Love Lanterns
CHAPTER 153 “Mother Group Persit”

“Two valuable things in life are love and sincerity. If we love that person sincerely, then we will accept all his shortcomings and will not compare how old he is and how rich he is.”

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“Ana uhibopen fillah,” says Aletha.

As Aletha's chin was lifted by Keenan's finger, the expression of love had been uttered by Aletha. Keenan just gets a surprise.

‘Wah, it turns out they are nice together rather than replying to my message? Don't they know if I'm worried and languishing, huh?’ Bian is monologuing in the heart.

Bian saw the togetherness and affection of Keenan with Aletha, it makes Bian increasingly want to have Rania completely and enjoy alone time with Rania.

Bian could not stand if he just stood in front of Keenan's room and he entered without knocking on the door first.

“Bian, why did you come here? Did something happen in post?” ask Keenan.

“Nothing, just relax. Something happened to my heart. Why didn't you reply to my message, Ke?”

“I'm sorry Bian, not that I don't want to reply to your message. But, I want to make you think to be more mature again.”

“If you miss Rania, at least you ask her news there. Not you and Rania during ta'aruf? Nothing will happen as long as you can keep your eyes and other things that will cause zina.” Keenan tried to give Bian some thought time.

Silent...

Bian fell silent, inwardly he confirmed Keenan's speech. And after that Bian tried to contact Rania while having some free time.

“Aa, don't overdo it like that with Bian. What if He's offended?”

”Neng, this is the risk that Bian must face. Loving someone must be able to take care of what the woman has taken care of. After all Bian is a man, He should be able to learn to be a good priest who will lead his household later.”

Aletha mangosteen, it justifies Keenan's speech. And Alatha realized that Keenan was a man worthy of being a good leader and priest in her household.

Aletha was happy to have a husband like Keenan, in addition to being able to physically keep Keenan also taught a lot about religion. Even Aletha began to wear the hijab after Keenan repeatedly insinuated it subtly, but it hit her heart.

“Assalamu'alaikum, good morning!” said Bagas Kara along with Mama Nina.

“Wa'alaikumussalam, Ma_Pa.” Aletha immediately greeted her parents.

“Already Keenan, you just sit there. Papa and Mama can understand how you are, after all Papa and Mama just want to say goodbye to you. Because Papa has to return to Headquarters, Preparing for the inauguration event tomorrow the day after tomorrow.” Bagas Kara tries to surprise Aletha and Keenan.

“Appointment? That is to say... Papa up the ranks?” ask Aletha.

Bagas Kara nodded slowly, the news was what Bagas Kara always wanted to say to her family.

Sontak Aletha and Keenan congratulated Bagas Kara, with a proud smile Aletha hugged Bagas Kara.

”Thank you, Papa has always been a proud Papa to Aletha. Although first... Aletha is often wayward but Aletha loves Papa.” Aletha revealed the time when she became a teenager who did not want to be restrained at all by Bagas Kara.

“Papa just wants to do the best for Papa's kids. Forget it, forget the past and think about the times we will face together. Because in the future we do not know what will happen next,”

Aletha and Keenan nodded, confirming Bagas Kara's remark. And then there will be more and more that make Keenan test adrenaline when assigned to a place. After the inauguration of Bagas Kara, the assignment for Keenan will be notified. And for now it's still on a secret mission.

After the situation in the Lebak area was safe from aftershocks the troops dared to die and the medical team had returned to Jakarta. And upon arrival in Jakarta Aletha did not come back to the hospital with Ilham and others because he would take care of Keenan until the burns on Keenan's back would dry up.

“Aa just rest! Neng wanted to chat for a while with Miss Laila. At least... help Bian even if only a little.” Aletha commented a smile.

“But Aa is not sleepy, Neng. Aa wants... play with Alina only.”.

Aletha was mangosteen, understanding how Keenan misses his daughter. And when Alina sat on the stroller Keenan did not stop comforting Alina with babble-style child who still not clear how to speak.

In the living room Aletha was chatting with Bu Laila. The main thing they talked about was a good day to hold a tasyakuran and aqiqah in the seven-month event Alina who only stayed one week away.

“If Mother is up to parents nak Aletha only, because who is entitled to give that advice they are not Mother.”

“Alright! I'll ask Papa and Mama first. But... Mom will have to help me too. Because... in addition to Mama who is close to me, there is Bu Laila who I have considered as my own Mother.” Aletha clasped Laila's hand while commenting on a smile.

Bu Laila nodded, it was also such. To regard Aletha as his son, there was not even a sense of hatred after the Dawn was gone. The affection was purely growing in Bu Laila's heart, especially Ms. Laila considering that the success Rania had at this time was thanks to Bagas Kara.

The conversation is still continuing, at this time the topic that Aletha will discuss covers the story of Bian and Rania. Aletha slowly explained Bian's good intentions to Bu Laila who was responded positively by Bu Laila.

“If son Aletha asks Mom, obviously I will turn everything around to Rania. Because who will undergo the household nosedive yes... Rania with son Bian.” Such was the soft speech of Bu Laila in response to the agreement.

“Alright, Mom. Emm... how about now we cook together for later tonight,” invite Aletha.

Bu Laila nodded, both of them immediately slid off and continued the activity by busying themselves in the kitchen. Cooking some food that will be used as dinner together.

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“Ma, Luna will take care of the night shift. Please accompany Larisa briefly to the mall, she said she wants to buy clothes that again hits,” said Luna.

“What clothes are they, Luna?”

“Entaih! Luna also doesn't know.” Luna shrugged her shoulders. “Luna wants to leave first, it is already 17:00 pm and Luna must arrive at the hospital soon.”

Luna greets Mama Nina and leaves for the hospital. While Mama Nina refocused on her unfinished cooking.

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Keenan who was outside with Alina gave off a very nose-stinging scent. The smell of the cooking that burst out made Keenan feel hungry, so he brought Alina inside even, Keenan brought Alina into the kitchen.

“Mother mom Grandma again scramble what cih?”

Keenan surprised Aletha and Bu Laila while mimicking the voice of a young child who had not been clearly spoken.

“Aa, what's the sound of that? Like a duck loh,”

Aletha chuckled amusedly at Keenan's made-up voice. And while Keenan just stared at Aletha without turning his gaze in the other direction.

“Why stare at Neng like that? Is there a strange same face Neng?”

“No coke, Neng. But. pretty. That was the reason Aa looked at Neng like this. Aa does not want if Neng is sad and Aa prefers if Neng continues to smile like this.” Keenan got closer to Aletha and stared back at Aletha's face as deeply as possible.

“Aaan anyway, dreadful dreadlocks Aa it.”

“It's been ah, it's afternoon Alina took a shower after that Neng will help Aa change clothes.”

Aletha grabbed Alina in a sling and took Alina to the bathroom for an afternoon bath. Alina was put on the bed, while Aletha prepared clothes and toiletries for Alina.

“Nak Keenan, I just want Keenan to always make Aletha and Alina happy. Take good care of them, I will always pray for your happiness.” Ms. Laila also advised Keenan and gave her great trust.

“InsyaAllah, Mom! Keenan will strive to make Aletha and Alina happy.” happy Keenan.

Keenan approached Aletha to the room after helping Ms. Laila prepare the cooked dishes on the dining table.

Bu Laila could only stare at Keenan who was getting further away from her sight. Prayers are not forgotten always offered by Bu Laila for the happiness of Aletha, after Dawn left Bu Laila for good now Bu Laila get the affection of a son back after meeting with Keenan.

“Give happiness always to my children, O God. Aamiin.”

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“Neng, help Aa take off her clothes yes!” pinta Keenan's.

“Without Aa asking Neng will always benatuin Aa. That if... Neng no emergency call from hospital.” Aletha still busied herself by wearing Alina's clothes.

Silent... Keenan did not air his voice to respond to what Aletha said.

After wearing clothes for Alina, Aletha changed to help Keenan take off his clothes, then Aletha took warm water and helped Keenan to clean his body without wetting Keenan's back whose burns had not dried perfectly.

“Sini, Neng apply her ointment.” Aletha asked Keenan to sit on the lip of the bed.

With his faithful Aletha apply ointment to dry Keenan burns. And that's what Aletha used to do when caring for patients in the hospital. So that patients feel comfortable and at home when treated by Aletha.

“Why slow down, Neng?”

“A... Neng did not want to if Aa felt pain again. And this wound... Neng who already made it like this.” Aletha's tears welled up in the eye pelupuk.

“Aa never blamed Neng, for Aa it was an obligation that Aa had to do as a husband. And Aa doesn't want if Neng keeps remembering such stupid things, blaming yourself is not good.”

“Aa also do not want to lose Neng, enough time in adolescence and also when we are in Mauritania.”

Kewnan smiled wryly considering how stupid he used to disappear from Aletha's life because he was afraid that he would never be loved.

“Yes, Neng remembers it right Aa. And since then we have always been together, almost shot, become hostages even we also crave the same food.” snake meat.

Aletha and Keenan smiled happily, remembering the good times and even the bitter times that greatly tested the adrenaline of both. And the symbol of the love they make seems to make the two bond with each other.

Maghrib Adhan was reverberating, Aletha decided to pray first before continuing to eat dinner. The same is true for Keenan and also for Bu Laila.

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“Nek, how about that shirt that Larisa bought, can not?”

Larisa pointed to one of the clothes hanging in modern fashion, which was slightly open in the abdomen.

“Larisa, what do you want to be? Your father and mother will definitely be angry if you wear clothes that lack such materials.”

Larisa cupped both hands and seemed to seduce Mama Nina who had refused raw clothes that lack the material.

“No. Not once, no, Larisa. Grandma does not want Grandma's granddaughter to be an obscure child.”

Mama Nina also left the store that sells clothes lacking the material. And Latisa did not want if Mama Nina would complain to Luna and Juan, if that happened there were no words other than words of advice and anger from both parents.

Larisa who used to be with now is very comparable. The life and association of Larisa is getting stronger in today's times, so that changes in the flow of modern times are able to change teenagers today easily.

After surrounding the clothing store in the mall finally stuck also in the closed clothing store, especially if not the clothes. And Larisa also could not resist that, even though in her heart was in revolt.

After being satisfied shopping finally at exactly nine pm Larisa and Mama Nina went home.

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Aletha was busy putting Alina to sleep who had started to sleep. While Keenan was still sulking with his phone screen, it again made Aletha feel jealous.

“Continue glaring at the phone.” Aletha pursed her lips and quipped Keenan.

‘Hmm. Apes very, very, just want to reply to a message from dear Father. Just been playing jealous.’ Keenan monologues in heart.

Such is the nature of a woman who can not keep her jealousy, such as Siti Aisyah who can not hide her jealousy when the Prophet Muhammad SAW still remember Siti Khadijah. So was the wife of the Prophet Joseph and there are others.

“Yes Allah Neng, do not be jealous like that, Aa just reply to each other with Brigadier General Carlos. Neng still remembers him, right?”

After Aletha turned to Keenan, there was a sense of shame stored in the depths of her heart. Because Aletha had a bad idea with Keenan without knowing with whom Keenan exchanged messages.

”Yes sorry Aa, the end of earlier Aa smiling alone kok,”

“Ya sorry also Neng, if Aa has made Neng jealous. But... Aa likes it, it's a sign that Aa is always in Neng's heart.” Keenan manoel chin Aletha.

After Alina fell asleep quickly, Aletha and Keenan fell asleep. Let go of fatigue before tomorrow doing the persit mother's gathering to be held in the headquarters field.

“Luka Aa alhamdulillah is dry. But..” Aletha hung her words into the air.

“But what is Neng?”

“But there is a trace of Aa, Neng thinks it will not disappear.” Aletha showed the wound to Keenan through the reflection of the mirror.

“Astaghfirullah, how can that be Neng? If it can not be lost what Aa still remains cool in the eyes of Neng?”

“Yes Allah Aa, Neng it will always accept as is. Even though Aa's face is not handsome anymore and getting older Neng will still love Aa.”

“Oh yes, if Aa wants Neng can take Aa to the laser place. So that Aa's scar can be disguised with her laser beam. How?”

Keenan seemed speechless, thinking about what would be his decision. Until finally Keenan wanted to disguise the burn scars on his back.

Keenan prepared by wearing a full uniform and not forgetting his cabaret hat. So handsome menara when Keenan was ready with his uniform. The same thing was done by Aletha, that morning Aletha did not wear her black shirt and pants and sneli which was always attached to her body. And what Aletha wears is none other than green clothes and sponge skirts and hijabs that are in the same color, like the clothes of a persistent mother should.

Aletha did not forget to hold Alina, because that day Alina will be invited to the press mother's gathering at the headquarters.

“Bu, Keenan and Aletha permission to leave first! Miss Laila it's okay, right, if we stay for a while?”

“No, Son. Mom will keep the house, anyways Mother also there will be activities later with the neighboring mothers.”

Keenan and Aletha nodded, then greeted Ms. Laila and then said their greetings first before entering the car.

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Keenan led the morning apple, while the women who were present in the press mother's gathering still gathered on the other side. There Aletha joined Mama Nina and Laura.

”Assalamu'alaikum,” greet Aletha.

“Wa'alaikumussalam,” reply Mama Nina and Laura together.

After Aletha gathered with Mama and her best friend did not forget small talk accompanied the three before the core event will be held.

“Kak Ilham? Ilham's brother is also here?” ask Aletha.

“Iya Al, the medical team serving in the Lebak area was invited to the inauguration of Brigjen Bagas Kara.”

Aletha mangosteen, he just found out if the medical team was also invited by Bagas Karam in the inauguration event.

“Al, not unexpectedly yes if we will always be together like this. Even our husbands are also equally country servants.” Laura looked at Garda and Keenan who were still in the middle of the field under the hot sun.

“Iya, Ra. You're correct. And this is a beautiful destiny.” Aletha commented a smile.

Under the scorching sun made sweat splash at the temples of the striped troops, but they would always do it as a task and do the exercises before the war.

The morning apple show was over, after which it continued with the core event. Bagas Kara entered the field and went up to the small stage that had been provided. After that an inauguration of the promotion has also been presented. The star brooch has been pinned and that day it has been declared if Bagas Kara is already a Lieutenant General of the TNI.

Immediately a boisterous applause was heard after the embedding of the five-star brooch on Bagas Kara's shirt. This made Aletha and Mama Nina proud.

At exactly 11:00 noon the event was over. And to celebrate the promotion, Bagas Kara invited everyone to eat together at the Akira Back restaurant. It is a five star restaurant located in Setiabudi. There carries the concept of Japanese food combined with Korean food.

“Wah, expensive restaurant Bayu.” Bian admired the appearance outside the restaurant that did look amazing.

“But you don't be weird in acting when you're at the expensive restaurant Bian,” threatened Bayu.

“Quiet only, will not.” With the style of cool snobs Bian also entered following the group who had already entered the restaurant Akira Back.

All mengembil sit according to their own wishes. And soon Luna and Juan were present at a meal together. Even though he did not participate in the inauguration ceremony, the name of the father will not bear to eat well without children.

“You can all order food according to taste,” said Bagas Kara.

The waiter also offered a menu of food in the restaurant. And it looks like everyone is sorting out some of the menus written in paper.

Most of them choose a favorite menu at the Akira Back restaurant such as ... Pizza Tuna, AB Tacos, Miso Back Cod and Crispy Kalbi Roll. And of course they will enjoy the favorite food menu, because the typical delicacy of creative fusion is not likely to be found in other restaurants.

“Aa, Neng see Naina today very happy huh! Look tuh, her smile..”

“Why with his smile Neng?” asked Keenan without looking.

Keenan did not want to see Naina smiling. Because Keenan does not want to cause the jealous nature of Aletha which can later explode at any time.

“The smile is so sweet, Aa.” Aletha's gaze turned to Inspiration, because after looking at Ilham, Naina was always smiling who carved her lips with a perfect arch.

Aletha was curious about it, even her mind went to Ilham who had wanted to propose Naina who was quite far age, about five years younger than Ilham.

[Naina, are you ready?] ask the message through the message.

[God willing, I am ready!] reply Naina.

Ilham stood up gently, then aired a voice announcing her wedding day to Naina. Obviously it surprised everyone there, especially Aletha. For only Aletha has ever been asked for advice on the purpose of Inspiration. But then Aletha refused if Ilham was in a hurry, but in fact, the wedding day was determined and will be held three weeks more.

“Serious Charity with all this?” aletha asked after being outside the Akira Back restaurant.

“I'm serious, Al. There's no way I'm making marriage a joke. After I asked you for advice at that time, I always prayed istikharah. And InshaAllah Naina is the answer to my istikharah prayer.”

“Alright, hopefully later brother Ilham and Naina can be happy with each other. I can only pray for the best as Ilham's best friend.”

Aletha patted Ilham on the shoulder, after which Aleyha returned to Keenan's side who was about to prepare to return home.

While on the way Aletha was still confused, he did not think that Ilham and Naina would build a household. And it was not expected that Naina would receive the three little children of Inspiration. Because after marriage Naina will become a mother even though she has never felt the name contains.

“A... Neng still does not believe in Ilham da Naina.”

”Why is that so, Neng? What makes Neng not believe?”

“Yes... Ilham's sister was a widower, while Naina was once married. Even their age is five years.”

“Neng, listen to Aa. Two things that are valuable in life are love and sincerity. If we love that person sincerely, then we will accept all his shortcomings and will not compare how old he is and how rich he is.”

”And maybe that's what God's destiny is all about. Everything is arranged by God, so we do not need to worry about the lives of others. Just pray for the best for them in the future.”

Aletha nodded, she confirmed Keenan's words. And Aletha will no longer think of things that are not peting which will actually interfere with her own way of thinking.

Setiba at Aletha's house held Alina inside and moved her in the room, because all along the way Alina just fell asleep so soundly. But when Aletha and Keenan enter the house they find the whereabouts of someone....

“Tara,” says Aletha Ogre.

Tara who was sitting on the sofa instantly stood up and turned her body facing towards Aletha and Keenan who were behind her.

“Aletha, you're finally home too. Me...”

“What's your purpose in coming here, Tara?”

“I... just want to leave this to you, Al. There is no other purpose besides that which is my purpose to come here.” Tara gave a parcel to Aletha.

Both Aletha and Keenan's eyes were perfectly rounded, even both of them were curious about the contents inside the parcel. However, Aletha is also unlikely to open the parcel given by Tara at that time, because Aletha must maintain her attitude as a woman who is not cheap.

“What is it, Tara?”

Seriate...