Who You Choose, My Husband

30. Who You Choose My Husband

Some say after Haris divorced, did not experience slump. Not so, just not in the text. 

For a year, Haris always felt lonely. Haunted by endless guilt and regret. After parting ways with Arsy, he really misses Arsy is not Laila. 

Realize that it's too late for Haris to shut himself down. Trauma to start a new relationship. Perhaps, his career went well. But, no one knew for a year Haris felt life was not peaceful. 

Every night Haris wakes up dreaming of Arsy.

Like tonight, after putting Malik to bed, he chose to continue the job. His phone vibrated and then he saw who called him at midnight.

Haris eyes widened to see the name on the phone screen. His hands trembled holding the flat object. 

"Hallo, assalamualaikum."

"Vaalaikumsalam, mas. How are you doing? Sorry to interrupt midnight like this."

Haris closed his eyes hearing Arsy's voice. Ex-wife still loved. 

"M-mas is doing the job. It's good, Arsy. What about you?" Haris scoops her so nervous face on the phone by Arsy in the middle of the night. Like a dream to hear Arsy's voice again. 

"Arsy's good, mas. Mom, my story was the same yesterday. Don't fall again, yeah. I've forgiven you guys and I'm sorry I haven't been a good wife to you yet. I have accepted everything. I've made peace, mas. I no longer hold any anger for you, please. Don't fall because of our past, yeah. Poor Malik."

Arsy's words actually made Haris' eyes glazed over. He wants to know the existence of Arsy and see the situation directly. 

"Mas. By Allah, I have made peace with the situation. I've also worked, I have to get up. Yes, yes, yes. I have to work, Assalamualaikum."

"Getishalight."

Haris let out a long sigh after the phone connection was cut off. Lean on the sofa while staring at the ceiling of his study. As Arsy said, it is time to make peace with the situation. 

The next day, Haris pushed the stroller with Malik sitting there. Mumpung weekend, he took the child to the complex park because there is crowded if the afternoon. 

He let Malik down and let the boy learn to walk. Haris knelt to balance the height of the child with a stretch of both hands. "This is the same father."

As the father and son were engrossed in play, Haris turned to the source of the children's cheering voices.

"Yeeee.. Thanks mom."

"I got it too. Thanks, Mom."

Dahi Haris was wrinkled to see a woman called 'mother' by the complex children. He took Malik and walked over to Anna.

"Hi, Ann." Haris's greeting surprised Anna.

Anna smiled clumsily. "It's okay, Ris. Is this your child?" Anna asked looking at Malik who was smiling showing off his two rabbit teeth below.

"He's very handsome" praised Anna again.

"Yes, he's my son." Haris turned his head to the left side looking at Malik then kissed the puffed cheek with anxiety.

Anna saw that just forcing a smile. He thought that Haris must be living very happily with his wife and son. What is he who is still alone can not bring another love. 

Haris's phone is ringing. As he was about to take it in his pocket, he looked troubled.

"Take the same as me, Ris." Anna takes over Malik from Haris's sling.

"Ah, yes. Sorry, Ann. Wait a minute" Haris said, then picked up a phone call from Rahma's mother, who said it was time for Malik to be fed.

Haris put the phone in his pants pocket again then extended his hand so that Malik would be carried by him again.

"We have to go home, Malik. Aunt Anna there's still other activities." Haris persuaded his son because it was not usual for Malik to refuse his invitation if he was with others. Even Malik leaned his head on Anna's shoulders.

Anna chuckled at the behavior of the father and son. To him, the two men of different ages were adorable. But a moment later, Anna grudged herself to have admired the figure of someone else's husband. 

"Let me carry up to your house, Ris. I'm going home too" Anna said as Malik tightened a hug around her neck as Haris tried to grab Malik again.

Haris looks bad. "It's okay, is it?" 

Sounds of piety from Anna. "Yes my. It's okay, Ris. I even like carrying children like this," he said as he stepped up to balance Haris.

Haris nodded his head. "Do you have children?" Haris looked at Haris. "Ah, sorry. I've been presumptuous," he said again scratching his head that does not itch.

"Look easy. I haven't had a child because I'm not married yet" Anna replied casually but made Haris stop his steps. 

"You're not married?" Tanya Haris couldn't believe it.

Anna thinned her lips while nodding weakly. Anna's behavior makes Haris laugh.

"God. Haven't you moved on from me, Ann?" Haris continued walking while pushing the baby stroller owned by his son while laughing crisply. He remembered the tense look on Anna's face just now looked very funny.

While Anna's body stiffened hearing Haris' question. Did Haris know all along that she secretly liked the man? 

At that moment Anna was suddenly lethargic and embarrassed to meet Haris. "Why does your father know, Malik?"