CUTS
Degs...

The sound of people greeting was heard while we were relaxing while looking at Teuku's adorable behavior.

“Assalamualaikum.”

“Walaikumsalam.” replied Abu from the inside then moved from his seat to open the door.

From his voice I knew who the man behind the door was. Yes, that man is Rendra. The man came along while pinching a black plastic bag inside. From the smell released I can guess if the contents of the black plastic is food.

Rendra brought a few packs of egg martabaks. And you can guess who is the most greedy here. He is a little Rendra who loves to chew. Rendra held Teuku with one hand holding a plate containing martabak that Rendra ate.

“Cut, Revelation says if you want to meet Khalid's in-laws. Is that true?”

“Iya. Can I meet them?”

“I've asked permission. Tomorrow I invite you to meet them.”

I nodded small while looking at her in the eyes.

Degs...

Apparently he did the same. I quickly turned my face away. Why does it feel so hot? Something is wrong with the look in his eyes. Ah... I was really confused by this strange man.

“Abu, Umi, I'm sorry because only Cut can meet them. There is not a good place for Rendra so, Rendra just let at home the same Abu and Umi. Does Abu not mind?”

“No, Son. It's better that way. Just say our regards to them as well as our gratitude as they have helped Cut and Teuku during there.”

Rendra gave a small nod and then said goodbye to us.

“I'm sorry, tomorrow around 10 am I will pick up Cut.” he said shortly before leaving this house.

At 10am...

A car stopped in front of the house. I was prepared from earlier. Abu said the soldiers were always on time and there was no word to wait. So, from 9 o'clock I was ready to wait for Rendra's arrival.

“Assalamualaikum.” the voice of a man I have memorized.

“Walaikumsalam.” replied Abu who was also waiting in the living room.

“I'm sorry, Abu. Because I can't go in anymore. Is Cut ready?”

I approached Abu who was still standing at the door. “Cut, take this. Tell them from Umi.” Umi gave up a city wrapped in a rectangular cloth.

I did not know what it was and Rendra also stared at the package in full search. After all, he was still a soldier on duty in the worst-hit conflict area because for many years no word of peace had been created. So that the military soul of vigilance and suspicion is firmly attached in him.

I smiled a little seeing him staring at the box and then we immediately left after saying goodbye to Abu and Umi.

The awkwardness is back to me at this moment. We are on our way to the whereabouts of Kak Limah's parents. He looks different now. I've never seen the look on his face like now. I don't know what's on his mind right now.

Whatisthis? Once he talks about this. Without a word she confronted me with an invitation to get married. I kept quiet and thought about every word he said.

“Cut, answer me!” I was a little surprised because from his tone he was impressed he was forcing me.

“I can not answer because all the decisions are in the hands of Abu.” I dodged him to calm down. And it seems like my answer is powerful enough to silence him.

“Sorry because I rarely give word after coming home yesterday. I immediately continued my education and was sent back here a few months ago. I am so happy to see you back. I am sure you are the answer of my prayers.”

My throat was stuck hearing it. This strange man is expressing his feelings to me right now. I choose to be a good listener. I also don't know what to answer.

“Every time I look at your picture and pray that God will match us to the world. When I first saw you in the cave, I could hardly believe it. The woman I missed was right in front of my eyes with a troubling condition. My feelings are between joy and fear. I was happy to meet you and I was scared to see you lying unconscious. I'm afraid I'll have to look at you and let you go at the same time. I wouldn't be able to lose you in front of my eyes.”

I was still silent without a word. Deep down my heart felt strange knowing how she felt about me. However, I am confused as to how. What am I supposed to say? Do I like this weird guy? Does this feel like the opposite sex? Is this how a woman feels when she hears a man say to her? What Miftah felt was like this too. Actually, do I like this weird guy?

Ah.. I think I just want to scream.

“Cut, do you not like me?” I was shocked not because of his words but because of his sudden grasp of his hand.

Our views met for a while before he decided first because he was driving a car.

“Cut, answer honestly. Have you ever thought about me or liked me? You have to be honest at least to yourself.”

“Not mahram.”

“Come, I made mahram.” next to his hand still clasping my hand tightly even though I've been trying to pull it.

“How, have you ever thought of me for a moment or have I crossed your mind for just a moment?”

How I answer it. I was confused with his hand holding my hand from earlier. It felt like my chest was very tight and it was hard to breathe. Why is my heart beating so much? Is this how it feels to like someone? Why was this feeling not present when I was with Khalid? Ah.i'm confused.

The car we were riding suddenly stopped. I looked in the same direction. Rendra opened the window of the car then some other soldiers checked the contents of the car and the first item they checked was the package that Umi gave to Kak Limah's parents.

It turned out that the contents of the package were canned cakes. How shocked I was when they opened the can and checked it into the tin containing the biscuits. They also checked my bag which was only a prayer mat and a small wallet that contained only a few throwing rupiahs that Umi gave.

I glanced at Rendra who was observing my things. After checking everything, we got back in the car. Slowly, Rendra drove the car into an area that if in my area called headquarters but this is in large size. I see so many men in smeared clothes here. Their trucks are also many and various types.

“Security here is very tight. Who's here is being checked even if the soldiers are like me because I'm bringing in civilians and it's still something to do with the rebels. Hence, I cannot prevent them from searching for you. Moreover, many soldiers who defected and joined the rebels.”

I could only nod listening to Rendra's explanation. The car stopped next to a green building.

“Come down! We have arrived.”

***

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