Rai Universe
CHAPTERS 17. To hell With a Good Name.
Esta was still stuck in Salamah's arms. This time, she looked like a girl in general who looked weak and needed to cry to just calm down. She looked like a girl her age who still needed guidance and hugs from those around her.
Not a girl who puts a strong mask when her heart has been crushed by the circumstances. Not a girl who runs away to cheerfulness and tries to finish all by herself because she has no place to lean.
“Cry, spill it all. It's okay.” And Salamah again. He kept hugging Esta's body and stroked her head gently.
The feeling of regret and guilt piled up in Rai's heart. It also felt as he heard Esta's miserable roar. He lowered his face and did not dare to look directly at the stifling sight presented before him. Pras even tried to appease Rai by stroking his nephew's back.
For a long time Esta vented her grief and wounds in the arms of Salamah, which she had met for the first time. He doesn't care if he looks weak and fragile. He just wanted to take all his sadness.
After struggling to calm his heart, Esta was slowly able to control herself and take off her arms from Salamah even though she still occasionally sobbed.
Esta immediately cleaned her tear marks with her palm and directly lowered her head. Salamah was still trying to calm him down by rubbing his shoulders.
After the situation gradually normalized, Esta only dared to raise her head and look at Rai who was looking at her pias. But, for some reason he did not like the look of pity that emanated from the two men's eyes.
Esta was surprised when Rai suddenly stood up and immediately approached her then pulled her wrist to get away from the living room. Rai invites him into a room that does not belong to anyone.
After tightly closing the door, Rai released his hand and stood facing Esta. Rai looked at Esta with a difficult look to explain.
“Sorry.” Lirih Rai to Esta.
“Neg. No need to apologize. It's all our fault. We both got it wrong.”
“I will be in charge.” Rai said later.
“I'm not holding you accountable, Rai. I can, take care of this kid myself. It will be short again also finished.”
“Ta..”
“Rai, I'm fine, really. Don't be so thought of. You got sick, you know,”
“Why didn't I think about it, Ta? You are a girl. I know you must be mad, right?”
“I've never been angry with you, Rai. Because I realized it was my fault, too. I'm okay, I swear.”
“You said that because you want revenge, right with me? You want me to feel guilty for the rest of my life. That's right?”
“Kok what do you think? I mean absolutely nothing. I have no loss at all. And also, there will be no family who will be disappointed with me. As for you, there is a good family name that you must take care of. You have a big name behind you, Rai. And they will be disappointed with you.”
“Satan equals good name!! I don't want to feel lazy and feel like a coward after what I did to you. You don't know how hard I tried to make you not a jerk! Kayak,,, kayak..” Rai was unable to continue with the piece of his sentence.
While Esta looks very surprised by Rai's anger. Rai's gaze turned frightening.
“Udah this way you still talk about love? it's not all about love, Ta. But it's a matter of responsibility and the fate of the boy later. Let's not be selfish. Do you want the child to be born without a father? The child's whole life will receive scorn from the people. He will be scorned and become a subject of ridicule. Do you have the heart to see all that? Think of his fate later.” Bujuk Rai's.
Everything Rai says has a point. He knows what social dynamics are around him. Why is he only realizing it now? Esta sighed heavily while closing her eyes.
“We take care of that love problem later. After the child is born and raised, it is up to you to marry the person you love. But right now, you have to marry me, for the sake of our son. Don't underestimate my intentions, pliss.”
Hearing Rai mention the word ‘anak kami’, made Esta's heart melt. He was silent and answered nothing.
“Come we out.” Invite Rai after a few seconds of silence that has passed.
Rai walked out of the room with Esta following behind him. They sit in the living room and sit where they were.
“Esta, do you want, marry Rai?” Ask Salamah in a gentle tone as possible.
“I've done the same with Rai, Grandma. If I don't ask him to take responsibility.” Esta's words made Rai warn through her eyes.
“Esta, please don't. Don't reject Rai's good intentions. It is his duty to account for all his actions. Pity this child if born without the figure of his father. Life won't be easy later.” Salamah.
Esta became silent.
“Esta, we will all receive you with open arms. We'll all help you. As long as you marry Rai, we will feel relieved, Ta. If you do not want to marry Rai, we will feel guilty with you.” Pras' wife chimed in.
“Please let Rai make amends, Universe. Marry Rai.” Pras took part in persuading Esta.
“But we're still in school, what if people find out we're married? We can get married after graduation.” Esta said still stubbornly.
“You are pregnant. The sooner the marriage the better. If it's a problem, we can hide it until the right time. Someone has to take care of you, TA. Dear your son later.” Salamah.
Esta thought, what difference does it make if they get married now or later after graduation? She is already pregnant. Sooner or later, nothing will change. It's broken and nothing can change that.
“Esta..” Call Salamah. He looked at Esta with a pleading gaze. The sincere gaze of the old woman was able to move Esta's heart.
Grandma and Pras again convince Esta of the consequences if they do not get married soon. Pras even told a little understanding of religion that he had and gave understanding to the girl.
Hearing that everyone seemed very hopeful for him, he furrowed his brows and turned to look at Rai as if asking for an explanation.
Rai nodded slowly to Esta to convince the girl. This is really not a dream wedding of most normal girls in general. Esta had to give up on the dream because of the coercive circumstances. He thought of all the explanations of his grandmother, Pras and his wife.
After careful consideration, Esta finally nodded her head and said that she was willing to marry Rai. Everyone who heard him immediately gave thanks and smiled at Esta.