"Morning, honey," Sinta greeted softly, her fingers gently caressing Naufal's cheek as he was still fast asleep. The morning sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, dancing on her husband's handsome face. "Honey, didn't you say you have to go back to work today?"
Naufal blinked his eyes. He looked up, his gaze meeting Sinta's sparkling eyes. A faint smile curved his lips, still sleepy.
"Ah, time flies so fast... My leave is over," Naufal complained, his voice still heavy from just waking up. He pulled the blanket closer to his body, as if wanting to return to dreamland. "It feels like our wedding party was just yesterday."
Sinta smiled, a smile that could melt even ice. She gently pulled Naufal's arm, but firmly enough to wake her husband from the comfort of the blanket.
"Get up, commander... You're so heavy," Sinta said, her voice sounding amused. Naufal always looked dashing and upright in his work uniform, but in the morning, he was just a spoiled and adorable husband.
Naufal chuckled, he lifted his body and sat on the edge of the bed. His slightly messy hair added to his handsome charm. He hugged Sinta tightly, kissing the top of her head.
"Take a shower," Sinta broke the hug, looking at Naufal with a sweet smile. "I'll prepare breakfast."
"Thank you, honey," Naufal accepted the towel Sinta gave him, then headed to the bathroom.
Sinta walked towards the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her husband. She opened the refrigerator, taking out some ingredients. Fried rice was a practical and quick choice for breakfast this morning. While chopping onions and chilies, her mind drifted to her new life as a wife. She still felt like she was dreaming to be with Naufal, the man she had loved for a long time.
"Sinta," greeted Adelia, Naufal's mother, who entered the kitchen with Akhzam, Naufal's younger brother.
"Mama..." Sinta greeted friendly, flashing a smile. "Hello, Azam. How are you?"
Akhzam returned Sinta's greeting. "I'm fine, Sis. How about you?"
"I'm fine too, Azam."
Adelia sat at the dining table with Akhzam. Sinta served fried rice on a plate, complete with a sunny-side-up egg and shrimp crackers.
"Where's Naufal?" Adelia asked, her eyes searching for her son's figure.
"Taking a shower, Ma. He has to go to the office today," Sinta replied.
"Oh? Isn't he tired? You guys just arrived from Jakarta last night."
"What else can we do, Ma. It's time, isn't it?" Sinta shrugged, trying to hide her worry. She knew Naufal must be tired after the long trip and the tiring wedding party, but she also understood her husband's duties and responsibilities as a civil servant.
"Yes," Adelia replied briefly.
"This afternoon we want to see our house. We want to put some wedding gift items," Sinta continued, trying to divert the conversation.
"But you're not moving there right away, are you?" Adelia asked again.
"Not yet, Ma. Naufal said he wants to renovate it first. Sinta also has to go back to Jakarta, Ma. Maybe when it's time for the end-of-semester holiday, Sinta will come back here," Sinta explained. She still had to finish her studies in Jakarta. They had to be willing to have a long-distance relationship for a while.
"Hopefully you'll finish your studies soon, okay?" Adelia looked at Sinta with hopeful eyes.
"Yes, Ma. Sinta will prepare Naufal's clothes first, Ma," Sinta hurried to end the conversation.
"Oh, yes," Adelia replied.
Sinta hurried back to the room. Opening the closet and taking out a white shirt and black pants, along with a red tie. She arranged the clothes on the bed, then sprayed a little perfume on Naufal's shirt.
The bedroom door opened, Naufal who had just finished showering stepped in. His hair was still wet, dripping water onto his shoulders. He looked at Sinta who was tidying up the bed.
"I've prepared your shirt," Sinta said while tidying up the bedcover again.
Naufal smiled, approached Sinta and hugged her from behind. "Thank you, honey. You are the best wife," he whispered in Sinta's ear.
Sinta smiled, feeling the warmth of Naufal's hug. "Go on, get dressed. You'll be late," she said.
Naufal released his hug and began to put on the clothes Sinta had prepared. While wearing the tie, he looked at Sinta who was preening herself in front of the mirror.
"You're so beautiful," Naufal praised suddenly.
Sinta blushed. "Flattery," she replied with a smile.
"Really, honey. You are always beautiful in my eyes," Naufal approached and kissed Sinta's cheek. "Is breakfast ready?"
"Yes. Mama and Azam are also in the kitchen," Sinta replied.
They both walked hand in hand towards the kitchen. The aroma of fried rice immediately greeted them as they entered the room.
"Wow, the aroma is appetizing," Naufal said while pulling out a chair at the dining table.
"Please enjoy," Sinta said.
The four of them enjoyed breakfast in a warm and familiar atmosphere. Occasionally there was laughter from Akhzam who always managed to break the ice.
After breakfast, Naufal said goodbye to his mother and younger brother. He kissed Adelia's hand and patted Akhzam's shoulder.
"Be careful on the road," Adelia advised.
"Yes, Ma," Naufal replied.
Naufal and Sinta walked towards the car that was parked in front of the house. Naufal opened the door, then got into the driver's seat.
"You be careful at home, okay," Naufal said before starting the car engine.
"Yes, you also be careful on the road. Don't speed," Sinta replied.
Naufal kissed Sinta's forehead briefly, then started driving his car. Sinta waved until Naufal's car disappeared from view.
After dropping off Naufal, Sinta returned to the house. She helped Adelia clean up the leftovers from breakfast and wash the dishes.
"Sinta, just rest. Let Mama do it," Adelia said.
"It's okay, Ma. Sinta will just help a little," Sinta replied. She felt uncomfortable just sitting still while her mother-in-law was working.
In the afternoon, after resting for a while, Sinta invited Naufal to see their new house. The house was a minimalist building with a small garden in front of it. There were not many residents in the housing complex yet.
"How is it? Do you like it?" Naufal asked while hugging Sinta.
Sinta nodded enthusiastically. "I like it very much! The house is nice, so is the garden. I'm already imagining planting my favorite flowers here," she replied.
Naufal smiled seeing Sinta's enthusiasm. "We'll renovate it a little later, okay, to make it more comfortable," he said.
The door of the house in front of their house opened. A woman wearing a pink mini dress came out of the house. Her face was beautiful with hair that reached her back.
She smiled at Naufal and Sinta.
"Eh, new neighbors. You're the ones who bought Mr. Arifin's house, right?" her voice sounded crisp in her ears.
"Yes," Naufal replied.
"I'm Safira," the woman introduced herself.
"Naufal, this is my wife... Sinta," Naufal introduced himself.
Sinta extended her hand to shake Safira's hand.
"Glad to have neighbors who seem to be the same age, right honey?" She took Naufal's arm.
"Wait a minute, honey... Someone's calling," Naufal said as he released Sinta's hand, he went into the house.
Safira looked at Naufal and smiled.
"Where does your husband work?" Safira asked.
"Polresta.."
"Oh, a policeman. What department?"
"CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, Narcotics."
Safira smiled.
"How about you?"
"I'm still in college, final semester. How about you?"
"I... have a culinary business," Safira said.
"I'll go in first, okay?" Sinta said goodbye.
"Yes.."
Safira watched Sinta until she disappeared from view. She smiled.
"You're so handsome and cool, Naufal.." Safira muttered.