Sinta's voice, soft yet firm, still echoed in Naufal's ears. "If you had your own house, you wouldn't need to ask Raisa to live with Mama, would you?" That question, simple yet piercing, stuck in his mind all night. He had just ended a heavy phone conversation with Sinta, a conversation that revealed the complexities of his life and the burden of responsibility he carried. A burden that felt heavier as the night grew darker.
That night, Naufal contacted Sinta to tell her about Raisa. He told her how Raisa had to live with Clara, a doctor she had just met, after her mother, Chintya, died by suicide by hanging herself. The tragic incident had left deep scars, not only on Raisa, but also on Naufal's family. Naufal also told her about the strong rejection from his grandfather, Ikhwan, to let Raisa live with Adelia, his mother. He explained the reason behind the rejection: Raisa was the daughter of the woman who had snatched his father from Adelia, an old wound that still felt painful and left a deep resentment.
"But it's impossible for me to move out of Mama's house just so Raisa can live with me, right?" Naufal said, his voice sounding listless, filled with despair. Leaving his mother's house felt impossible, a betrayal of the family ties he had always maintained. That house was his sanctuary, a place where he felt safe and loved. The idea of leaving it felt like destroying the foundation of his life.
"Why not? You're an adult, aren't you?" Sinta replied, her voice still firm but interspersed with a tone of understanding. She understood the inner turmoil her lover was experiencing. She knew how difficult the decision Naufal had to make was, but she also knew that Raisa needed a safe and comfortable place after having no one else to depend on but Naufal. A little girl who was only 5 years old and had a history of leukemia.
"It doesn't work that way, Nta…" Naufal could only mutter, unconvincingly. He knew Sinta was right, but the thought of leaving his mother felt very heavy. He was trapped between his responsibility to Raisa and his loyalty to his family.
Silence enveloped their conversation, feeling chilling and filled with tension. Then, an unexpected proposal came from Sinta's mouth, piercing the silence of the night like a sharp knife.
"Then let's get married," Sinta suggested, her voice calm but full of determination. The sudden and surprising proposal left Naufal speechless.
Naufal was stunned. "What?" He could only utter one word, full of surprise. His mind was still spinning, trying to digest the meaning of Sinta's words. Was this a solution? Or just an escape?
Sinta continued her explanation, a simple logic connected to her initial question. "If we get married, you'll have a reason to live in your own house, right?" Sinta's explanation was simple, but it touched the core of the problem. Marriage would give him a strong reason to leave his mother's house and provide Raisa with a decent place to live.
The proposal hung in the air, a bold challenge that shook the foundation of Naufal's life. He was silent, his mind spinning, trying to digest the implications of the proposal. Raisa's face, her fragile and sad expression, was clearly etched in his mind. He couldn't bear to let Raisa continue to live in uncertainty, in the shadows of loss and sadness.
"I'll wait for good news from you, honey," Sinta said, her voice softening, interspersed with a slightly joking tone. Then, the phone line was cut off, leaving Naufal alone with his mixed thoughts.
Naufal was still frozen in place, holding his cell phone. A thin smile was etched on his lips, a mixture of surprise, doubt, and a glimmer of hope. Hope for a solution, hope for a better future for Raisa and himself.
"Sinta…" he murmured, the name like a prayer uttered softly, a hope that radiated from the depths of his heart.
He looked at the wall clock. Seven o'clock in the evening. All his work reports were finished. He grabbed his jacket, put it on, and immediately stepped out of the room. He needed time alone, to calm his chaotic thoughts.
The city lights flickered outside, blurring as he drove his car. The cool night air felt piercing to the anxiety in his heart. He needed time, time to digest the emotional storm caused by Sinta's proposal. A simple proposal, but with a big impact on his life.
The car stopped in the yard of the house. Naufal got out and immediately entered the house. Adelia was seen watching TV, Akhzam was sleeping on her lap.
"Ma.." Naufal greeted, his voice sounding tired.
Adelia turned her head, her eyes showing concern. "You're home?"
Naufal kissed his mother's hand. "Have you eaten?" Adelia asked, her attention focused on her son.
"Yes," Naufal replied. He carried Akhzam's body, taking his younger sibling into the room.
After laying Akhzam on the bed, he immediately walked out. He approached Adelia, sitting next to his mother. He knew he had to tell his mother about Sinta's proposal, even though he knew this would be a difficult conversation.
"There's something I want to talk to Mama about," Naufal said, his voice sounding serious.
Adelia turned her head, her eyes looking at Naufal with full attention. "What is it? It sounds serious."
"It's about me and Sinta, Ma… the continuation of our relationship." Naufal took a deep breath, preparing himself to face his mother's reaction.
"You want to get married?" Adelia asked, her voice calm but filled with tension. She looked at her eldest son's face, trying to read his mind.
He looked at his eldest son's face. He had never imagined that the time would come when he would have to let his beloved son go to start a new life. A mixture of happiness and sadness filled his heart.
"God willing, Ma." Naufal answered firmly, even though there was still hidden doubt in his heart.
Adelia smiled, a smile filled with the wisdom and love of a mother. She stroked Naufal's head. "Mama's son has grown up…" The sentence was simple, but full of meaning. He accepted his son's decision, even though in his heart, he felt sadness because he had to let go of his son who had grown up and was ready to build his own family. However, Naufal's happiness was his priority.
"When?" finally the question slipped from Adelia's lips.
"I don't know when. I definitely have to meet Sinta's father. Then I also have to talk to grandpa, Uncle Kevin and Uncle Revan. Take care of all the files and apply for a marriage permit," Naufal replied.
"Try talking to grandpa tomorrow. Call Uncle Kevin and Uncle Revan about your plan. Ask them for advice."
"Yes, Ma."
"Rest.. You must be tired."
"Mama should rest. I'll take a shower first."
"Yes.. Thank you, Ma."
Adelia hugged Naufal.
"Be a good husband and father," she stroked Naufal's back with affection.
"Yes, Ma."
Naufal stood up.
"Fal.." Adelia called.
"Yes, ma.."
"Is this.. Is this because you want to bring your youngest sibling to live with you?" Adelia asked. "Grandpa rejected Raisa, but she is your biological sister regardless of all the mistakes her mother made.."