To Mutia

(Not yet) A soul mate

After successfully giving a surprise to Mutia, who succeeded in making the mother of one child was really surprised by the fact that Sekar was the mother of Yudha and Arumi was her future sister-in-law, he said, not because of their sudden arrival, now the four are sitting in the family room. Talking about how Sekar and Arumi get to know Mutia, to laugh at the workings of God's destiny which is so unique to bring two of His servants together.

"So... Mutia Arumi's best friend?"

Arumi responded to Yudha's question with an enthusiastic nod, while embracing Mutia's arm sitting beside her.

"But all this time I've only met Kavira often?"

"That's the funny part" this time Sekar said. Chuckled in amusement before continuing his words. "Pas Mutia came to the house, you again came out. Either go to college or just hang out with your friends. After graduating S1, you continue to study in Bali, while at the same time Kavira and Mutia increasingly play at home. But after marriage, Mutia never played home again. You know, as a married woman, you can't go anywhere without your husband's permission."

Mutia stiffened as Sekar talked about Haikal. Rigidly Mutia turned to Arumi, wondering inwardly, what did that woman also say about her divorce to Sekar? But Arumi only responded to her implied question with a puzzled look. Then Mutia simply shook her head, before turning her attention back to Joseph who was staring at her with a plain look.

"Well, when I came to my school, not sure to talk about Mas Sultan, Pas Mas Sultan again to Lombok?" asked Arumi, who got a nod from Yudha.

"Well, Mas' arrival time is only a few minutes from Mutia's return."

"At that time they were not a match, Rum, so God had not allowed to meet. And now, it was time for them to be united." sidelines Sekar, staring at his youngest son with an enthusiastic twinkle.

"From the first Mami had a very intention to mate you with one of Arumi's friends, because Mami already very dear to them, but Arumi forbid. He said, Mas Yudha deserves the woman he really wants. And now, Mami's hope is fulfilled. Without a matchmaking plan, you and Mutia will be getting married soon."

Yudha looked warmly at her mother while commenting on the smile. Relieved at her mother's acceptance of Mutia.

"Tante," the call of Mutia not only attracted the attention of Sekar, but also Yudha and Arumi. "I'll go to the kitchen, help me cook lunch."

"Yes, Honey. No pa-pa." said Sekar, without removing the smile from his face.

"Joseph be with me." Yudha took over Joseph, before Mutia departed from her seat.

"I'm coming along." Arumi nimbly ran after Mutia who had already stepped into the kitchen.

"The reason for the installment." taunted Yudha, whom Arumi responded with a stick of tongue.

Sekar laughed. "You guys, if you see each other, you're gonna be taunting each other."

Yudha only responded with a smile. "Mommy's not tired? Mending rest, Mi, while waiting for lunch."

"If you are old, Mami's body is still fit. Back and forth Prabu-Bali in one day only Mami can." said Sekar while pursing his lips, which succeeded in making Yudha laugh.

"Yes, yes, I believe, I do." gave a amused smile, Yudha looked down at Joseph, who looked comfortable in his lap. "How many days?"

"The plan is two days, if Papi you do not come here and maksa Mami comes home."

"Wait first. Does that mean Mami's here, without telling Papi?" yudha's question received a grin from the Mother, making the twenty-seven-year-old man groan slowly. "Yes, how else. Later Mami same Arumi nginap at home I just."

"Well, why not here?"

"This house was originally for my employees, Mi. They will definitely not be comfortable if there is a mother and sister-in-law of their boss here. It'll make them feel watched."

Now I nodded in agreement. "Yud, are you really sure about Mutia?"

"No, Honey. Mommy's not that cute. Mami just does not want the status of Mutia and Joseph you will be troubled in the future. Mami already considers Mutia and Kavira as Mami's daughters, so Mami doesn't want them to get hurt."

"I've never been in a relationship with any woman in my entire life, because none of them have ever convinced me to commit. But Mutia, I never felt this confident when I decided to marry her."

Smiling softly. "Thank God then."

...* * *...

"Well, can I stay with Rumi for a second? There are important things I want to talk to her about." asked Mutia politely, upon arrival at the kitchen. And Mutia's speech, successfully made Arumi look at him with a frown.

Mbah Sriti nodded slowly. "If Mutia needs an altar, in the room. Wanna fold Joseph's clothes."

Mutia. After Mbah Sriti completely left the kitchen and made sure no one was around, Mutia looked at the bewildered Arumi with an anxious look and her forehead moistened in a cold sweat.

"Rum, did you tell Aunt Sekar about my divorce and Haikal's?"

Arumi shakes. "But Mami must have expected it, because Mas Yudha said you were a widow." Arumi's soot bead noticed Mutia's restless body gestures. "What's up. The mut? You look like a scared person."

Mutia let out a heavy sigh, before responding to Arumi's question. "I haven't told Mas Yudha the truth."

"You mean?"

"To know Mas Yudha, I am a widow because my husband died, not because of divorce, Arumi."

"Oh my God, Mutia. Why are you doing that?"

"It was originally because of spontaneity, but over time, I actually made it as an answer when someone asked. I never imagined I'd get to this position, Rum. Don't be Mas Yudha's wife, expect to be the closest person I don't dare."

Arumi looked pityfully at his sidekick who was now cupping his face and sobbing. Gently Arumi rubbed Mutia's back.

"Then what now?"

Turning her palm away, Mutia clasped Arumi's hand, looking at the woman of two children with pleading glare. "Please, don't tell Mas Yudha the truth. I'll tell him myself."

Sighing softly, Arumi nodded. "Although I don't like your lies, I won't interfere either. So you don't have to worry."

"Thank you, Rum." Mutia smiled with relief.

"But you must quickly tell Mas Yudha, let alone that you and Haikal have Joseph. That's gonna be a problem later."

"Surely, Rum."

Then the two friends resumed their work of cooking lunch. The two agreed not to call Mbah Sriti, letting the old woman rest.

Their cooking activities were accompanied by small talk and laughter, until the noise from the direction of the family room attracted the attention of both. They looked at each other with a look of asking, before turning off the stove flame and rushing to memorize the origin of the commotion.