Dusk (And Taste)
Chapter 47

“Mama,” call the girl lethargic. Her usual cheerful face now looks sad. He touched the arm of Mama who was engrossed in war with the kitchen tool in front of him.

“Why, Son ?” mama asked to turn to look at Nadhira who was beside her.

“Lho, why are your eyes so swollen like that ? Did you cry ?” ask Mama again with worry. Mom loved her daughter-in-law so much.

“Ma, how can a husband hide a very serious thing on his wife ? Is Papa like that to Mama too?”

“You mean Reyhan ?”

He nodded innocently.

My mother smiled calmly. Mama carried Nadhira's body sitting on a chair available in the kitchen.

“Son, sometimes there are some things that someone should consider not telling us the truth. It's not about him wanting to lie. But sometimes it just takes the right time. So, we can accept well the situation.”

He just kept silent to hear Mama's words.

“Mama wants to ask you something. Can ?”

He nodded.

“You already know Reyhan's true state. Do you still love Reyhan, son ?”

“Why did Mama ask like that ?”

“Because, Reyhan loves you too much.”

“Ma, Reyhan's sister has become Nadhira's husband. So, no matter what the circumstances, it would certainly not affect Nadhira's feelings for her. For whatever sake, Nadhira sincerely loves Reyhan's sister, Ma. really.”

“Reyhan didn't tell you about his condition from the beginning just because he was afraid of losing you. Afraid that you will leave him when he has you. She always said to Mom. You just leave once. Afterwards never again,” Mama said softly and bowed.

“Nadhira, Mama beg of you. Never leave Reyhan. Mom doesn't want to make things worse. Accompany Reyhan stepped,” pinta Mama welcomes in front of her daughter-in-law.

“Ma, without Mama asking for anything Nadhira would do. Isn't that Nadhira's duty as a wife ? Accompany her husband in all circumstances ?”

Mama looked at her daughter-in-law. He did not expect his little son-in-law to be able to think so far.

“Mama never worry. Nadhira will never leave Reyhan's sister. Nadhira will always be beside her. Be a good and devoted wife to her. Help Nadhira, huh, Ma ? If Nadhira makes the slightest mistake. Scroll Nadhira.”

“Iya, Darling. Thank you for accepting Reyhan with all his flaws.”

“Ma, Nadhira can ask Mama something?”

“Of course can.”

“Did Brother Reyhan often experience as before, Ma ?”

Mama smiled thinly. Then, down. “Too often, Son. Especially when he was already self-porsed by working to complete all office work. That's the reason why Mama forbade him to work again. In fact, Papa also asked him to quit the office. But he always insisted. My mom would rather see him at home. If that doesn't worsen the situation.”

Nadhira only heard the words that dangled from Mama's lips.

“Mama is happy she works. If he works not to aggravate his condition.”

Mama set her breath. He felt claustrophobic if he had remembered the situation of his eldest son.

“But he is a hard worker and is difficult to ban as long as he thinks it is good. Just like Papa. The reason is always the same. He wants to be a man who someday can support his family later.” Mama chuckles. “Ah... Reyhan is stubborn.”

“Ra ?” call Mama to shift Nadhira's focus.

“Iya, Ma ?”

“Help Reyhan to stay strong, yes, son. Mama sure, with you she can definitely get through everything.”

“Of course, Ma. Nadhira will always accompany Kak Reyhan,” he said proudly.

For a moment he chose silence. Mama's too.

“But, Nadhira is still disappointed over the attitude of Reyhan Kak who does not want to open to Nadhira, Ma.”

“Remember Mama said what in the beginning ? Not that I don't want to, honey. But, it's not ready yet. Understand, not ?”

He just nodded innocently.

“Now you know everything. You need to debate that issue again, yes, son. You already know very well the reason Reyhan behaved like that. So, stop it, Ra. Do not drag on the disappointment that ambushed you. Because, it will only hurt yourself and of course will not be able to make things better. It would be the opposite.”

“Learn to dampen emotions. Don't be spoiled.”

“Iya, Mother. Thank you for advising Nadhira.”

“Sama-sama favorite daughter-in-law Mama.”

She blushed. And hugged Mama's body.

“Nadhira love Mama.”

Mama gently stroked the top of Nadhira's head that was still holding her tightly.

“You are cooking again with Mama, not ?”

He quickly took off his embrace. “Of course, Ma. Nadhira came here with the intention of helping Mama cook.”

“Eh, I mean Nadhira learned to cook again, Ma,” he said quickly rectifying his words and chuckled amusedly at himself.

So it is with Mama. He threw his laugh at the innocent behavior of his daughter-in-law.

“Ya. Let's help Mama finish the cooking that was delayed earlier. After that, then you deliver food to your husband.”

“Ready, Commander,” replied Nadhira jokingly and successfully made Mama laugh again.

“Sepolos this is my daughter-in-law ?” ask Mom in my heart.

“Ma, why is Mama even quiet like that ? Mama said she wanted to cook.”

“Oh yes, Son. Yes.”

Now, he is getting used to the kitchen. Although not as close as Mama. However, he was able to finish the job that Mama had given him.

“Completed!” she was excited like a child.

“Jeez, Nadhira. Mama thought what was up. You surprised Mama.”

“Sorry, Mom. Excuse me. Nadhira didn't mean to shock Mama.”

“Iya. It's okay.”

“Ma, said Kak Reyhan the first dish that Nadhira made for him was delicious,” his great-grandson to Mama.

“Created ?”

He nodded. “But, don't-don't Reyhan's just lying to Nadhira, Ma. Because, feeling unbearable to say Nadhira's cooking is not good,” he said and bowed lethargic.

“Can't think negatively about your own husband, yes, dear. Not good.”

“Astaghfirullah,” said quickly. Her innocent behavior always managed to make Mama laugh.

“Now meet Reyhan in the room, son. Bring food and do not forget to ask him to take medicine.”

“Iya, Ma.”

“But, you have to be a little patient when dealing with it. He was quite difficult in taking his medication.”

“Hah ?” Nadhira was a little surprised.

“Iya. He was like that. It's hard if you ask him to take the medicine. Obviously, this is something that cannot be left behind. But, still. Hence, it is often anfal so.”

“Mama take it easy, yes. From now on there is Nadhira who will take care of that.”

“Iya, Son. Remember, Reyhan should not be absent to take his medication.”

“Iya, Mother. Nadhira understands.”

He smiles. Happy to have in-laws as good as Mama.

“Nadhira to room first, yes, Ma.”

Mama nodded.

She walked away with the food she had prepared for her husband.