NiLaM (Wisdom of Love After Married)
Chapter 19

On a sunny morning, Mira feels uneasy when she is unable to contact Deni, her boyfriend. Over the past few days, Deni has become increasingly distant and reluctant to talk to Mira. Whenever Mira tries to discuss the continuation of their relationship to a more serious level of marriage, Deni seems to avoid the topic. Mira felt the need to discuss the seriousness of Deni to marry her considering their relationship had gone too far and if not immediately inaugurated it would be very dangerous for their future and even the name of both parents and their families.

Mira decides to look for Deni at her campus. However, Deni was not there. He tries to contact their friends, but no one knows about Deni's whereabouts.

Mira was panicked and anxious. He had no idea what had happened to Deni and why he had suddenly disappeared just like that. In his heart, he was trying to figure out what might have happened.

Meanwhile, Deni was in a remote place, away from the hustle of the city. She feels burdened with pressure from Mira and her family to get married soon. Although she loves Mira, she feels she is not ready to take responsibility with the marriage bond.

Deni pondered and secluded himself to find clarity in his heart. She knew she had to mentally prepare and think about their future more maturely before taking such a serious step as marriage.

A few days passed, Mira still did not get any news from Deni. His heart grew anxious and worried. He felt lonely and did not know what to do.

Mira eventually decides to seek help from her friends to investigate Deni's whereabouts. They tried to contact Deni's friends and brothers, but the results were nil. Deni seems to have completely disappeared from circulation.

Mira felt hopeless and lost hope. He did not know what to face the reality like, whether Deni would return or not. His heart was broken and he felt alone.

In his hiding place, Deni felt heavy-hearted. Although she knows that her decision to leave Mira leaves her hurt, she seeks strength to move on and find herself

by oneself. He knew that he had to overcome his fear and unpreparedness if he wanted to have a more serious relationship.

As night falls, Mira muses in her room to remember all the beautiful moments they have passed with Deni. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she realized how much she loved Deni, and how much she missed the man.

Meanwhile, Deni sees the moon and stars from his hiding place. His heart was trying to find

peace and clarity. He knows that he must overcome his fears and find the strength to face the future with Mira.

A few weeks passed, Mira was still trying to find out about Deni's whereabouts. He searches through social media, hoping to find clues about Deni's whereabouts. However, there was no trace he could find.

One day, while trying to find Deni at his college, Mira meets Deni's old friend, Rio. Mira quickly reprimanded him and asked about Deni.

"Mas Rio, do you know anything about Mas Deni?  I'm very worried about him. Do you know where he is?"

It turns out that Rio had known about the existence of Deni because before Deni often told rio about his problems with Mira.

Rio looked doubtful, as if he wanted to hide something from Mira. However, seeing the worry on Mira's face, Rio decided to reveal the truth.

"Mira, actually Deni disappeared because he didn't feel ready to meet you and your family. She's feeling depressed about the marriage and needs time to prepare mentally."

Mira was surprised to hear Rio's explanation. Her heart rages, jumbled between the relief of knowing that Deni is not in physical danger, but also sad and disappointed to know the reason why Deni disappeared.

"No, Mira. He deliberately disappeared in search of time and space for himself. He doesn't feel ready to face marriage and the pressures of our family."

Mira pondered for a moment, digesting the information. He was confused and did not know what to do. However, she is relieved to learn that Deni is not in physical danger. However, her feelings of anxiety and sadness were still there, as she felt left behind just like that.

"Why didn't he tell me about this? Why didn't he talk to me about it?"

"Maybe he finds it hard to express his feelings. He knows that you are desperate to get married and may feel unable to live up to your expectations. So he chose to seclude himself and seek answers in his own heart."

Mira nodded sadly. He is honored that Deni respects his feelings, but he also feels disappointed that Deni did not speak to him.

"But I know that Deni loves you, Mira. He just needed some time to prepare himself and convince his heart of the step he was going to take."

Mira smiled softly hearing those words. His heart was relieved to know that Deni's feelings were still there for him. However, he also knew that he had to give Deni space to find

itself.

After talking to Rio, Mira decided to give Deni some time and space. He knew that he could not force a marriage if Deni was not ready. Although her heart aches from her temporary separation, she must respect Deni's decision and let Deni find himself.

Meanwhile, Deni was still in his hiding place, pondering and contemplating. He was mixed up with his own feelings. On the one hand, she loves Mira and does not want to lose her, but on the other hand, she feels not ready to get married and faces pressure from the Mira family.

Deni realizes that he should talk to Mira and tell her about his decision. He should be honest about his feelings and apologize for disappearing without giving an explanation.

A few days later, Deni returns to the city and searches for Mira. Mira is surprised and happy to see Deni back. He wanted to ask Deni a lot of things, but he decided to give it time

Deni to speak.

Deni and Mira meet in the campus garden, in the warm sunshine. They sat side by side, a feeling of nervousness and anxiety felt between them.

"Mira, I want to apologize for losing contact a while ago. I have to confess that I'm secluded because I don't feel ready for marriage."

Mira nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I understand, Deni mas. I know that I put too much pressure on you and talk about marriage. I'm sorry for making you feel depressed."

"Not that, Mira. I love you, but I don't feel ready to take responsibility for the marriage bond. I need time to mentally prepare and reflect on our future."

“Alright, Mas! I will still give Deni mas a little time, but I will always wait for certainty from the mas, soon!” firmly Dina who was replied Deni nods.

While Mira lowered her pursuit of Deni, Mira still hoped that Deni would soon have the courage to immediately decide the continuation of their relationship more carefully and immediately in a more serious direction. Mira is willing to give Deni time and space to reflect, while Deni promises to meet both of Mira's parents soon.