Dusk (And Taste)
Chapter 127

"Are you sure you don't want to tell Brother, Ra?" tanya Bara broke the silence created on the way home from Mikayla's house.

The girl with the slightly messy hijab looked at Bara wistfully. Pilu who had forgotten was now back dancing and laughing cheerfully. Pain in the heart strikes again. Inviting tears that form a puddle.

"If you don't want to, you won't force you. But, don't lie to you by saying you're okay. Because, you're not gonna believe that."

He bowed. Tears poured down her cheeks. The falling points also managed to wet the tip of the hijab in his wear. I don't know how many tears he has shed today. But even to stop him from coming out, he had no power.

"Where's Reyhan now?"

His face slowly lifted and looked at Bara. "Last I saw him at the office. And now I don't know where he is. My phone was turned off on purpose."

"Why?"

"She's been calling me incessantly. While I am still reluctant even if I just hear his voice."

"All right."

He threw his gaze towards the highway which as usual seemed to be stuck. Clearly imprinted puff of smoke contributed by the exhausts of vehicles passing by.

"Where do you want your brother to take you? To Reyhan's office or home?"

"To Mother's house" he answered quickly.

Bara threw a confused look at him. "Have you given Reyhan permission?"

He nodded.

The vibration of Bara's cell phone placed on the car's dashboard did not make it distract from the streets. Unlike Bara, instant attention is seized.

"Ranchan."

Bara's heavy voice calling the name of the man with the status of her husband made her close her eyes. His hands clasped tightly onto his chest which was beginning to feel tight.

"Thank you" he said, forcing his voice out.

Bara scrolls the screen of his phone, receiving a call from his sister-in-law. Meanwhile, the girl in pink hijab looked back at the streets with many vehicles passing by.

"Where's elo?"

Her ears clearly captured Reyhan's voice from across the phone.

"Against the road. Wh why? Elo find Nadhira?" tanya Bara looked ordinary.

"I. yes," Reyhan replied stammeringly. And of course, there was a little fear from his voice.

"Elo don't worry. Nadhira is me. The road to the house."

"Huh! Alright. I'm going back to Mother's house now. I'll wait there. Please take good care of Aleeana."

"Yes." Yeah."

Connection interrupted.

"Why did you tell the man that you were with your sister?" he said with a sharp look.

"Lho, why? Reyhan your husband. He deserves to know where you are."

"But, sister doesn't want to meet him!" he shouted with mounting anger.

"Why? Why don't you want to meet your husband?"

"He has made me hurt and disappointed. I saw him hugging another woman in his room." The issue is getting stronger.

"Huh? You're right, Ra?"

"For what did I lie to you, brother? Why would I vilify my husband in front of my brother?"

"Alright, Ra. Maybe you just misunderstood. You haven't asked for clarity either, have you?"

He's mumbling. Perched in his place.

"Do you know that woman?"

"Elmeera. The woman who is said to be his best friend and considered his own sister."

Bara. His hands were tightly grasping the handlebar of the car. His brain recalls what happened a few months ago when he found Reyhan hugging Elmeera at the airport. The anger is mounting.

"We're home. At home later you can solve your problems with Reyhan."

"But I don't want to meet that man, Bang," he said.

"Ra, that problem has to be solved. Not that you leave like this."

"Abang, I just need some time to accept that. How could I quickly forget the scene where my husband was hugging another woman?"

"As far as you are. But I'm still gonna take you home. Not to Reyhan's house. If you don't want to see him, you can go straight to the room."

He's silent. His gaze returned to the bustle of the city streets.

"I'm hungry, Bang. Can we stop for a while at the minimarket to buy food?"

Bara. Clearly at Mikayla's house she saw her sister eating so voraciously. "Huh? You hungry? Wasn't it at Mikayla's house that you ate a lot, Ra?"

"It's not your sister who's hungry, Bang. But, Brother's nephew who has asked for rations. What do I do other than fulfill his wish?"

"Oh, really?" ask Bara with a glowing face. For some reason lately Bara always feel enthusiastic when Nadhira calls his son.

Nadhira nodded slowly. The girl wiped away the remaining tears that were still welling up on her eyelids with the tip of the pink hijab that was worn to cover her beautiful crown.

"Now look for minimarket. Brother will buy whatever your nephew wants" Bara said cheerfully.

"Gee... Very nice brother. My sister loves my brother."

"It's not for you, yeah, Ra. But, to the angels Abang," said Bara and felt anxious himself.

"Lho, kok Anxious brother himself, yes, Dik. In fact, Brother is more impatient to wait for the presence of your son," continued Bara.

"Makanya Abang immediately married. Let Brother quickly have children too."

Bara chuckled and scratched his nape which was not itchy at all. "Yes, it'll be a minute, Ra. Marriage also requires mental preparation. Not just getting married. Moreover, the woman that you will marry is still the same as you. The childish nature for you must elus chest repeatedly."

"But, Mikayla is a good woman, attentive. He's patient, too, Bang."

Bara nodded. He pulled his car right in front of a minimarket. "You coming or waiting for you in the car?"

Nadhira tapped his index finger on his forehead. Trying to weigh the questions Bara.

"How's it?"

"Sister come along, Bang. Let's be picky about the right food and what your nephew likes."

The two brothers walked together into the minimarket. Like a husband and wife. Some other visitors threw a look at them. Perhaps, people think the two humans are indeed a real married couple. Moreover, Bara never let go of his grip on Nadhira's small hand. Every now and then Bara whispered something that made the distressed girl laugh loudly. Both are like happy couples. Befit.

A grandmother walked up to them with a fluffy smile. He showed his teeth some of which were dated. "Your wife is beautiful, son," said the Grandmother without further ado.

The two throw confused eyes at each other. However, a second later the look of the confused face turned into a smile that adorned the faces of the two.

"Sorry, Grandma. This is not my wife. But, my sister."

"Gee... Grandma thought it was your wife, son. You guys look so good when you join hands like this."

Nadhira gave a small laugh hearing the praise of the old woman before him.