The Love Story of Somplak Girl

15

Two rice dishes side by side with a plate containing cow gulai served in front of Zahra and Yudha. The worms in Zahra's stomach are struggling and can't wait to be fed. After praying, Zahra devoured the food. Yudha who saw him just smiled and ate his breakfast.

"Ra," called Yudha in between her chews.

"What, Mas?" ask Zahra.

"You haven't played in a long time. Don't you miss?" ask Yudha. Drink a glass of water and then cupped a spoon because the rice has run out.

Zahra was silent and felt guilty. It's been a long time since he's been playing in a parlor. She misses Hanny's mother and the children who live there. Zahra looked at Yudha with my voice.

"I'm going to the parlor after I get my salary this month, Mas. I can't go there without taking anything." Zahra put the spoon. Then a long breath that felt heavy.

"You don't have to bring anything. Your presence is enough. Many times Hanny's mother asked me, especially when I told her you were working in an office with me."

"But, Mas—"

"There's no buts. Tomorrow's weekend I'll pick you up and we'll go to the orphanage together. Anyway there's no comma let alone a point!" yudha said firmly. Zahra just nodded then finished her food even though it was no longer tasteful. Zahra did not want to throw away food even if it was just a grain of rice.

"Ra, one more thing I'm gonna talk to you about." Yudha's voice sounded doubtful. Zahra looked suspiciously at Yudha.

"When in the office, we'll just be together until the parking lot. Will you act like we don't know each other when we're in the office?"

The question that was thrown from the mouth of Yudha was able to make Zahra's heart stop beating at that moment. Zahra's heart felt ill at the request.

"Me-What's the matter, Mas?" ask Zahra. Even his voice sounded trembling as it held back the cries.

However, Zahra was silent and her face looked sad. Gently, Yudha cupped Zahra's face and faced her. The gazes of the two of them met even Zahra did not turn away at all.

Although not willing, but Zahra still nodded forcefully. Yudha smiled faintly when she saw him and then invited him to leave immediately because it was soon the office entrance hours. Zahra was silent, but a sad look filled her face.

***

"Az-Zahrah!" call Arga.

Zahra turned her head, then looked at Arga who had walked over. Three days after Yudha's speech at the food stall, Zahra suddenly lost the spirit of life. In fact, even during work, he felt very reluctant. He had no idea that Arga had been secretly watching.

"What's up, Mister?" Zahra answered lazily. The office hours were just over, and he didn't want to get in touch with anyone let alone Arga.

"Do you intend to work here or not? I see you're so lazy." Arga was demanding, but Zahra breathed a rough breath.

"I'm sorry, sir. Tomorrow I won't be lazing around again." Zahra was still being polite. After all, Arga was a very influential person in that company.

"If in a week you are still like this. Don't blame me if you have to quit your job in a dishonorable way!" Arga said firmly and left Zahra just like that.

Zahra was just glued to her place and stared at Arga's back which slowly moved away from her. Zahra inhaled a deep breath and then stepped lethargic leaving the office area.

Could it be that quitting my job at this company could make me happy because I don't have to pretend I don't recognize Mas Yudha.