Because I Don't Want to Lose
9 - Ultimatums

“How are you Anaya?”

“Ehm... Good!” With a heartless heart, Anaya greeted her former father-in-law, then sat down next to Izzar.

“As usual yes... always busy working until home night.”.

Mr. Arsyad's tone of voice was very flat, but it felt sharply reproachful in Anaya's heart. He feels cornered. Want Anaya to argue, but it will definitely be free. As in the past, it was always him who was the most guilty figure.

“You as a husband, don't mind your wife working till night?” Mr. Arsyad instead asked Izzar.

Anaya looked at Izzar. He hopes Izzar does not come to corner him.

“Today Anaya came home late because it was just noon to leave for the office, take care and wait for Naira to go home from school first. As long as Anaya can divide the time, no problem she works.” Izzar held onto Anaya's shoulder, pretending to be supportive and friendly.

Although somewhat uneasy, Anaya smiled in evasion. He was relieved Izzar was smart to play his part. Mr. Arsyad looked at Anaya and Izzar alternately. I don't know what's on his mind.

Anaya waited for a slur what else he would receive from Mr. Arsyad. He resigned with the usual blasphemy directed at him since his relationship and Ridwan used to worry. Even if he feels Mr. Arsyad has no right to interfere in his life anymore.

“Actually I have something to talk to you about. That's why I was waiting for you. But, since it's too late now, tomorrow morning you come to my office.” Mr. Arsyad stood up.

Anaya and Izzar were completely unmoved to prevent. Both were glad that the uninvited guest decided to go home. Especially Izzar, who was forced to accompany Mr. Arsyad due to Anaya's indifference. Izzar kept his regret in his heart. He can't be angry. He thought it was the way Anaya retaliated for her discomfort at the arrival of Mama Izzar the other day.

The next day, with heavy steps, Anaya came to Mr. Arsyad's office. His former father-in-law was a wealthy businessman who never spoiled his children. His three children including Ridwan had to work alone for his life. It's just that, it turns out that Ridwan is not demoted by the nature of Pak Arsyad who is hardworking and full of ambition to build his business.

Anaya ushered Pak Arsyad's secretary into a spacious workspace dominated by white shades. Once inside, eyes will be immediately fixed on the painting of a large horse on the wall. The horse is a symbol of power and strength. Such is the picture imaged in Mr. Arsyad. Powerful and authoritative which sometimes intimidates.

“You came alone?” asked Mr. Arsyad as soon as Anaya sat across from his big, clean, dustless desk.

“Self.”

“You know what I'm going to talk to you about?”

Anaya. Although on the way earlier he had expected this conversation was most likely related to Naira.

“When is Naira's birthday?” ask Mr. Arsyad.

“Two months away,” Anaya replied. He's not sure Mr. Arsyad doesn't remember his first grandson's birthday.

Mr. Arsyad. Anaya sat quietly waiting.

“You know I'm sick?”

“Sick? What pain?” Anaya could not hide her surprise. In his eyes, Mr. Arsyad seemed to be in good health even though he looked older than the last time they met.

“There's a problem in my heart. At any time I could have been hit by an attack that could be fatal,” replied Mr. Arsyad calmly.

Anaya Pilu's heart, remembering his father who died of congenital heart disease. Duh, why does Mr. Arsyad also have the same problem.

"I don't know until when I'm old, which is why, before anything happens, I want to make sure my grandchildren receive my inheritance from now on. I don't want when I die later, my children to fight over my legacy.”

True to Anaya's guess. This meeting will discuss Naira.

“For Naira, I have prepared some funds and assets. I plan to give it to him on his birthday. And, since he is a minor, the management will be handed over to you as his guardian. But, since you suddenly remarry, .. it seems like I should reconsider my plan.” Mr. Arsyad looked at Anaya.

Indeed, Anaya does not care about inheritance issues. Because, although his parents also left a lot of treasure, he was used to working hard to get his wish. He believes, later Naira will appreciate the pleasure of money from her own sweat.

“Now you must be busy with work, new husband and Naira. In order not to bother, why don't you just hand Naira over to Ridwan?” fishing rod Mr. Ridwan.

“Ridwan is also his father!” talk about Mr. Arsyad.

“Please, don't separate Naira from me.” Anaya begged. “If Ridwan does want Naira's legacy, let him take it. I just want Naira with me.”

“Ridwan wants it?” Mr. Ridwan looked at Anaya questioningly.

Anaya swallowed her saliva. He felt he was speaking wrong. Even so, he refused to explain or rectify it. Fortunately Mr. Arsyad did not pry it further.

“You love your husband?” Mr. Arsyad's question which was beyond suspicion surprised him.

“Iya.” Anaya tried to answer with a firm tone, even though his mind was struggling.

“I've investigated your husband. Before she married you, she was in debt. Once married to you, the debt paid off immediately. You helped her?”

“Iya,” Anaya replied honestly. “What is wrong wife helping her husband? Even when I was with Ridwan, I helped him a lot.”

“I know that. But, you haven't known your husband for long. I know you've only known a few weeks.” Mr. Arsyad doubted it.

“Is approach time a guarantee? Ridwan and I dated for four more years, but our marriage only lasted 3 years.”

Mr. Arsyad was silent. He knows his ex-daughter-in-law is smart. He personally regretted Anaya's separation from Ridwan, because he considered Anaya had something in common with him. Persistent and not giving up easily.

“I chose to marry Izzar because he was a good man, and Naira liked him. Izzar helped me a lot to take care of Naira.” Anaya tries to give the impression that her marriage is no joke.

“If your husband asks you to give up your career, just be a housewife, you want?”

Aih! What kind of question is this. The traps?

“If he can meet all our needs, just maybe.” Anaya answered diplomatically.

“That's what you demanded also from Ridwan first... Will your husband be able to? Isn't he broke now?”

Anaya. It's like he's going through a trial right now.

“Izzar hardworking men. It was proven that he had a successful company. If he was now in a position to lose everything, wouldn't it be commonplace in business? Sometimes gain, sometimes loss? … The problems he faces must be learning that will make him more successful again,” said Anaya straightforwardas.

Mr. Arsyad smiled meaningfully. “You seem to know your husband very well.”

Anaya's lips widened, smiling. Indeed, he astonished himself with his judgment of Izzar. Was the man really what he described?

“Will he be harassing Naira's treasure?” Mr. Arsyad is still not satisfied with Izzar.

“I guarantee ngga. Because, before marriage we have made a written agreement that does not allow him to interfere with my ownership and Naira.” Anaya quickly and firmly replied. He did not lie about it, because it is true stated in his marriage contract with Izzar.

Mr. Arsyad took a breath and leaned his body on his seat of power. He seemed to think. Anaya massaged the tip of her fingers. Looking forward to further questions from Mr. Arsyad.

“Alright! … I'll wait another year. Hopefully my life is long enough to hand over my inheritance directly to Naira. If not, my lawyer will arrange for the handover to take place when Naira has her seventh birthday.”

Anaya silently listened.

“I hope your marriage lasts. Don't you think I'll just shut up. I'll keep an eye on Naira, my way. Just a little bit your husband bullied Naira, he's done! … And if anything untoward happens to Naira, then you must hand the child over to Ridwan!”

The threat and ultimatum of Mr. Arsyad made Anaya shivering and fretting instantly.

...***...