Dusk (And Taste)
Chapter 5

Dusk is back. The sky orange stretched. The birds fly. Flowers of the garden. Rebelling pent-up feelings.

Nadhira sat facing the Western horizon on a park bench that he had been to night with Bara. With a diary and a polpen in hand. Diary who has always been a friend to pour out all his complaints.

“Someday, I would like to welcome the twilight that comes with you again, Mr. Oktaraku.”

Nadhira smiles. Wishing that everything he had hoped for would soon become real.

“Aleea ?”

Nadhira heard the call. The call he always longed for is limitless. The call he had been waiting for all this time. Leea looked back. Find a figure of a man of stout and dashing. Stern yet calming face. With a smile sheave her red lips.

“Can sit ?”

Nadhira replied with a nod and a smile.

“Yes God, that smile. I miss. Long time no see.” Reyhan spoke in his heart.

“Coin here ?” Reyhan opened the conversation.

“Ngak. This is the second time I've been here.”

Abraham looked at Nadhira who was looking down while playing his fingers.

“Oh yes ? I even come here almost every day. Enjoy the night like this. But alone.”

Nadhira prefers to keep silent staring at the sun that is moving back to his stopover rather than responding to Reyhan's statement.

“Aleea ?”

“Hmmm.”

“I can just say something to you ?”

Nadhira nodded his ass.

“How did you feel to me to date ? Is the same as it used to be.”

Nadhira closed his eyes at Reyhan's question.

“Why did you ask me that problem?”

“Jawab, Al!”

“You don't need to know how I feel about you. All you need to know, your own feelings.”

“Al ?”

Reyhan grabbed Nadhira's hand. Nadhira refused.

“I know how I feel. Tau bang. And my feelings for you haven't changed at all, Al. I've been keeping my heart to you. I want you to be the only woman who fills my heart. To be my life companion. Trust me, Al.”

Reyhan expresses all his feelings to Nadhira. Nadhira's heart was touched. However, Nadhira did not want to quickly believe. Moreover, all this time Nadhira did not know what kind of life Reyhan.

“Sorry. This is malem. I'll go home first. Fear Mother nyariin.”

Nadhira chose to go home without wanting to respond to everything Reyhan said. Nadhira inserted the diary he was still holding and stood up. But just standing up, Nadhira felt a tightness again in his chest.

“Aagghh.” Nadhira sat back in the chair.

“Al, why ?”

Reyhan was shocked to see Nadhira who arrived complaining while holding his chest.

“Nothing. I'm home first.”

Nadhira got up from the chair with tightness in his chest. Just a few steps Nadhira suddenly stopped hearing what Reyhan said.

“Al, I know everything. Just tell a story. You don't have to cover anything from me. Including your feelings.” Reyhan's voice slightly raised.

Nadhira. But Nadhira continued his steps. And...

Bruukk...

Nadhira. Breathing violently. His hand was so firmly clutching his chest. Seeing that, without thinking Reyhan ran towards Nadhira who was already sitting on the green grass.

“Yes God, Al. I'm anter home, yes.”

“Neventless. I can go home by myself.”

“But you're like this, Al. Your face is pale too. Come on, Al.” Reyhan is a little bit hard. Really, Reyhan is not strong enough to see the woman he loves sick like that.

“Nothing. I'm fine aaj.. aaagghhh.” The more and more hunting his chest. His hand is getting stronger. This time it was not only her chest, but also Reyhan's hand that tightly grasped her hand.

“Yes God, Al.” Reyhan is panicking. Increasingly tormented. And in the end, tears. Reyhan was not strong enough to see Nadhira growing in pain.

“Al, let me anter home. Please allow me this time, Al. I beg.”

“Kak, I can go home by myself.” Nadhira was still insistent with his stance.

“Aleea!” Reyhan raised his voice. Nadhira who heard that seemed to be in disbelief. Just this time he heard Reyhan snapping at him like that. Nadhira just looked down and cried. Resisting the tightness he felt.

“Sorry me, Al. I didn't mean to yank you. But please. Let me anter home. I don't want you to do anything. By Allah, Al.” Reyhan said with a sincere heart. Bringing Nadhira into his arms. Nadhira began to melt even shamelessly complaining to Reyhan.

“We go home now yes.” Nadhira nodded. Reyhan kissed the top of Nadhira's head dear. Reyhan helps Nadhira stand up and takes her to the car.

In the car Nadhira still feels his tightness. Reyhan continued to hold tightly onto Nadhira's hand.

“Sabar yes. Let's wait again. The strong, Al.”

“Ngot strong. Aagghh.”

“Yes God, Al. You are strong. Hold Aleea resistant.”

More and more hunting Nadhira. Weak and helpless. Nadhira hated the situation at the time. Hate to look weak and pitiful in front of Reyhan.

The red-lighted car entered the gate of the big blue-painted house.

“We've arrived, Al. Come on. I help.”

Nadhira clasped Reyhan's hand firmly. Make it as the support of his weak body. Not yet at the door, Nadhira was unconscious. Reyhan grabbed Nadhia's tiny body next to a fall.

“Aleea! Wake up! Yes God.”

Panic and fear of attacking Reyhan. His heavy hands were trembling. Her tears splashed out watching Nadhira who was already unconscious with a deathly pale face.

“Al, wake. Don't think gini, Al. Don't scare me. I beg you, Aleea. Build.”

Reyhan cried hugging the weak body of Nadhira. Then he called Reyhan.

“Bar!”

“Bara!”

Reyhan heard the door open. Not the bar that is seen. But Dad.

“Jeez, Dik. Why is this ?” I look panicked to see his daughter.

“We go to the hospital, Om. Reyhan's story will be all.”

Without a second thought, I agreed to Reyhan's invitation and Reyhan lightly carried Nadhira's body.

___

In Dad's waiting chair and Reyhan there was no sound. Dad looks worried. And more Reyhan. He rubbed his face rough. Heart's fidgeting.

“You're strong, Aleea. Hang on.” Reyhan spoke in his heart.

"Om, have you contacted Aunt Sandra with Bara?” Reyhan opened his voice.

“Astagfirullah. Om forgot. Mobile phone is missing. May you please contact Bara, nak.”

“Oh yes, om.”

Reyhan picked up the phone and called Bara. He took a few steps away from Dad. Didn't wait a long time for a voice to be heard across the phone.

“Bar, where are you?”

“Gue is still at work, Han. Why ?” the voice across.

“Lo back to the hospital. Aleea's sick again, Bar. I'm here with lo.”'s father Reyhan looks lethargic. His breathing began to drift. He stroked his chest slowly.

“Yes allah sister. I can gini again. I am now going straight to the hospital. Wait for Nadhira until I arrive.”

“Ii.iya, Bar.” Breath hunting. Reyhan. Occasionally he coughs.his heart relapses due to fatigue carrying Nadhira and his mind is still agitated with the state of Nadhira. Since childhood Reyjan is not like a child in general. He who has a heart defect makes him unable to do heavy activities like ordinary people. Because too tired will spur heart pain relapse.

“Han, you're fine, right ?” Bara who heard Reyhan's voice was not as usual asked worriedly. Because I know a lot about this friend.

A few seconds did not answer. I just heard the roar of breath.

“Han, are you okay ? Do you understand me anyway ? Aahhh.”

“Ii.iiya, Bar. Cepetan here yes.”

“Lo if it hurts back first, Han. There are also fathers waiting for Nadhira.”

”Gue is okay.”

“Gue know elo long time ago. Elo don't lie to me. I know you are no longer okay.”

“Bar, that's it. It's okay to say, too.”

“Iya. Watch out for why later. I otw nih.”

“Be careful, Bar.”

Reyhan approached Father who was still sitting in my waiting room.

“Om, Bara already walked here.”

“Iya, son. You sick ? How pale ?”

“Nothing, Om. Probably tired of.”

“You're tired of going home, Han. Let Nadhira om wait. Bara has already walked here you said.”

Reyhan smiled.

“Udah nggak apa-apa kok, om.”

The mood was silent again. Return with each other's thoughts. Abraham thought of his failed plan. Reyhan tonight he will inform Nadhira's family of his intentions. But he couldn't have done that. Given the condition of Nadhira is not yet known.

The door of the room where Nadhira was examined opened. Appears to a man with snelli wrapped around his body followed by a nurse. Dad approached the doctor.

“Dok, how is my son doing?”

“Bapak just relax. My son is okay. He's just exhausted. Please yes, sir. Do not handle heavy activities. Your son is very weak physically, sir. Plus the asthma he had. So he'll get sick quickly if too tired. Mr. Razak can go in to see Nadhira now.’’

“Iya, Doc. Thanks.”

Dad entered Nadhira's room. Reyhan chose to be quiet outside waiting for Bara to come. Reyhan breathed a sigh of relief knowing Nadhira was fine. Even though his chest still hurts.

“Han, Nadhira how ?”

Bara patted Reyhan's shoulder that was leaning on the bench waiting with his eyes closed and stroking his chest that was still painful. Reyhan was shocked.

“Jeez, Bar. Habits of ngagetin.”

“Sorry. Sorry. Nadhira how ?”

“Doctor said it's okay. Just a possible exhaustion. He was too much activity so until his asthma relapsed again.” Reyhan explained according to his version.

“Which father?”

“Didal. Lo enter gih.”

“Gue is here.” Reyhan leaned back his head and closed his eyes. Seen her irregular breathing by Bara.

“Han, you are pale. Dada lo why ? Holding mulu deh.”

Reyhan just shook his head.

“Don't lie to you, Han. I don't want elo. My brother is sick. Don't elo again.”

“Gue is fine, Bar.”

“Gue has known you for a long time, Han. So I know how elo.”

“Iya deh.”

Bara sat beside Reyhan who was still closing his eyes and slowly breathing. He seemed worried to see his best friend. Because he knew how Reyhan would be if his pain recurred.

“Bar, can I go back first ? Tomorrow I'm here again.”

“Gue anter lo balik ya. I don't accept rejection. But I permission dad first.”

Without waiting for Reyhan's answer, Bara enters Nadhira's nursery.

“Yeah, sister how ?”

“Too many activities, Bang. Thankfully, there was Reyhan. If there is no one, I don't know what kind of sister. My sister was siuman. But now justin rest first.”

“Yes, you stay a while is okay, right ?”

“New dateng already want to go again.”

Bara pulled his father's hand and slightly moved away from Nadhira's bed.

“Abang to anter Reyhan go home, Dad. Reyhan is not feeling well anymore. So pale he. Brother is afraid if he comes home alone later why on the road.”

“Iya. Greetings to Reyhan. Thank you for nolongin Nadhira.”

“Yes, yeah. Later Abang convey. Brother directly pick up Mother as well, Yah.”

“Iya, son. Careful.”

Bara leaves his father and meets Reyhan who is still waiting for him.

“Han, ayok.”

Reyhan opened his eyes.

“Pake my car, Bar.”

“Laah keep me behind pack what ?”

“Pake tricycles. Well, let's take my car, you idiot. Tomorrow I take.”

“Iya deh yes, Mr. Octara.”

Reyhan and Bara walk through the hospital corridor to the parking lot. Approaching the red car. Reyhan gave the car keys to Bara.

The city streets tonight are pretty jammed. Through the windshield Reyhan enjoyed the flickering flickering street lights with his thoughts about Nadhira.

“Nadhira, wait a minute. We'll get through it all together.” Reyhan smiled.

“Han, why do you ?”

“Aah. Why, Bar ?”

“Elo was asked instead of turning back. Why the hell ?”

“Bar, I want something can be?”

“Seriously very his brother. Hahaha.”

“Yeah I want something serious same elo.”

“Kok me so tense yes ?”

“Udah is the sign. I don't see my condition as I think it's still in becandain.”

“Elo don't have to be so soft. Fatigued is sick. Especially when married. Want to keep sick elonya ?”

“Udah, Bar. I also don't want to keep gini-gini.” Reyhan spoke in a pity. Iba on himself and justify what Bara said. He who is too weak becomes a man.

“Ya have you said what ?”

“Gue to marry adek lo.” Without further ado Reyhan expressed his intentions.

“Kocak. Don't be kidding.”

“Gue seriously, Bar. I told you everything. Leea also told me how she felt about me. I want to make a promise to him.”

“Gue knows that. My sister's in college, bro. I also know how my sister is. He is spoiled, his childish nature is at its maximum. And you know for yourself my sister what her condition is. Are you sure, Elo ? Sure you can take care of Nadhira ? Can you guide him ? Can you please please please ?”

“Iya I'm sure, Bar. I also talked to Mom papa. I don't have anything more. But I promise I will always try to make Aleea happy. I love her so much. And my pain problem is this. You don't have to worry. I won't bother Aleea with my situation.”

“Han, I've been together for a long time. So good bad elo almost everything I know. I believe in elo. And if you ask my blessing, that's the hell I don't dare to say yes and don't dare to say no too. The one who did elo with Nadhira. So Nadhira's decision was my decision as well during that time to make him happy. I also told Elo. For the rest of my life, I will do anything to make my brother happy. He has suffered too much with his condition.”

Bara explains at length to Reyhan, and Reyhan understands Bara's position.

“Elo also need to talk to my parents first, Ham.”

“Definitely, Bar. Actually, this is the plan I want to talk to old man elo. But I don't think this is the right time to see Aleea drop like that. So I wait for Aleea to heal first I just went to the lo.” house

“Ya. I really support it. That's the spirit, Han. May all good intentions be launched.”

“Aamiin. Thanks, Bar.”

The atmosphere was back silent. Only the roar of the car and the honking sounds of the passing cars accompanied Reyhan and Bara's journey. Until the car they drive to the front of the luxurious house like a palace. Reyhan first went down and waited for Bara who was still parking the car.

Reyhan opened the main door of his house and watched the scene of the front room falling apart with his sister's toys.

“Assalamu’alaikum.”

“Wa’alaikumussalam. Kaaakaak!”

Raina ran towards her sister. Seeing that thing. Reyhan crouched down and spread out both of his hands. She hugged her sister Raina Farsya Oktara. Raina bursts into her brother's arms and kisses Reyhan's cheek. The person who witnessed the scene smiled. Remembering when Nadhira was shown to her. Remembering Nadhira who was very close.

“Salim used to be the same Brother Bara, Dik.” Raina followed the orders of her sister.

“Uuuhhh child pinter. What's his name ?” Bara rubbed the top of Raina's head full of affection. As he stroked the top of Nadhira's head.

“Raina, Sister.” Raina smiled broadly displaying her toothless tooth.

“Adik go in first there. Shrimp mainnya.”

“Have in carry sister but.”

Reyhan scratched his non-itchy nape. Given his condition, it is not possible to hold his sister.

“Adik is already big. Cook wants to be carried mulu. Shame dong with Brother Bara.”

“Nmobile. Anyway want to carry sister.“

Bara who sees Reyjan has run out of sense and knows how his friend's condition when it takes over persuades Raina.

“Raina carried by Kak Bara aja yuk. Reyhan is not well anymore. Look at his face pale.”

Raina looked towards her brother.

“Iya has already.”

Bara carries Raina and follows Reyjan into the living room.

“Adek why is that ? Bara's brother is tired later. Down yuk.” Farhan rebuked his sister. Latisha even more tightened his grip on Bara.

“Nothing, Farhan.”

“Eh No Bara. Was it long ? This is really good even carried.” Mama greeted Bara and had not noticed the condition of Reyhan who was lying on the living room sofa. Rest himself.

“Iya, aunt. Its nothing. I like little kids. Raina is not bad either. Yes deck yes?” Bara looked at Raina with her sweet smile while stroking Raina's long hair. Raina nodded.

“Well this is one. Temen dateng even sleep.” Mom just realized her son's whereabouts. Reyhan did not answer.

“Let's rest, Aunt. At the hospital when nganterin Nadhira, Bara clay he was a bit pale. Bara here also nganterin Reyhan. Afraid he brought his own car later even why-napa.”

“Nadhira hurts again ?”

“Iya, aunt. Kumat's pain. Fortunately, there was Reyhan. If not, Bara does not know how it will be.”

“Proposy yes, son. I hope Nadhira gets well. Such a child yes can be sickly so.”

“So that is it, aunt. Wanna say whatever. From small it is so.”

“Yes too anyway. Mumpung here, come eat malem aja yuk, Bara. Farhan, wake up brother tell eat first.”

“No need, aunt. Go straight back to the hospital. Kasian daddy alone take care of Nadhira. Before going to the hospital also want to pick up Mother first.”

“Sappret yes. Greetings from your father, Bara. May Nadhira get well soon.”

“Iya, aunt.”

“Adek kak Farhan the fat yuk. Brother Bara wants to go home tuh.”

“Truthless Cock, Brother Bara ?”

“Call brother yes, Darling.”

“Iya Bang Bara why so much back ? Not to play with Raina.”

“Lain times brother play here again nemenin Raina. Now I have business. Okay ?”

“OK, Brother.”

Farhan takes over Raina from Bara's sling.

“Turn back first, aunt. Same with Fahmi.”

“Iya, son. Careful.”

Bara approached Reyhan who was asleep on the sofa to leave. The embers slightly shook Reyhan's body intending to wake him up.

“Han, I'm back first.”

“Mmm. Dinner first lah.”

“Daddy no guarding Nadhira. I also want to pick up Mommy first new to the hospital.”

“Sorry already ngerepotin elo.”

“Idiiiihhhh talk of lo ya kayak to anyone. Nyante aja time, Han.”

“Thanks, Bar.”

“Ya I've been back first.”

“Be careful lo.”

“Cepet cured, sister-in-law candidate.” This time with a little noise.

Reyhan glared at Bara and replied with just a mocking smile.

___To Be Continued__

Sorry this chapter is quite long yes 😁