STEADFASTNESS OF LOVE
Between Love and Reply

It's been a week Rafa and Hana accompany Pratama's grandfather. Actually Rafa wants to go home soon, because his job can no longer be left. Last night Rafa had already said his intentions to Hana. This morning Rafa will tell Mr. Pratama directly. Rafa will be back in town by noon. Mr. Pratama's condition began to improve, since the arrival of Rafa and Fathan.

Hana's very comfortable in the countryside like this. He was in the village where his grandfather used to be. Most people work as farmers. Some of them also work as fishermen. Rafa and Hana had once been around. Fathan was thrilled as the streets surrounded the village. Rafa and Hana just found out. If the sea is not far from the house of Lord Pratama. Only 15 minutes walk to the beach.

Hana is very comfortable lingering in the sea. Looking at the sea is much more calming. The sea teaches us many things. The sea makes us grateful for all the blessings attached to our bodies. Both of our eyes are able to see the fusion of sea and sky that seems to converge at the end. Both of our ears are able to hear the symphony of tones produced by the ripples of sea water and sea breeze. Both of our feet are able to feel the softness of the sea sand. All that tanoa created is able to match. An amazing blend of nature and will not be able to be balanced by human reason.

After having breakfast together, Hana lulls Fathan who looks exhausted. While Rafa intends to talk to Mr. Pratama about his return. Lisa always feeds Mr. Pratama every morning. Lisa may be just an adopted granddaughter, but she's like her own granddaughter. Rafa sees the closeness between Mr. Pratama and Lisa. Like his own grandfather and grandson.

Lisa Putri Pratama is a beautiful girl who since childhood was taken care of by Mr. Pratama. Little Lisa lives a kara. Both of his parents died in an accident. Since then little Lisa became the adopted granddaughter of the Pratama family. Lisa is growing up well, besides being beautiful she is also smart. If there are no obstructions, this year Lisa will become an obstetrician. Lisa is in medical school. Coincidentally when Rafa came, Lisa also just returned from the city. He wants to visit Pratama's grandfather.

"Grandfather, may I come in!" said Rafa, with a nod of Mr. Pratama. Rafa went into the main room of this house. Lisa was feeding her grandfather. After she finished feeding, Lisa gave the medicine to Mr. Pratama. Rafa sees how painfully Lisa takes care of her grandfather. It's Lisa's year with her grandfather.

"Come on Rafa, I'm done with breakfast. Lisa gave me medicine too. Sorry Grandpa couldn't accompany us around. Grandfather's body suddenly weakened. At least even now that grandfather died, there is no wedge in grandfather's life. I've met you and Fathan!" said the grandfather, Rafa and Lisa shook their heads weakly. Lisa would never have thought of parting ways with Mr. Pratama. Rafa approached Mr. Pratama. She sat on the right side, while Lisa sat on the left side of Lord Pratama. With both eyes starting to fade. Mr. Pratama looked alternately at Rafa and Lisa.

"Grandfather will recover quickly, as long as there is a beautiful doctor Lisa who checks you. All grandfather's illnesses will be blurred. Grandpa will live longer, to see Fathan grow up!" said Rafa, Lisa nodded her head in agreement with Rafa's words. Mr. Pratama looked at Lisa grudgingly. There was fear in her heart, had she died, who would Lisa live with?

"What did Rafa say right? I'll cure grandpa with the science I learned!" sahut Lisa, Mr. Pratama nodded weakly. He had a smile on his old face. Rafa clasped Pratama's right hand, Lisa clasped Pratama's left hand. Two grandchildren of the Pratama family, though not blood. The grandson who never knew, the adopted grandson who always accompanied.

"Rafa, my old body won't be healthy forever. It is time for this body to rest. Even though I am currently dead. I'll leave with a happy smile. Only one still stuck in my mind.How will Lisa live? Who will protect him? Although he's not my flesh and blood. But all this time he was the one who accompanied me and threw away my loneliness and longing for Ainun!" said Mr. Pratama lirih, Rafa patted softly the right hand of Mr. Pratama. As if saying everything will be fine. Lisa is sad. He is not afraid to live alone, but he is sad when separated from Mr. Pratama. Long time all silent, dissolved in each other's minds.

Hana intends to make tea for Rafa and Mr. Pratama. Fathan was sleeping in his arms. Since here, Fathan has rarely come down from Hana's sling. Maybe Fathan feels alien in a new place. While carrying Fathan. Hana brought the tea she had made to the room of Mr. Pratama. But right in front of the door of Mr. Pratama's room. There's a sense of awkwardness to go inside. Hana felt that there was an important conversation, between a grandfather and his two grandchildren. Hana's hunch is just right. A few minutes later Hana heard something very surprising.

"Grandfather need not worry about Lisa. Rafa will take care of Lisa. He had been looking after and caring for grandfather all this time. The job Rafa should have done. I should have returned his good favor. Rafa will take care of Lisa, make sure she gets happiness. Grandpa doesn't have to worry about Lisa!" said Rafa, Hana's heart beats great. There was an unusual feeling when Rafa said that. As if something Hana never wanted would happen. Hana's hand started shaking violently, the tray she was carrying started to shake. Soon Hana put down the tray, so as not to fall and make a fuss. Hana hugged Fathan's body tightly, as if Hana needed a strength to stand still.

Lisa turns to Rafa, shortly after she hears Rafa's words that will take care of her. Mr. Pratama feels Rafa will accept his last request stored in the meeting. Mr. Pratama smiled looking towards Rafa. Then I looked towards Lisa. An undeserved request he was thinking about.

"Rafa, if you're willing to take care of Lisa. Please grandfather, marry him. That way you can keep Lisa for life. Make Lisa your second wife, ask Hana to accept Lisa as part of your family!" said Mr. Pratama, Rafa and Lisa looked up together. Looked at the flat face of my grandfather. A very impossible request for Rafa and Lisa. Rafa went silent thinking about his grandfather's request. While Lisa was worried about accepting or refusing to be made a second wife.

Jeddderrr

The sound of lightning coming in the morning. Both of Hana's ears heard a very difficult request. Hana's bones crumpled, unable to hold her and Fathan's body. Hana took a few steps back, her body leaning against the outer wall of the room. Hana's tears dripped down Fathan's black hair. Hana's hand shook, her lips twitched. Hana hugged Fathan very tightly, looking for an excuse to stay on her feet. The morning turned dark. Hannah could no longer hear anything. His ears were deaf, unable to hear a word. It all seems to end for Hannah. With my eyes, Hana stared at Fathan's innocent face. Hana kissed Fathan's soft forehead, tears dripping down Fathan's two beautiful eyes.

"Darling, forgive the weak mama. Mama won't be able to ask your papa to stay with us. If he had accepted that request. Mama also won't be able to be next to your papa. To be first, but to hurt the second. Mama will accept whatever your decision your father. We better go, mama can't hear your father's words anymore. It hurts, it hurts too much, baby!" batin Hana then kissed Gimbul cheeks soft Fathan. Even if Fathan is not disturbed, he seems comfortable in the arms of Hana.

Hana leaves the Pratama family home. Hana moved away from the reality that cut her heart. With a gontai move, Hana went out looking for calmness of heart. Fathan is not troubled by the mother's pain. Fathan comfortably slept in Hana's arms.

"Grandfather is very unlikely I will be Rafa's second wife. Even though you have just met, isn't he worthy of my own brother. I don't want to be the reason for a wounded heart!" lisa said firmly, Mr. Pratama looked down sadly. She doesn't want to see Lisa alone. Only Rafa can he rely on to look after Lisa. Since childhood Lisa accompanied him. Mr. Pratama doesn't want Lisa to live alone.

"Let Rafa alone decide. Willing not he fulfill my last request. A request from this helpless old man. My grandfather's whole life, today is the first time I've ever begged someone. I plead for happiness for my grandson. Rafa, are you willing to accept Lisa as your second wife. Keep it for the rest of your life!" said Mr. Pratama lirih, Rafa lowered his head in silence. Lisa sees clearly Rafa's concern. Rafa's been here for a week. It would be a lie if Lisa wasn't interested in him. The good looks and sustainability of Rafa are able to make the women bend their knees. I want to do anything, even if it has to be second. But on the other hand, Lisa sees the happiness of a small family. A family that could be ruined by this request.

"Grandfather, forgive Rafa if you have to be a bad grandson and do not know the return of the favor. But love and return are different. I don't want to be selfish. Love another, but marry the other one just for the sake of return. I married Hana with love. If I forcefully marry Lisa to return the favor. There will be no happiness, only pain. There will be three hearts that are wounded. Getting married without love only leaves wounds. A marriage for revenge will only hurt. There are many ways to return Lisa's favor. Even without marrying her, I can always take care of her. Sorry Rafa grandpa, sorry!"

"So you refused my first and last request. Did Hana forbid you to marry Lisa?" said Mr. Pratama, Rafa shook his head weakly. Lisa sees the wise Rafa, she remains steadfast in her marriage.

"Lisa, I'm sorry if I have to refuse this request. Not that I rejected you personally. But being the second, it's not worth it. After all your sacrifices to my family, but made you the only one. I'll never be able to. Until this moment only Hana was in my mind. Hana's voice was always blazing in my ears. Hana's touch was clearly felt all over my body. It won't be easy for me to change all that!" rafa said, Lisa nodded. Mr. Pratama looked down in silence, he was trying to understand Rafa's mindset. To be honest, what Rafa said was not wrong. He wants Lisa's happiness, but offers her a deep wound.

"Well, if that's your decision. Grandpa won't force anymore. Take care of Lisa in your own way, at least think of her as your own sister!" said Mr. Pratama final, Rafa and Lisa nodded together. After all is done, Rafa and Lisa come out of Mr. Pratama's room.

"Lisa!"

"Yes!" sahut Lisa, looking at Rafa.

"I didn't know you were hurt or not by my refusal. One thing is for sure, there are better priests than I created for you. You deserve to be happy, not second. Like Kiara, I'll consider you my sister. I'll protect you, as much as I can. I'll make sure you get that happiness!" said Rafa, Lisa nodded and left Rafa. With a relief Rafa looks at Lisa's back that is away. When Rafa turned his head, he accidentally saw a tray filled with tea. Rafa's premonition was suddenly uncomfortable. Rafa drank the tea, both his eyes perfectly rounded. The same tea taste and still warm.

"Darling, you heard it!" rafa said agitatedly. Rafa runs towards his room, but it's empty. Rafa called Hana, heard the sound of a cell phone under the pillow. Rafa was riled up, he rubbed his face rough. Rafa is agitated at the thought of Hana's departure. Moreover, Hana went to bring Fathan. Rafa's world seemed to be destroyed, Rafa was bowed at the edge of the bed.

"Darling!" said Rafa lirih and pilu. Both of Rafa's legs were weakly unable to move. Time seemed to stop spinning, the reason his life had left. Hana leaves without saying goodbye, Rafa's anxiety increases considering this place is very foreign to Hana. All feeling stifling, Rafa hit his chest that was hard to breathe. It all ended without Rafa being able to explain to Hana.

...☆☆☆☆☆...

Hana leaves the Pratama family home. He walked to mushola. The place he and Rafa first set foot in this village. Hana seeks tranquility in the house of Allah SWT. In this house no one will be driven away, for this house belongs to every servant. Either in sadness and pleasure. Every servant has the right to enter.

In an agitation of the heart, Hana enters a house full of coolness. Hana put Fathan who was still asleep. Hana takes ablution, so that she calms down and forgets what happened. Hana performs the dhuha prayer, surrender and surrender. Praying for forgiveness and the best fortune.

"O Allah, thou art the heart-turning. If I were no longer the best mate for a servant husband. Keep him out of my sight, remove the pain I feel. If he is my husband's match, bring them closer to growing love in the hearts of both. Servants are just ordinary women, who would not be able to share. If heaven is a reward for women who sincerely share. Let me not feel heaven. I'm much more willing to give up than share. Whatever your will, Lord, it is certainly best for you. Forgive Thy inattentive servant, if this is a rebuke from theE. The servant will receive it with sincerity, too many favors that You give. It is not appropriate for me to complain with such a small test. But allow the servant to weep in front of YOU. These tears forced me to come out. Before You the servant complains and is weak. I hope it all feels light and gone. Give happiness and always protect your husband. Priest of the afterlife, perfecting my religion!" hana's prayer after her bow. Hana rubbed her face filled with tears. Then looked at Fathan's innocent face.

Cup

"Dear, stay healthy and happy. You're my only spirit. We will be happy, even without papa. We'll be happy!" hana whispered in Fathan's ear, just after he had kissed Fathan's forehead. Hana rubbed Fathan's entire face.

"Where are you going to leave me? That night you left, without saying anything! Are you happy to see my destruction? You have a baby!" rafa said right in Hana's ear. Rafa clutched tightly to Hana, as he heard Hana's words to Fathan. Hana felt Rafa's embrace very tightly. As soon as Hana's body stiffened, she was speechless to see Rafa was already nearby. Hana is afraid to hear Rafa's decision.

"Do you think I'll accept that request? Honey, you're my happy reason. It's impossible if I accept another woman in my life. All these years I lost my dear mama Ainun. I live without complete parental affection. Just because of papa's selfish love for Sabrina. My life was empty at that moment, as if happiness would never come to me. Honey, I would never let Fathan feel that way. It was enough that I saw Ainun's mother hurt, due to her second marriage to Sabrina. I don't want to see another woman get hurt. Not you, not Lisa. Never think of moving away and giving up. I will always hold our love. I will do my best to protect our marriage!" rafa said, Hana just kept quiet. Suddenly Fathan awakens, he laughs at the sight of his parents. Rafa twists Hana's body, cupping both of Hana's cheeks.

Cup

Gently Rafa kissed Hana on the forehead. Pulling Hana's body in her arms. Reawakened Hana's head into the chest of her field. Rafa hugs Hana tightly, as if assuring Hana all will be fine.

"Sheard that heartbeat. A voice that will continue to be heard when you are by my side. The voice that will disappear with your departure. Because you're the reason the heart beats. Don't ever think away, let alone get out of my life!"

"Darling, hear Fathan laugh when he sees us. Thou shalt lose it, destroy the little happiness of our son. Trust me, it's not that easy we'll be apart. There are many ways for me to return the favor to Lisa, not by marrying her!" rafa said, Hana nodded.

"I love you, my priest!"

...☆☆☆☆☆...