The Foreign Taste
The truth

Since the first menstrual incident, Ranum became easier to give Adnan a smile. Although he also still felt embarrassed to talk for a long time, but at least Ranum is now not as fierce' as before to the young man.

At home, once knowing that the eldest princess has experienced her first menstruation, Mother immediately hugged Ranum long enough.

After that, Ranum was given menstruation-related advice, and other things related to her. The message that Mother also gave to Kania, two years ago.

"Ranum dear. with the coming of this menstruation, signifies that you are more and more worthy to be called a mature woman. Along with that title there are also rights and obligations that you should know. Anum knows what it is?"

"About relationships with the opposite sex huh, Bund?" Terka Ranum's.

"Yes. That's one of them" Nida said. He continued, though he knew that the princess might have known what they were talking about at this time.

Ranum likes to read books. So maybe her daughter already knows some things related to women and the readiness of her reproduction tools from books or gugel pages that she read.

But Nida still wanted to say it directly to the princess. So that Ranum also has a memory of the advice of his Mother regarding the maturity of women and the consequences that he must face later.

Nida talks to her eldest daughter in Ranum's room. While Kania sat watching tivi with Nanda in the living room.

In a soft voice, Nida continued speaking.

"The menstrual process generally happens every month, son. And it signifies the readiness of a woman to be able to get pregnant and conceive a child. Therefore, when a girl has experienced menstruation, then it becomes one of the characteristics that indicate also that she has become pregnant," said Mama.

"In our religion, a woman who has become immoral is subject to the law to cover her aurat, dear. This is so one of God's ways to keep women from her danger of slandering the world. Try it, Anum think it over."

"Which is more often teased boys. Girls who wear mini and sexy clothes or girls who wear veils and are neat again?" Ask Nida.

"Wear sexy clothes, Bund," replied Ranum.

"That's right, son. Therefore the woman is then raised by God through the existing dress code. Which closes the aurat. And Anum knows what that woman is, son?"

"All the body, except the face and the hands, Bund?"

"You're absolutely right, son. And this hair is also one of the aurat that must be covered.

"I'm sorry that Mother taught you and Kania to wear a veil. Because Mother also recently beristiqomah to wear it. But can you kid if we both learn, honey? Mommy will not force Anum related to this hooded obligation. Try Anum to read more or see the lectures of the asatidz. Such Ustz. Ninih Muthmainnah's. That's one that is highly recommended for you, son," said Nida at length.

"Good, Bund. Anum will consider the advice of this Mother," said Ranum.

"And related to the relationship with the opposite sex, Mommy is sure, Anum already knows clearly to what extent his limitations. It would be better if we keep our distance from a man who is not our mahrom, son. Because as much as we value ourselves, then as well as that couple will be prepared by God later."

"..thank you, Mother.. Anum understood."

"Yes already. Now, there is something else you want to talk to, son, too" said Nida with a slightly nervous expression.

"What's up, Bund?" Tanya Ranum was curious.

Nida looked at her eldest daughter. He tried to convince himself of the princess' readiness to negate the facts related to her real identity.

And, after convincing himself that Ranum would receive this news well, then Nida told Ranum about the incident 15 years ago.

The moment where he was brought for the first time by his biological mother (Rahayu) to the house of Ranum's parents today (Nanda and Nida).

At first, Ranum looks shaken when he realizes that he is not the biological child of his Father and Mother. But after getting a close embrace from Nida, as well as a convincing sentence from her Mother, slowly Ranum finally received the news.

"Whoever you are, son, Father and Mother remain your parents. We love you so much, just as we love Kania, your sister," Nida said.

"Really, Bund?" Ranum asked with reddened eyes.

"Yes, Son. Mother will always love Anum until anytime. Even though you later choose to look for your biological mother. Mother will always love Anum like Mother's own biological daughter."

"..."

After being calmer, Nida spoke again.

"Old, if you meet your Mama back, you should also be respectful and obedient to her words yes, son. Your mother left us in a state of urgency."

Nida tells Ranum how Rahayu suddenly came and left him as a toddler to them (Nanda and Nida). Although Nida did not explain in detail about Rahayu's misunderstanding that Nanda is Ranum's real father. Though..

"Mother, according to Mother, Mama is now where is it?" Ranum asked.

"Hhh. That's, son. Mother does not know. For years, we've been trying to find your mom everywhere. Until we move to this city. But we haven't found his whereabouts to date."

"What according to Mother, Mama.." Ranum hesitantly asked.

"Why, Son? Just tell me what you think."

"Does Mommy think Anum's biological mother already has a new family so she forgets Ranum?" Tanya Ranum with a sad face.

Nida immediately grabbed back Ranum into her arms. With a soft but firm voice, he also refuted Ranum's words earlier.

"Mother will convince you, son. That Mama Rahayu loves you so much."

"Rahayu's mom?"

"Yes. Your biological mother's name is Rahayu. Mommy is sure, if he will keep his promise to pick you up, if only the situation is safe for you, son."

"Mother, you mean the bad guy who wanted to hurt Anum?"

"Yes. Like Mama Rahayu said, son."

"So, maybe now your mother still feels the time is not right to pick you up. For a while, is it okay for Anum to be patient first stay with Father and Mother?" Nida asked nervously.

"Sure, Bund. Anum actually thanked because Mother and Father had loved Anum to this extent.. Anum is not.."

"Shuut... Don't talk anymore about you not her biological daughter Mother huh, honey. You remain the Mother's child. Until whenever!" Nida Pledge.

"...did Kania know about this fact, Bund?" Tanya Ranum khawair.

"No, Son. Mother's advice, the talk about your biological mother is enough to be a secret between us, son. Kania doesn't need to know. At least not for now" Nida finally proposes.

"Good, Mother.."

"Then, now Mother comes out first huh. You're still happy, baby. Be the daughter of Mother and Father who is tough, stoic and happy all the time. We love Anum!" Nida said last time, before finally leaving the room.

In the room, Ranum contemplates his conversation with Nida. He still has a hard time believing the fact that he is actually just an adopted child in this family. But Mother had convinced him. He will always be accepted as part of this family at any time.

Ranum also thought about the whereabouts of his biological mother. Between hope and not, Ranum wants to meet the mother who has given birth to him in this world.

What does it look like? What's her temperament like? Is there a similarity between the two of them? Then, what is Papa like?

Ranum was sorry because he had forgotten to ask about his birth father to Mother. Maybe because he was still too shocked when he heard this news the first time so made him forget.

"Tokay! Geck! Geck!

The sound of the door knocking from outside.

"Lake in!" Ranum also allowed anyone in front of his room door to enter.

***