I'm Just a Figurant
Ch 31 - The Real Proposal

"Get me my bag."

"It's okay. Empty hands. I can bring it for you." Andre insists.

I'm really not feeling good. Andre is the second-highest person in my office. What would other employees think if they saw the number two man carrying a lady's bag?

Not wanting to ruin Andre's image, I quickly grabbed my bag and brought it myself. Andre doesn't seem to like what I'm doing.

"Take care of your dignity in front of Mas's men. It's still in the office."

Andre smiled slightly hearing my words.

"When it comes to you, I'm willing to have no dignity even though Sha." I wanted to laugh at those words of mutter, but as soon as I saw the serious expression on Andre's face, I held back my laughter.

"Ehem... Let's go home..." I walked ahead of Andre.

"We stopped by to eat first Sha. I'm hungry." Andre. She held onto her stomach, making a gesture that declared hunger. Want me not to obey him.

In the parking lot, Andre again opened the car door for me. Instead of being filled with his attitude, I was thinking negatively.

"All men will do anything to win the heart of a woman, even if they have to slay."

Andre drives a car, calling for the density of Surabaya city traffic. In the car we talked about work. Just talking about the job talk we'll connect and smooth.

About half an hour later, Andre stopped his car at one of the romantic restaurants.

"Don't eat on the outskirts?"

"No Sha. Want to eat romantic with you. Let's go in." Andre wanted to hold my hand, but I preceded him. I'm not used to that touch.

Finally Andre followed me. The atmosphere of the restaurant looks dull. Romantic shades are scattered here and there. The average place was filled with couples.

Andre chose a table overlooking the restaurant garden. He pulled out a chair for me, allowing me to sit comfortably. Again, his attitude like this makes me think negatively. I really don't like over-treatment like this.

As soon as we sat down, a waiter came with a menu. We ordered this-that. While waiting for the order to come, we made pleasantries about work.

Half an hour later, the food we ordered came. While eating, which We discuss is not far from work. Discuss targets to be pursued quarterly and so forth. We didn't feel like we were finishing our food.

I started getting ready to go home when Andre held my hand.

"Sha, sit down first." I looked at Andre confusedly, but I finally accepted his request. I sat back quietly.

"What's up, Mom?"

"Why rush?"

"We're done eating. I don't think it's necessary to linger here anymore."

"Sha..."

"Yes Mas?" I looked at Andre who was looking at me sharply. Contained a certain intent behind the gaze of his eyes.

"Remember what I said this morning?"

GLEGS

I go back to swallowing. A stuffy and tight feeling began to overwhelm me. I was silent not answering.

"Sha... I'm serious about you. I love you Sha. I want you to be my wife, the mother of my children. The Sha... Will you marry me?"

Suddenly Andre knelt down next to me while taking the ring out from behind his pocket. I was really surprised!!

My body feels stiff. My tongue became a machete. I can't move. My mouth is locked, speechless. I looked at Andre with a look of disbelief.

The Ring... The Ring... The Ring...

"Ah... I-I have to answer this call..." I grabbed my bag and took my phone to see who was calling me. Apparently Dad. He made a video call. Thankfully, my father saved me from this awkward situation.

"Assalamu'alaikum Father..." I wave my hand.

"Wa'alaikumsalam's chat. Where else is Nduk?" ask Dad while looking around me. I also saw my mother joining me.

"This is again outside of Well. Eat again."

"Who is Nduk?" I accidentally dropped the spoon. I tried to take that spoon. Without me noticing my phone caught the whereabouts of Andre who was already sitting in front of me.

"Oh same candidate huh Nduk? When was he brought here? I can't wait to meet a potential ghost..."

"Yes Nduk. When did you bring it here? Same mom I'd like to carry a grandchild. Quickly marry Nduk. Don't make us wait too long. Mumpung We are still strong carrying grandchildren." My kind stepmother also chimed in. My face was flushed like a boiled crab.

"Direct it to your candidate Nduk. We want acquaintances." said Dad.

Geez, I'm really so embarrassed. I dare not look at Andre's face. The man suddenly grabbed my phone and talked to both of my parents.

"Assalamu'alaikum Father, Mother... My name is Andre. I'm a friend of Khansa's office and her boyfriend. I am serious about my daughter. Let me be with him..." Andre spoke very politely and was full of pleas. I asked my mom and dad to accept it.

My mom and dad loved Andre. They were very excited about Andre's existence. Yes, they will always be enthusiastic about the men around me, no exception at this time.

It's been almost two years that my parents have been terrorizing me into getting married. The reason was always the same, they wanted to immediately carry a grandchild. Another reason, they want someone to look after and protect me. Without it, I can protect myself.

Is marriage really the ultimate goal of one's happiness? Without marriage, I have enjoyed my life enough. So far I'm fine living without a man. What in the presence of a man will have a great influence on my life?

"When are you guys home? Nduks... When was Andre brought home? When do you want to be known to Dad?" My father's words broke my daydream.

"Ehm... Somewhen... Dad, you've eaten yet? What did you eat? Fian how's it going? Does she still break up with her boyfriend? What.bla-bla-bla..." I did everything I could to distract my parents from Andre. The number of questions I asked distracted them a little. We chatted aloud. The conversation was over half an hour later.

"Emmm... Sorry, but the phone was late."

"Yes, it's okay Sha. I'm glad I could talk to your parents. When are we gonna see him?"

"Eh Mas, it seems like it's already night. We go home now yuk." I hurriedly stood up. Avoiding Andre's desperate-looking eyes. Finally, she stood up and walked beside me.

Andre seems very upset. Along the way, he was silent.

I understand Andre's feelings. The man was proposing to me, but I didn't give an answer, instead switching the conversation. Which man is not treated like that?

Along the way, we were both silent. We are busy with our own thoughts. A feeling of relief approached me when the car had entered the residential area.

I hurriedly opened the car door before Andre did.

"Thank you for dinner. I'm going in first."

Andre seemed to want to say something, but a moment later he paused his intention. He got out of the car and walked up to me.

"Yes, rest. Tomorrow I'll pick you up again. Don't go anywhere."

"Tomorrow I can go alone Mas."

"Don't argue. Your car keys are on me, Sha. Rest." Andre stroked my head. I was so disturbed by his touch.

"I-I go in first... Assalamu'alaikum..." Without waiting for Andre's reply I immediately walked into my house.

I'm not ready for this relationship. I'm really not ready. What am I supposed to do with Andre's proposal? Should I accept it, or reject it?"

***

Happy Reading 😁