A Cup of Black Coffee

A Cup of Black Coffee
Chapter 33


I chose to be silent and listen to what Zahra would say next.


"If you think all this time your life is fine, you are wrong Ragil," said Mbak Zahra suddenly sobbed.


"You know that Mas Zhafran has other women besides Zahra's brother Gil" he said.


I was surprised, I saw that the domestic life of Mbak Zahra and Mas Zhafran seemed harmonious, but it turned out that they covered the thorny problems in it.


Whether true or not only those who know, here I just listen to the story.


It should be me who poured out my heart, which happens now it is precisely me who must listen to the outpouring of hearts Zahra.


"Mas Zhafran had another wife, a second wife. Mbak was forced to accept it because there is no other choice," he continued.


"If Mbak is not willing, should refuse, why would you want in honey Ma'am!" my sergeant doesn't understand.


I know he's from a family with a pretty high level of religious knowledge. Perhaps polygamy among religious leaders such as the Zahra family is common.


"You know, this is what I want to explain to you, how cruel our family-in-law is" he said.


"Mbak was forced to accept even though his heart was sad and sick. Mbak has no choice because they threaten the Mbak family with their power" he explained.


I know that Zahra was born into quite a family. Even his father had a pretty famous boarding house.


Didn't expect that it turned out that my family-in-law could even suppress it as well.


"You know, Abi Mbak's cottage was once hit by a scandal because a teacher was caught harassing his students. What happens is that they just like each other and act out of bounds. But you know yourself the media actually exaggerate the problem by reporting if the teacher did abuse, making the cottage situation so bad," he explained.


"At that time the Mbak household was also being tested by the presence of a third person who was none other than the affair of Mas Zhafran who was a celebgram," he continued.


"Mbak demanded a divorce from your sister-in-law, but what happened? The cottage owned by Mbak's parents requires a large fee to clear the good name of our school and our father-in-law offers help, on the condition that Ma'am should not be separated from Mas Zhafran."


God it turns out my family-in-law is not as good as I thought, I used to think I felt inferior because I had to marry a woman from a respectable family, it turns out they have their own scandal.


"We may have a different case, ma'am" elakku. He may be forced to accept the situation because maybe Mas Zhafran selfishly did not want to let go of one of them.


But the problem is different with me. Of course I cannot accept, even acknowledge Hulya's child as my son, even though the child is present in our marital status.


"You know, it's not you they're going to press, it's the people closest to you!" obviously Mrs Zahra.


"You mean Ma'am, they're gonna mess with my family?" my lips.


He nodded, I know that, even Hulya and Mas Zhafran had said that to me clearly.


Do I care? It won't!


"They don't have a gap to put pressure on my family Ma'am" I replied confidently.


Zahra smiled as she stood up, but somehow her smile was like a mockery in my opinion.


"You're overconfident Gil? The intention of Mbak here just wants to tell you, but if you are sure of your decision, please continue," he said, rising to his feet.


"This is Hulya's outfit? You better take it, you prepare yourself for the possibility that will happen later," he continued and left the house.


There's this fear in me of imagining the threat Hulya's family poses to my family. I tried to think hard the possibilities that are said by Mbak Zahra but nil.


I feel, my family will definitely not bow down if pressed, especially if I tell our real problems.


Surely my family will take my side, I'm sure they won't admit that child who isn't my flesh and blood.


I'd better pack up and get out of this house. Maybe I'll find a contract after this.


But today I decided to stay a while in the shop first.


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The next morning, Hendi was surprised to find myself in the store.


"What dream would I have if the boss here had welcomed his employees?" taunted.


"Whisper! Had breakfast? Breakfast yuk!" take me.


"Well, haven't eaten Bro? I've eaten, understand the child to this mama's incision," he said pongah while lifting his collar.


"Curtain! Manja, let's not?!" my ketus.


I didn't buy anything to prepare for the office stay. Even forget if the coffee and tea in the kitchen of the store was exhausted.


"Shop for the store" I said.


"Just wait for the employee to come," he said.


After the employees arrived, Hendi and I went to look for breakfast.


We decided to stop at a minimarket that also provides coffee and instant food, while buying the kitchen needs of the store.


Two cups of coffee and a pack of bread accompanied our chat on this mini market terrace.


The plan is today I will go to the religious court to file a divorce lawsuit against Hulya.


To be honest, I had no idea what to prepare, so I had to go there first to ask about the procedure.


"Hey! Dreamy mulu, a new kesambet tau tasa!" sulk Hendi.


"What's wrong?" many confused.


He blurted out, "since when have you been drinking black coffee? I thought you liked Mocalatte," she said.


I used to drink that drink a lot, coffee mixed with cream although not the kind Hendi said. I drank that kind of coffee too because Hulya always made me coffee that became a little habit.


Then when he found out he was doing all that as if I were Azam, I started avoiding any kind of coffee with cream or milk.


Now I'm switching to black coffee alone, like my bitter life might be.


"Geek I now drink that coffee," I said.


There was no serious chat between us and I knew Hendi deliberately didn't mention Hulya by name because he seemed to know I was avoiding chatter about her.


My phone rang again, the name Abi Hulya was there.


Kuremas my phone, what other problems will arise now.


Inevitably I still have to answer the call, even though I know a little what my in-laws will say.


"Yes Bi?" sapaku calm.


"Where are you Ragil?" he said with annoyance.


"There's in the shophouse," I said flatly.


"Come to the hospital!" the door was half squealing.


I closed my eyes to calm my heart. I should have been the one who was angry, but it was reversed, my father-in-law who even looked upset.


"No, now Bi, I'll be there in the afternoon" I refused.


They should know that not everything should be done, not everything they have to force. They should have asked me nicely and appreciated me then I would have done the same to them.


Knowing the arrogant attitude of my family-in-law, makes me sure that Mbak Zahra's words have a point.


"You refused Abi's request?" tanyanya could not believe it.


He whom I have always respected and obeyed everything, seemed to be surprised at my rejection at this time.


"Sorry Bi, Ragil is busy right now," I explained.


"You're ignoring your sick wife for your fucking job?!" it means not accept.


"Sorry Bi," I replied fixed on the stance.


"Come right now, or will I destroy your shop?" threaten her.


God, my in-laws already showed me her fangs. I'd better obey him now, not out of fear but I'm sick of it.


I don't know where his mind is. He easily said he wanted to destroy my shop, did he forget that this country is a legal state?


I'd better solve my problem with Hulya right now. Like there's his parents, I'll give him back right now.


"Hendi, we're going to the hospital now!" take me.


"What's? To the hospital? Who's sick Gil?" tanyanya got up with me.


"Hulya," I replied flatly.


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Tbc