The Substitute

Waiting for Ameera

It doesn't feel like it's getting dark. Ameera was still faithfully waiting in front of the ICU room where Rangga was treated with her empty gaze. A little while later, Ozan who had just donated his blood to Rangga, came to Ameera. He sat down by his wife's side and grabbed her shoulder.

"Are you okay, yank? Your face is pale." asked Ozan to Ameera.

"It's okay, Mas." replied Ameera with a weak voice.

"I take you home, yes, so you can rest" he said, stroking Ameera's face, which looked so tired.

Ameera shook her head, "I want to be here. I want to wait for Rangga."

"Darling, you need rest, you haven't eaten in the morning either. Pity the twins if you don't eat." Ameera rests her head on Ozan's shoulder. Trying to find peace there.

Not long after Aliyah and Dina came, they had just come from the hospital canteen. Aliyah saw Ameera who looked so devastated, even when they took Ameera to the cafeteria, Ameera refused and preferred to remain there waiting for any developments Rangga. Aliyah immediately approached Ameera. He stroked Ameera's hair gently.

"Ameera, Ozan, you go home first, son. You need rest." said Aliyah.

"Yes, Ameera. You haven't eaten in the morning either." added Dina.

Ozan who felt dizzy from donating his blood massaged his forehead that felt throbbing.

"Ozan, thank you, yes, you have helped Rangga by donating your blood" said Aliyah, her eyes back in tears.

Ozan approached Aliyah who was sitting by Ameera's side and crouched down in front of her.

"I should be thanking Rangga. All I gave him was a little thing. While Rangga saved three lives for me, my wife and children. Even if I paid for it with my life, it wouldn't be enough" Ozan said in a trembling voice. His heart was filled with guilt.

Not long after, Rizal and Ramon arrive. After getting word that Naura was caught, they rushed to the police station to take care of some reports about the crime committed by Naura.

Ramon saw the tired faces of Ozan and Ameera. Ozan needs enough rest after donating his blood, while Ameera is pregnant.

"Ozan.. you go home first, yes the same Ameera. You guys need a break. Let me wait for Rangga here." said Rizal.

"Yes, I'm also staying here tonight with Rizal. So you take it easy." added Ramon.

"Come on Ameera, let's go home first. Tomorrow we come here again." take Ozan to Ameera.

After several persuasions, Ameera finally agrees to go home with Ozan. They then say goodbye to Aliyah and Dina. Ramon drives them because Ozan is still dizzy, so he can't drive.

During the return trip, Ameera kept daydreaming, her gaze fixed on the crowded streets that night. A glimpse of his memories with Rangga sprang up. While Ozan leaned his head that felt heavy while closing his eyes.

Shortly after, they arrived home. After dropping off Ozan and Ameera, Ramon immediately rushed back to the hospital. Ozan and Ameera head straight to their room to rest. Being in the hospital makes them tired.

****

Rizal was still sitting in a long chair in front of the ICU room, when Ramon came after dropping off Ameera and Ozan. While Aliyah was resting in a room after being shocked to hear the doctor's explanation about Rangga's last condition.

"Zal, what's Rangga? Any progress?" ask Ramon.

Rizal looked to be sighing harshly. His face looked very sad, even his eyes were as moist as if he was crying.

"The doctor said, the possibility of Rangga to wake up is very small. His condition is getting worse... Rangga is in a coma, Ram." said Rizal while holding back his tears. However, Rangga has been considered his own sister. Now Rangga lay weak and for the first time in his life he could do nothing for Rangga.

Ramon gasped at Rizal's words just now. His mind was on Dina. If something happened to Rangga, maybe Dina was the hardest hit. It had been waiting for Rangga for many years even though Rangga had never looked at him.

"How is Aunt Aliyah with Dina?" ask Ramon.

"Tante Aliyah is resting again, Dina is in accompanying Rangga, maybe this is Rangga's last moment" said Rizal.

***

Using a special plain green outfit, Dina entered the room where Rangga was lying unconscious. He sat in a chair at the bedside of the man he loved. Her tears were unbearable to see Rangga's condition getting worse.

Rangga who has always looked very strong and brave, today was weak with many medical devices attached to his body.

Threw Rangga's fingers and grasped them tightly. His heart was so painful, even the pain was greater than when Rangga ignored him. It flashed in his mind the doctor's remark that the chances of Rangga surviving were very small, making Dina unable to hold back her cries.

Dina rests her head on Rangga's arm. "You know, Rangga. In the past, I used to feel jealous when you paid so much attention to Ameera. I feel that it's not fair to me, even I hated Ameera. But, I know how much you loved Ameera long ago. Long before I came into your life. I'm beginning to understand how you feel. You must feel that's not fair to you either. And today, I also know, this is just as unfair to Ameera. I saw love in his eyes for you. I know, he's more hurt than me. Even if he's trying to cover it up."

Tears spilled, soaking Dina's cheeks. It was as if his world would stop then and there.

"Rangga, even if it's hard, but I'm going to learn to take care of you, I'm going to learn to be a strong woman like Ameera" Dina said, sobbing, "I know you're waiting for Ameera, right? So just hang on for the night, Rangga. I'll bring Ameera here tomorrow."

Dina continued to cry beside Rangga. Till hiccups. But the pain in his heart was too great.

***

**TO BE CONTINUOUS.

THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE A SCENE WHERE AMEERA SAYS HER FEELINGS ARE STORED ALL THIS TIME FOR RANGGA. COULD RANGGA HAVE SURVIVED JUST TO BE ABLE TO HEAR THAT EXPRESSION???

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR ME GAES. BECAUSE YOUR COMMENTS ARE ENCOURAGEMENTTO ME**.