Not the Seeds That Should Be
Chapter 22. Coercing

The next day, Sharmila and Rian were sitting casually on their porch while enjoying a cup of tea. Waiting for his son who was playing on the porch with the two of them. Suddenly, Alex appears at the door and asks Sharmila to talk to him.

"Sharmila, please listen to me" Alex said in a hoarse voice. "I know I've made a lot of mistakes, but I can't live without my son. I want him to be with me."

Sharmila looked at him with sharp eyes, "Alex, I've told you before. I will never leave Rian and my son. We're separated, and it's done."

However, Alex did not give up their relationship just like that. He kept begging Sharmila to hand over their child to him. Sharmila felt scared and anxious, especially after seeing Alex who looked desperate and could barely control her emotions.

"That's enough, Alex," Sharmila said firmly. "I told you that I would never leave Rian and my son for you. I'll never let you take my son."

"But, he is my son too, Sharmila," Alex said in a trembling voice. "I have the right to see and care for him."

"You can see your son, Alex. But, I will not give up custody to anyone but Rian and myself" Sharmila said.

Rian just watches them argue, wanting to know how Sharmila copes with her own circumstances and feelings.

After a few minutes of fruitless arguments, Alex then leaves their home with a face filled with sadness, disappointment and anger. Sharmila remained calm and realized that this situation could continue.

"Sorry, Rian. Hiks hyks..."

Rian hugs the body of his wife who is now crying because of Alex. He calms Sharmila who has been able to cope with the situation as well as her feelings for Alex.

***

A few days later, Alex accidentally comes back to Sharmila's house when Rian is not home. In a softer tone and asked if he could talk to Sharmila for a moment. Sharmila allows Alex to sit on the front porch.

"Sharmila, I'm sorry for all the mistakes I've done" Alex said. "I miss my son, but I know that you and Rian are the best family for him. I won't interfere with your life anymore."

Sharmila was relieved to hear Alex's different words this time. "Thank you, Alex. I also want you to know that I understand your feelings and I appreciate that you admit your mistakes."

"Can I see my son again?" ask Alex slowly.

Sharmila thought for a moment and finally nodded, "Alright, you can see your son, but only if Rian's mas is also at home."

"But..."

"There's no but-but. If you refuse, I don't hesitate to call the security!" Sharmila began to threaten.

Suddenly Ruli came. She is enraged by Alex's presence at her son's house, Ruli is Rian's mother, so Ruli is Sharmila's mother-in-law.

He evicted Alex, for disturbing the peace of his son's family.

After Alex left, Sharmila was relieved and resumed activities as usual. However, a few hours later, Ruli came suddenly and entered their house with an extremely angry face.

"What's up, Ma?" sharmila asked with a worried face.

Sharmila tries to explain that Alex came to ask for custody of their child, but Ruli is unwilling to listen to her explanation. She feels very angry that she feels that Sharmila has betrayed her family by being in touch with Alex again.

"I don't want to see him in this house again. Do not let your relationship be disrupted so that the peace of your family is also threatened," said Ruli in a firm tone.

Sharmila felt sad and disappointed by Ruli's attitude. She knows that Ruli loves her son and only wants the best for their family, but she feels that Ruli's decision is too firm and makes her feel unappreciated.

She also couldn't get Alex into the house to find her son. He doesn't allow Alex to come home without Rian.

"I'm sorry, Ma. But, I also want to know that I don't want to make trouble. I also chased Alex away," Sharmila said in a soft tone.

Suddenly Rian came and tried to calm his mother, "Ma, I know you just want to protect our family. But, Sharmila had already confirmed that she would never abandon me and our son. Mama doesn't have to worry."

As it turns out, Sharmila contacted Rian when Alex arrived. Sharmila is worried that Alex will take her son away.

Ruli sighed and then pondered for a moment. He realizes that he may be too harsh on Sharmila and decides to apologize.

"I'm sorry, Sharmila. Mama's just worried for your family. But, mama understands that you love Rian and will never hurt him" Ruli said in a regretful tone.

Sharmila nodded and forgave Ruli, "Thank you, Ma. I wish we could make peace and be a happy family together."

After that, the atmosphere in their home became calmer and harmonious. Ruli and Sharmila begin to understand each other and work together to build a good relationship between them.

A few days later, Ruli even invites Sharmila to have dinner together at her house. They spend an enjoyable time talking about their past and how they can improve their relationship going forward.

"Thank you for forgiving me, Sharmila. I feel very guilty for demeaning you" Ruli said sincerely.

Sharmila smiled and replied, "Sama-sama, Ma. I also apologize and thank you for treating me well and showing kindness to my mother who forgave Mila."

***

After a few days of the last incident, Sharmila and Rian try to forget about Alex's events and focus on their family's happiness. However, Alex's presence in their lives still disturbs their minds. Alex still claims the rights to their son and continues to force Sharmila to hand over their child to him.

One day, Rian and Sharmila were just about to go to the mall to do some shopping. Suddenly Alex comes back to their house in a very rude tone and forces Sharmila to hand their child over to him.

"You should know that the child is mine and I deserve it. You're just his mother who has no rights over my son" Alex said in a harsh tone.

Sharmila felt devastated and was unable to respond to Alex's harsh words. She felt unfair because she had been taking care of her own child ever since in the womb.

"No matter what happens, I will do anything for my son. You can't get in the way of my rights as a biological father" Alex said in a very loud tone.

Rian tries to appease Alex and asks her to calm down, but Alex gets increasingly angry and threatens to take the matter to court.