The Rich Widow

Nadira's decision

Finally Arman arrived at Nadira's modest residence. He rushed in and looked for the whereabouts of the woman.

"Dira! Where are you?" he shouted while exploring all the rooms in the simple house.

Nadira who was silent in her room with Amara, gasped in surprise. He hurried up and followed towards the sound. So did the little girl, she rushed over to Nadira with a feeling of pleasure.

"Nadira!" Arman approached Nadira who had just come out of his room with a smile of relief.

"What else are you here for, Mom?" asked Nadira firmly.

"Nadira, I want to explain everything. Everything, Nadira. Please, just give me a minute to explain it and after that you can decide everything" Arman said, as he said to Nadira.

Nadira grunted in annoyance. He turned his face away and said. "I think it's all clear and I don't need any more explanation from you."

"Nadira, please! Just for a moment," said Arman again.

Arman grabbed Amara who was coming closer to him. He took the little girl to a chair and sat there.

"Look, Nadira. Can you separate me and Amara?"

"I have absolutely no intention of separating you and Amara, Mas. But you yourself want that by presenting the third person in our lives" Nadira growled.

"I had to do it, Nadira. This is all I did for your safety" said Arman, breathing heavily.

Nadira smiled cynically. "For my safety? Married the rich widow for my salvation? What do you mean, Mas?"

"Did you remember when the Bahri king kidnapped you? I had to ask Mrs Ira for help to save you. She was willing to help me, but on condition that I should marry her. I'm in a dilemma, Nadira. On the one hand, I want to save you from the clutches of that depraved man, but on the other, my heart refuses if it should betray our relationship" Arman said with teary eyes.

"Geez, my mom! You could ask someone else for help. Or if necessary, just pawn this house to pay Mas's debts to the Bahri juragan," said Nadira who finally could not hold back tears of his frustration.

"My mind is dead, Nadira. Besides that, I've been stuck too. Juragan Bahri wanted all his money to be back that day. And do you know, I've even tried asking the authorities for help. However, their answer was very disappointing. They can't help me at all" explained Arman.

Nadira flopped down on the chair while covering her face with both hands. The woman's shoulder moved up and down and she sobbed there. Regretting everything that has happened to his household with Arman.

"I'm sorry, Nadira."

"Then what now?" Nadira held her head up while wiping her tears. Try to be tough and accept the harsh reality.

Arman said nothing more. He lifted his shoulders with a lethargic face. As if resigned to the circumstances that had befallen him and his small family.

"So Mas will stay like this without wanting to do anything?"

"What do you mean, Dira?" Arman frowned both his eyebrows confused.

"Can't Mas leave Mrs Ira and come back with us like before?" annoyed Nadira with trembling chest.

Arman was back down. He shook his head slowly. "I'm sorry, Nadira. I've made a promise to Mrs Ira and can't leave her" she replied.

"Can, Mas! Actually Mas can release Mrs Ira and come back with us. It's just that I don't want to do it, right? Don't tell me Mas has started to feel comfortable living with Mrs Ira with all the luxuries she's given."

"I'm sorry, Nadira. But I think it's good for everything. For us and for Mrs Ira. Besides, Mrs Ira didn't ask anything from me. He just asked for a little bit of my time, that's all."

Nadira laughed cynically. "Good for everyone? I guess that only applies to you and Mrs Ira, Mas. But not for me especially Amara" replied Nadira firmly.

"You don't understand, Nadira. Mrs Ira is actually good. He is willing to take on all our needs. We will not lack again as before. Whatever we want will be fulfilled. Your needs, Amara's education and everything" Arman explained trying to persuade Nadira.

Nadira's tears finally broke. He really could not bear the pain and disappointment.

"You're really crazy, Mom. Money and luxury have changed the way you think. You think money is everything, but not for me. I'd rather have you, Mom. Though poor and deficient, yet you are always there and tirelessly fighting with us."

"Come on, Nadira."

"I'm sorry, but I can't live with that rich widow. Now tell you what, I choose me or Mrs Ira. If Mas still chooses to defend Mrs Ira, then I'm ready to step down!" Nadira.

"Come, Nadira. I can't choose between the two of you. I love you more than anything. But I'm sorry, I can't leave Ira because she's my wife after all" she replied with a lethargic face looking at Nadira.

"So Mas still chose to defend Mrs Ira?" ask Nadira again.

"I'm sorry."

Nadira tried to smile and pointed towards the main door. "All right then. Now go and don't come back. And as for your stuff, I'll send it tomorrow to your new address."

"Nadira ...."

"Oh yeah, a minute. I almost forgot something."

Nadira left the room and walked to her room. He took Arman's ring from the wardrobe and brought it back to the room.

"This is your ring. I don't need it at all." Nadira hands the ring in front of Arman.

"Come, Nadira. Just think about it again. You will not be able to live alone. Moreover, Amara is still very small and she needs me" said Arman with a clear face.

Nadira smiled cynically. "I don't have to think about it anymore, Mas Arman. I'm not the weak woman you think I am. I'll prove that I can live without you and raise Nadira without anyone's interference. Especially the rich widow. And take this! I don't need that jewelry from that woman."

Nadira throws the ring into Arman's lap and is immediately greeted by the man.

"All right, I'm going. But my hands and heart remain wide open for you. If you change your mind, then meet me" he said, rising from his position and handing Amara from her lap to Nadira.

"You don't have to wait for me, Mom. Because I will never see you" replied Nadira firmly.

After kissing Amara, Arman left the modest house by driving a luxury car owned by Mrs Ira. While Amara continued to cry calling Arman who had disappeared from their sight.

"Alright, Honey. We'll be fine" Nadira persuaded as she tried to calm Amara.

...***...