Stay or Leave

The event was over, Ayunda sat alone in her sister’s family room. Lisa and Leo were comforting baby Leona who was crying in the room.

“Are you happy?” asked Akmal who was sitting beside Ayunda. And that made Ayunda a little surprised.

Ayunda thought the man had gone home.

“Why do you always ask about my happiness” Ayunda said

“I’m just making sure Bee” said Akmal

“Of course I’m happy” Ayunda replied

“Why didn’t David come with Bee?” Akmal asked again

“Busy” Ayunda answered shortly.

“Busy with his second wife” Akmal quipped

“That’s none of your business, and one more thing, don’t call me like that again because we have long passed and it will make people misunderstand,” said Ayunda

Bee is Akmal’s affectionate call to Ayunda, and vice versa.

“I didn’t forget you Bee” said Akmal

“Whatever” Ayunda replied

“Do you not love me anymore?” Akmal askedConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“No,” Ayunda answered shortly

“If you can’t survive with David, I’m ready to accept you Bee” Akmal said

“Are you praying for my household to end?” Ayunda asked curtly

“I didn’t say that,” Akmal replied

“You…,” Ayunda’s words were stopped because of Leo’s presence

“You’re still here, apparently Mal” Leo asked Akmal

“Not yet, I still want to talk to your sister” Akmal replied

“Since when did you two get along, didn’t you two rarely talk?” Leo said curiously

well because Leo never knew the relationship between the two.

“It’s been a long time”

“Recently”

Ayunda and Akmal’s answers coincided but not the same. And that made Leo frown in surprise

“Is there something you are hiding from me?” Leo guessed intimidating both of them.

“Remember you are already married, even though your husband has another wife but that is also with your approval and you don’t try to have an affair. If you are tired then let it go” said Leo warning his sister.

“And you Akmal, you are a friend and the person I currently trustI hope you don’t ruin the household,” continued Leo, warning Akmal.

“We have nothing, Sis. Oh yes, it’s late, I want to go home, Sis,” said Ayunda, changing the subject.

“Yes, Akmal please deliver Ayu. I believe in you,” said Leo, patting his best friend’s shoulder.

“Hmm,” Akmal mumbled.

***

It doesn’t feel like it’s been three months now that David and Bella have been married, and Ayunda can get through everything well, even though there are some things that hurt her heart.

But today is a very unfair day for Ayunda, because now Bella is pregnant. even though they have only been married for three months, while he has been married for five years but has not been able to get pregnant.

“Congratulations,” Ayunda said to her honey.

“Thank you ma’am, I hope you will also be given the trust as soon as possible” Bella replied while stroking her stomach.

whether it’s a prayer or a satire, really Ayunda who heard it was very sensitive and made her sliced.

“Amen” was all Ayunda could say.

“Mama’s choice is not wrong, so Mama, you are lucky because soon you will have children and Mamah will soon have grandchildren,” said Mrs. Ratih while hugging her chosen daughter-in-law.

Meanwhile, Ayunda only smiled sadly at the satire from her father-in-law.

” I’m going to my room first,” said Ayunda to her husband.

And David just nodded his head without answering Ayunda’s words.

Now David was looking at his second wife with a radiant smile.

Really Ayunda who saw it was very sick. David had just been pregnant and had changed, especially when the child was born. Will Ayunda still be able to maintain her household?

While climbing the stairs, Ayunda wiped her tears that were falling.

***

The night is getting late, and Ayunda still hasn’t closed her eyes.

because tonight is David’s schedule to sleep with her, so Ayunda waits for David to come.

However, until late at night David had not yet been to Ayunda’s room. Even if David was with Bella why didn’t he tell her so Ayunda wouldn’t wait.

Ayunda really could not hold back her tears.

now Ayunda crying while curled up on the bed.

“Do I not deserve to be a mother. What is my fault that until now I have not been given the trust.” Ayunda muttered in tears

It seems Ayunda wants to blame her unfair destiny on her.

even unmarried people easily have a baby.

But he has been five years and still no sign.

***

The next day Ayunda returned to her usual activities. Ayunda always spreads her best smile in front of everyone.

like this morning Ayunda greeted everyone at the dining table.

“Morning dear, mam, Bella,” said Ayunda to everyone.

“Morning ma’am” Bella answered

“Morning dear,” David replied casually without feeling guilty to Ayunda that last night David had kept Ayunda waiting.

because usually if David feels guilty to Ayunda, he will always apologize. But now, oh well.

While Mrs. Ratih Ayunda’s mother-in-law was silent, she did not answer Ayunda’s greeting.

“Sir, my stomach doesn’t feel good, I want to be sick, my head is also dizzy,” Bella said spoiled to David.

“Well, just go to your room first, what do you want to eat later, let me bring it to your room,” said David, rubbing Bella’s stomach gently.

And it can not be separated from Ayunda’s view.

her husband who used to always pay attention to her now seemed to be far away. Attention, affection and comforting words are now gone.

In fact, now Ayunda sees David’s care, affection and gentle words only for his second wife.

Ayunda is not considered, isn’t Ayunda still his wife? But why is it not treated like that anymore? Is it because she’s not pregnant yet?

Ayunda wanted to cry right then and there, but Ayunda didn’t want to look weak in front of everyone.

Ayunda does not want to be pitied.