Loved Bunian Wolves
2. Mother-in-law's Cajolery

"Raka, do you remember Widuri?" Sayup-sayup heard the voice of Aswini, Raka's mother, who was asking someone in the next room.

Runi who was washing dishes in the kitchen of Raka's house, shrinking the flow of water he was using to rinse his kitchen utensils. It also sharpens hearing. In this house there is only herself, Raka her husband, and also Raka's mother. To whom was the question asked?

If the question was for Raka, why should I discuss the name of someone who sounds like the name of a woman, while there is herself in this house who is the daughter-in-law of this family?

A few seconds passed but Runi did not get an answer. He almost ignored the conversation, but the voice of someone he loved now sounded so soft, it sounded like the voice of someone who was stunned.

"Wi-widuri?"

"Yes, Widuri. The eldest daughter of your boss, Pak Baskara, a palm oil master in Merbayu village. Mama's sure you remember her."

"In-he's back, Ma?" Raka's soft voice made Runi's heart seem to stop beating.

Why does her husband sound so surprised? Who is the figure of Widuri? Back from where? What story has ever existed between Raka and Widuri?

"She is beautiful, rich, and educated. Much more dignified than the poor woman of your choice, the Runi. It's poor, stupid, stubborn anyway!"

The deg!

The world of Runi seemed to stop spinning when he heard his name called. In the next room, her future mother-in-law was talking about herself to Raka. What's wrong with her? Why does it sound so bad? Why is she compared to other women? And moreover, the woman of Raka's past?

"Don't compare Runi with other women, Ma. She's my wife. In any case, Runi is the woman who is now on Raka's side." This time, the shady voice of Raka, Runi's husband, sounded. A faint smile appeared on Runi's lips as she heard her husband defending her.

"Curtain!" Aswini's voice screeched, making Runi's heart feel pinched. "What wife? A wife who never had a mother's blessing. Even if she was pregnant with your child, you wouldn't think of her as your granddaughter!"

Runi sighed softly. Ever since he married Raka one year ago, Aswini has indeed seemed to be very dislikeful of him. Even Aswini had been seen to hate Runi long before they dated, which was about two years ago. For what reason, Runi did not know for sure. But clearly, he has many shortcomings. She was an orphan girl, poor, and had nothing. Nor does he have anyone as a guardian. Only the love and struggle of Raka at that time to him, which makes him sure to accept the seriousness of Raka, thus ignoring the rejection of the prospective mother-in-law and her brother-in-law.

"She's a simple woman, Ma. But no matter what the circumstances, Raka still loves Runi as she is."

Nyepi. As loud as Aswini's words were intended to corner him, as long as Raka defended him, of course not a problem for Runi.

"Despite this," Aswini spoke in a very low tone. "Honestly, I hope you end your marriage soon, Raka. My mother tried to bless you, but she couldn't! In your eyes, she is not the best woman for you. He will only be a parasite that will eat away at your life!"

This second as well, Runi was eager to rush there immediately. He wanted to break into the living room where the mother and child were gathering to voice his heart. He wanted to protest at his outrageous mother-in-law, for she had willingly neglected her existence here. However, his legs felt stiff. His tongue also felt stuck in his throat. He did not have the courage to defend himself. And to be honest, he still hoped that a little sentence spoken from Raka could defend him a little.

"Why the hell until now Mama has not been able to accept Runi to be Raka's wife?" Tandas Raka growled. She added, "Raka loves Runi very much, Ma. Raka would never cancel our wedding!"

Silent creeping. Even the water faucet that Runi used to wash dishes and glasses in the dishwasher owned by Raka's mother was turned off earlier while her hands were still covered in dishwashing soap foam. He wanted to eavesdrop on that conversation. He wanted to hear Raka's defense for himself! He wanted to make sure Raka was completely loyal to him, and his heart was only for him! And he believes, Raka will forever choose herself even though a thousand beautiful women come to tempt Raka.

"But Raka has chosen Runi, Ma! Raka will never leave Runi!" Raka cried with a slightly high tone. And apparently, Raka's exclamation managed to make Aswini ride apitam.

He exclaimed, "You are yes, from childhood until now have never defied the orders of mama at all. Then what is this? Just because of that useless poor woman, you have already dared to fight mama, huh?! Keep on defying mama!"

"It's not so, Ma!" Raka's voice started to sound panicked.

Aswini doesn't care. He still continued his tirade to his youngest son, "Even you knew your papa's will before he died, right? Marry Widuri! But what's going on? You chose the poor lady of that unlucky carrier!"

Silent moment. Runi knew, Raka, her husband, was trying to refute the words of her own mother. Denying parents when the dignity of a spouse is at stake is not an iniquity.

"But that was before Widuri left Raka, Ma! Now there is a Runi. And Raka ..." a moment of silence greeted before Raka again continued, "Raka will never abandon Runi no matter what. He had been on Raka's side, even when Raka was in the middle of falling down because of the loss of Widuri."

The deg! Runi as if slapped. So, he only became an impingement when Raka was in the midst of being abandoned by a woman named Widuri? Oh, naw! How unlucky he is!

"Mama has met with Widuri, Raka," Aswini said without heeding her son's words. "And guess what really happened? He still loves you very much. Mama heard his confession with mom's own ears."

Both of Runi's hands clenched. His face was hot and his eyes began to look glassy. What reality is this? Why does it feel so painful for him?

This time, he really wanted Raka to come back to defend him. No matter the whole world scolded her, as long as not her husband. But actually, silence. Raka was silent a thousand languages. Did Raka start to get hooked on her mother's words?

"Try to get back into a relationship with Widuri, Raka. Mama sure, you guys still love each other." Slowly and surely, Aswini's voice was heard again.

The deg! What the fuck? Why did his father-in-law so clearly tell Raka to approach Aswini again and tell him to ignore his own wife? What kind of order is this?

Amarah Runi glared. Who is the figure of Widuri? Is that woman Raka's past not over yet? Sebersit asa appeared in Runi's mind, hoping Raka would be willing to defend him. He was still very sure, Raka would not be able to ignore him.

But what's going on? So long Runi waited for Raka's defense for her, but only silence was created in the next room. Raka did not offer a defense for her, or even a rejection of her mother's advice. 

Actually, what's going on? Is Raka being persuaded by her mother's words to reconsider Widuri? And maybe, leave Runi?

***