
After the asar, Mas Ilham invited me to the flower plantation to just enjoy the afternoon by relaxing in the hut while enjoying the fresh green coconut. Yep, intentionally. She was worried that if we stayed inside, she would not be able to resist making out with me. Unlike the case if outside the house, he is able to control himself from the temptations of orgasm that is currently so easily mastered it. Just by looking at me, the desire to make love was immediately passionate. It was as if a question had arisen in his mind: it was halal, and only tandem. So, why hold back?
"Holding back from you is now difficult" said Mas Ilham.
I smiled, her honest words tickled my heart. I also agreed to enjoy the afternoon and wait for dusk with him among the beautiful flowers, plus accompanied by young coconut ice. Mas Ilham deliberately set aside some green coconut grains for both of us and for some garden workers. Mas Ilham also took two coconut grains that were crushed by the skin. Inspiration also affected. His hands are trained. And, young coconut is ready to be enjoyed, do not forget to add ice cubes and milk. Eum. Fresh, say!
"Ehm, I can ask you about... What happened earlier, Mom?" my many.
Mas Ilham who at that time had just sipped the tender young coconut meat nodded silently.
I also cleared my throat again. "So you.. nothing, right, at the police station? Can't get into a cell?"
Hmm. He laughed at me. "That," he said, "sinaetron shots, picked up by the police, told to change clothes, kept locked up. There were other processes before that. What am I doing? A drug dealer caught off guard with evidence? Or a cctv-recorded thief?"
"Extension. Just answer no."
"Well, that's you know."
"I mean earlier, before you're long nyerocos."
He simply smiled, then sipped back the young coconut ice before him. "Imam reported me for the persecution. Maybe he thinks I'm gonna be scared, or nobody's gonna testify that he started the case. As for me, I only defend my rights and my wife's honor. Besides, there was Kang Ridwan helping me."
"Who is Ridwan?" my many.
Ilam thought for a moment. "Kang Ridwan that if from blood relations, he is a nobody. But if from family relationships, it can be considered family. Look, yeah, I'll explain. Muslim, she has a sister. Name's Aisyah. Aisha has a husband. Her husband has a sister too. Si... Medina if not the wrong name. Well, Medina's husband's a lawyer. Kang Ridwan it's."
I'm mangosteen. "Faraway, yes, the relationship. From brother-in-law to brother-in-law."
"Yes, but we all know each other. The one that came to our wedding yesterday, that's an average insider count. I'll introduce you later, yeah. Every year there is an open house held on the third day of Eid. All the relatives and relatives gathered on that day. And I'm happy, this year I'm no longer coming as a single."
The Inspiration smiled. He didn't ask me if I wanted to come or not. He invited me and it seemed obligatory for me to come along without protest and without rejection.
"Must, yeah, come to the show?" manyu timid.
Mas Ilham nodded. "It is not the obligatory event, but to keep the cord between family and relatives, it is mandatory. That's the annual agenda. Just once a year, and it's a pity to miss."
"But keeping the strings of Abraham does not have to be by attending such gatherings, right?"
Again, Mas Ilham nodded. "Yes, right. But in that event we not only met with one or two people. But hundreds. More special, isn't it? In just one day, but we can meet and familiarize ourselves with hundreds of people. In ordinary days not necessarily we can meet considering everyone has their own busyness. Moreover, must visit from house to house, would not it be more troublesome?"
"Yes, anyway. But.. isn't such an event more harmful?"
"It depends on how we carry ourselves and react to it, dear."
Ilam smiled, then took my hand gently. "What matters is that Zahraku is not at all. Zahraku doesn't like to gossip and isn't a showman. Hmm?"
I nodded, and looked down lethargic.
"I know you're a closed person, a loner, and you don't like to hang out. But it is your duty to follow the husband's orders as long as it is not to lie to God. Understand, Honey?"
I nodded, I knew what Mas Ilham said was true. But, it feels heavy to do something that is not a habit in my life so far.
"Darling, you know, right, if the wife is a dress for her husband? So you are my clothes, the shield that protects me from sexual temptation out there. While I am a Muslim who is obliged to undergo my nature as a human being, including in establishing and maintaining the bonds of friendship as fellow human beings, especially fellow Muslims. And I know, Zahraku is a smart woman to understand what I'm saying. Aye, right?"
Um, smooth as a sledgehammer that struck my heart. Kuhela took a deep breath, then nodded back.
"Zahra?"
"Emm? Oh, ja. Yeah, I get it, Mom."
"I know."
"Em." I gave her the best smile. "Inshaallah," I said, "I will carry out my duty as a good wife for Mas Ilham."
Ilham said hamdalah, then smiled back. "Will you hear my love, Zahra? Or waving to the camera?"
That sweet smile made me unable to resist and smiled back at him. "Yes, I will always listen to your love. Monggos."
My young coconut water was reduced by half when Mas Ilham said, "I want Zahraku to be a person who does not shut away from good things. Who is willing to establish friendship with all our families and relatives, either from my side, or from your own side. And I want Zahraku to exercise her nature as a Muslim - to keep that friendship and not break it."
The deg!
Suddenly Mas Ilham's words horrified me: what did he mean by Abi's second family? About my stepmother and stepbrothers I never wanted to meet because their presence was like salt water that made my wounds even more painful? Wounds that will never heal.
But it didn't. I think Mas Ilham understands that. As long as I don't harm anyone by not wanting to meet them, why force it? Wouldn't it be better this way? My heart won't hurt any more in the absence of that meeting. It is precisely if I meet them that my heart will feel very sick, and it can trigger an expletive that worries that I will find it difficult to control.
While controlling myself, I asked, "What do you mean, Mas?"
"I want you to be open to the environment, Zahra. Like a fish swimming in the sea. Mix, but do not melt. Like a fish that lives in salt water, breathing with salt water, but split his body, he still has a fresh taste. So mingle. I want Zahraku to exercise his character as a Muslim. Being an open person. Hang out with others, especially your sisters. Believe me, when we face problems, there will be many parties who accompany and help us through the storm. You will never feel alone again."
I also nodded. "Inshaallah, Mas" I said. "I'll go wherever you take me. I'll learn to blend in as you like."
Suddenly, the entire burden on my soul evaporated. Vaporized out of nowhere. Like dried leaves that fall off. He was truly the inspiration of God to me, the companion of life who led me in peace, he embraced me and guided me to be Zahra with my better personality.
Thank you, O God. You have sent a husband as good as he has for me.