Because I Don't Want to Lose
64 - Convinced

Speculation has emerged following news of Ridwan's death.  Most suspect the cause is unnatural, considering Ridwan was diligent in exercising and maintaining his health.

Naira who was told about the passing of her biological father for good, cried softly. Just like Anaya, even though her relationship with Ridwan is long-spanning, it remains that the little girl is grieving the loss of her biological father.

“Are we going to see him buried, Ma?” ask Naira.

Randi who asked for an opinion, strictly forbid. He said the situation was not safe. Izzar's whereabouts are unknown, coupled with Ridwan's sudden death.

“You don't go anywhere.”

Anaya according. He himself will feel uncomfortable being present in the middle of the Ridwan family. From the speech of Mr. Arsyad the other day and the story of his staff, read already the big family Ridwan split. Between Mr. Arsyad who seemed to punish his own son, and his wife who defended desperately Ridwan.

The day after being buried, Anaya invited Naira to visit Ridwan's tomb with Randi and two other men.

Beside the wet mound covered with flowers, an old man sat on a chair. He looked at the gravestone with the name of his son.

At first, Anaya hesitated to approach. However, Mr. Arsyad has already seen his presence and Naira. Hand waves. I don't want Anaya to come near him.

The three of them don't talk to each other. Just smiling, then speechlessly staring at the mute tomb before them. Their eyes and faces are sad. Although there were no tears dripping, sorrow colored each other's attitudes.

After some time, Naira shook Anaya's hand.

“I'm done praying.”

Anaya nodded. He stood up to say goodbye. Arsyad stood up too.

“Can we talk to you for a minute?” Mr. Arsyad looked at Anaya.

“Ya.” Anaya also wanted to meet and talk directly about Izzar, and many things.

“In my car only.”

Mr. Arsyad called his assistant who had been watching not far away. The young man approached and guided his tired steps. Anaya followed behind. He codes Randi to take care of Naira.

Inside a luxury sedan parked in the cool, Anaya sits next to her former in-laws. The driver and his assistant were waiting outside. The front door windows were deliberately left slightly on either side, so that there was still fresh air coming in.

Randi and his driver have moved their car close together. Anaya was calm because Naira was still within reach of her eyes.

Mr. Arsyad closed his eyes.

“Izzar where? When is he back?” Anaya launched a question that for days did not find the answer. He did not care as much as the old man beside him was grieving the loss of his imprisoned son through the hands of others.

“You don't have to worry. I'm in charge of him.”

“But how many days he has not heard. If suddenly his fate like Ridwan how?” Anaya's lips twitched.

The old man sighed. His old face is getting bigger.

“I won't let that happen.”

“Why not be fair?” Anaya. “Why was Ridwan left in jail until he died?”

“It's hard for me, to defend a man who intends to kill me, let alone his own son. Exceed betrayed his own wife it feels.”

Anaya. Suspicious.

“Don't you think I had something to do with his death!” Mr. Arsyad's voice is sharp. Prevent Anaya's thoughts from moving wildly. “As a father, I remain grieved by his passing.”

Arsyad looked at Anaya.

“If it's done. Please.Let us alone. Do not involve Izzar again in any work matter, or associate it with the life of Naira.” Anaya.

“Despite Ridwan's troubles, I just want you and Naira to be happy. Ensuring you won't be lacking.”

“While the initial way was unusual, Naira and I have been very happy with Izzar. We feel enough about what we have. Let me think about Naira's future well-being. Please, no longer use me and Naira to threaten Izzar. Because, he would definitely do anything for us without caring about the risk.” Anaya begged.

“You and Izzar... same thing.” Mr. Arsyad sighed.

Anaya tilted her body slightly, in order to freely look at the old man beside her.

“Finally, I understand now. Why do you two end up so unconcerned about the material and the chance to get more. The desperate reason you used to marry Izzar, as well as the reason Izzar gave up everything I gave for you and Naira.”

Attentive, Anaya awaits further speech.

“A few hours before Izzar disappeared, he sent me a letter releasing the project and company stock from me. He did not ask for anything, except permission and blessing in order to stay with the two of you.”

Anaya smiled. He felt both moved and flattered.

“Different from my family. No one stood up for me who had struggled to meet all the needs, facilities, and advantages. My son is not satisfied. Same with his mother. You already know that my wife is suing for divorce and imprisoning the gono gini treasure?”

“Sorry..” Anaya is concerned to hear it.

“All blame me. I'm tired, Anaya. Weight loadku.” Mr. Arsyad's old eyes glared out the window of the car. “

“If you already know the load is heavy, do not continue to be borne. Put down, or even let go. Sometimes we just need to scale what priorities we need. Me and Izzar are different from my father. We are willing to release the material so that we can stay together. While the Father, trying to maintain the material in order to remain loved. In fact, no matter how big a treasure, can not bind one's heart to remain loyal.” Anaya said wisely based on her own experience.

“If I was asked to exchange all the treasures I have with the return of Izzar, I would have given them all. I have indeed left him. But, right now I don't want to lose him again.” Anaya let a tear flow slowly on her cheek.

He turned his face to the window. There's no stuffing. But that clear drop of tears was a pure expression of his heart. The hard sheath in his heart had decayed and displayed his fragile self.

Mr. Arsyad was stunned to see Anaya's pain. Admittedly, he often misjudged his former daughter-in-law. In the past, it was thought that Anaya wanted to marry Ridwan because of Ridwan's background as the son of a wealthy businessman. However, later she is stunned by Anaya's hard work and how she doesn't hang herself on her husband. The sincerity of his silly sacrifice for Naira also arouses him. In her heart she was grateful Anaya found the man responsible for her.

In his silence, Mr. Arsyad pondered and before then believed something that he considered to be true and best.

“Anaya.”

Anaya.

“You might think I'm the cause of all these problems. Ii'm sorry. And, I promise I will return Izzar to you.”

Mr. Arsyad's hand held Anaya's fingers. Convince him.

“Ya!” Anaya.

“But with one condition..”

Anaya complained. He was tired of the requirements. Can't this old man be selfless just once.

“I'll definitely be alone. My family chose to separate from me. I beg you not to leave me. Because, I also don't want to lose you guys.”

Mr. Arsyad's old eyes are a little watery. Anaya looked at him. The grasp of his former father-in-law was tight.

...***...