The Love of Habib
Chapter 31.8 End

"How is your Umrah journey? Is everything all right?" Aunty began to mince words before discussing the important topic.

"Alhamdulillah everything is smooth." Aish turned to Grandfather's room, still tightly shut.

He'd really like to go in there.

"How about we go into Grandpa's room?" She asked her husband who was at the side.

Habib nodded his head. He also understood his wife's unease. Moreover, sitting in front of the wolf in sheep's clothing was no fun at all.

"Let's go."

"Don't rush. Your grandfather was still cleaning himself in the room. There were a lot of people in my grandfather's room. If you go in then, you have no place to sit." Auntie's back to stop them from leaving.

Where could he possibly be willing to let go of the fat sheep he had been craving since yesterday.

"Does auntie want to say something to us?" He finally couldn't take it anymore. Letting them endure it continuously made him feel extremely irritated.

Coupled with their intimate and pretentious behavior that was too suspicious, did not know that these people must have something. Otherwise, why would they be so kind to him now?

"Ah like.... You can see it." My aunt and uncle laughed embarrassedly.

Aish smiled wryly. Things were as clear as that, where perhaps he did not know and could not see how greedy their spies were.

"You know Aish yourself that your father's company is going bankrupt. While your uncle works there. If your father's company goes bankrupt, then your uncle won't have a job anymore. If he doesn't have a job then he can't make a living for us, these are very difficult times. But we heard that your husband owns a jewelry company, KR! Why don't you give your uncle a position there? Both of your uncles are hardworking and they also have high experience, so please give your uncle a better position. Surely you don't want to hear people drop your uncle's name?" Aunty spoke with a very wide smile on her face.

His mouth let out greedy words indiscriminately or saw a flat expression on Aish's face. Uh, actually seeing the smile on Habib Khalid's face was promising enough for them. After all, the one who has the company is also Habib Khalid and who has the decision is Habib Khalid, then just describe him with beautiful words.

"What your aunt said, is right. You don't know what kind of hardship we're having at home. Every day expenses cannot be controlled while our income is faltering. While your dad's company can't afford us anymore, so... We don't know who else to find a solution for but you two. KR companies definitely have a lot of job openings. You see, your two uncles are very capable people. They have hours everywhere so don't worry if they can't adapt. And as your aunt said, your two uncles please be positioned in a good place because after all he is your uncle. When your own family is placed in a low position in your husband's company, what would other people say if they found out?" The other aunt immediately chimed in.

His words were no less shameless than that of one aunt. Throughout their talk, Aish always put on a flat face and looked at them as if watching an opera performance. What they said was very funny, but somehow he couldn't laugh. Instead of laughing, he felt sorry.

Well, he pityes his father. Dad worked very hard to build that company, grandfather's company did, but without your hard work, it wouldn't last long. And unfortunately, my brothers and sisters-in-law have no self-awareness. They come like a parasite, taking advantage of it but not willing to bear the loss. For example, like today. When Dad's company was on the verge of bankruptcy, they instead flocked to leave and went looking for a place that had greater profits. Did they all not have a conscience, thinking about how dad felt when they just left?

"Then why... You don't want to help Dad win back that company so you don't go bankrupt? Not to help Dad, but instead you came to us for a profit. Not only that, you also want to get a good position in our company, do you think we are stupid? Do you think we're that easy to fool?"

Everyone's smile instantly disappeared from the face. They stared at Aish horror, as if what Aish said were not human words.

"The answer's no. We don't need lazy people like you. And we don't need people who betray as easily as you. If Father alone, your brother easily left you after not having sweet taste anymore, then what about us that you underestimate? I'm sorry, you can find work for another company but not our company." Aish resolutely refused the request of these greedy people.

Justright. The biggest one to have a reaction was her two aunts. The two of them went straight up and scolded Aish.

"Bad! We don't need your opinion because you don't understand anything about work. We speak to you because we respect you as Habib Thalib's wife, but that doesn't mean you can make decisions for her. Since you do not understand anything, then it is better to keep your mouth shut and let Habib Thalib answer." Jerky aunt fierce.

How dare Aish humiliate her husband. He would not possibly be willing to accept all of Aish's disdainful words and retaliate with a fierce attack.

"True, you are a woman and know nothing about work. So don't talk and let your husband make the decision for us. We can't believe he rejected us. Anyway we're her family-in-law, she has to give us face." Another aunt chimed in.

While the men quietly listened. What their wives say is what they want to say. They were very relieved because the wives understood their feelings and helped to vent their anger.

Seeing his wife being yelled at by his two aunts, Habib Khalid suddenly lost his smile. He looked at these people with narrowed eyes, looking alienated and unfriendly.

"My wife's voice is my voice too. And you need to know that the KR company is mine but also legally belongs to my wife. Whatever decision he makes, then it is a decision that the company makes as well. Besides, do you think it's too beautiful? After snapping and scolding my wife right in front of my eyes, could it be that I am still pampering you guys? Really, I would do the opposite. In fact, what you have done to my wife, I will never forget. Logically, I will not give those who have oppressed my wife the opportunity to oppress my wife any more. I'm not a vengeful person, and the science I've learned forbids me from taking revenge, but that doesn't mean you can repeat the same mistake again to my wife, no, there's no chance of that anymore. I'll never allow you." Clearly the Habib made their faces stiffen immediately.

Aunts and uncles looked at each other with complicated expressions on their faces. According to their understanding, since they are a family-in-law, then the Habib should please them with various efforts. Butwhy... That's not up to their expectations?

"We... But we're your wife's family?" One of the uncles said he dared to talk.

One of the Habib who is too dominant, even uncle does not dare to talk too much to hear the unfriendly words of the Habib.

"Then what if you're my wife's family? I don't care." Habib's greeting was like a punishment for all of them.

"And as you said earlier, my two uncles have very high working hours experience, so you don't have to worry if they apply for jobs at other companies. Normally, any company will not reject people who have high experience and achievement. If you don't believe me, try it. I'm not lying." Habib continued to make both uncles want to vomit blood.

They have also done it but have always been rejected. If they succeed, then why should they climb to Habib Khalid's company?

"You can't do this to us-"

"Can, why can't you? If you could just leave my father's company so easily, then why can't I refuse to let you come to us?" Cut Aish while smiling widely.

Aish's words made them all choke. Even to make a fake smile, it felt so difficult. But the anger in their hearts really cannot be covered.

"You-you"

"Sir Aish, Habib. Grandpa called you guys." Aira's weak voice cut through aunt's anger.

Aish turned to the source of the voice. Beside the door, Aira stood embarrassedly not daring to look at her. But what makes Aish very surprised is the appearance of his sister now. He looks very thin and pale. Grandpa tells him that Aira often falls ill after getting out of the boarding school and he turns into a very shy person. At home people begin to ignore him and assume that Aira is the son of an unlucky carrier. This feeling, was exactly what Aish felt while living in this house first. And Aish knows very well that it feels very painful. That's very painful. This position was taken by Aira. But Aish was not happy at all. She felt sorry for her sister.

"Let's go, mas." She and her husband got up and walked over to Aira without caring about the men.

Aish held his sister's hand.

"Where's grandpa, deck?" Aish asked gently to him.

Aira was embarrassed.

"He's gone to the back garden."

"Then let's go. I've long missed Grandpa."

...*****...

My husband and I went to the back garden with my sister. Along the way I never let go of my sister's hand, trying to treat her gently to let her know that I love her so much.

Once we were in the park, grandfather asked me and Aira to sit next to him. While my husband went to meet his father and mother who were sitting not far from grandfather.

Grandpa looked at us.

"I miss my grandfather so much." Immediately I hugged Grandfather's frail body, but I did not dare to hold him for long for fear of hurting grandfather's weak body.

"Sister misses you too much. How are you doing, son?" Grandfather spoke softly to me, he always displayed this gentle side every time he spoke to me.

"Thank God I'm fine, grandpa. Mas Khalid took me to and fro when we went to Umrah. I also bought grandfathers and others various kinds of souvenirs from Mecca. Fragrance oil, dates, chocolate, zam-zam water, clothes and many other things, I brought it here." I told grandfather enthusiastically some of my pleasant experiences during my stay in Mecca and souvenirs of whatever I bought for them.

Really, I didn't stop talking. The more grandfather smiled and was interested in listening to my story, the more enthusiastic I was about telling it all. Even the sweet episode I went through with Khalid's mas didn't go unnoticed. I told Grandpa everything.

Grandpa and Aira quietly listened, until I finally realized that I was talking too much.

"I... I talk too much hehehe... I am so happy to meet Grandpa and the others. Oh yeah, I also bought my sister some gamis. The model is nice and pretty, Aira would love."

Aira was surprised to look at me.

"Sister bought me clothes?"

I smiled and nodded my head. Suddenly I remembered something. I have prepared another gift for my sister as well. Fortunately, I carried it in my bag. And since we gathered here, I decided to give this gift to Aira today as well.

"I've talked about it, Grandpa. Here," I said, giving him a document.

"What's this?" He asked me.

"Just open it."

Then he opened the document. Then he read the document seriously, and looked at me a few times with red eyes. A few seconds later, she threw herself into my arms crying sobbing and apologized many times. I returned his embrace. Hearing her miserable crying voice suddenly made my heart ache. Oh my God, he is my brother. He's my brother. She's my only sister in the world. Even though we were born from different mothers, the blood that flows within us is the same. We are brothers and we should not be against each other.

Given our past hostility, I realized very well that it all started with me. I was the one who was hostile to him the first time, humbling him and using harsh words to vent how angry I was to him. I was angry because I knew that his birth in this world was a sorrow for my mother. Granted, but doesn't my sister know nothing about it?

It was our parents' fault and I shouldn't have been hostile to my sister for an unknown mistake. Because of me, he hated me, and then like the story that passed, we were hostile to each other.

But thank God, I am so grateful that God opened my heart to make peace with the past and began to open my heart to my brother. And I am very grateful to God, because through my husband, my heart is slowly at peace with the past.

"OK don't cry, this is my gift to you. Make the most of it and don't let your aunt and uncle borrow it from you. Trust me, they'll probably have a hard time paying for it." I really gave him this advice.

Because I know how greedy my uncle and aunt are.

"Thank you brother... I'm very grateful. This way, you will not be confused anymore to find a solution for the company. And I promise you to big brother, I will never let them touch this big brother's gift." His promise meant it to me.

"This is what I'd love to see from you two. Love each other and need each other, this should be done by brotherly relations. Seeing you cry and laugh together, Grandfather's heart was greatly relieved. Grandpa doesn't have anything damning anymore because you've fulfilled Grandpa's last dream." Grandfather touched both of our heads and rubbed them gently.

"It used to be my grandfather's last dream to see Aish married Habib Thalib, but after they got married, grandfather still hasn't reconciled because the relationship between you and Aira hasn't found a bright spot. Grandfather was sad and prayed to God that you would be reunited soon. And qodarullah, grandfather's dream has finally come true. The two of you are getting along and not hostile to each other anymore. I hope this peaceful relationship is maintained forever, because the heart will not be calm if it hurts each other. Now grandfather feels very relieved for you both.." Grandpa leaned his body weakly on the back of the chair.

Listening to Grandfather's words made me suddenly feel uneasy.

"Grandfather... Therefore grandfather must get well soon and exercise as much as possible so that grandfather can see our relationship until old age." I said to persuade grandfather.

Grandpa smile. His old eyes looked towards the expanse of sky out there. This morning was very bright and cloudy. The cold air never stopped hitting our faces.

"Grandfather wants to pray Dhuha. Please help grandpa stand up." My husband and father came straight to us.

They both helped grandfather into the room to perform the Dhuha prayer. My heart is getting restless. I wanted to come in, but I had my doubts. But if I don't go in, it's as if there's a voice in my heart that says I'll regret it for life. I was so nervous thinking about it.

Until finally the voice of my grandmother would not wake me up from daydreaming. I saw everyone scrambling into grandpa's room. Confused, I did not know what was going on and my head started buzzing unable to think clearly. I have to go there right away but my legs feel so heavy, so heavy. Every time I take a step forward, my body suddenly becomes unsteady.

"Sister.be careful..." Aira held my hand as I almost fell down.

I looked at him. My sister's face was filled with tears. But why is she still crying?

What keeps my sister crying?

"Aira, deck... Why do you cry, Mother also why cry... No, why is everyone in this house crying?" Ask me confused.

Aira hugged me very tightly. She hugged me while crying sobbing, it sounded so painful.

"Because... Because my grandfather is dead, brother. He's gone away from us forever."

After that, my eyes went dark. And I don't know what happens next.

...*****...

After Aish and Habib Khalid's wedding, Gisel and Dira return to the boarding house the next day. They again spent time in the boarding house with other room friends. However, the days are passed boringly. One by one the children in the room started to go home to each other. The room that once felt narrow now feels very spacious and quiet. It used to be when they got a day off, they would spend it playing cards or going shopping, spending the last money in each other's wallets. But now everything suddenly changes.

Aish is married, the other friends begin to return to their respective hometowns, and the rest are busy with their respective affairs.

Gisel was bored. Lying if he doesn't miss home. Although the people at home treated him with one eye, but for him they were his family. The only family that would accept and support him.

"Dira, you're not coming home?" Gisel asked him.

Right now the two of them were enjoying the night sky in front of the dorm building.As it was bright, they could see the stars scattered over the sky with dazzling light. But unfortunately, the moonlight tonight is a bit dim.

"I don't have a family, Gis. You know your own papa with mom I already have a family of each. If I go home, the only thing that welcomes me is the maid and the cold house. So why am I coming home, Gis? They no longer care about me. Rather than going home and being stuck in endless loneliness I would rather just stay here. It's crowded here and I won't be as lonely as I used to be." Reply Dira indifferently.

In fact he was very sad whenever he remembered that cold house. But he covered it neatly and did not show it on the face. In his mind, no one should know the secret of his heart being filled with wounds. Wounds that can be healed at any time. Oh, could there still be a cure for his wound?

"I also think like that. But suddenly I miss them so much. Hah.. staying here is also okay. I heard from the lodge manager we can apply to stay in the boarding school either as workers or continue school. But if I'm private, anyway, I'd rather be a worker here. For example, help the general kitchen staff cook or become a gardener in the boarding house, I have no problem. What matters is that I stay here." Gisel talks about his wishes to Dira.

He had thought about it for a long time. His savings amounted to no more than 17 million. With that much money, he did not dare to rashly plunge directly into society. At least he had to save even more in order to have capital when going out of town.

"So you want to work here?" Dira didn't think that far.