"When are we getting married?" That question, simple yet electrifying, struck Naufal who was struggling with a pile of files on his desk. He rubbed his face, exhausted.
Naufal looked back at the pile of files on the desk—arrest reports, suspect data, analysis of the drug case he was handling. Everything seemed to be a barrier between him and Sinta, between his dream of building a household and his responsibility as an investigator in the Narcotics Unit. Danger lurked in every corner of his work, threats from cunning and dangerous drug trafficking networks. He often came home late at night, his body tired, his mind exhausted, and only accompanied by a cup of bitter coffee. He missed Sinta, but his busyness was always an obstacle. He felt trapped between two different worlds: the world of his duties and responsibilities, and the world of his love and longing.
"You haven't finished college yet, dear... The agreement was that you would finish your studies first," said Naufal, his voice sounding heavy. He tried to explain, looking for a logical reason to postpone serious talk about marriage. He wanted Sinta to have sufficient education before they stepped into a more serious level. However, this time, that reason felt inadequate. The danger of his job was also a major consideration. What if something happened to him? What if Sinta had to face all that alone? That thought made him even more restless.
"I can finish college after we get married. You come and meet my dad first," Sinta whined, her voice sounding spoiled but firm. Naufal imagined Sinta's facial expression, her sparkling eyes, her slightly pouting lips. Sinta's deadly seduction, which was usually effective, felt less effective this time. Distance and the danger of his job were obstacles. He felt unable to provide the certainty that Sinta expected.
"Hang in there, dear... Can you do one more semester? I promise I will contact you more often. Less hanging out. Don't take too many holidays," Naufal advised, his voice sounding gentle but firm. He tried to find a middle ground, a compromise that could be accepted by both of them. One more semester, that was a short enough time, but enough to make Sinta focus on finishing her studies. He had to convince Sinta that he was serious.
"Come on, dear... Your job is dangerous. I'm scared... I want to always be near you, to protect you," said Sinta, her voice sounding a little sad, flavored with sincere worry. "I want to be your support, your shelter after fighting danger. When you get home from the office, I want someone to prepare a warm dinner for you, wait for your stories, soothe your tiredness."
Sinta's words pierced Naufal's heart. He was silent. He realized that his busyness as an investigator had made him neglect Sinta. He was too focused on his work, to the point of forgetting Sinta's need for his presence, for his love and attention. He was tired, yes, but Sinta was also tired of waiting for him, worried about his safety. He felt guilty.
"Yes... But marriage is for a lifetime, dear. Not one or two weeks. Are you sure you're ready to move here with me? The few days you were here yesterday are not the same as the years you will follow me? Life here is different. There are risks that we must face together. I don't want you to regret it later." Naufal tried to explain, his voice sounding heavy. It wasn't that he didn't want to marry Sinta, but he wanted both of them to be ready to face all the consequences. He wanted their marriage to be built on a strong foundation, not just driven by momentary longing.
"Then what's the point of us dating if the ending isn't marriage??" Sinta's tone sounded emotional, hurt. Her longing and worry had reached their peak. Those words stung Naufal. He realized he had failed to communicate well.
"Who said the ending isn't marriage? I'm just saying, marriage also needs a process... Yang? Dear..." Naufal sighed. He tried to calm Sinta, but it was too late. Sinta had ended the video call.
Naufal was silent, staring at his phone screen which was now dark. He felt like a failure. He failed to explain his feelings, failed to convince Sinta, and failed to be a good lover. He realized that his busyness had made him neglect Sinta, sacrificing their relationship for his work. He felt guilty, worried, and lost. He regretted seeming to not appreciate Sinta's feelings.
He sipped his cold coffee, the bitter taste seeming to reflect his current feelings. He had to do something. He had to contact Sinta, not just to apologize, but to explain everything in more detail and with empathy. He had to show his seriousness, convince Sinta that he would always be there for her, that he valued her feelings, and that he would always prioritize her safety and happiness.
The door to the room was knocked.
"Come in," said Naufal.
The door opened. Aipda Dimas stepped in.
"The case file presentation will be after lunch, sir?" Dimas asked.
"Oh, yeah.. Ok."
Dimas looked at Naufal.
"Who was that yesterday, sir? The team is a little curious."
"Who yesterday?"
"The beautiful doctor who is said to have only been here for 2 weeks."
"Oh, Clara?"
"Your girlfriend, sir? Is that who made you upset after the phone call that day?"
"No. The one who called that day was Sinta. My girlfriend. In Jakarta."
"Oh, I thought she moved here."
"Sinta is still in college."
Naufal's phone rang. An incoming call from Adelia.
"Yes, Mom," Naufal answered.
"Pick up your younger brother at school later, okay? Take him to lunch. Mom is still at Aunt Dewi's child's event."
"Oh, ok."
"Thank you, dear."
"Yes, Mom."
Naufal put away his phone. Looking at the wall clock. 12:10 PM.
"I'll pick up Azam first."
He stood up.
"Is Azam safe, sir?" Dimas asked, remembering the threat against Akhzam that time.
"Safe. But I still don't know who the thugs were who were successfully driven away by the armed man that time."
"The important thing is that Azam is safe, sir."
"Yes. Ok, I'll go first."
"Yes, sir. Be careful, sir."
A few moments later, at a fast food restaurant.
"Finish your food, don't watch first.. Later at grandpa's house. Abang has to go back to the office."
"Don't want anymore," Akhzam whined while grabbing Naufal's phone. "Unlock it, Bang. Adek wants to play games."
"Finish your food!"
"Abang too."
"Abang will feed you," said Naufal while giving his phone to Akhzam after unlocking the screen.
Akhzam nodded while opening his mouth so that the rice and chicken that Naufal fed him went into his mouth.
Naufal's phone vibrated. A call from an unknown number. Akhzam handed the phone to Naufal who immediately answered it.
"Hello.."
"Hello, Second Police Inspector Naufal Hasbi. How are you? It's been long enough that I've given you time to relax without a threat from me, huh?"
"Who is this?"
"You'll find out later. Turns out, you're a good older brother. I saw you earlier feeding your younger brother. Such a great young man."
Naufal looked around the restaurant. A man in sunglasses wearing a mask stood at the door about to exit. In his hand he held a phone. He waved at Naufal.
"See you at a time that I will determine, young officer!"
The man exited the restaurant.