The Untouched Heart

Chapter 20 - Finding Solutions

“We recently saw a doctor. Your mother needs immediate surgery for the ring. We have no cost to do so. Your health insurance does not cover all the costs that will be needed. With some bank bills not paid off, I can't apply for any more loans. We need money as soon as possible for the cost of your mama's operation, Ara,” said Papa who dropped a bomb just in front of me.

“Why have Papa and Mama never told you before?” my protest. I couldn't help but be angry with them after all this time they just kept quiet, then suddenly gave me this bad news.

“We don't want to burden you. You are married and have other responsibilities. We cannot come to you to tell you this. You must not have stayed silent and tried to help us. I can't do that to you.”

“Papa and Mama are my parents, of course I will help as much as I can. But I don't have any savings,” I said slowly.

“You should not refuse the money your husband gave you. Six years married, surely now you have enough money to help us.” Papa massaged his forehead with his thumb and forefinger. I looked at him in disbelief.

“Did Papa marry me to him for money? If I receive the money, it's the same as selling my own body,” my reply.

“Ara, he's your husband. It is appropriate that he provides for his own wife.” said Papa in a desperate tone, looking tired of our debate.

“I'm not accepting the money. Marrying her was enough to make me suffer. I don't want to be indebted by receiving money from him. We'll find another exit. If need be I'll work to get that money.”

“But we don't have much time, Son,” said Mama slowly, a little urgently. “I don't mean to make you hard. But we really don't have much time.”

“Ma, I'll do what I can. Mama don't worry, yes.” I tried to calm him down. If you feel excessive worry, the pain will get worse.

I have to what now? Complaining to Hendra, I'm not going to. But to make my own money, I have none. When the time is urgent like this, where can I get a lot of money if not from him? Working is not the right choice either. I couldn't possibly get a job that gave me a lot of salary in the first month.

Sounding from outside the house. Signs that my husband is home. I heard footsteps in front of the door to the front door. It must be Abdi who will open the door for Hendra. She probably thought I wouldn't be able to open the door as usual because it accompanied Papa and Mama to a chat.

“My husband is home. I'll be right back.” I stood up and opened the door. I turned for a moment towards my parents before leaving the room. They look so old and fragile because of the problems they are facing. I felt a feeling of guilt running through my chest. I still can't find the best way to solve their problems.

I walked towards the front door. Abdi opened the door and Hendra stepped in. He gave the car keys to our maid and walked over to me with a happy face. His hands wrapped around my waist and his lips kissed my lips.

“Have Papa and Mama arrived?” ask Hendra. I nodded my head.

“Iya,” I replied slowly. She smiles. With one of my hands still on my waist, he walked closer to the sitting room.

“Come, we meet them,” take her with a happy smile.

Hendra opened the door and invited me to enter first. I thanked him and entered the room. Mom and Dad stood up to welcome her. He approached them. I was not far from him.

“Hai, Pa.” Hendra shook Papa's hand.

“Hai, Son,” reply Papa kindly. Papa doesn't look as upset as the last time I saw him. I sigh in relief. My family's problems aren't things I want to share with my husband. To be honest, I never wanted to share any issues with him.

“Ma,” Hendra hugged Mama for a moment then let go of her embrace. “Please sit.”

“By pleasure, Pa. Sorry, we do not make special celebration for our wedding anniversary, just a simple dinner event.” Hendra looked at me. I just smiled while lowering my head.

“After the big celebration for our daughter's birthday, holding the celebration again will just be a waste of money,” said Papa agreed.

“I never mind using any kind of money if it's to please my wife.” Hendra grabbed my hand that was on my lap and squeezed it slowly.

“You are indeed a good husband, Son.” Papa glanced at me for a moment before looking back at Hendra. He's a good husband, so I won't argue.

“How are Papa and Mama? Just be healthy?” ask Hendra.

“We're healthy.”

“Zahara will be very sad if he knows that Papa and Mama are not healthy. I don't like to see my wife sad. If there's anything I can help, I hope Papa and Mama don't hesitate to come to me. As Zahara's husband, I am also the son of Papa and Mama.” I don't know why that phrase has such a hidden meaning. Does he know secretly about Mama's disease?

“Of course, Nak.” Papa looked back for a moment at me and then back at his daughter-in-law. I just closed my eyes hoping Papa would stop doing it. Hendra could have suspected that there was something we were hiding from him.

“What about you two? Everything okay?” ask Mama.

“Good, Ma. Thank you.” Hendra looked at me. “Mommy's daughter has taken good care of me. Until now I felt so happy that she was willing to marry me. He has completed my life.”

“If he makes you hard, let me know. I'll teach her again,” seductive Mama. I pouted hearing her words.

“Will I remember, Ma,” said Hendra amused.

Hearing the roar of the motorcycle, I frowned. I know that sound. But I could have been wrong. There are many people who use the same motorcycle, with the same engine sound. Hendra's smile made me suspicious.

“Ah, it looks like it's Zach,” said Hendra answering my suspicions. I frowned.

“You invited Zach too?” I'm a lot of people who are happy with the idea.

“Of course.” He stood up and extended his hand to me. “Mari, Pa, Ma, we go to the dining room now. Dinner for us must be ready.”

The moment we walked out of the room coincided with Zach entering the house through the front door. He smiled at us all. He came up to me, hugged me and congratulated me on my wedding anniversary. I just smiled a little. Then she shook Hendra's hand and hugged him in a typical male style. We headed to the dining room.

Zach's face turned cheerful looking at the food served on the dining table. We just laughed at seeing it. Yuyun left the dining room after filling each glass with drinking water. We ate while talking casually.

Sometimes Zach teases me and I don't stand by to hear him trying to bother me. Hendra just smiled at the way we both were doing. Papa and Mama tried to break up when we argued over the line.