Adult Zone
25. Salihah But Bedouin

...SHALIHAH BUT SHITHEAD...

...Author by: David Khanz...

By the time Danim left for work, all work at home was done. Breakfast is available on the table, laundry is hanging neatly on the clothesline, the floor is clean, and the kids are getting ready for school uniforms. The morning full of chaos, Danim did it wholeheartedly. Because today, Monday, he'll be leaving the family again for a week, going on duty.

“Abi, the milk spilled the same Adek,” whine Jasmine, daughter Danim while waiting for the heat of the motor vehicle engine. The man looked at her with a surprised look. “Kok, can anyway, Sister?” Then he immediately turned the ignition key. “Please take a lap in the kitchen yes. Later Abi help clean up the spillage of milk.”

Jasmine ran small according to Danim's orders. While inside the house, there was the sound of crying Azra, the second boy, in a wet shirt hit by a spill of milk. Rahma, the wife of Danim, grumbled incessantly as usual. “Umi said too, what? Do not wear a uniform. It's still early this morning ready!”

Danim approached Azka's figure, calming the child. “Already, Deck. Don't cry, will you? Here Abi clean her clothes,” she said gently. Lead Azka to the bathroom.

“Abi too! Too spoiling the kids! So they act a lot ‘kan?” exclaiming Rahmah from inside the room while cleaning up the bed marks.

Danim did not answer. He would rather be quiet than retort. Because it is thought, it is not good to argue in front of their children.

Jasmine came to give Danim the lap she had asked for. “This, Bi, lapnya.”

“Put it first near the spillage of the milk. Don't do anything first. Later Abi who works yes, dear,” said Danim in the bathroom. Moved the traces of milk spill on Azka's shirt. Without having to say twice, Jasmine instantly complied.

From the middle room, again a loud voice Rahmah spoke to Jasmine. “What do you want, Jasmine? Want to add Umi work again?”

“No, Umi. Want to put a lap here told Abi,” replied Jasmine.

“You it! If told to Umi aja often ngeyel. Turn Abi you who asked directly obedient, why the hell, huh?” Rahmah glared at her daughter. Jasmine replied back, “Soal Umi furiously continues!”

“You are if Umi says it, always do it! No manners with parents!” Rahmah snatched the dry cloth in Jasmine's hand, then threw it at the milk spill on the floor. After that, he cleaned using his feet.

Danim appears while holding Azka, the youngest who is still sitting in PAUD. The boy was bare-chested, as his uniform was removed.

“Already, Umi. Why the hell early in the morning should ranting ‘gitu? Just a spill of milk doing kok,” said Danim. “Maybe accidentally. His name is also children.”

Rahma turned fiercely towards her husband. He continued saying, “Keep playing with the kids, Bi! Let them talk to Umi. So you want Abi?”

“Lho, how to dig another way anyway? If Umi does not want to clean the former children, yes already. Later Abi himself who frowned,” said Danim upset while taking iron to dry the wet in uniform Azka. “Before, Abi want to dress Azka first.”

Still with a sour look, Rahmah chimed, “Morning-morning, there was a problem. Still long time kids go to school.”

Danim shook his head. “Abi ‘kan should leave early in the morning, Umi. Abi's work is a long way off. Hence, all the friends of Umi and the children to school.”

“Emang can't ‘git's leaving a bit unfortunate? Instead of this early in the morning, why try Umi with the children at school? I guess there's no work?” said Rahmah grumbling.

Danim took a breath. Trying to remain patient in the face of the attitude of women who have been with him for ten years. “Yes, can't dong, Umi. Abi's office also ‘kan has its own rules. Same as the school where Umi taught.” Rahmah works as a school teacher. Where their children are educated.

“Once in a while ‘can it be okay, Bi? Dispensations. Only once a week Abi nganter Umi and the kids. Many rules anyway?”

Danim swallowed his saliva which suddenly tasted bitter. “Can't be so, Umi. As a wife, Umi should be reminded. Let Abi's work be good and the result is a blessing. Not even suggesting the non-existent. It's called time corruption. Umi herself would not, if every Monday comes at eight and never follow the flag apple?”

“You are the most able to go back and forth!” said Rahmah ketus.

Danim glanced at still while drying Azka's uniform. “Lho, not back and forth. Only Umi wants to understand Abi's work. We both have working rules of each ‘kan?”

Rahma. “You can say ‘git's also because not every day take care of children. Do not realize what, every morning I was busy pounding this-it.”

Danim's lips twitched. He wanted to return back, but his heart tried to remain patient.

Not every day, Danim is at home. I only have two days at home in a week. That's because of the work holiday. During his stay at home, the man was never silent and lit up. He understood his wife's activities while she was gone. Therefore, as much as possible do all the work that Rahmah used to do since waking up.

This morning before the morning of the morning dawn, Danim was awake. After performing the evening prayer, he immediately cleaned a pile of dirty clothes in the washing machine. Even though it was only last Friday night, once he arrived home, all immediately he finished. Saturday morning before the sun shines, it's already lined up in the clothesline. After completing the duty of dawn prayer, Danim was busy preparing breakfast for the family. He thought, let those two days be his wife's day off from homework. Most importantly, Rahmah can rest and not always be busy exploring her bad habits. Bitched.

But what Danim did, never seemed to be valuable in the eyes of Rahma. It is always lacking and never satisfying. The woman's mouth often gives advice to others, but it is too difficult to agree for yourself. Including the children.

“Kak Jasmine why don't you eat, son?” danim asked as soon as they gathered to eat together. The results themselves were in the kitchen.

“Jasmine wants to eat the same omelet, Abi,” replied the eight-year-old girl.

Danim smiled sweetly persuading the boy. “Eat first yes, son. Later for dinner, Abi madein omelet. How?”

“No, Abi. Jasmine wants the same omelet,” said Jasmine insisted.

“Ya, already. Wait a minute, Abi wants to go to the stall first. Buy telor for Sister.”

Rahmah. “Do not, Bi. Let alone.”

“Peasiness, Umi. Than Jasmine won't eat ‘kan?” elak Danim's.

Rahmah glared at her daughter. “You're eating kok kok colokan very anyway? Just eat what is. Gratitude. Don't want anything!”

“Already, Umi. Don't be scolded ‘gitu. Later even he added ngambek,” said Danim mediate.

“Lagian Abi nurutin what do you want the child to continue anyway? It became the older brother even more spoiled! Shitty!” rutuk Rahmah fierce.

“Already, already. Abi to the shop first a minute ya.”

“Umi said no, Abi! You said you don't want to be horrified anyway?”

“It is not so, Umi. Sister—“

“Biarin. Entar also if hungry, will ask to eat alone!” tukas Rahmah while taking Jasmine's plate. “Kids should be taught to skimp. Anyway if you have money, don't be too wasteful why the hell, Bi? Meningan dipake for other purposes.”

Danim felt wrong. “Well what is the price of eggs, Umi? Just two thousand ‘kan?”

“Abi really never know how much their snack needs every day? Abi was only two days with the kids. All desires are fulfilled. If it's bad, who's bothered? Me, Bi!”

Danim undoes his intention to go to the stall. He approached the silent Jasmine and was willing to cry. Then gently, he tried to persuade the girl. “Already. Don't cry, son. Now we eat what is there first. Abi bribe yes. Want?” At first, Jasmine refused, but finally agreed to eat.

Rahmah returned. “Tuh ‘kan want to eat too. Just like Abi. If Umi's the same must be craving him!”

“Already, Umi. His son wants to eat. Don't keep getting laid, ah.”

“Lagian kelesih.”

Danim stroked Jasmine's hair gently, saying, “We continue again ya eat it, Darling.”

Jasmine nodded slowly while wiping her tears.

Another thing when Rahmah protested with the results of existing cuisine. Grunt he said with a sour face. “This is why the oncom is made ‘gini anyway, Bi? Where does the function mateng-mateng ‘gitu again?”

“That's the way it is, Umi. The effect is on the eyes of all. No one is still ijo,” timpal Danim with tight chest.

“But Umi ‘kan do not like kalo diginiin, Bi? Moreover, leunca items so!”

“Already. Eat what was there first. Thank you, Umi.”

“Told me it didn't like. Abi does not want to understand if you say?”

Denim took a deep breath. “Yes, how else? Abi usually cooks that way. Later if you want to taste, Umi cook alone yes?”

“Enak! Today ‘kan your turn to cook, Bi,” timpal Rahmah clucked annoyed. “So have no appetite for food.”

“Where to, Umi?” danim asked as soon as he saw his wife moving.

While grumbling, Rahmah replied, “Buy hearts ampela to the shop next door.”

Danim didn't reply. He chose silence. Eat with his two children.

Not long after, Rahmah returned. Eat with a heart and pardon menu, without sharing with husband and children.

Such was the attitude of Rahma all this time. Often do not want to be gentle and friendly to husband and children. But contrary if you have met and hung out with his group of friends. He said he changed drastically. Even often decorate the mouth with soothing sentences.

“Eh, Ustazah. From where?” ask a woman dressed in loose clothes dangling to cover her legs that are wearing socks, at some point.

“This .. abis join liqa in the next village,” Rahmah replied with narrowed eyes. “Afwan, who are you with? How, it feels ana is familiar with antum?”

The woman patted Rahma's arm. “Dih, This Ustazah. I ‘kan Uminya Malika. Student Ustazah own.”

“Mashaa Allaah. Ana forgot to. Afwan yes, Mother. Understandably if at school, rarely watch the mothers of students,” added Rahmah while rubbing the shoulders of her interlocutors.

“Nothing, Ustazah. I'm maklumin. Hehehe.”

“Where to, Mommy?”

“This is vegetable shopping. Last time saw Ustazah from a distance, kok kayak familiar. Turns out right ‘kan Ustazah Rahmah.”

“Ooohh, so.”

The woman held the parcel in her hand to Rahma. “Sorry, Ustazah. This is a little vegetable material for Ustazah.”

“Mashaa Allah. Don't bother, Mother. ‘Kan make antum family later at home.” The grace gladly accepted it.

“Nothing, Ustazah. It's I still have a lot of kok.”

“Wah, syukron yes, Mommy.”

“Iya, alike, Ustazah.”

“Jazakallah khir kathir. May you have goodness and abundant fortune, Mother.”

After making small talk, the two women finally separated. Return to their homes. Likewise with the Rahma.

At home, their children were greeted with great joy.

“Hore, Umi is home!” yell out Jasmine and Azka.

Danim who was watching television turned his head.

“Shut up ah, Kids! Umi is tired! Do not ngerecokin ya,” said Rahmah told the children away. “Where are you guys?”

Jasmine pointed at the middle room. “Tuh, again watch TV, Umi.”

Rahma approached her husband. As soon as he saw that Danim was lying down, he said, “This is you, Abi. This clock is still relaxing. Not ready to cook cake.”

Danim. “I accompany the kids watch first, Umi. Later cook it abis salat Asar. Liability soon.”

Rahmah threw a package of vegetables given by Umi Malika earlier to Danim. “Nih, masakin, Bi. There was a love from his mother my student's son.”

“Aalhamdulillah's. The windfall comes from anywhere yes.”

“It. That is why the man must be diligent in praying Duha. Kayak me. The proof is, there are only those who give fortune.” Rahma. “Now I want to shower first. Sticky kayak body this is how it feels.”

“Kalo is still dry, do not directly shower, Umi. Wait for dry until the body.”

“Ah, kindly know you, Bi. My people are already this hot,” said Rahmah. “Udah spout there masakin. I've laper nih.”

“The kids you didn't take a shower with, too, Umi?”

“Sama Abi. Kids love to be hard if they are taken with me.” Rahma went to the bathroom.

Danim rose from his fall. Before going to the kitchen, he told the children. “Abi stay first yes, Kids. Watch out, don't watch anything else.”

“Iya, Abi.”

...--- o0o--...

Ten years ago, Danim and Rahmah were reunited in a state of mutual separation from their respective lovers. They were both introduced by someone. A unique introduction, because only through a scrap of photo to see the face. Then introduce each other in a handwritten letter. It did not take long, less than a month Danim and Rahmah agreed to meet each other. A place in one of Danim's friend's houses and there is always someone accompanying them both so as not to cause slander.

One thing that makes Danim feel interested to know the figure of Rahmah more closely, in the first letter he received, the girl included her ideals to become a wife of prayer later. Perhaps this is the answer to the prayers offered so far, Danim thought. Likewise with Rahmah, after being disappointed by other men, now it is possible to get a substitute figure that is far superior. Both physical and spiritual. Evidently at their first meeting at that time, Rahmah immediately asked to be married by Danim in the near future.

Of course, the request of Rahmah was too early. Not long ago, the acquaintance was asked for certainty of status. It might be because the girl did not want to lose the figure of Danim who was in great demand by girls his age at that time.

“I don't want to date too long, Bang. Fear of being slandered and adding to sins,” said Rahmah then reasoned. Whereas during the process of introduction, Danim always invited one of his friends or also Rahmah's friend to be present between the two of them. Less than a year, not ten minutes from the two men met each other. Until then Danim also promised something that was expected by Rahmah. Weddings.

A party was held simply. Many are filled with invitations to give blessings. Especially from Rahmah herself who turned out to be an activist in a special association and sympathizers of certain parties. Only a day Danim was at the home of Rahmah's parents, so the man brought the wife to the residence of his extended family.

Once there, Danim wanted to test Rahma's obedience by asking her to open her shoelaces. Answer the wife at that time with a sour face, “You may ask me to be filial, but do not enslave the wife.”

Danim surprised. He felt that something was wrong in his wife's mindset. This man thinks that Rahmah's activities following the study and study in his group during that time will make him a soft and obedient figure. While supporting the ideals of being a wife of shalihah as she had revealed.

Not half a month living with Danim's parents, the oddity for the oddity increasingly visible to Rahmah. The woman did not want to hang out with her husband's extended family, especially with her mother-in-law. He often locked himself in his room, and went out of there just because of work. Danim and Rahmah worked together before marriage.

Not infrequently so Danim came home from work, always the cuisine of his mother that he ate. Never at all felt the results of his wife's processing. Every time asked the reason why not want to cook, replied Rahmah, “I already give money to your mother. Whatever you want to make.”

“But now ‘kan the situation is different, Dek. I've married. Namely you. I don't want to be served with my mother always. Shame,” reply Danim.

“Ya, already. I'll buy it tomorrow at the shop. What's the trouble anyway?” rahmah did not comply with her husband's request. “Kaying affair ‘gini distributed?”

Danim doesn't know the real reason. Is it because Rahmah is still ashamed or unable to cook? Long before they were married, Danim had his own cooking utensils and food. That's because the man diligently sets aside salary money every month for his mother. The heart wants to give. But in reality, the money was collected by the mother and bought household appliances. “Nothing, Son. This is all for you later if you are married,” said Ms. Danim at that time. “Seeing you're married, I'm happy. Don't think anything about Mom. Anyway, I've all prepared.”

Shamed and in order to avoid petty quarrels in the days of the bride, Danim had to intervene alone in the kitchen. Cooking for herself and Rahma. Thankfully, he is good at that. That's thanks to often helping the mother cook first, rather than wandering unclear with her friends.

“Your wife isn't cooking, son?” danim's mother asked one day to find her son was busy in the kitchen.

Danim smile. “Rahmah sapped, Mom. Poor to go home from work.”

“Ooohh,” reply Mother Danim did not want to ask much. Though it was not the first time to see Danim busy himself. Even so, never had the old woman fought both of me with her daughter-in-law.

The thing that upset Danim the most also happened at night. His mother was busy alone in the kitchen with no one to help, while Rahmah preferred to sleep in the room.

“Dek, help Mom in kitchen dong. Poor Mother cook alone tuh,” said Danim.

Rahma does not budge. Even spoiled she seduced her husband. “We just take a walk yuk, Bang. While looking at the people on firecrackers. Really excited about the horror.”

“Dek, I said also please help Mom. Not even a walk,” said Danim began to be upset.

“Biarin ngapa, Bang. Mom must have understood too. We ‘kan are still newlyweds,” elak Rahmah without feeling guilty.

“Yes but not necessarily now dong, Dek. Later if Mother's work is done, then we go for a walk.”

“Nightnight rush, Bang. Not fun to see it.”

“You were saying how hard is it?”

“Lagian Brother also does not want to know his own wife.”

“Lho? Who doesn't know who you are? Brother just—“

“Au ah! Mah brother ‘that's the same me. Selfish!” rahmah wants to cry.

Out of annoyance, Danim leaves Rahmah in the room alone. She helped her mother work in the kitchen. Though he had intended to go to the mosque to follow the takbiran with other male neighbors.

Incongruity over the attitude of Rahmah so far, a little missed after the age of their marriage stepped almost eight years. Inadvertently, when Danim was staying at the house of in-laws with Rahmah and their two children during Ramadan. The man noticed that his mother-in-law was busy alone in the kitchen preparing dishes for the meal. While Rahmah herself was more engrossed in her night worship, then continued the Quran.

“Umi, did you not help your mother in the kitchen? Poor alone, though. Where is old so,” Danim said so close to Rahmah.

“Abi can't see me again naji?” The woman asked back.

“Iya, I see. But the salary ‘kan can be detar abis Subuh or noon later. Now it's time to eat sahur, Umi.”

“Abi, this ‘kan fasting month. I also have to worship a lot. Pahala nyari. At that time Abi did not understand?” The voice of Rahma began to rise.

“Yes, I understand that. Continue, preparing food for the family is not worship?”

“Ah, you don't fuss, Bi. Early in the morning it was so noisy. It's there. You also get a lot of salary. Let us both collect the reward. Make provisions in the afterlife later. Sana, don't bother me!”

Danim had to give up. Don't want their voices to be heard outside. The man also prefers to go to the kitchen, helping his mother-in-law.

“Lho what are you doing here, Nak?” ask mother-in-law.

Danim feels clumsy. “Mau help Mom. Since then I was alone in the kitchen.”

“Nothing, Son. I'm used to this.”

Get used to? Is that the custom in the family of Rahma? Danim's forehead is wrinkled. It is fitting that his wife's behavior is not much different when she was living with her mother Danim first.

Danim knows, Rahmah cannot cook. Evidently, after a month of undergoing the newlyweds, the man decided to live apart from his family. Contracting home. In the new place, Rahmah is quite good at cooking. It's just not so deft in the matter of cleaning and maintaining neatness. Always have a reason if reminded of the condition of a dirty dusty rented house outside. “I was if nyapu like the power of pegel-pegel nih hands, Bang. This part ‘kan is not our home. Just contract aja.”

On the other hand about his activities with the study group and the party outside, Rahmah was very enthusiastic. I never heard him complain. Especially during the campaign season. Often even leave the house without the permission of the husband.

“I ‘kan go liqa, Bang. Reviewing. Why also this business must say the same to you? Outside I do not mess around,” said Rahmah when reprimanded Danim after his departure.

“Iya, I believe you are indeed a saw, Dek. But at least if you want to come out, tell me. So I came home from work and did not find you, not until it was like ‘gini. After all, a wife who wants to travel, must ask permission first with me. Your husband, Deck. The hell about this you don't understand? During the study from a long time ago, you were najai what the hell?” Danim started to get emotional.

“Halah, about this alone distributed anyway, Bang.”

“I'm not making a storm. Just tell. Legal requirements, Dek.”

“Already. I'm tired. If you want to eat, I bought it outside. I want to rest first.” Rahma rushed to the room. Leaving her husband still dumbfounded. The man kept trying to be patient and hoped that someday, the Grace would change.

At other times if Danim went out of the house without Rahmah's knowledge, the woman immediately searched him with various scolding.

“Where are you going, Bang? Go not say the same wife! What do you think I am? Left at will ‘gitu. Where is your responsibility as head of household?” exclaim Rahmah as soon as Danim just set foot in the house.

“You were asleep, Dek. I can't bear to build it,” Danim replied.

“Reason alone! Just so you know, Bang, I'm here because of you. Husband nggut. Now it has moved here even left at will ‘gitu. Basic selfish!”

“Lho? Who is selfish?”

“Yes, you! From the first also you were stubborn indeed ‘kan? I'm beating myself up with your real sister, if you want to know! Just like your father!”

“Yes God, Deck. Why bring my family with you anyway? If you want to be angry, just focus on our problems. Don't stretch to the other. Moreover my father everything you mention.”

“Bodo highly! Are you a stubborn descendant ‘kan?”

“Adek!”

For the first time in the history of their household, Danim had no power to hold back anger. An electric iron from a wedding gift from Rahmah's friend became a victim. Crushed to pieces in Danim's slam.

Such is. From the beginning of building a household, squabbles for the sake of quarrels often color their days. From a small thing that does not need to be contradicted though, it can spark great disputes. Surprisingly, with such conditions never once berserk intentions to separate or divorce.

Until then one day, Rahmah was two-bodied ....