Ballad First Wife
Let Me Kiss

Elsa's eyes looked sparkling. He moved his hand to grab the phone from Bu Hera's hand.

"Thank you" he said softly. "There's still one request, Ra. Promise me you'll fulfill it too!"

Without thinking, I nodded. In my mind Elsa will definitely leave Ardi, her son.

Elsa smiled again. "My second request, I'll send it after treatment. If I can recover, Ra. Promise me you won't disavow."

"I promise. Be calm. Treat it calmly. Then go home healthy. I will fulfill whatever your request."I'm sincere.

"Thank you, Ra."

Elsa's face disappeared. He decided on a call. I sat thinking about my decision. Married to Salman?

I squinted at my temple because my head suddenly felt dizzy.

Tok

"Lake in!"

"Mom, you're meeting with me."

I'm nodding. Yes, it is morning if there is a meeting discussing next year's budget.

I entered the meeting room. Shortly thereafter, Alan arrived. He looked at me for a moment and sat in his chair.

The meeting lasted about an hour. After the meeting, I went back to my room. I checked my phone which was vibrating continuously during the meeting.

"Mas Ahmad, what's he calling me so much?"

I felt anxious to see the missed call from Mas Ahmad, my older brother who lives in my hometown with his mother.

I was about to call Mas Ahmad, but he called me again.

"Assalamualaikum, Mom! What was? Mommy all right?" I immediately asked my mother's situation. I'm worried that his health is declining. Ever since I learned of my divorce, my mother has been devastated. He gets sick often.

"Good mother. Even now he is very happy to hear the news that you will get married again." replied Mas Ahmad surprised me.

"Married again?"

"Yes. Ms. Hera called Mas. And say that you're ready to marry Salman."

"Oh.sorry Fira hasn't told you about the sudden meeting."

Why did Ms. Hera tell my family.

"It's okay. The phone call just wanted to make sure, do you really want Salman's wife?"

"I made a promise to Elsa. If I want to marry Salman."

"Ra, don't do it because you have to. Ask your heart, do you really want Salman's wife."

Ask my heart. Heart says...

"Yes, Mas. I want to."

"Goodoo. That's enough for Mas. Yes, yes, closed. Good work."

"Yes, it's."

I put my phone down and sat back down. I exhaled a strong breath.

Why does it feel so heavy today.

I closed my eyes.

Brother Salman. I used to steal to see that he was sitting in front of his class. Our classes are facing. I always sit by the window to see Salman. The most handsome guy in school. There are many good looking people, including Alan. But Salman is different. It doesn't spread charm. It even tends to be weak in women. He is only interested in sports. But the more he chuckles, the more curious girls start to pursue his love. And finally many disappointed. I do admire Brother Salman, even already in love. But I remained silent, not daring to approach just looking at him from afar. Until I finally got to know him when Alan took him to my house. Since then, Salman has always greeted each time we passed each other at school. We often take the same bus when we go to school.

I flinched from the daydreams of the past as my phone rang again. Video call from Elsa again.

I lifted her up, but strangely it was not Elsa's face that appeared but rather a scene that confused me. I saw Brother Salman dressed neatly and wearing a peci sitting in front of a father who seemed to be giving advice to Brother Salman.

Brother Salman listened to him solemnly, occasionally nodding.

"Sa!"

Elsa didn't answer my call. He is still pointing his phone camera towards Kak Salman. The father reached out his hand and was greeted by Brother Salman

I put my ears on so I could hear what they were saying. The picture of Salman and the fathers grew closer and his voice was also clear. Elsa approached them.

"Brother Salman Bin Abdullah I marry and marry you to Hayati Nur Zafira bint Abdurahman with a dowry of a set of jewels worth 100 million in cash!"

"How's witness?Right?"

"Well!"

"How is the witness of the bride." asked the fathers sitting in front of Kak Salman on the cell phone held by the man next to Kak Salman.

"Well!"

Mas Ahmad's. That's Mas Ahmad's voice.

I looked up at what Elsa was showing on the phone screen.

Salman's brother has married me.

They were there praying solemnly.

"By!" elsa's face is on the screen. "Congratulations on the wedding." Elsa smiled but in her eyes I could see sadness.

"Sa." I said softly. I don't know what to say. Shock.for sure.

"Ra, I'm flying to Singapore this afternoon. Don't forget your promise."

I'm nodding. "May you heal Sa."

"You're not afraid when I recover and ask Brother Salman again from you?" ask Elsa

"Well!"

Elsa laughed and ended the call.

Marrying. I'm married again. I am now the wife of Salman. My feelings are mixed.

brackets

The door to my room was opened hard. Alan stood there with his strange gaze.

Does he know my marriage.

Alan's eyes were red and watery. He came in and closed the door and walked right up to me. Pull my hand until I stand. Alan hugged me tightly.

"Lan!" I tried to get away from Alan but I couldn't. Alan's hug was so strong that even I was claustrophobic.

"Don't push me, just this once. Then I'll try to forget you." Alan's voice shook. I felt something cold touch my shoulder. My shoulder feels wet.

Alan was crying

I swallowed spit. I slowly raised my hand and patted Alan on the back.

"You why? Please let me go. I can't breathe." I said.

Alan let go of his embrace. He rubbed his eyes.

"I'm going to marry Anita. Mother did recklessly. He knew we were lying to him and also about my illness. He knew I was lying about my illness. He is currently being treated for slitting his wrist. And he threatened to do more if I still refused this match."

Alan looked very depressed.

"Do it for your mother. I'm sure the choice is right. Anita Lan's good girl. You must be happy."

Alan smiled bitterly.

"I love you Ra." said Alan and laughed softly, "I know it's free to express my feelings. But I want to say it. For the last time before I belong to another woman. Hail Nur Zafira, I love you. From our High School, I've loved you."

Alan tried to grab my hand, but I dodged it. I remember now I'm Salman's wife. I have to take care of myself. I backed off and stayed away from Alan.

"That's what you hate about me, Ra, so I can't touch you." Alan looked disappointed.

"I don't hate you Lan. You're my best friend. You're always there when I need help. That's why I sincerely pray for your happiness." I said earnestly.

Alan smiled again. The forced smile. Smile full of sadness.

"Ra, can you please fulfill one of my requests!" Alan Pinta.

Why there are so many requests today.

"I don't know whether I can or not. Just tell me, if I can I will fulfill it." I replied.

"Ra, this may sound crazy. But, can I kiss you?"

****