The Pawned Marriage

Knitting Unraveling Life

Nafisa wakes up in one of the rooms in the main house. Usually if he stays at the Malik family house he will stay in the pavilion for the back person with Mbok Mi, Lastri, and other troops who work at the house.

It was still dark from the curtain. Nafisa glanced at the clock, at three in the morning.

“Non, how does it feel? Still dizzy?” Mbok Mi asked in an anxious tone. The woman slept on a sofa bed near the window of the room. Waking up to hear Nafisa's movements.

“Kok Mbok Mi call me ‘Non’. I'm Nafisa Mbok, we're both here.”

Nafisa sat her body and leaned against the back of the bed. His eyes still felt heavy and his body was overcrowded.

Mbok Mi shook her head, then replied, “Now Non is not the same anymore Mbok. Bu Sepuh has announced that Non has become ‘orang dalem’. Just accept it, Non. According to Mbok, Non-emang pantes become a courtier in the Malik family, rather than Madam Val.”

Nafisa closed her eyes. The real intention is to stay away from the Malik family instead of being part of that family.

Slowly, Mbok Mi grasped Nafisa's fingers. There was doubt in his eyes. Doubtful because now there is a gap between the strata of the two of them.

As if understanding the way the woman's mind was sitting on the edge of her bed, Nafisa was holding her fingers back Mbok Mi.

“Nafisa is Nafisa. It's just a frills that I don't care about myself. We remain friends, no, but still brothers as we used to be, yes, Mbok.”

The powerful Jemari Mbok Mi forged heavy work since adolescence, now clasping tightly Nafisa's hand.

“Non, sorry Mbok and Lastri are not nengokin to prison. We absolutely do not believe that Non who wants to hurt Bu Sepuh. Just look at the CCTV footage, we are sure it is not Non but Mrs Val. Especially Miss Val is a really big stove. So Mbok and Lastri decided to keep Bu Sepuh alternately”

From the corner of the net Nafisa flows a clear circle. The memory of the incident in the prison spun again in his mind.

Mbok Mi continued, “We don't want Mrs Val to do anything weird to Ms Sepuh so every time she looks, we always keep an eye on her. Mbok Mi, Lastri, Mr. Linggar, Mr. Karso take turns to take care of Bu Sepuh, Non.”

“Yes, that's okay, Mbok. Nafisa is used to having to face everything on her own.”

“Non don't do that. Not alone anymore, there are Mbok Mi and Lastri. For both of us, Non is like a child and a sister. When Non heard the sentence of death, we were determined to tell the suffering of Non in the ear of Bu Sepuh. Tetiba he realized and yes it ... it turns out in his hand there is a bracelet Madam Val.”

“Nafisa happy, Bu Sepuh healed. But Mbok, I really want to go far from here. Nafisa no longer wants to fight for custody. Just before leaving, I wanted to hug Aurelie and Milo once.”

“No way, Non don't go. Please, Non. Here, yes. Non safe if here.”

“Aman, Mbok? The two people who made me suffer for months are here. Breath cannot. Every time I remember all the suffering, I was always angry with Mr. Zayn and Mr. Mikail. Or vice versa, if you see them, Nafisa remembers the torture in prison.”

Mbok Mi was unable to answer. Imagining how Nafisa had to take blows and bully as well as sexual abuse made her bully.

All because Zayn immediately concluded based on the game used by the perpetrators of the crime. Valerie and Nafisa do more or less have the same stature.

To persuade Nafisa, Mbok Mi said, “Bu Sepuh is very dear to Non. Mbok said yes, Mr. Zayn actually has a brother. Three years older. At that time Mr. Sepuh, Bu Sepuh, and Non Aisyah took a car from Semarang then had an accident. Non Ayesha died on the spot. Bu Sepuh hit once.”

Mbok Mi recalled the difficult times Maryam had experienced.

“Bu Sepuh often said, all this time he imagined Non Aisyah if it was big yes kayak Non. Sholihah, beautiful, pinter, independent, wis lah bajae kumplit.”

“Kumplit same amnesia and apes,” replied Nafisa smiling miris.

“Sssh, Istighfar, Non. God will not try His servant more than his ability. I know it must be painful and horrible. Maybe if Non needs to see a psychologist, just say the same to Bu Sepuh.”

Nafisa hesitated to accept Mbok Mi's suggestion. It's nothing, but Mrs Sepuh should have relaxed in her old age instead of taking care of the things that make her sad.

“Mbok, my intention is round. I'll take my leave from the Malik family. Come well, go well too. Let Nafisa will again try hard to accept what has happened.”

“Think again, yes, Non. If Mbok says it's better not here. Mr. Zayn is also half-dead. It looks like when Non still fainted, Mr. Zayn himself who was carrying to this room. Then she cried a long time at Non's bedside. Bu Sepuh has already come out but Mr. Zayn remains here.”

The eyes of Nafisa were wide.

“I ... We're not just alone in this room?”

The fifty-year-old woman shook her head.

“We're all waiting here. After late at night, only Mbok Mi equals Lastri sleep nemenin Non.”

Nafisa's eyes were puffing.

“Capek, Mbok .. Nafisa tired,” clear Nafisa.

“Tuh adzan dawn, Non bath, pray, then Mbok ready for breakfast. In Shayah Allah is fresher. Please ask for the same power of God. Including also to forgive Mr. Zayn and Mr. Mikail.”

“Iya, Mbok.”

Because his body was still not fully strong, Nafisa got up helped by Mbok Mi towards the bathroom. He saw all the necessary items from the house had been moved to the room.

“Pak Zayn asked. All the non clothes are here. Relax, every day the house Non still cleaned by cleaning service.”

Not wanting to argue, Nafisa nodded.

In the bathroom, he opened all his clothes, then wet his body with warm water.

Remember the mysterious man who saved and his message to create happiness.

“I'll try to be happy again,“ murmured Nafisa hesitate.

After he finished cleaning the body he took ablution, dressed and slapped the prayer mat.

After the prayer, Nafisa's hand looked up, “Yes Allah, give the servant to continue to think well of all Your decrees. Give the servant strength if weak, give the servant patience if angry, and give the servant courage if afraid. Take care of the servants, the sons of the servants, the Sepuhs, and all who have believed in the servants. Aamiin.”

When he came out of the room, he saw Zayn wearing a robe and carrying a prayer mat into his room.

Nafisa took a long breath.

“Still hard to forgive.”

***

Weeks pass. Nafisa began to be active in stores and social media. It was unexpected that much support flowed to him.

Nafisa recounted that the last months were very heavy and still left traumatized. Although it was not as easy as flipping a palm, but he promised himself to get up.

To distract her mind, Nafisa busied herself in the tavern. Try new cake recipes for sale.

The boom is back. His social media followers are growing. Life's improving.

Maryam also distributed enough possessions to Nafisa, including cars and drivers who were ready to deliver everywhere.

But Nafisa is not the name if you do not choose to take an online taxi everywhere with Mbok Mi and Lastri.

The woman who is trying to knit her life back wants to stand on both feet.

***

Zayn drove his car through Nafisa's tavern. He glanced over and saw many people queuing up to enter the tavern.

Seeing his mother's car, the man ventured to stop by. He repeatedly tried to talk to Nafisa but she always avoided him.

“Maybe it's time,” murmured while parking the latest series sports car.

Its presence is enough to make a scene of women who become the majority of shop customers.

Some were amazed at his appearance, but not a few who stared cynically for what reason. Zayn nodded at Lastri who was serving customers and went straight into the kitchen.

Nafisa flipped over to pick up something and her eyes were rubbed with Zayn.

While Nafisa directly put up the veil, Zayn's netra patterned it with Nafisa's beauty.

Although not the first time he saw the face of the woman, but only then did he realize the charm of the face that was always covered with a veil.

“Pak,” welcomes Nafisa in a cold tone, while Zayn tries hard to be able to caress her.

Mary turned her head and approached to greet her son. Nafisa on the other hand turned away and continued the work.

The mother and son greeted each other as Maryam pulled up Zayn's tall body then whispered, “She’s single loh.”

“Dih, Mom. Not my type ..”

Zayn hurriedly corrected his answer.

“I mean, now I don't want to be in touch with anyone.”

Maryam smiled widely, knowing that her son was muffling the shame of being caught red-handed.

“Yes no need now, tomorrow can also,” reply Maryam chuckled.

The woman then called to Nafisa.

With a lazy look, Nafisa turned towards Zayn to say hello.

“Siang, Sir.”

Zayn only nodded when Nafisa let him sit in his room.

“What honor is there for a noble man like you to look at this despicable servant?” Sindir Nafisa while Maryam just chuckles.

Zayn did not reply. The man smiled faintly.

“I'm glad your shop is more crowded.”

“Add many? Because the owner is recidivis?” Nafisa asked with a sarcasm.

“Ssh, Honey, don't do that. Zayn just wants to look,” said Maryam to calm down.

Nafisa nodded while biting her lips behind the veil.

“Sorry. I really meant to insinuate Father. Every time I see the Father, I want to get angry,” reply Nafisa finally.

“I'm sincere, even if you're angry for life. My mistake is so big.”

“You have accused me of being a slander. You realize, that slander is like throwing chicken feathers at a crossroad. No matter how you try to collect it, the feathers still fly in all directions.”

“Sorry. If only I could make amends with my life.”

“Father wants to go to jail and get raped every night?” Tanya Nafisa was fiery.

Maryam and Zayn were silent.

“No need to be grandiose for up to six months. Two days, sir,” continued Nafisa again, tears began to flow profusely and hurriedly rubbed.

“Nafisa, I'm really sorry. If you want me to bow down in front of you, I will. But I can't turn back time. So if your anger can make you relieved, I accept.”

“Endeavour not to be arrogant man. Consider us little people this dust that you can brush off because it bothers you. And let me go far away from all this. It hurts too much to be here.”

“Nafisa, no,” shriveled Maryam.

Nafisa rested before Mary.

“Bu, I've heard about the lateahum Non Aisyah. May Mother be opened by him to the door of heaven. But I am not a Non-Aisyah. I'm just a human whose life has been ruined by Mom's son. Ex-convicts like me no longer have a chance to get custody. I'd rather go, ma'am, than not be with the kids.”

Zayn.

“I make sure, custody will fall into your hands.”

“Not help, sir. What do you want? Pay people? Force people? Unthanks. I do not want my children affected by the actions of Mr.“

“But ..”

“No, Sir. Thats enough. If I survive here not because of property or protection from the Father. I love Sepuh Mother. Let me fight for custody myself. I've also found a lawyer to replace Mr. Mikail.”

Maryam said nothing, but tears began to grow.

Zayn could not bear to see his mother cry. The man sat down beside Nafisa.

“Excuse Zayn, Mom. What Zayn did to Nafisa was very low and heinous. But I promise to keep making Nafisa on Mom's side.”

Maryam shakes.

“Do not force Nafisa again, Son. If indeed Nafisa wants to go because it is too heavy to be among us, Mother. Forgive me, Nafisa. Indeed, all this time I thought of you as a substitute for Aisyah's late house. But I love you because of your sincerity and your treatment of Mom. Ever since I knew you, I've had another daughter.”

Nafisa lowered her head, a clear feather drenching her veil.

“Live with Mom. I'll leave the house if you won't see me. You will never see me again,” Zayn said in an imploring tone.

***

Nafisa listens to the lawyer representing Reno and Dela is busy vilifying her.

“Judges that I respect. Despite Mr. Zayn Malik's statement, the perpetrator of the crime was never revealed. It could have been Nafisa Salsabila but the Malik family did not want to continue the demands. Are we willing to let Aurelie and Milo be taken care of by people who are still suspected of murder?”

Lawyer Nafisa, a woman who once felt bitterly separated from the child instantly stood up to refute.

“Father and Mother of the Judge. We have received statements from Ms. Maryam Malik, Mr. Zayn Malik, and Mr. Mikail Malik who swore that it was not my client who tried to kill Ms. Maryam. Here's his statement.”

The Judge read the affidavit given by Nafisa's lawyer.

Not wanting to lose the wind, the opposing lawyer said, “Stay Nafisa Salsabila is an ex-convict and proved her psyche is being disturbed. We do not want Nafisa to meet her children, only we are not sure of the current conditions, Nafisa can be handed custody. Who will guarantee Nafisa won't lose control of her?”

“I, I will guarantee.”

A voice with a baritone tone filled the room.

Nafisa looked back and then snorted. While the owner of the voice steadily advanced.

“I Zayn Malik. My mother Maryam Malik was the victim of the cruelty of someone we did not expect to kill. I make sure he's not Nafisa.”

“Pak Zayn, let me settle this affair as we have agreed, without your interference,” said Nafisa firmly.

Zayn paid no heed, his gaze straight at the three judges.

“How do you guarantee Nafisa will be able to take good care of her children?” Ask the Chief Judge

“Because I will be his companion. Yes, I will marry Nafisa Salsabila and we will raise Aurelie and Milo together.”

***