still with my eyes closed.

Seriate...