WRONG MARRIAGE

151.

“It's late at night. Rest up! You have to take care of your health.” Mary patted Zalfa's arm twice and then got up and left.

Zalfa let out a long breath. Amidst feelings of sadness over Arkhan's departure, she is also happy that her in-laws place great trust in her. So much love for her. Thank ye.

Zalfa went into the room. He sat on the side of the bed. His hand stroked the pillow commonly used for Arkhan to sleep.

“Yes Lord, help me to soften Arkhan's heart. You are the One who turns over the hearts of men. Arkhan, gohome. I'm waiting for you.” Zalfa stared at the round drop of dripping water drenching the pillow. Then she wiped her tears with the back of her hand. His heart never ceases to say remembrance and prayer, hoping God will give the best for Arkhan.

***

Zalfa opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a wall clock. It's six and a half. Zalfa glanced at the mattress next to her. Blank. Arkhan was not on his side. Her arms stretched out palpating the surface of the mattress on her side. Arkhan, where are you?

Drowsiness strikes so fiercely that he forgets what time his eyes are closed after waiting for Arkhan's return last night. It seemed like he had only been asleep for about two hours. He even did not hear the sound of the Adhan which is usually quiet so deep sleep.

Zalfa carried out his daily routine, brushing his teeth, wudhu’, morning prayers and spending time on prayer mats to recite, pray, then teach. After that, he took a shower and rushed out of the room. He met Elijah on the first floor.

“Where's Arkhan?” elijah asked with a gaze fixed on Zalfa's eyes.

“Go,” reply Zalfa.

“Where?”

“Neighborhood.” Zalfa's mind was so troubled that he could only answer Elijah's questions as necessary.

“Indeed he didn't say where to go?”

This boy is like a journalist. Zalfa walked to another room and Elijah followed.

Gun eat sir. Elijah's words were recorded by Zalfa. Elijah was still following Zalfa who was heading to the dining room. “You are his wife. I thought you knew.”

“Do you have any need with him?”

“Then he gets close to you, he rarely sees me.”

“Only that?”

Elijah grunts. Zalfa's question made him feel like he was being cornered.

Zalfa smilingly looked at Elijah trying to expel the confusion in him who was distraught over Arkhan's departure. “Then let me call him.” Zalfa raised the phone in her hand and contacted Arkhan. His face suddenly fretted to hear the voice of the operator who said that the number contacted was not active.

“The phone is dead,” Zalfa short while crashing sitting on the dining table chair.

Elijah sat down. He grabbed an apple and gnashed it while looking at Zalfa's face.

“Ngot need that golden as well kalik, only Kak Arkhan mobile number is not active you are already that sad. What if he really did? What are you thinking?” Elijah frowned watching Zalfa's bent facial expression.

Zalfa smiled again trying to display a calm expression despite her restless heart. “I'm okay.” He then rose to his feet because his intention to eat breakfast failed due to his appetite that disappeared somewhere.

Zalfa stepped the henda to the top floor. But he heard the doorbell ringing as it passed in the main room. Zalfa changed the direction of his footsteps and opened the door.

“Police?” zalfa's shock saw two men in uniform standing at the door.

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