Love Lanterns
CHAPTER 156 “Back Withstand Perih”

“There is no other hope of a wife other than the return of her husband in good condition. It would be hypocritical if I was really strong, because that is the opposite of my heart. Although I myself know all will return to God but. I am just an ordinary man who has a fragile heart.”.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Aletha left Ilham who still enjoyed the dish, although the event had broken up but the dish was still used as a snack for the Bagas Kara family who were still there.

‘Yes Allah, forgive me if this heart only pretends to be firm and accepts legowo if that happens. But at this time in fact..my heart mstasa fret and fret, even haunted by anxiety.’.

The question from Ilham again flashed in Aletha's memory. And it would be hypocritical if the wife was not afraid of losing her husband, let alone Aletha also remembered what Keenan said that night.

Aletha's thoughts were mixed, her heart and mind were in a clash. Inwardly obviously not willing if Keenan went off duty, in his mind Aletha said it was okay. It's heartbreaking to be the wife of a country man.

“It's almost maghrib, why hasn't Aa come home yet? Did something ... happen?” mumbling Aletha.

Aletha continued to look at the wall clock attached to the living room. His mind was never separated from Keenan who had not come home after this afternoon.

“Do I have to contact Aa, yes? To just make sure,” said Aletha.

Aletha stood in her daydream, she fondled back her intention to contact Keenan.

“Wait! If I call Aa later even make it disturbed. Who knows, it's busy at the base. Ah yes, that's it! No need to contact him, it is better to wait another three hours.” Aletha turned to the kitchen, helping Mama Nina and Bu Laila who were still busy there.

Because the new event was over this afternoon Mama Nina decided to stay one more night at Aletha's house and help Ms. Laila clean the kitchen utensils that had been used before. And the longer Ms. Laila seems to get along with Mama Nina, even the rope of brotherhood that is intertwined tighter.

“Mama... Miss Laila, Aletha can help what is this?”

“It's okay, you took a shower! Later Keenan has come home when he was welcomed by his wife who is still kumel and kuel. As a wife it should be able to captivate her husband, although not dress up menor but commendable morals able to make the husband fascinated.” That's how Mama Nina said long but can be understood by Aletha.

“Iya, Ma.” Aletha nodded. “Ya already then, Aletha to the room first!”

Aletha was immediately under the cold water and cleaned her already sticky body due to the sweat all over her body. And as always, it doesn't take very long to perform the ritual in there. It would be a waste of time if there was an emergency call at any time.

“Take water wudhu all of you, nanggung .. at most also soon maghrib.”

After washing the face, hands, ears and feet with Aletha's ablution water came out of the bathroom. A few minutes later the sound of the adzan reverberated, heard from a distance that was not too far only about a meter from Aletha's house.

Aletha wrapped her body with a white mucena that has a flower embroidery on the edge. And do not forget that even a long prayer rug has been stretched, then three rakaat has been done.

“Yes Allah I as Your servant complain again and ask again. Forgive me if I have never had enough gratitude for all that You have given me.”

“And there is no other hope of a wife other than the return of her husband in good condition. It would be hypocritical if I was really strong, because that is the opposite of my heart. Although I myself know all will return to Allah SWT but. I am just an ordinary human being who has a fragile heart.”.

“If even my husband would return to duty at the behest of the state and again we would part with great distance is fine, as long as You close us in every prayer. Because through prayer the heart that You have chosen will remain linked to each other. Aamiin.”

“Aamiin.”

Keenan who stood behind Aletha also guaranteed the prayer that Aletha had prayed. And the right of contact made Aletha feel surprised, because previously there was no sign that Keenan had gone home.

“Aa... since when is it standing behind, Neng?” ask Aletha.

Aletha moved from where she was sitting, after which she immediately grabbed Keenan's hand to greet him. Aletha also prepared warm water for Keenan to take a shower after activities outside.

“Just now, Neng.” Keenan reviewed a thin smile.

“Aa shower first there! Already Neng prepare the warm water,” pinta Aletha.

Keenan just nodded, then went into the bathroom after reaching for the towel that was dried on the right side of the bathroom. While Aletha prepares Keenan prayer clothes, because it is certain that Keenan will pray first before going down and joining the dining table.

“If Neng wants to go down first is also okay. Aa can follow later,” said Keenan.

Keenan tried to hold back the pain when the separation would happen again. Trying to smile and act ordinary so that Aletha did not feel suspicious, however....

‘What's wrong with Aa Keenan? As usual,’ murmured Aletha in the heart.

Aletha was suspicious, but she tried not to ask Keenan first and waited until Keenan would talk to her himself. Because Aletha was convinced that Keenan needed time for that.

“Alina darling, let's go down first!”

Aletha carried Alina down the stairs, on the lower floor there was Mama Nina and Bu Laila who were ready to hold Alina.

“Assalamu'alaikum,” say hello from outside.

“Wa'alaikumussalam,” reply Mama Nina and all at the same time.

No one knows who the guest who visited that night, after the door was opened there was a girl who was sturdy with short hair as a canine while reviewing a smile.

“Rania,” says Bu Laila.

Rania also entered and greeted the elders, the longest with Bu Laila. Hugs that are held to release the craving that wreaks.

Aletha and Luna just looked at each other, because no one had previously told her that Rania would be coming home that day. While known Rania will return after one year of his assignment in East Kalimantan.

“Rania, why not tell Aletha if you are going home?”

Rania broke her embrace with Bu Laila, after looking at Aletha with a nano look. Which is not certain how Rania felt at that time.

“I.. impromptu, Brother. Sorry if I didn't tell Aletha's sister just yet, but now I have to go and see someone.” Rania gave an alibi excuse.

“You want to go again, son? New also come, eat first with us,” invite Mama Nina.

“Excuse Rania, Mama Nina. But... this is urgent, Rania must go first,” reject Rania.

Rania returned to greet the elders, Aletha and Luna. After that go by riding Aletha's scoopy motorbike. At medium speed Rania is heading somewhere because she will meet someone.

The elders, Aletha and Luna were just shaking their heads at Rania's trance-like behavior. But they just understand, maybe it has something to do with the military world.

A dinner together was held after all the family members had gathered. The menu that night did not escape from rendang meat and chicken opor. And all enjoying the results of Mama Nina's cooking with Bu Laila.

“Tring... Tring..”

Aletha's phone rang, making her stop the activity of dinner for a moment. Then Aletha moved out of her seat to receive a call from the hospital all of a sudden.

“Halo, here is Doctor Aletha. Can I help you?”

“Iya Doc, there was an emergency accident that asked Doctor Aletha to come immediately. Since this concerns the heart of the patient, Doc.”

Silent...

Aletha never agreed to the order, it felt reluctant to leave the togetherness that accompanied her that night before all had to return to their respective homes.

“Halo, is Doctor Aletha still there?” ask the nurse to make sure.

“Ah yes, I am still here. All righty! I'll be in the hospital soon.” Aletha finally decided to leave.

Aletha immediately changed her clothes to one that was pleasing to the eye while working, not the long robe she was currently wearing. When she was ready, Aletha said goodbye to Keenan and the elders before leaving for the hospital.

“Let Aa the interracial!”

“But... Aa haven't finished eating yet,”

“Later to continue. Aa want ... tandem with Neng, time can not?” whispered Keenan.

Aletha laughed silently after hearing Keenan's absurd reason. But it makes Aletha feel like she is being spoiled by Keenan, in the treatment of a queen.

The car was traveling at high speed, because Aletha had to reach the hospital immediately before the patient lost a lot of blood in the head.

And after arriving at the hospital did not forget for Aletha to greet the back of Keenan's hand, the thing that Keenan always did again repeated. Kissing Aletha's forehead is mandatory for her as a husband.

“Be careful if going into operating room, Neng. Do not let daydream Aa who will break the concentration of Neng later.”

“What the hell, this Aa? Yes, it is impossible if Neng daydreams Aa. Yes already, Neng must enter now, later Aa pick up four more hours.” Aletha waved her hand before entering the hospital.

“Iya, Neng.” Keenan.

Aletha goes into the ER room and checks the patient's heart condition. There is already a doctor Raihan, a neurosurgeon who is new to Siloam Hospitals, but Raihan's doctor is very good at working. Because Raihan's doctor is a doctor who graduated from the United States.

“How is the condition of the victim, Doctor Raihan?”

“I think there is no problem in the head, but. there is a blood clot that inhibits the work of the heart of the victim, Doctor Aletha.”.

Aletha let out a heavy sigh, because that night she had to go back to testing her adrenaline in the operating room.

“Are you all ready?” aletha asked to make sure.

“Ready, Doc.” The nurse and the escort doctor nodded simultaneously.

The operating light has been lit with such a bright light, a sign that the operation is about to begin.

Aletha began surgery, looking for blood that clots to block the blood vessels that should remain flowing. And Aletha had to focus on the sharpness of her eyes while the surgery was still going on.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

On the way home Keenan gets a call from Bagas Kara, which requires the brave troops to die immediately gathered at the headquarters.

‘What else? Isn.... The assignment will be done in one more week?’

Keenan sighed, he felt uncomfortable with the order. There was a sense that wanted to keep him and stay beside Aletha, but the task of the country should still be done as a true warrior.

Keenan also turned the direction of his car, after that pressed the gas pedal and the car has been pushed forward quickly.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

“Kak, forgive Naina if one more week will be assigned in Papua. This assignment was not for a moment, but one year. So... we have to postpone our marriage,” Naina explained to Ilham.

Ilham sighed heavily, the dream to immediately have a marriage with Naina must be postponed, and it again made Ilham hold back the pain. The separation must first occur between Ilham and Naina before the wedding is to take place one more week.

“Sister can't hold you back either, Naina. If postponing the marriage is your decision, Brother also can not do anything even though Brother must withstand the pain in the heart.” Ilham stared fixedly at Naina's two black beads.

“One more time forgive me, Brother. I didn't mean to postpone it but..”

“It's okay. Nevermind! At least we still have time together for about a week, right?”

Inspiration as much as possible understand the task of Naina who became a special member of the state servant. And to make Naina not sad again Ilham tried to review her smile, so that Naina believed if she did not mind Naina's assignment.

However, Naina's phone suddenly beedering when the two have accepted each other's decision taken. And that call was from Bagas Kara, who ordered Naina to come to the headquarters immediately.

“Pardon Naina, Ilham's Sister. Now Naina has to go to headquarters.” Naina says goodbye to Inspiration.

Inspiration just nodded, assuring Naina who would go fulfill the call from the superior.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

“Wood, this is the fate of singles ngenes. Want to leave the task alone no one can resist, no one cheers even no one gives. kiss.”.

Bayu only shook his head to hear Bian's words that were very absurd. And what was in Bian's mind did not escape from Rania. As if her thoughts were only centered on Rania alone, there was nothing else but Rania. However, Rania also did not give any news to Bian, making Bian's heart even more troubled.

As the two were enjoying a gray night for a single ngenes suddenly their second phone rang, a call came in from Bagas Kara. The same commandment was given to Bian and Bayu. And immediately Bian hugged Bayu with his scoopy motor to the headquarters.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

“Last death, and I will leave this task to you, Doctor Khaira. Can you finish it?”

“Can, Doctor Aletha.” Khaira.

Khaira took over Aletha's position to replace Aletha in sewing the heart that had been done surgery. While Aletha washed her hands and changed into a blue dongker shirt and black pants, the clothes were worn earlier when she went to the hospital.

“It must be Aa, but..”.

Aletha headed outside to meet Keenan who was already outside waiting for her.

“Aa since when to wait, Neng? Has it been a while?”

Keenan who had his back to Aletha immediately turned around, looking at Aletha so sharply. Until their gazes met and momentarily locked onto each other.

“Aa... Why wear this uniform? Is Aa going on duty tonight?”

Silent...

Keenan did not answer Aletha's question, instead the hug was held for Aletha and Keenan was telling the truth when the embrace was getting tightened.

“Forcuse Aa, Aa must return to duty in Papua. Tonight Aa and the other brave dead troops will leave.”

“How long will Aa go? Will this task be dangerous? Is Aa going to renege on another promise? Is Aa gonna be late for her? And... Does Neng have to be alone again?” scowl Aletha with a question that strikes Keenan's heart.

“Aa will be in charge for.. one year. Until the brave army dies can complete this secret mission. And if we are on duty quickly, then.we are not up to one year.” Keenan tightened his embrace.

Degs...

Aletha's heart held back the pain as she had to accept the fact that she would part with Keenan again. It will even be longer than three months which is up to six months. Aletha's tears filled her eyes, as if they were ready to fall and decay.

‘Excuse Neng, Aa! Neng... can not hold it,” said Aletha.

Tears just shed, making Keenan feel heavy to leave Aletha who still wants to treat longing by creating togetherness. But unfortunately, time cannot be stopped or pushed back, the task is still a task that must be done. And Keenan had been awaited by the other brave troops to die at the headquarters, so that he could not linger with Aletha.

“Pardon Aa, Aa can't take Neng home. Neng... can bring your own car, right?”

Keenan broke his embrace, then gave the car keys that were in his grasp to Aletha. With a very heavy heart Keenan gave a kiss on Aletha's forehead before he went from Aletha's sight.

“Neng be careful at home and take care of Alina! Do not forget Neng must be diligent in praying and take time to teach even if only one verse.” Keenan gently rubbed the top of Aletha's head.

“Yes already, Aa can't linger. Aa go first, Neng. Assalamu'alaikum.” Keenan turned around, half running towards the taxi driver he had booked online.

Aletha did not flinch at all, even saying a word did not. But his cry grew sobbing, staring at Keenan's back that was getting farther and slowly disappearing in the universe of his view.

‘Munafik if I let go, O Allah. If I can change time, turn time and hold time, I want my time with him to be prolonged, O God. Will my life continue like this with him? Will he remain stationed off the island for a very long time?'

Aletha's body decays, slumping downwards. In her heartbreaking cry it truly sounded heartbreaking to everyone. Not a selfish attitude, but the name of a wife certainly does not want to break up even though it is only a moment or a long time.

From a distance there were a pair of eyes that saw Aletha drowning in her grief. But Ilham could not calm Aletha, because he himself also held back when he had to let Naina serve in Papua for one year.

The KKB business is heartbreaking. Making the writer sigh because he had to separate Aletha with Keenan, Garda with Laura and Naina with Inspiration.

“Patience to you guys yes, the lanterns will stay lit with the power of love.” Such is the author's message to Keenan and Aletha.

Aletha was still deep in sadness, but soon she came to her senses as a shadow of Alina flashed across her eyes.

“No. I have to be strong for Alina. I'm sure Aa Keenan will be back soon and this farewell is not the last farewell for us. And I'm sure, God will roll it all out as long as we keep praying.”

Aletha wiped away the tears that soaked her cheeks, after which she stood up and tried hard to take the test back. Aletha continued to convince her heart to accept with great heart, and Aletha was sure that the prayer of a wife would be shared with God.

Aletha got into the car and drove it at a moderate speed.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

“Is all equipment ready?”

“Already, Commander!” answer simultaneously.

“You will leave at 10:20, that means less than ten minutes. And I, as your superior, fully leave this task to you. Are you ready to do this?” ask Bagas Kara so firmly.

“Ready! Sir.” The soldiers dare to die saluting Bagas Kara as their superior.

“Before leaving I want to tell you about someone who will help you during your time there. And I am sure you will feel replaced by his presence.” Bagas Kara stared intently at all the members of the army daring to die.

In a standing position, the troops dared to die waiting for the presence of the person who meant Bagas Kara, although curiosity peaked in their hearts but no one dared to ask who the person was.

Not long after, Rania came in her full uniform. Then Rania stood on the right side of Bagas Kara, the person Bagas Kara meant was none other than Rania. Until making the troops dare to die surprised especially Bian. Because Rania didn't say anything about it before.

The helicopter arrived ten minutes later. Without a word more troops dare to die into the helicopter after all the weapons are finished inserted. Once everything is ready, the helicopter is flying very high.

‘Helicopter it... what helicopter is carrying Aa and you all go?’

Aletha stopped her car for a moment when she saw a helicopter flying over her car. There is no other word than Aketha to multiply the prayers for Keenan's smoothness in that secret mission.

Aletha commented a smile as the helicopter became increasingly invisible after taking a direction to the East.

‘A... Neng will faithfully wait for Aa back.’

Aletha re-applied her car.

Seriate...