NiLaM (Wisdom of Love After Married)
Chapter 20
That day, the atmosphere in the campus garden was so cool. Colorful flowers bloom, adorning the corners of the garden. Under the shady trees, two friends, Niken and Mira, sat face to face on a wooden bench.
“Mira, I want to talk seriously about your relationship with Deni,” Niken open the chat
“What is it, Ken? Didn't we talk about it before?”
“Yes, but it looks like you're still giving Deni too much space. Your relationship has come this far, but why hasn't Deni met your parents and proposed to you?”
“Niken, I've talked to Deni about that, but he needs more time to think about it.”
Niken scrunched his forehead, “How long has it been, Mira? You've been dating for almost five years, hasn't that been long enough?
Mira lowered her head, “I know, but I don't want to rush. I want her to be mentally and financially ready before meeting my parents and proposing to me.
Niken holds Mira's hand, “Mira, I understand your worries, but you have to remember, life is not always what we planned. If you truly love each other, you will face a future together. Don't let fear stop you.
“But, Niken, what if he's not ready yet? I don't want him to feel burdened or sorry later in the day.”
“That's a risk to be taken in love, Mira. You can't always wait and procrastinate. What if he waits too long and finally lets you go because he feels unappreciated?”
“I don't know yet, Niken. I still want to give him time, but I'm also afraid of losing him.”
Niken looked sharply, “Mira, listen, you are a strong and precious woman. You have to know what you want and dare to fight for it. Don't let yourself get caught up in the uncertainty that breaks your heart.”
Mira started crying, “But, Niken, what should I do?”
Niken wiped Mira's tears, “First, talk again with Deni about your feelings and what you expect from this relationship. If he really loves you, he will listen to you and try to understand.”
Mira nodded, “Well, I'll give it a try.”
Niken smiled, but, behind Mira's smile, Niken felt her dissatisfaction. After some time has passed, Niken feels that Mira is back in her comfort zone, and is not fully dealing with her problems with Deni. Questions and doubts continue to torment him.
One day, Niken decides to talk to Mira again.
Niken with a serious face mimic, “Mira, I feel you still hold doubts about your relationship with Deni.”
“Why do you think so, ken?”
“I see you still give Deni plenty of time and opportunity to decide important things, like meeting your parents and proposing to you. I'm afraid you're giving up too much, Mira.”
Mira tries to defend herself, ”But, Niken, I love her. I don't want to encourage her to do something she's not ready to do.”
“Sure, loving someone is a beautiful thing, but love should also be balanced, Mira. You gave everything for this relationship, but what did he give you? Is he really trying to understand your feelings and what you need?”
Niken smiled lovingly, “That's her, Mira. You must be firm about what you want and not be afraid to reveal it to Deni. You deserve someone who is truly ready to step forward with you.”
“You're right, Niken. I've heard what you've said, and I know you care about me. I'll try talking to Deni again, more clearly and firmly.”
“I'm glad you listened to my advice, Mira. I want the best for you, and I want you to be happy.”
“Still, ken. You have always been my best friend.”
The other day, Mira sits on the porch of the house where she is contracted, getting ready to wait for Deni's arrival. Niken, her best friend, has just given her advice on the importance of discussing the future of her relationship with Deni. Mira knew she had to take a step forward, but she felt awkward to discuss it.
Shortly after, Deni arrived with a warm smile on his face. Mira tried to smile, trying to suppress her nervousness.
“Mas, can we talk seriously?”
“Sure, what do you want to talk about?”
Mira gulps in nervousness, “About our future, Deni. I want to talk about marriage.”
Deni surprised, “Wedding? But, Mira, I think we can still wait a few more years before talking about it.”
“That's what I want to talk about, Deni. We've been dating for five years, and I feel it's time to discuss our future. I want us to get married, mas!”
“But, Mir, I still don't feel ready. There are still a lot of things to do before we talk about marriage.”
“Mas, true love is about growing together. I know there are challenges, but we can face them together. I don't want to keep procrastinating. I want us to build the future together.”
Deni looks confused, “But what will we do if I'm not ready to get married yet?”
“I want you to try harder, mas. Not just for yourself, but for both of us. I believe in your potential and believe me, we can face all obstacles together.”
“I know I have to try harder. I love you, Mira, and I don't want to lose you. But I need time to prepare myself.”
“Hemmm. The important thing is that I've reached my wish on Ms. Deni. Sure, I get it. But please promise me that we will discuss this again in the next few months.”
Deni was silent and speechless again he was even contemplating and not natural then saying goodbye to Mira.
Along the way in his heart, Deni himself still continued to feel depressed and dilemma. On the one hand, he loves Mira and wants to make her happy, but on the other hand, he feels unprepared and afraid of great responsibility.
This conflict makes their relationship a bit fragile and vulnerable plus Mira feels actually in her heart is still disappointed with Deni's uncertainty, while Deni feels trapped in his fear.
Will Mira and Deni be able to overcome this conflict and find a way to improve their relationship? Or will their concerns and disagreements lead them to a sad end?