WRONG MARRIAGE

150.

Zalfa wiped her tears with the back of her hand. His shoulders were shaking. And he was aghast as he felt a soft touch on his shoulders. He looked up and saw Mary standing nearby.

“Mama!” lirih Zalfa with an erratic look.

Maria looked at Zalfa's wet, puffy face. “What's up?” tanyakanya. “Arkhan go again?”

Zalfa swallowed hard, his neck as if choked. “This is not just a matter of Arkhan's departure, Ma. But this is a big problem.”

“Zalfa, calm yourself.” Maria pulled Zalfa's wrist and guided him to a seat on the sofa. The middle-aged woman walked to the table and took a glass of water she had just poured from a glass teapot, then handed the mineral water to Zalfa. “Minum. You'll be calmer.”

Zalfa received the glass and gulped it down and placed the glass on the table.

“What big problem are you talking about?” Maria continued the conversation. He sat down on the side of Zalfa.

“Ma, I have never banned or dictated Arkhan's life, including his passing even at midnight. But I just want to know what he's doing why he has to go home in the morning? If he came out just to do evil deeds, of course I would forbid him. This is my duty as his wife, I should be able to be a fortress in keeping my husband from evil, and vice versa. Ma, I want to say something about Arkhan, but please keep this a secret. Enough me and mommy know.”

“What is it? say!”

“Arkhan has been a bank hacker, he is also a drug dealer.”

Maria widened her eyes, shocked. He put his face back and breathed a rough sigh. “What are you talking about?”

“No Zalfa. You can't be weak. If you're weak, then who will be Arkhan's reinforcement. He needs you. I might not be a good mother to her, but you might be her director. Make him a good husband through you. I'm asking you for help.”

Zalfa smiled at the words of Mary who trusted him so much, making herself the shoulder for Arkhan's backrest that indeed needed a guiding figure. He was proud of himself who was considered as the outfielder for Arkhan.

“Mama, I can't be alone. I need mama to both remind Arkhan.” Zalfa grabbed Maria's hand and placed the back of the hand against her cheek. “Arkhan also need mama.”

“Now Arkhan is your husband. Then you should also be part of his step guide. I've never taught him anything at all to the ugliness, but why is this the case?”

“Do not blame yourself Mama. Now we just have to think about the future of Arkhan.”

“You married Arkhan in no time after you knew each other. What's... Do you love Arkhan?” Maria asked doubtfully.

Zalfa looked at Maria closely. “Iya, Mama. I love Arkhan.”

Maria nodded with relief. “Arkhan does need a woman like you. A woman who loves him and she will love you too. I'm sure, only love will be able to show a miracle and turn Arkhan into a good man. In the past, Arkhan had brought women into this house. And that woman I see is not a woman full of love. The longer I know her, the more I know that she's not the right woman for Arkhan. I never showed her such a bad attitude to show that I didn't expect her to be my daughter-in-law, I just pray that God will separate Arkhan and that woman if that woman is not the right woman for Arkhan. And yes, Arkhan finally parted with the woman.Now, there are you who became his life companion. I hope you can make Arkhan better.”

Zalfa nodded. Hopefully he can. Actually, his little heart still wants to ask a lot of things about the woman who entered Arkhan's life before him told by Maria. But the other side of his heart was feeling jealous. There is an uncomfortable feeling to hear Arkhan used to be close to a woman who may be more beautiful than him, or more charming than him, or more attractive and no matter what.

TB