Three Years Different

61: After That ... I Promise, Will Fulfill

Day by day passed. Until even two weeks Mardiyah lived in this Villa alone, although sometimes Abhimana and Abhimata came, still, she felt lonely. Every night it often rained, he became afraid to sleep alone, the servants were reluctant to accompany if not direct orders from Gautama and Manggala.

There was no electronics that he could use. He really misses Lutfan. The man ...Husband, is it okay? Does Lutfan eat regularly? And sleep properly?

The food that the waiters served was delicious, but he felt bland when eating it in the middle of loneliness. The clothes he used now were only knee-length dresses, no robe and a veil. His father was intentional, so there was no room for him to escape.

"Young Miss Mahika."

The voice came from Bi Amah as the butler. "I was asked by the Doctor who handled you to check the date of your last menstruation, Miss."

"I don't want to." Mardiyah stared at Bi Amah flatly. Anyway for what? To give prevention? So I can't get pregnant? his shifting mind stared at the large window where the big trees there looked. "If it forces me won't touch the food at all."

"But Miss---"

The door of Mardiyah's room opened, came Manggala with Gautama who made Bi Amah say goodbye out.

"It." Manggala handed me a chocolate envelope. "open. From Bashir's grandson."

Mardiyah's forehead shriveled, her hand slowly touching the brown envelope and opening it. "Letter ... divorce lawsuit?"

"Yes. Husband-ah, no. Your ex-husband signed it, son. You will soon be free from the disabled man" explained Manggala.

Mardiyah shook her head, and tore the letter to pieces and threw it on the floor. "You lied! I don't want to divorce Lutfan at all! And Lutfan couldn't possibly sign the lawsuit! You lied!"

"It's a good thing that Grandpa gave me only a photo of coffee" said Manggala by approaching his grandson. "Mahicc ... Grandpa has chosen a husband-to-be who deserves to be with you, son. He's on par with us, and the most important part is that he's perfect, his legs are still useful."

"Prospective husband?" Mardiyah nodded inexhaustibly. "Are you aware? You choose a future husband for a married woman!"

"You're getting a divorce, son. So, according to Grandpa it is not a problem," said Manggala.

Manggala looked at his grandson for a moment. "good. After your affair with Bashir's grandson is over. Grandfather will introduce you as the first granddaughter of the Adiwangsa family. You will be the son of Tama and Cecilia. Take it easy, your stepmother is not as bad as in people's stories. She's kind. Soon, Grandpa will meet you with Cecilia."

Manggala then left. Leaving Mardiyah and Gautama together in this one room.

"Darling ..." Gautama's voice was really soft as the calling felt touching to the point of his heart. Mardiyah felt the left side of her bed move, Gautama approached her. "Sorry Papa, huh? Papa's been trying his best to ... not to separate you from-"

"You're not trying."

Mardiyah felt her waist in the touch, then before long her shoulder and the next second Gautama pulled her in a paddle.

"Papa .. wants to hug you. Just sec. Please do not refuse" said Gautama who did not feel resistance from his son.

Gautama felt this warm embrace. At least if he could he wanted to take away all the pain, the suffering that his son felt all along. If only he had never been a cruel man, perhaps Mardiyah would never have suffered. And maybe, this child was born as a lucky child in the world.

Smiles and laughter will never disappear from this beautiful face. He couldn't say anything, he just rubbed the child's long chocolate mane. It was fragrant, gentle and just like Zanitha. The woman he loved.

"Please. Meet me with Lutfan ..." Mardiyah's tears were dripping, she had decided something. "One time only. After that ... I promise, will fulfill all your requests and Mr. Manggala."

Gautama.

"That's all my request as your son. What ... P-pa ..." Mardiyah paused, her hand touching the blanket tightly. "Wouldn't grant?"

Gautama was touched when Mardiyah called herself Papa. "Son, Papa will try, but Papa can't promise."

"I'm not asking you to promise. But at least, please .. please grant." Mardiyah's hand lifted, returning Gautama's embrace. "I need to see Lutfan. I need to talk to him for a minute. Please ..."

Gautama nodded slowly.

"Papa .. will try. Please stop crying, son. Don't cry."