The Untouched Heart

Chapter 17 - Jokes in-laws

Lunch with my two in-laws was the most fun thing for me. They are an easy-to-please, less demanding couple, and love to talk about light things at the dinner table. Just being with them, I don't hesitate to talk while eating.

From my collection clothes, I chose to wear the official dark blue channel shirt. I tied my hair low behind my head using a white hair clip. So that I wouldn't be too short while standing next to my husband, I wore high-heeled black shoes. Satisfied with my appearance in the mirror, I picked up the bag and rushed towards the garage.

After an hour more struggling with traffic jams, I arrived at the destination restaurant. I parked the car right next to my father-in-law's car. Seeing Hendra's car not far from my car, then I was the last person to wait.

Entering the restaurant, I saw my husband standing by our table. I smiled and approached him. My father and mother-in-law also stood up. My mother approached me first. The woman kissed both of my cheeks and smiled happily. Papa kissed both of my cheeks while congratulating me. I thank them. My two in-laws sat down, I received my husband's hand. He looked down to kiss me on the cheek.

“I've missed you,” whispered affectionately. I touched her hand that touched my arm with my free hand.

“I too,” I replied slowly.

He helped me sit down and he sat by my side. We ordered food to enjoy together. I'm welcome to choose one of our main menu and Hendra's other main menu. Mama added with some side menus. Papa looks so happy to hear it. I smiled amusedly. Papa is so fond of eating, he doesn't mind even if it's not his wife's cooking. All kinds of food will make his mood happy.

“So, what's it like to be married to my son for these six years, Zahara?” ask Papa meaningfully. He saw me then glanced at his son.

“The first attack begins.” Hendra laughed a little. I smiled at her, remembering my answer a year ago.

“Blessed, Pa. Hendra's a good husband,” I answered honestly. Hendra touched my hand that was on my lap.

“You know that you don't have to worry about telling us anything. We are always on your side,” Papa assured me. I'm laughing a little.

“Thank you, Pa,” I'm happy.

“I saw lately he doesn't have much time for you. Are you sure you are okay?” ask Mama. This time Hendra laughed.

“Second attack.” He sat down leaning back without taking his handholds off me.

“I'm fine, Ma. Even though he was out of town, he did not stop acting as if he was near me.” I shake my head.

“You mean by his phone call just to make sure you've eaten and not forgotten your daily schedule?” seductive Mama. I laughed when I said it.

“Son, you need to learn to trust your own wife. Zahara is old enough to take care of herself. He is no longer a five-year-old who should be reminded about eating,” Papa reminded.

“Whatever Papa is better at treating wife?” challenge Mama. Hendra laughed triumphantly at hearing that. I punched him in the hand so he wouldn't keep taunting his parents. But he kept laughing.

“After thirty-five years we were together? Of course,” said Papa confidently.

“Once in a while I also want to be treated like our son treats his wife.” Mama looked at me meaningfully. I'm just smiling.

“Mama means by asking if Mama has eaten or not?” ask Papa in a sarcastic tone. Mama just pouted hearing that question. Papa groans slowly. “Now what else is my fault? I just asked.”

“You think of that desire as a childish attitude ‘kan?” mama was upset. Papa looked at me with a pleading look.

“Zahara, help me,” he said in frustration. I smiled, then grabbed Mama's hand that was in front of me with my free hand.

“You are lucky our daughter-in-law knows how to persuade me to forgive you,” Mama told Papa. “If not, you've slept in the guest room tonight.”

“Thank you, dear.” Papa kissed her cheek, then rolled his eyes at me.

“How about you, Son?” Mom looked at her son. “What's it like to be married to my son-in-law for these six years?”

“Blessed, Ma. He perfected my life,” said Hendra fondly. He squeezed my hand. I smiled at him.

“I hope you will continue to feel it until old age. Your journey is still long and I hope you continue to choose to face problems together. Don't fight alone,” Papa said seriously. “Team cooperation remains the best.”

“Because Papa said it, I believe,” said Hendra.

“If you think our marriage is okay, I tell you, I have repeatedly almost divorced your mama,” said Papa still in a serious tone. My husband rounded his eyes.

“So did I with your papa,” timpal Mama.

“How is it possible? I always saw Papa and Mama were fine. Never separated the bed, never yelled at each other, hit, or threw things. What don't I know here?” asked Hendra astonished.

“Nak, husband and wife quarrels only for husband and wife. We'll never do it in front of you. I'm grateful your mama never raised her voice every time she got mad at me in front of you. I also learned to do the same.” There was a proud tone in Papa's voice. I smiled hearing it.

“We want to provide a healthy environment for your growth. We don't want to see you grow up seeing this trivial quarrel between your parents,” Mama added. “I hope you do the same to your children later.”

“We will strive, Ma,” promise Hendra.

“I'm sure we can. Hendra always relented when we fought. That way our quarrels are not getting pointy,” I added.

“Hendra always gives up?” papa and Mama said almost simultaneously. They looked at me surprised and seemed to hold back a laugh. Hendra closed his eyes. I looked at my husband and then at my in-laws in wonder.

“Iya. What was? Did I say something wrong?” many confused. Mom and Dad looked at each other and laughed.

“I never give up when I'm arguing,” said Hendra explained.

“But, what did you do to me ...” I did not continue my sentence.

“I know.”

“Congratulations, Zahara. You successfully tamed our son,” said Mama amused.

Hendra survived the ongoing embarrassment as our ordered food came. Our saliva rose looking at the delicious food placed in front of us. Devouringly, we ate while occasionally commenting on the foods we enjoyed.

I thank you every time my husband puts a side dish, vegetable, or rice on my plate. Mom and Dad smiled at her. Mama smiled happily as Papa imitated Hendra by scooping vegetables onto her plate. I nudged my husband's arm to see that scene as well. We smiled meaningfully.