TWENTY
SIDE STORY ~ ABDUL

Attending a former marriage is the most painful thing according to Abdul. Where he should pretend to smile happily, congratulate, and wish him good luck with his partner. The falsity that was increasingly stifling his chest. And that's all he's gonna do tonight. Where he was currently gazing at the elegant-looking silver-colored invitation's bosom. Inside are the names of a couple of happy brides.

Salma and Rendi.

He said the culmination of love is to see loved ones happy. It was clear that Salma was very happy with her marriage to Rendi. But it cannot be denied. After three years had passed, the taste was still a bit left for Salma. Abdul is also not out of his own mind, it is very difficult to forget Salma. His name has affected almost all parts of his life. If the time to forget at least takes a balanced time with getting to know, automatically there is still one year left for Abdul to completely forget about Salma.

*****

Evening has arrived. Abdul went to the hotel where the reception was held with Bayu because it was their home in the same direction. The journey is certainly enlivened by the babble Bayu who continues to talk about his new work, about deadlines scattered everywhere, and more.

"Eh Dul's. Your story is so good I made up a story. Can't you?"

"No! Also why."

"Yee, this is a child! But really, I have an idea for a story that raises your love story. Entar I love the title Journey of love a jones," Bayu was satisfied to laugh at Abdul after he satirized with implied.

"Rese! The title is a little bit why? Loving in silence cake, or what a good cake that is," protested Abdul did not accept.

"That's a mah! That was great, jones! It symbolizes a Abdul! Yeah no?" Bayu still laughs at Abdul. If only he did not remember that Bayu was his friend, surely Abdul would immediately drop it on the roadside there.

"That's not jones!" Abdul tried to turn things around.

"Weitts! Sorry-sorry, brother! Single, but happy dong. I'm loved by many fans, do not think of former gebetan who married again." Bayu intentionally emphasized his last sentence.

"Whatever!" Abdul gave up and did not try to respond or kink again. He already understood that his friends were a hobby once laughing at his misfortune. Perhaps laughing over the suffering of friends is their passion, Abdul wondered.

Five minutes later they reached the hotel they knew belonged to Alif. Bayu who was insensitive that Abdul was preparing heart, soul, and body to meet Salma even immediately pulled his hand to enter. And Abdul followed him.

Inside they knew where their friends were gathered. Anyway the most crowded and like to provoke attention that they are. From the entrance alone there are already hordes of people sitting in the closest part to the pelaminan.

"Hey bro!" The habit when meeting with friends, they immediately greet each other and cuddle ala brother.

From the gazes of his friends Abdul already felt bad air. Sure enough, in a matter of minutes he had become months. But he is not busy replying to them, let them be content to say it until tired themselves. If Abdul denied their speech even added runyam. They are still exactly like children, the more they are responded to the more they become.

Until finally they arrived at the event most Abdul wanti-wanti from earlier. Yes, now they are waiting in line to greet the happy newlyweds. As much as Abdul's energy trying to act to toughen and mengikhlaskan. Busy with his own thoughts, making him unaware that the queue was close and he still had not stepped forward.

From behind Wahyu slapped Abdul's shoulder softly to wake up in the real world. "Eh? Why?"

"Let's go! It is far away the same distance ahead" said Revelation.

"Loh, yes." Abdul immediately stepped up and reached behind Bayu again.

Unexpectedly, Wahyu suddenly patted Abdul on the shoulder again, making Abdul unwilling to look back. "Prophey bro! I know it's gonna be heavy. But I don't want what to do. Just calm! A soul mate ain't going nowhere." The revelation suddenly said so.

"Yes. It's time to learn fully to let Salma to be happy with Rendi. Start a new grammatical for a new aspiring love name." This too the Bayu suddenly follows the Revelation. Followed by other friends also who row behind him.

From here Abdul was aware. It sucks when they laugh and touch it. But when he was faced directly with that condition, they were still friends who encouraged each other.

"You need not be moved! There's no time for that. Cepet salaman sono! This is a really good paper!" And with insolence the Indra shouted so. Destroying the blue atmosphere that began to wake up. But there is also a truth to what Indra said, almost all of them have started to starve.

Finally, Abdul's step has delivered it on the lap. Face to face with Rendi and Salma.

"Congratulations to you both!" abdul said while shaking Rendi's hand. "May you be a sadinah family mawadah warahmah!" prayer later.

"Yes, thanks Dul. Again sorry yes! I don't mean. But the path of destiny says something like this. I hope you are sincere and good!" Abdul knew what an apology came out of Rendi's mouth for. He also replied with a smile.

"Well, what the hell! You make Salma happy I am happy too. Come on, you guys just relax!" abdul sok tegar.

Then Abdul's gaze fell on Salma who looked very beautiful tonight. "Congratulations Sal! Good luck with your wedding!"

"Yes Dul, thank you! I pray that you will get a better soul mate than me. And may you also be found soon."

"Amin." After congratulating and greeting, Abdul went down and headed to his desk earlier.

"Hadzhh! Gini is heartbroken. Eat no appetite, sleep no soundly, work is also non-consent." Abdul did not say so with a word. This is probably his last complaint about Salma. But without Abdul knowing, his voice was heard by his friends. The address so the months again this, the inner Abdul.

"Move on Dul! There are a lot of girls out there who want to catch you," Rere said.

"Where's the girl trying?" Abdul looks heavy. Until the food on his plate is just stirred without being eaten.

"Why aren't you the same Tika noh! Same with singles." Speech from Sita directly cheered by other friends and get a bad look from Abdul. It's good to play matchmaking. With Tika again. If until they are made up, instead of romantic even every day eat heart because arguing continues. If they meet, they never get along with each other. There is something in question.

"Yes tuh. You guys have been fighting a lot. Suitable tuh, rich story in ftv-ftv. Hate to be love," Nala did not forget to imbue.

"No!" Tika and Abdul who were the subject of the compact talk said no.

"Ciie! Withstands!" Their friends are also no less compact to corner them both.

"Dwelling. Ogah with Abdul dudul. Looking for another." Tika said so.

"What does that mean? I also choose times even if ugly gini." Abdul doesn't want to lose to retaliate.

"Udah is made! Fits right!" Nala and the others kept on fooling the two of them.

"No!"

"Dwelling. Ogah yeah!"

"Mumpung its predecessor is still here, want to marry directly is also okay." The revelation was glared at by Abdul and Tika. They both also compactly hit the arm of Revelation to be silent. Again their compactness presents cheers from friends. And they should try to accept it until a few minutes later when they have refocused on eating.

But accidentally Abdul's gaze stopped towards Tika. He quietly observed Tika who was busy eating. Seeing Tika with make up and dress like this is very much different from her daily life. Missing is already a rancid look that always irritates it, even now changed into a sweet woman.

And with lightning fast Abdul threw out that thought. Maybe the effects of hunger so make it a little slurred. After eating and talking, they chose to go home. After all they had been at the event for a long time, and the day was starting to dissolve as well. Abdul immediately invited Bayu home. Quickly get home, quickly he rested his tired heart and mind.

*****

The next day Abdul went through his usual routine. At the age of twenty-five, he was entrusted by his father, the chairman of the educational foundation where Abdul worked as the principal. He also passed the PNS exam exactly one year ago. His appearance wearing that distinctive uniform further added to his wibawa. Far from the impression of Abdul who installment.

His work at the school is different. Starting from leading routine meetings of teachers, monitoring the state of the school, to get out here and there for the journey of duty. His freedom began right after one o'clock in the afternoon. Where all teaching and learning activities have been completed and all school residents are allowed to go home.

This time he would stop by the mall for a few minutes to buy new shoes. The pantofel he now wears is rather worn out. Later he plans to buy at once two or three for backup. Just as he was about to enter, Abdul passed by Tika who had just come out with three large grocery bags. Seeing that, Abdul immediately took over the two pockets.

"W-why is Mas?" Tika is still not fully aware that the one who suddenly took his groceries was Abdul. It was only when he stared properly that he could see Abdul who was still wearing his uniform with a leather jacket.

"Loh Abdul's? I guess who! I almost yelled at the security guard."

"The handsome look of a rich gini is there a intention for a crime?" abdul said with confidence.

"Yuuhh PD is crazy! Uh, by the way why are you here? Still in uniform. Want to spread the charm of Mas?"

Tuh. I just met this, but Tika has made it almost khilaf to shake his head. "Have a son to say! Don't have to spread my charms everywhere."

"Rich dong scatter everywhere?"

"Eee is less than a child!"

"Yes, sorry!" reply Tika no less fierce.

"Mas, Ma! Pardon me! If there are any household problems can be solved at home. Not at this door! Poor visitors who want to go in and out so disturbed!" Tika and Abdul compact turned towards the security guard who reprimanded them.

"We're not husband and wife sir!" answer them compactly.

"You want a husband-wife cake, boyfriend cake, which obviously you guys don't make your way here! Move out there!" throw out the security guard who inevitably have to follow. Because they only realized that their small debate was still being conducted in front of the entrance and exit.

"Depart here on what?" ask Abdul to immediately drop Tika's groceries that are not playing heavy.

"Figures."

Hearing Tika's answer, Abdul delivers the groceries in his hand to the car park where his car is located. He immediately opened the trunk of his car and put in all of Tika's groceries.

"Loh, loh! How did you get into your car?"

"I'll be back anter."

"Eh? Don't fucking! Usual angkot ride too," keukeh Tika to refuse Abdul's help.

"Udah no papa!"

"Don't dong! Get to ngerepotin again."

"Huh! Rich talk who the hell are you Tik? Okay, relax!" Hearing that immediately made Tika directly stick her hand to Abdul's forehead.

"You're not sick, Dul. Then why good gini tumben? Do you have a trance of the ghost of the occupant of this parking lot?!" Hearing that made Abdul pinch Tika's cheek.

"Aw! Sick tau!"

"You're weird, though. Helped by a handsome person instead of being grateful even why possessed!"

"Yes, the tumben is over!"

"I've been good many times! Your eyes are always watching my ugliness!" ketus Abdul who makes Tika grimace displays a row of his teeth.

"Surely, hehehe."

"Well, I'll take you home." When Abdul was about to open the car door, Tika first stopped him.

"Aren't you in the mall yet? What do you want to find?"

"I want to buy shoes. But yeah, no papa, tomorrow again."

"Huh! Awkward it tomorrow! Here I go shopping!" Without asking for approval from Abdul, Tika immediately pulled Abdul's arm to go back into the mall.

"What shoes do you want?" tika asked after they got in front of the outlet that sold various types of shoes.

"Pantofel, make work." Hearing the answer from Abdul made Tika directly enter a shoe outlet that sells a variety of work shoes for both women and men.

In there Tika was busy helping Abdul choose suitable shoes. Abdul was not silent either. Repeatedly she showed her choice of shoes and when she showed it to Tika she was greeted with a headband. Too old-fashioned, not pantes, or look like parents. In Abdul's eyes all the shoes looked the same. Skin-based and black. So she chose to just sit back and wait for Tika's choice of shoes.

"Good no?" After a long wait, Tika finally approached Abdul with a pair of shoes.

"Good!" answer Abdul quickly because he wants to immediately end this shopping event. He did not expect that shopping with women would be that long.

Tika then crouched down and put her choice of shoes on Abdul's feet. Abdul had refused because he felt he could be alone, but Tika still insisted to wear it, as a result Abdul could only resign.

"Where? A pass?"

"It's a little bit cramped Tik."

"Oh yeah, it's a shit." Mata Tika then looked for the whereabouts of the shopkeeper and asked for shoes with a size that suits Abdul.

The shopkeeper immediately picked it up and handed it to Tika. After being able to, Tika again put the shoes on Abdul's feet.

"If this? Pas right?"

"Yes fit," said Abdul while standing and testing the comfort of his shoes.

"That shoe is suitable for your dog. Her mother is very smart to choose shoes for her husband," chirped the shopkeeper who made Tika and Abdul back rolled his eyes off guard.

"We're not Ma'am's husband and wife!" Again they offer clarification of the same misunderstanding. And the mother without guilt just smiled broadly.

After the shopping business that takes a very long time, it does not feel the clock has shown at half-four in the afternoon. Soon Abdul takes Tika home. On the sidelines of the trip they intersperse with light conversation to kill boredom.

"Right turn Dul!" tell Tika when he saw the crossroads in front of them.

In accordance with the instructions from Tika, finally the car they drive up in front of a house that is crowded with children playing with each other. Descending from the new car Abdul realizes that this house is not an ordinary residence, but an orphanage.

"You live here Tik?"

"Yes. Why?"

"No. It's just it."

Like earlier, Abdul brought Tika groceries. Arriving at them in the yard, the busy little children playing directly turned their attention to the two of them.

"Sir Tikaaaa!" The little ones immediately rushed into Tika's embrace. Tika painstakingly greeted one by one and kissed their forehead. If you see Tika like this, it has come out his motherly aura.

"Bak Tika is new here anyway? He says he wants to play here every day!" A boy named Rama was upset.

"Yes sorry! You have to work so you can buy it. If you don't work, you can't eat chocolate dong?"

"Yeah! No!" shout them compact.

"Well, come sit down!" Tika invites the orphanage children to sit on the porch of the house. While Abdul can only follow while observing what Tika does.

The full grocery bag was apparently mostly filled with snacks, candy, and chocolate. The rest is essential for everyday. Take those snacks out of his pocket.

"It's chocolate for Rama, lollipop for Ayla" Tika said, sharing the contents of her grocery bag with about fifteen children. Once they get what they want, don't forget they say thank you.

"Yes. Everyone gets it, right? So no one's fighting! Okay?"

"Okayee!" After that they sat down with herds while eating, occasionally joking with laughter with others.

"Mom, Mas's Tika's boyfriend huh?" Rama pointed right at Abdul, making the others also stare in the same direction.

"Ehh Rama, do you know where boyfriends try?" Tika shakes Rama's hair. "Not really, it's Tika's mom. His name is Mas Abdul. Let's salim first!" According to what Tika said, one by one of them crucified the back of Abdul's palm.

"Rama, where's mom now?"

"In the kitchen, ma'am, cook again."

"Oh, thank you!"

"Yes Ma'am!"

Tika then looked to the side. He invited Abdul to meet his mother. A loving mother raised him even though he was not her own flesh and blood. Mother who never showed tiredness and always smiled. The greatest mother Tika ever met.

"Assynnya!" tika said after entering the kitchen area.

A middle-aged woman who was busy frying immediately turned to look for the source of the voice. Seeing Tika's arrival, made her smile crackle. "Girlwindsalam! Uh Tika, come here apparently." Tika hugged her mother and kissed her cheeks. The sight that Abdul thought touched his heart.

"Who is this nduk?" Same with Rama, the mother asked Abdul. And Tika introduced them both.

"I helped cook Mom!" Tika then takes over the spatula from her mother's hands. "Dul, you don't go home yet! Eat here."

"Oh, okay. If that's what I'm going to do first, I want to take the kids."

"Yes. But watch out until you kidnap one of them! I'm gonna kick you to the tenant!" cananda Tika's.

"He'em. Some lack of work is very willing to kidnap people's children. Nusahin yourself are there," replied Abdul.

"Cirtain."

It didn't take long for Abdul to mingle with the orphanage children. His daily life was filled with children's laughter. They play, tell stories, and joke in the soothing yard. Spending the afternoon with the children of this kind of parlour did not expect it to be very pleasant.

Until the time comes for dinner, Tika and her mother serve their various preparations on the carpet that is titled in the living room. After dinner, Abdul helps Tika clean the dirty dishes and petrified to wash them. So that mom can rest in the room.

"Thank you, Dul is helping! I'm not taking this, is it?" tika asked on the sidelines of washing her dishes.

"No. I can even play with the kids. I haven't been rich for a long time." Abdul immediately imagined the activities of playing this afternoon. Though only hide and seek, but it has managed to make him sweat bath.

"Based on the old man!" Tika chuckles at seeing Abdul this afternoon who is more like a laborer out of rodi work.

"Bug."

"Hmm?"

"Have you lived here long?"

"Yes. Starting with the baby." Tika seemed to stop her activities for a while, then let out a long sigh. "Do you want my story?"

"If you don't mind" replied Abdul.

"I'm from a baby already living in this parlor. Although at first my mother did not want to tell a story, but I finally managed to persuade her to tell me about my parents. Apparently, the one who brought me here was my own real mother. I am an unexpected child. I was born as a result of my mother's confusion with her boyfriend. I've been tried for abort, but I'm still alive. My frustrated mother eventually decided to run away from home to hide her pregnancy. As a result, he moved to the city of Malang. After I was born, I was immediately put into this home. The reason is, until now my mother has never met me here. Or maybe she forgot that she gave birth to me." Tika then remained silent. Like collecting a thinning supply of air and making his chest tight.

"But you calm down! Don't pity me too! I'm doing fine. There are Sri's mother and my sisters who are always there for me. Also you, and the other friends who made me forget my misfortune."

His mouth said fine. But not with his eyes that started to shed tears. Abdul is waking up. Tika's jolly, humorous, generous smile figure, it was all a way to forget her sadness. Seeing Tika who looked fragile at this time, made Abdul wipe away the tears that flowed on Tika's cheeks. He looked at the still wet hand and stared at Tika's bead eye fixedly.

"Pik. I may not be the riding prince you've been dreaming of, I may not be the man you expected me to be. But help! Allow me to make you happy."