The Step Sister of Tiri

8. There's a guest

All the families are enjoying dinner in peace. Fahri had occasionally glanced at Zayna. The man was astonished to see his former lover who looked ordinary. He thought it would take days for the girl to spill her grief.

Fahri thought, did Zayna ever love him like his wife said? Zanita did talk to the man last night and said that her brother did not really love her. Thinking about it made Fahri hold back his emotions. He used to love Zayna so much that he was willing to do anything.

"Ethem." Deheman Savina made Fahri misbehave.

"Pa, my skincare is up. I want some money!" pinta Zivana with her hand.

"Father not paid," said Grace.

"Dhek, at work there is a vacancy, maybe you are interested in applying there, you can help" said Zayna.

"I still want to relax, brother. What a hurry! Don't you want to give us any more money?" ask Zivana with a ketus.

"Not that, Dhek. I just want to tell you, maybe you want to work. You, right, graduated three months ago. It's a shame that your diploma wasn't used" Zayna said carefully.

"You why the hell? Just say that envy because Zivana can graduate from college, while you are just a high school graduate," said Savina.

"Yes, Brother, I want to work in an office, not a restaurant waiter like Brother," interrupted Zivana and mocked her brother.

"We're enjoying dinner and you've made a fuss. Can't you just enjoy your food!" rahmad was firm.

"Do you know who started first? So don't blame Mama and Zivana" Savina said.

"Zayna just wants to help Zivana, Ma! There is no other meaning" Zayna said.

"The reason" Savina's lips.

"Why does Mom talk like that? I really want to help Zivana. No other meaning"

"From the beginning you always didn't like anything Zanita and Zivana had. Especially now when Zanita is married to the man whom all women covet. You must be jealous of her, right?"

"I'm ti—"

"Dianna!" press Rahmad with his eyes glaring at Zayna to interrupt Savina's words.

The girl clenched her left hand that was under the table. His right hand bribed food into his mouth quickly. It's always like this, whenever there's a debate in the family. Zayna must be to blame.

Finally the girl was silent and did not speak anymore because she was most afraid of her Papa. Zayna no longer chimed in on their conversation, no matter what they were talking about right now. They must be talking about something fun in their opinion.

After finishing dinner, Zayna cleaned the table, the others returned to the room. While Grace to the front porch. He called someone and made an appointment to meet tomorrow at lunch. Although hesitant, but only that person is reliable.

*****

Tomorrow at lunchtime, Rahmad was waiting for someone at a restaurant near where he worked. Not long after, the awaited finally came. A young man in casual clothes headed to where the man was.

"Assalamualaikum" said a man named Ayman.

"Vaalaikumsalam. Right on time."

Ayman smiled at the words of Grace. Whether it was praise or ridicule, he did not think about it. The man came because he wanted one thing, Zayna. Ayman had previously proposed to the girl. However, it was rejected by Grace because it felt this young man was no match for his daughter.

Last night, she was surprised because Grace asked to meet. Ayman wondered, what did the middle-aged man want from him? Didn't she give up and let Zayna marry someone else?

"How are you, Mr Grace?"

"As you can see, I'm always good. There's something I'd like to ask you, but before that, order some food first."

"Yes." Yeah." Ayman nodded with a slight hesitation. A servant came and recorded Ayman's order and Grace.

"So, what does Mr Ramat want to talk to me about?"

"Have you found a replacement for Zayna?"

Ayman smiled and shook his head, until this moment his heart was only for Zayna. There is no gap for other women.

"Do you still want to marry Zayna?"

Hearing such a question, naturally made Ayman shocked. He did not dare to draw conclusions, afraid that it was just a joke. Although in his heart the man was eager to make Zayna his wife.

"Sorry, what do you mean? Isn't Zayna married?"

"You didn't hear the news? Zayna's marriage has been canceled because her future husband prefers to marry Zanita—my second daughter."

This is even more shocking news. Why didn't anyone tell him? Is he really the one who is too lamenting sadness, so he does not want to hear the news about Zayna again? Or indeed the people around him who no longer follow the news of the girl.

"How did that happen? Isn't that Zayna's boyfriend? Or was that guy having an affair with Zayna's sister?"

"I asked you here to ask me about your proposal back then, not to tell me about what happened to my daughter yesterday! If you're ready, come home tonight with your parents."

It was like being splashed by ice water in the middle of the desert, that is how Ayman felt. For years his proposal was rejected by Grace for various reasons. The chance to have her heart is right in front of her eyes. He will make the best use of this opportunity.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Grace. My parents are in the village. To get here would take time. How about I just take my uncle?"

Rahmad thought before replying, "Maybe, as long as he doesn't bother."

"Of course not. My uncle would have been happy to see me getting married."

The smile never faded from the man's lips. Finally all his prayers were answered. Ayman will tell his parents if he has managed to get the blessing of his future father-in-law. Now just convince the girl.

Their food is coming. The two ate while occasionally discussing the event later tonight. Ayman is truly happy. Hopefully the girl will accept it.

After finishing her lunch, Grace retreats, she must return to work. He contacted his wife first and told her to buy some fruit because there would be guests later tonight. Although confused, Savina just agreed to the husband's request.

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