"What's wrong?" Revan looked at Naufal. It had been three days since Revan returned to his hometown to visit his father, Ikhwan.
Naufal lowered his head. His mind was in turmoil. He worried about Revan's rejection, just like his grandfather, Ikhwan, had done. But he tried to muster the courage to talk to Revan. At least, his mother's second oldest brother had more kindness in his heart compared to Adelia's oldest brother, Kevin Samudera.
Naufal looked at Revan. The man with the rank of Brigadier General of Police was still waiting for the story his nephew wanted to tell.
"Uncle, Dad has a child with Aunt Chintya," Naufal said.
Revan was silent for a long time. After taking a sip of his coffee, he said, "I know," Revan replied, his voice flat, trying to control the emotions that were starting to stir. "After that day, after arranging the divorce with your mother, they got married. I even saw them at a mall once. I wanted to avenge their actions that day, but I remembered my promise, Bang Kevin's promise, and Dad's promise. A promise to you and your mother not to retaliate for their evil deeds." He remembered the promise he had made, a promise that now felt so heavy to keep.
"Yes, I don't blame them for having a child after they got married. But what I want to discuss isn't about that, Uncle. I met Aunt Chintya about two weeks ago. She works as a cleaning service at the hotel where Sinta is staying," Naufal continued his story, his voice trembling.
Revan frowned. "Yes, your grandfather already told me about your meeting with that woman who brought disaster." His voice sounded like he was holding back anger, a hidden anger that was still palpable.
"Raisa is sick, Uncle," Naufal said, his voice growing softer.
"Raisa?" Revan asked, slightly surprised.
"Dad's child with Aunt Chintya," Naufal explained.
Revan was silent, his mind racing. He imagined an innocent little girl, suffering because of her parents' mistakes.
"Just let it be," Revan said flatly, trying to hide the pity that was starting to emerge. The words sounded so cruel, but he couldn't express the compassion that was actually hidden in his heart.
"Dad, who knows where he is. He left Aunt Chintya and Raisa, who is sick, to run into the arms of another woman."
"Good karma for the betrayer of his own friend," Revan hissed.
He still hadn't forgotten the betrayal Chintya had committed against Adelia. Revan's youngest sister, who was the most precious treasure in their large family. He still remembered clearly how Chintya ran away with Adelia's husband, destroying his sister's marriage and leaving a deep wound. The wound still lingered, a wound that would never fully heal. The bitter memories haunted him again, adding to the burden in his heart.
"Raisa is all alone now, Uncle," Naufal said. "Last week... Aunt Chintya... ended her life by hanging herself."
Silence enveloped them, accompanied only by the sound of rain that began to fall heavily, as if weeping along with them.
Revan was silent, Naufal's words piercing his heart. He felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. He was torn between pity and pent-up anger. Anger at Fathar, his sister's husband who had betrayed their trust, and anger at Chintya who had caused all of this to happen. But, above all, there was a great sense of responsibility.
"Raisa is not at fault," Naufal said. "After all... She is my sister."
He looked at Revan with hopeful eyes, seeking a little sympathy and support. He felt responsible for Raisa's fate, the innocent little girl.
Revan looked at Naufal, he saw that his nephew was so devastated. He understood that Naufal felt responsible for Raisa's fate.
"So you're going to bring that child home to your mother? Tearing open her wounds that are just starting to heal?" Revan asked, his voice harsh, full of pent-up anger. He was still hurt by Chintya's betrayal, and he didn't want his family to be hurt again. He had to protect his family, protect his sister, Adelia, from the painful shadows of the past.
"But Raisa is my and Akhzam's sister, Uncle," Naufal replied. He felt connected to Raisa, feeling responsible for the little girl's well-being. He couldn't bear to leave Raisa alone.
"Just put her in an orphanage!" Revan almost shouted, his anger exploding. He couldn't control his emotions. The words came out so easily, without him realizing it. He felt this was the best way, to protect his family and also to give Raisa a better life, even though that path felt so cruel.
"What?" Naufal looked shocked. He didn't expect Revan to say that. He felt crushed, his hopes dashed. He didn't expect his uncle to be so cold and without compassion.
"It's better if she's adopted by anyone rather than enter your mother's house!" Revan looked at Naufal sharply. "I won't allow my sister to be hurt again!"
He felt he had to protect Adelia from new wounds that might be inflicted by Raisa's presence. He was still hurt by Chintya's betrayal, and he didn't want his family to be hurt again. He had to protect his family from the painful shadows of the past. His voice rose, full of emphasis. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND???"
Naufal was silent.
"Just focus on your work, don't think about Chintya's child!" Revan changed the subject, his voice a little softer, although still sounding cold. He tried to ease the tension.
"Yes, sir!" Naufal replied softly, his voice almost inaudible.
They no longer spoke. Revan shifted the conversation to Naufal's work, trying to ignore the heavy burden they had just discussed.
"Your mother is worried about your current job. She hopes you can transfer. I think, maybe it would be better if you moved."
"No, I feel quite comfortable here. Please, even if you have the power, don't make me spoiled. Let me achieve my future without interference from you or Uncle Kevin."
"Okay... We'll just watch you from afar," Revan promised.
Naufal looked at his phone on the table, which was vibrating. A call from Clara.
"Just a moment, Uncle..."
"Who is Clara?"
"A friend."
"Not your girlfriend?"
"No. You already know Sinta, right?"
"Who knows, being in a long-distance relationship might make you choose another name to accompany your days here," Revan smiled.
"No," Naufal replied, immediately answering the call from Clara.
"Hello..."
"Naufal, sorry to bother you."
"Yes, what's wrong, Clara?"
"Raisa is sick. Siska just took her to the clinic. She said you gave me my number to be on standby in case Raisa needed help."
"Yes, please help her. I can't be there yet, but I'll try to make it."
"Okay, don't worry. Just finish your work. Raisa is safe with me. I'll call you again later, okay?"
"Okay, thank you."
Naufal put down his phone.
"What's wrong?" Revan asked.
"Nothing, work stuff..." Naufal decided to lie.
He had to respect Revan's rejection of Raisa's presence to protect Adelia's heart.
"Eat. You have to go back to the office," Revan said.
"Yes."