20 Years Adrift
Chapters 103. The Birthday Day

"Assalamu'alaikum, dear," said Affan after getting out of his car and seeing Aira waiting for him.

"Wa'alaikum salam. Affan's shopping a lot today?" aira asked as she looked at the six paper bags in her hand.

Affan lifted her up while smiling meaningfully. He didn't want to discuss it outside because it wasn't pleasant to hear from others. The items he bought were specifically for Aira, himself and Faya.

"Let's go in. There's something I want to show you." Affan fingers steps Aira who is a little slow because her stomach is starting to enlarge.

Aira nodded and did not ask much more.

They walked through the living room and family room that already looked deserted. Sarah and Sapphira were in the upper room. Affan does not ask much because in hours like this they are often above.

Upon reaching his room, Affan sorted out the clothes he had bought. Mostly he bought clothes for Aira because there were many that did not fit or small. For Faya and himself he only bought 2 pieces.

"A lot of it, Mum!" ara exclaimed when she saw her more clothing parts.

"Yes, Honey. Your stomach is getting bigger and bigger. It seems you did not have time to buy clothes so I just gave them to you," said Affan.

"Thank you, Mom. I was just thinking about it but thank God Mas bought it for me." Aira smiled happily.

Affan then says goodbye to the shower.

As Aira picks up the shirt for Affan and puts it on the table, she finds some photos printed there. In the photo, several children are seen standing on the side of the road with busking tools. Some of them carry a variety of merchandise.

If you look carefully, the photo seems to be taken with a cellphone camera. There is the same watermark as Affan's phone in the corner of the photo. Maybe Affan printed photos from his phone while at the company.

'Why did Mas Affan take pictures of those kids, huh? Does he know them? Or maybe you want to make this photo a work of art? I don't know.' Aira did not want to guess anymore.

Aira again put the photos down when she saw Affan was walking towards her. She would ask him after Affan finished changing his clothes.

"What do you think of those kids, honey?" ask Affan after being next to Aira.

"They're disadvantaged children. They are just some of the portraits of poverty that exist in this country. There are still many who are not exposed because they live in the suburbs." Aira expressed her opinion.

Affan smiled at Aira's reply. After his appearance looked neat, he then pulled out a chair that was right beside Aira. They sit facing each other.

Affan's hand then grabbed the photos he placed on the table. I don't know how many times he's seen those pictures. However, his feelings never changed and instead became more and more. The desire to help others is getting stronger.

"I'm thinking about how to help them. Giving cash won't solve the problem because I've done it. They often abuse the aid provided for needs that could otherwise be set aside." Affan.

"How about we help send them to school and fund them to graduate High School?" ask Aira.

Affan.

"I did that too but it didn't work. They went back down the street and left the school desk for various reasons. It takes a special approach to make them aware of the importance of education. Until now I have not found a suitable way to solve this problem." Affan tried to help children drop out of school several times but few were serious and financed until graduation.

Aira was silent thinking about Affan's words. It seems that it does need a special container to provide socialization periodically to the children and realize them the importance of education for their future. In addition, it also requires debriefing on how to get money without having to leave school. For this they have to cooperate with several parties because it is impossible to solve all these problems alone.

"May I give you my opinion?" ask Aira.

"Of course, honey. That's exactly what I expected. I can't think of this problem myself. If I had a solution it would have helped them a long time ago." Affan is very happy that Aira cares about the lives of disadvantaged children.

Aira nodded while thinking. He could not explain directly without using stationery to describe what he meant. There are several aspects that need to be explained to her husband.

There are some important points that he wrote on paper. Then, Aira drew the place needed, a conducive environment and institutions that must take part in this program. Children who are less fortunate must have different backgrounds and different ways to handle it.

A child of the merchant type and looking for money will be more difficult to control than a less able child who only lives at home or rarely has income. Children who live at home tend to rely on others without thinking about putting in more effort. Most of them just work around the house and get mercy from the people around them.

Although they have to take a different approach to each child but overall they must be equipped with skills. Outside of school hours they can make creations and something that can make money. There should be a special institution that houses and markets their handicrafts.

Their families can also take part in making products that will be sold. The money generated depends on the sale and will be their personal property while the cost of education is already borne by donors. This way they can go to school and still make money.

Aira's proposal makes sense. Affan will cooperate with relevant parties and also educational institutions. He was very confident that many children would join after knowing the program they would create.

It did not feel like their conversation took a long time. Affan forgot to give another gift to Aira. He had been preparing for it for a few weeks with Faya.

"Wait here for a second. I still have something for you" Affan said as he moved from his seat.

"Something?" Aira frowned until both of her eyebrows were linked.

Affan did not answer him again and continued walking towards a table where he used to store his personal belongings.

Aira saw Affan open a drawer containing watches from various brands of his. He thought that Affan would give him one of the collections he had. Regardless, Aira would still accept it even though she rarely used a watch.

"Happy birthday, dear. Sorry I was late to say and give you this gift. I wanted to say it last night but couldn't bear to wake you up. In the morning I was in a hurry and certainly less memorable." Affan handed the gift to Aira.

Aira felt very moved. He couldn't get the words out to reply to Affan's words. Aira herself even forgot that today was her birthday.

Aira immediately hugged Affan without knowing what the contents of the gift box he received. She was so moved and crying so hard. Every time he celebrates his birthday, he always remembers his parents who are gone.

Affan stroked his head gently and let him spill all his sorrow. Although it did not know what caused Aira to cry but it would always be ready to be a place to lean on for her. No matter what Aira's past and life was like, after becoming his wife she was a queen.

After Aira's crying subsided, Affan took her to sit on the edge of the bed. The remains of tears still welled up on Aira's face. Affan wiped it with his thumb.

"Now open the box!" affan pinta.

Aira nodded and immediately opened it. A gold-plated watch looks shimmering by the light of the lamp. If it is worth hundreds of millions.

"Thank you, Mom. I'll keep it well. This luxury item will invite the evil intentions of people who see it. It's okay, isn't it, Mas?" ask Aira.

"After I give it to him, the man is yours. It's up to you to wear it or keep it." Affan did not force Aira to wear it.

Aira smiled and continued to look at the watch until she was satisfied. He did not want to rush to keep it because he still wanted to see it.

Outside the room came the sound of someone calling and knocking on the door. Aira had to close and store her luxury watch in a desk drawer next to the bed. Not yet known who came, for that he was on guard if the lady-in-waiting was their assistant.

"The old father was very, very, very open the door," said Faya when Affan had opened the door for her.

"Over what. Dad came quickly, kog. You think the road doesn't take time, what?" Affan was not defeated by his daughter.

"Yes, yes .... How about tonight's show? So no, Dad? If so I want to be ready now," said Faya impatiently.

He can at least if promised something because he will always remember it all the time and ask Affan to fulfill it immediately.

"Patience, Honey. Enter first! I bought clothes for you" said Affan, who shifted his body so that Faya could pass through and into his room.

"What do you want to do, Fay?" ask Aira.

Faya looked at her father. He thought Affan had told Aira about their dinner plans. Before this, Affan did ask Faya to keep everything a secret and asked her not to precede him to wish Aira a birthday.

"Later to explain," said Faya as she dried her eyes at Aira.

The gift from his father is more interesting than anything. Faya is also afraid that she will break her agreement with her father if she wishes Aira happy birthday first. He would ask about this matter to Affan.

"This is your shirt. You can wear it tonight. Hope you like it because every day your taste is always changing, I don't know what you want it to be." Affan handed over Faya's clothes.

"The best taste of Dad. I'll wear it tonight. Oh, yes, em .... That dad is, hasn't he?" faya asked in a soft voice so that Aira would not hear him.

Affan nodded as a gesture if he had already uttered and given a birthday present to Aira.

"Well, it's my turn now" whispered Faya.

Affan nodded back.

Faya walked over to Aira while carrying two paper bags behind her back. After being in a very close distance he suddenly hugged Aira tightly. As a close mother and her best friend, Aira is a very special person for her.

"Happy birthday, Ma. May you remain the woman of my pride who has always encouraged me in kindness. You're not just a mom or friend but more than that." Faya had no power to hold back her tears as Aira did.

They held out hugs and looked at each other. The two then both smiled when they saw the ugly faces of the two.

"You're crying, Ma. It's so ugly!" ledek Faya's.

"Yes, you're the only one who's crying more beautiful" Aira teased.

The two then laughed together laughing at their silliness. This joke they used to do. The two never put up a distance that limited their closeness.

"The fate of being a forgotten person, I did not get a hug from you guys" Affan said with a sad appearance.

"Come, Dad!" Faya opens her hand and waits for Affan to come.

The three of them hugged each other and vented their excitement.

"Of course, we cry first. I want to change clothes and beautiful makeup to be glimpsed by millionaires sholeh," joked Faya.

"Listen to that, Dad. Your son has given you a code to marry immediately," ledek Aira.

"Mrs ...! Don't be careless, deh. I'm not ready to get married yet" Faya said in a grumbling tone.

"Then, you want to date?" tanya Affan tests Faya's honesty.

"No, Dad. I want ta'aruf and get married but not now. Later if there's anything really suitable I say the same father." Faya looks serious about answering Affan's question.

"Yes, Honey. Change it, sana! We'll go three after this. Mom and Dad will be ready soon. About like magrib we're leaving." Affan reminded Faya.

"Siyapz, Dad!" Faya immediately left Affan and Aira's room.

Adzan Magrib had been reverberating a few minutes ago. Before preparing to leave, Affan and Faya perform their services first. After that they can go to dinner quietly.

***

In the restaurant,

Affan had booked their table first before they left for there. Many elite visitors come there. The average comes from the top.

The place was very spacious but did not have many tables. Everything is arranged nicely and elegantly. The thick western nuances make this restaurant attract visitors from various countries that run businesses here.

Aira walked gracefully flanked by Affan and Faya. Strangers would think if they were a family with Affan as a father while Faya and Aira a brother and sister. They would be hard to believe if it were said that Aira was Affan's wife and mother.

A well-dressed male servant came over to the table ordered by Affan. He gave out a menu book and recorded their respective orders. Among the three, the longest Aira said her order.

'Astaghfirullah! Food here is expensive. It really costs this much. If I refuse to eat here Mas Affan and Faya will be disappointed in me.' Aira looked confused to choose the menu.

"Mas, I'm the same as you, yes" whispered Aira.

It is better that he order the same food with Affan than that he should feel ashamed for not knowing the shape of the food he ordered later.

Affan.

"He wanted the same food as me" Affan told the waiter, who was waiting for Aira to order.

"Good, Sir. Wait a minute, the order will be coming." The male waiter picked up the menu book and left their table.

Affan stared at Aira's unusual face. He could guess if his wife was feeling affectionate with so much money spent just for a dinner. During her marriage to him, this was the first time she had been taken to a luxurious restaurant.

Not much different from his father, Faya also thought the same. During this time Aira lived mediocre in limitations. A little money meant a lot to him, let alone this much.

"Ma, this is a very special day for you. We don't eat in places like this every day. Our goal here was not to waste money but we wanted to show that mom is a very special person for us" Faya explained so that Aira did not feel misunderstood.

"Thank you, Faya, Mas Affan. If I'm honest, I feel so much love with this kind of money. But I really appreciate your concern for me. Other times, it's better to celebrate the birthday by donating some money to orphans and sharing it with people in need" she said with a smile.

Affan and Faya feel guilty. What Aira said was true. They should not waste money on little benefits

"You are indeed the light for our family, Aira. Me and Faya are very lucky to have you" Affan said.

Their conversation stopped because their order had arrived. Some waiters came and presented their orders on the table. The table was full of food.

Aira sees how Affan and Faya eat her food. He did not want to look embarrassing even though he had only first come to a fancy restaurant. Since their arrival many people have been watching the three. Not sure what they think, Affan does not want to worry about people's opinions about his family.

They choose to enjoy the food without caring about the people around them.

They don't want to stay there for long. After this they will go home and rest. As their food was running out, a waiter came to the table carrying bills to be paid.

A young couple who were Aira's schoolmates came to them. Looks like he just came and will be sitting at the empty table next to their table. Aira remembered if it was her friend but forgot what her name was.

"Good night, Miss Aira. It's nice to meet you here. Oh, yes, don't cry if you can't afford your food," ridiculed the woman who just came with her lover.

Aira smile.

Affan prepared to stand up and shut the presumptuous mouth of the woman who insulted Aira.

Not wanting any commotion there, Aira held Affan's hand and gestured for Faya to remain calm.

"Let me pay the bill, Mas" Faya said, taking an ATM card out of her bag.

He wanted to reply to his friend's insults elegantly. He would automatically be silent and embarrassed to have underestimated the wrong person. Aira knew that right now Faya and Affan must be very angry. They no longer have the appetite to continue eating.

"I'd like to see if your savings are enough to pay for all this food." Aira's friends are still fished for her emotions.

The waiter at the restaurant shook his head. He also did not like to see the arrogance of the female visitor who had just come.

'It seems there is nothing wrong with me silencing the mouth of this arrogant woman. He only saw someone from his outer appearance alone. Sorry madam if after this I have done anything presumptuous.' The waiter swiped the Aira ATM card in front of them.

He did not enter the bill directly but he first checked the balance that was there.

"Your Saldo is seven hundred and ninety-eight million. Total bill of nine million five hundred thousand. The rest, ma'am," The servant spoke loudly so that the arrogant woman could hear him.

Schoolmate Aira was wide-eyed when she heard the nominal balance owned by her. At that time Aira was a poor man, and it was unexpected that he had that kind of money. But he always had a way of insulting her.

Before he talks too much, Affan asks for a payment receipt and takes Aira and Faya away from there. Aira's tough friend's words were stuck in her mouth because the person she was about to insult had left the table.

"I'm sorry I took you guys out in such a hurry. I don't know how long I can hold myself back from making a fuss. I don't like hearing insults from him." Affan spoke in an annoyed tone.

"I can't stand slapping him either, Dad. If I hadn't kept my good name in the public eye, I would've done it." Faya is no less emotional than Affan.

Aira said nothing. He thinks it's common. He was not surprised to hear the insults of the rich. Previously he had experienced something more painful than this where he was humiliated but was unable to retaliate.

Not only in school, he was underestimated. In the neighborhood where he lived in the village he often experienced it. However, Aira did not take heart over all their words and instead prayed for her to quickly realize her mistake.

"That's it, it doesn't need to be extended anymore. I've forgotten about it. There's nothing wrong with what she said because I didn't have anything before I got married to Mas Affan," aira said she did not want her husband and children to prolong this problem and dissolve in emotions.

"What is your heart actually made of, Ma. Mama may look calm when someone insulted you in public," said Faya still look riled up.

"Kan, I've replied to him in a polite way. If he wants to think, he should be ashamed because I'm not what he's accused of. Everyone must have heard when the waiter mentioned my nominal savings," Aira explained.

Faya's heart finally softened. Slowly his emotions subsided. Affan was so angry before.

"It was like I had met that woman, but I forgot where" Affan said, recalling the man who insulted his wife.

****

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