Naufal remained frozen for a long moment before finally acknowledging Chintya's greeting. "Aunt Chintya," he responded flatly. The greeting was directed at the woman who had shattered his family, his mother's best friend who had callously run off with his father and the money from the sale of their house, as well as his education savings. The wound was still raw, the pain still palpable even after so many years. He still remembered clearly how his mother, Adelia, had trusted Chintya so completely, considering her like a sister. How devastated his mother had been upon discovering the betrayal, how heartbreaking it had been to watch her struggle alone to raise him and Akhzam.
Chintya, now dressed in a simple uniform that read "Cleaning Service," still looked beautiful. Time seemed unable to erase the traces of her beauty, but it was equally unable to erase the shadow of betrayal that always haunted Naufal.
"Your mother... How is she?" Chintya asked, her voice slightly trembling. It had been two years since she had returned to the city that held so many bitter and sweet memories. She wanted to see Adelia, to apologize, but she didn't know how. Adelia's trail seemed to have vanished, swallowed by time.
"I don't know where Mama's living now, but you know Grandpa's house, right, Aunt?" Naufal replied, his voice remaining flat.
Chintya bit her lip, her eyes welling up. She knew her apology would never be enough to atone for all the wrongs she had committed. She wanted to tell him about her regret, her struggle to survive as a cleaning lady, hoping for a little compassion. Her voice began to tremble, "Naufal... I... I'm so sorry. I know I made a terrible mistake. I... I just want to apologize to your Mama." Tears began to fall, wetting her cheeks that still looked beautiful, albeit dull from the sun and hard work. She reached out her hand, as if begging for forgiveness.
But before she could continue, before Naufal could see the sincere remorse in Chintya's eyes, before he could hear all of Chintya's confession, Naufal cut her off.
"Sorry, I have to go home. Excuse me," Naufal said firmly, his voice cold and unforgiving. He cut Chintya off without giving her a chance to finish her sentence. Chintya's face immediately paled, the tears that had just begun to fall now flowed freely. Her outstretched hand froze in the air, the desire to apologize seemingly shattered along with Naufal's heart-piercing words. She watched Naufal walk away, leaving her alone in the crowded hotel parking lot, feeling devastated and hopeless. She had lost the opportunity to apologize to Adelia, an opportunity that might never come again. Deep regret gnawed at her heart, an unbearable pain filled her soul. She could only stand there, watching Naufal's departure, letting the tears wet her cheeks endlessly.
Throughout the journey home, the atmosphere inside the car felt silent, punctuated only by the soft music from the radio. Naufal was silent, his thoughts drifting to the past, remembering his mother's face full of sadness, her struggle to raise them both. He felt guilty for not being able to give his mother more happiness. He also felt guilty for having to hide this heavy burden from Sinta.
They finally arrived at Adelia's simple but comfortable house. A house full of memories, both sweet and bitter. Naufal got out of the car with Sinta. The living room door opened, welcoming them with the cheerful face of Akhzam, Naufal's younger brother.
"Abang's home!" Akhzam shouted happily, running towards Naufal. "I went to Grandpa's house after school, and Grandpa bought me a fighter plane!" The boy proudly showed off his new toy plane, a miniature fighter plane in dark blue.
"Say hello to Kak Sinta," Naufal said, smiling gently at his younger brother's excitement.
Akhzam immediately kissed Sinta's hand. "Kak Sinta is pretty!" he said innocently.
"Where's Mama?" Naufal asked, his eyes searching for his mother.
"In the back. Cooking fried chicken for me," Akhzam replied, still busy playing with his fighter plane. His voice was cheerful, indicating the simple happiness he always found at home.
"Come on, Nta," Naufal said, taking Sinta's hand. They walked towards the kitchen. Adelia looked like she had just finished placing the fried chicken on a plate. The mouthwatering aroma of fried chicken filled the room. Naufal approached his mother. Upon seeing Naufal, Adelia's face, which had previously looked calm and busy, immediately changed. A small smile, but full of relief and affection, bloomed on her face. Adelia's eyes, which usually looked a little listless from fatigue, now sparkled. She looked several years younger, as if the burden she had been carrying all this time had lessened a little. The fatigue that had been hidden all this time was relieved by the presence of her son. She reached out her hand to hug Naufal, an unspoken gesture of affection.
"Ma..." Naufal called out.
Adelia turned around, her face looking tired but still radiating gentleness. "You're home?" she asked, her voice soft, filled with relief and affection.
Naufal kissed his mother's hand. Adelia looked at Sinta, then shifted her gaze to Naufal, a look that showed a question, as if asking who the girl next to her son was.
"This is Sinta, Ma," Naufal said, introducing Sinta to his mother, "My girlfriend."
Adelia smiled, "Oh, the one you told me about yesterday?" Her smile was warm, showing acceptance and gentleness.
Sinta shook Adelia's hand while greeting, "Auntie."
Adelia smiled, "Very beautiful," she complimented, her voice full of friendliness. The tense atmosphere eased slightly, replaced by the warmth of a small family that was simple but full of love.
"I'm going to take a shower first, Ma. Keep Sinta company, okay, Ma?" Naufal said.
"Yes. Come on, dear. Let's sit in the living room," Adelia replied, taking Sinta's hand and leading her out of the kitchen towards the living room. Akhzam looked like he was playing on the floor with his scattered toys.
"Akhzam, tidy up your toys," Adelia reprimanded gently.
"Let it be, Auntie. I'll keep Azam company while waiting for Naufal to finish his shower," Sinta offered.
"Shall I make you some tea?" Adelia asked.
"Don't bother, Auntie," Sinta replied.
"It's no trouble, just a moment, okay?" Adelia insisted. She went back to the kitchen, then passed Naufal's room. The door to the room was slightly open. She saw Naufal looking pensive with a towel placed on his shoulder. Adelia stepped inside.
"What's wrong, Abang?" Adelia asked gently, her voice full of concern. She knew her son was carrying a heavy burden in his heart. She could feel it from Naufal's weary face.
Naufal turned around. "It's nothing, Ma. Just tired."
"Really?" Adelia asked, her eyes looking at Naufal with full attention. She didn't completely believe her son's answer.
"Yes," Naufal replied, trying to smile. He didn't want to reveal the story of his meeting with Chintya to his mother. He was afraid it would add to his mother's burden.
"Alright then. Hurry up and take a shower. Invite Sinta to have dinner here later, okay?" Adelia said. She tried to remain calm and hide her worries.
"Yes, Ma," Naufal replied. He walked out of the room, leaving his mother still watching him with full attention and concern. Adelia picked up the shirt that Naufal had placed on his bed. She knew something was troubling her son. Whether it was a work problem or a personal problem. She could only hope that everything would be alright.