Hello Arvin!
Layoffs

The feeling of comfort and calm always Nara felt when meeting with Reza. Today he picked her up after work with his Vespa as usual. Usually on Friday as now they will take the time to eat Tongseng and Satay Kambing Pak Agus in the area of Jalan Taman Sunda Kelapa. It has been one of their favorite places since ancient times.

They first met while still working in offices in the Menteng area. They're friends of different division offices. Nara is still a fresh graduate working as an admin staff there, while Reza has worked for 2 years as a graphic designer. They often meet in the photo copy room, then smile at each other, small talk begins, continued with a chat post that makes the two have feelings for each other.

They decided to start a romantic relationship as a girlfriend. Nara got a good chance at Aditama Corp as a GA staff, with a higher salary, she decided to resign from her old office after a year of work. Reza resigned a few months later to a new company close to Nara's office.

Everything has gone very well for them during these 5 years. Good communication, mutual understanding, supportive family. Until finally they decided to step up to a more serious level this year. During their courtship they have also saved up for the wedding and bought a house later after marriage. Although sometimes they have to take the money forcibly on the way because of urgent family needs. Understandably, both are not from among the people. Just ordinary people from the economy. But still, if there is excess sustenance, they replace the money taken unplanned.

Nara poured sweet soy sauce into her tempting goat satay, not forgetting 2 spoons of sambal added there. Reza just churned the uninspired tongseng. His mind was filled with fog. Since picking up Nara, she had indeed not been too excited.

“You why the hell from earlier daydreaming continuously? Many jobs in the office?” Ask Nara.

“I want to be honest with you.” Reza said seriously.

“What? Don't be afraid ah.”

“I am today due to layoff from office.”

Nara stopped biting her goat satay. For some reason, suddenly the meat became a soundhead. They are usually very soft and savory.

“There are 5 people who got layoff today. Last week 3. Do you know that my office is in a massive employee reduction because of the pandemic? I didn't expect to be one of the ones to be either.” Reza said grimly.

Nara grasps Reza's hand, “I’m sorry you have through this, Za.” Sympathize.

Reza smiled briefly, “I think the same about our wedding plans, Ra. I'm afraid I can't give you a living after marriage. I am now unemployed.”

Their marriage is less than 3 months away. He is now officially unemployed. The dignity of a man in domestic life is to be able to provide a living and a decent life for his wife and child. With her situation like this, Reza was very afraid to think about marriage.

“Za, I work too. If after marriage you have not been able to work as well, my salary is still enough for our lives.” Nara's words strengthen.

“You won't work there forever. Being a secretary is hard, right? Especially say you are ngeselin's boss. You will continue to give birth. Do you still want to work?”

“Ya is still. I could be a working mom too. You also cannot be unemployed forever. You're also applying for another job, right?”

“Now it's tough. Many offices have employee PHKs. Especially now that the new children, fresh graduates have been on the sophisticated ability. I feel like I'm losing a competitive."

“Kok you become pessimistic anyway, Za? You can freelance first until you meet a new job. Or should I pinjem so you can open a business?”

“Ga ah's. I'm not a business man. Do not minjem-minjem. I disagree.”

“Why do we leave the wedding until I get a job?"  Reza pasrah.

“Reza how do you say that anyway?! We've been preparing until this far.”

“I'm really not sure I'm getting married, Ra.”

“So you want me to wait until when, Za? Our marriage is in sight. We have DP building, MUA, Catering, Decoration, already nyicil buy souvenirs. Continue to you easily say you want to ngundur wedding?” Nara said annoyed. Tears welled up in his eyes, soon down to the cheeks.

People say there will be a test before the wedding. Making couples unsure to continue their sacred relationship. Now Nara believes that word. Suddenly Reza became unemployed and the man's heart became indecisive.

“Dengerin me first, Ra. I'm just not sure about all our plans. I'm really afraid to make you even suffer from living with me because I can't give you a living. You know, right?”

“If you can't make a living. I can, Za. I said I could. I'll do the work for us. You doubt because what else? I work to help you too.”

“I can't if I have to be financed from your work, Ra. Want to put where my pride as a guy?”

“Za, I don't need that. I just want to live with you.”

“Now, Ra. After having children and a more difficult life you will not be able to talk rich that again. I'm trying to make life realistic.”

Fierce debates like this were endless. They just end it quietly and don't talk to each other. It is difficult to unite voices. Nara does not want to lose Reza's job to be a deterrent to their marriage that is very mature in sight. Nara loves and accepts Reza as she is. He knew that Reza wouldn't let him work alone. He knew that Reza would get another job after this.

But Reza's confidence was thrown away when he received his dismissal letter today. His world was dark. He can't see the future of his marriage to Nara. She looks scared, too insecure, too shy to face Nara and her family. Especially if she remained unemployed like this until they were married, Nara would bear all her living expenses. His pride was like being crushed on a hot, paved road. Just vaporize.

...****************...

Arvin slapped his finger several times in front of Nara's face. Only then could the girl focus and be aware of her daydream. His quarrel a week ago with Reza left him unable to function as he normally would.

“Woy lo why the hell lately so super bego? You want me to fire?” Arvin was upset.

“Do not, Sir. I need a really good job.” Nara panicked.

“Yes that's why it's a real job. Here!” Said Arvin thrusting a stack of documents “Lo a lot really wrong. For me dizziness should give notes and repairs. Check again for spouts!” Further.

Arvin for 2 months served as a substitute CEO has been very skilled in his work. Although her attitude remains as annoying as it was when she first started working, Nara is now getting used to it. His scathing comments, his swearing, his yelling. After all Nara should be able to survive in this position. A salary large enough for the position of secretary can meet his needs when married later with Reza.

Thinking about marriage now even makes Nara become anxious and afraid. Reza hasn't contacted him since their fight last week. Nara's heart became increasingly unsettled.