Between Love and Friendship
84

Tejo sat pensively on the front porch. A big house doesn't make it quieter. Laksmi's words this afternoon had a point. Why Ken a rich man even bothered his daughter who was just a village girl and from a family of ordinary farmers.

" What did you think?" Tanya Rasmini approached her husband.

" Is it okay for us to approve Naila's marriage, ma'am?" Tejo said with his heart.

" Naila looks happy, sir." Rasmini sat on the rattan chair next to Tejo.

" Laksmi's talk has a point, ma'am." Tejo took his breath in. " Ken the handsome young man was also wealthy. He's not from an ordinary person, ma'am. I'm afraid Ken is just using our son." Tejo looks worried.

" It's probably not, sir. Ken looks like a nice, well-mannered young man." Rasmini convinced Tejo.

" But, Mom..." Tejo no longer continued his words when he saw Ken's car stopped in front of their house.

Ken threw a smile at the middle-aged couple. Ken approached Rasmini and Tejo and kissed the back of their hands.

" Just got home, son?'" Sapa Rasmini's.

" Yes, Mom." Answer Ken. " I stopped by the bakery. Nice snack." Said Ken and gave a parcel to Rasmini.

" Sit Ken." Tejo orders and pats the chair that was in Rasmini's seat.

Ken sat down following Tejo's orders.

" What's up, sir?" Ken asked staring at Tejo flat.

" You're handsome, rich, smart again. Lahh kok want the same father who usually comes from a poor family again." Tejo looked at Ken.

Ken fixed his sitting position. " Poor or rich makes no difference in the eyes of God." Ken started the answer. " Why would I want to be with Naila. Because Naila is the right girl for me." Ken answered with conviction.

" But there must be a lot of girls chasing after your love, anyway!" The Rasmini who had just come out brought a cup of warm tea to Ken.

Ken smiled in response to Rasmini's words and thanked her for the tea Rasmini had made.

" You have no intention of playing with your father, do you?" Tejo asked with an anxious look on his face.

" Related, Sir. I'll really be responsible." Ken said convincingly.

" Thank God." Rasmini seemed relieved to hear Ken's reply. " But you can ask me something?"

" Please, Mom."

" You're the same Naila hasn't done anything, right?" Rasmini asked in a whispering voice. Danger if Ningsih or Laksmi heard. You can fry Rasmini speech later.

" So, Mom." Ken replied while holding his smile. " I often take Naila. But that's just ahead of Naila's boarding. I never went in there." Ken explained in his small laugh. Her prospective in-laws are suspicious of Ken.

" Yes really?"

" Yes mother." Ken's convinced. Ken glanced at the clock on his wrist. " I'm a clearance, ma'am. It's the night."

" Lohs.. I haven't called Naila." Rasmini looked surprised.

" Next time, Mom. Anyway, I just wanted to give you this. Talk to mom and dad."

" oah. Sorry Ken." Tejo said it felt bad . " Do you have another appointment?"

" Related, Sir. But I'm gonna finish some work." Answer Ken and kiss the back of Rasmini's and Tejo's hands alternately.

" Brains on the road." Tejo reminded Ken.

" Bapak nii. Inform. Ken's a good boy." Rasmini felt her feelings as a mother were right.

" Hallahhs. Afraid of Laksmi's words?!" Sergeh Rasmini was anxious with the thoughts of her husband. " Just yesterday afternoon's son was horrified." Said Rasmini and left Tejo outside alone.

*******

Zara wiped away her tears that were coming down incessantly. News about Alfi being dropped again. Makes her cry. Zara was only able to see the condition of Alfi from the glass in the ICU room. Doctors who handle the condition can breathe a sigh of relief because the vital organs of Alfi back stable.

" What is the situation with Alfie?" Ask Ken who just came to Zara.

Look at Ken coming. Zara immediately hugged Ken tightly and cried on Ken's chest. Ken stroked Zara's back gently. When Ken just left Naila's house. Zara reported that Alfi Drop and again declared critical. Without wasting time. Ken turned his car into the hospital where Alfi was being treated.

" Patience, Zar." Ken said calmly.

" Alessi...." Zara sobbing.

" Alfi must be healed, Zar."

Zara could only sob in Ken's arms. Ken was only able to give a hug to strengthen Zara. Not more. Right now, Zara desperately needed the support of the people nearby.

******

The day Ken and Naila are waiting for arrives. With a white dress that looks simple but Naila looks very beautiful and elegant. Following her parents' footsteps, Naila entered the room where Ken had been waiting for her at the table. Ken looks very handsome with a white suit matching Naila's dress.

Naila and Ken sitting next to each other in front of Ken had Tejo ready in a suit and there was a penghulu. With one breath. Ken was able to recite the ijab qabul calmly and clearly. Naila crying haru. Now the man beside her had officially become her husband.

The atmosphere of Ken's wedding party was luxurious and lively attended by relatives and many colleagues.

" Finally Ken. Release single time." Said Desta full of joy.

" Yes." Ken Say. " Sweet Alfi's not here." Ken bowed listlessly.

After Ken's wedding ended. Ken and Naila decide to stay temporarily with Naila's family. Ken wants Naila in the middle of his family before they return home.

" I want to look at Alfie. What can?" Ken asked Naila who was busy combing her hair.

" Should it be now?"

" should. It is incomplete if this happiness is not present." Ken.

Naila threw her smile and nodded.

" Thank you." Ken peed his wife's forehead.

Although Ken's kiss was only fleeting. But being able to make Naila riveted. The first time Ken peed his forehead. Ken got out and drove his car to the hospital.

Arriving at the hospital. There was no one waiting for Alfie in the waiting room. Ken shouldn't be able to get in at this hour. But with the permission of the doctor who guards Alfie. Ken was allowed to visit Alfie.

Ken stared at Alfi who was starting to look thin. His closed eyes looked sunken.

" I came here to say. My wedding is good, Al." Say Ken and pull the chair to the side of Alfi's bed. " Why don't you come, Al? You don't want to give me congratulations?" Ken continued to chatter as if Alfi could be spoken to.

" Wake up, Al. I miss your silly behavior!" Now Ken's voice is starting to crackle. Ken could not hold back his tears. Ken took his breath and tried to regulate his emotions. Tightness in the chest is felt Ken saw the condition of Alfi. Without Ken knowing. A drop of Ken's tears fell right on Alfi's hand.

" His hand is moving, sir." Said a nurse who happened to see Alfi's hand showing a response.

Ken noticed. Right enough. Alfie responded to all his words. Alfi slowly twitched her eyes as if trying to open her eyes.

" Oh.." Call Ken. Alfie continued to respond to Ken.