The decision had been made. All the preparations for the move were finished without much drama, and they had already said goodbye to several relatives, neighbors, and friends. At last, the day of Arya and Rania's departure—one that had shocked quite a few people—arrived. Still, everyone could do nothing but support their decision.
"Be careful over there," Ardi told his younger brother. For the first time, the two of them would be separated by a great distance.
"We will. Pray for us," Arya replied, holding back his emotion. The brothers, who were two years apart, immediately embraced. Even though they were still standing right in front of each other, the ache of missing one another had already begun. Both held back the tightness in their chests.
Rania and Diana could not hold back their tears as they watched their husbands struggle not to cry. Though the men tried to appear strong, their wives could still feel both of their sadness.
"I'm sorry too if anything I've said or done all this time may have hurt you, Diana," Rania said softly through her tears.
Diana looked at her sister-in-law with equal sadness. Then they embraced and dissolved into sobs.
"I'm sorry too if I've ever done anything wrong to you. Take care over there. Don't forget to keep us updated later..." There was still so much she wanted to say, but the words caught in her throat.
Rania and Diana had truly become like sisters. All this time, Diana had treated Rania like her own younger sister. As the youngest of three siblings, Diana had always longed for a younger sister, and she found one in Rania.
Rania felt the same way. She had longed for an older sister who would always be there for her to share her stories with, and she found that person in Diana.
Even when Arunika entered her life, Diana was the first person Rania told. More than that, Diana knew all of Rania's worries. Whenever Rania tried to appear strong and as though everything was fine—even in front of Arya—she could still cry in front of Diana. Beyond the comfort she felt, there was also an immense trust in the woman she regarded as an older sister.
Diana's wise words never sounded patronizing to Rania. In fact, they were able to calm her heart whenever doubt slowly came knocking.
"Don't let doubt destroy your trust in your husband. Even if he really is hiding something, continue to assume the best. Maybe Arya is doing it for your sake." Diana paused and gazed intently at Rania. Her sister-in-law, who was struggling with uncertainty, seemed to be taking in everything Diana had said.
Seeing that Rania was still focused on her words and had no intention of replying, Diana continued, "Sometimes the truth hurts more. That doesn't mean lying is justified either. But maybe Arya is waiting for the right time to tell you. While you wait, pray for the best for him. Whatever he's hiding, there's one thing I believe: he would never hurt you. Arya is a good man. Don't forget that," Diana said gently, giving her a warm smile.
"You're right. I've only been torturing myself with my own thoughts. I even forgot all the good things Arya has done." Rania could no longer hold back her tears as she admitted her own mistake.
Hearing Diana's words had made her realize how wrong she had been all this time. Rania had been tormented by her own suspicions.
"Thank you, Diana... I'm so lucky to have a sister-in-law like you," Rania said sincerely, hugging Diana, who warmly returned the embrace.
"I'm lucky and happy too, because I have a sister-in-law who's on the same wavelength as me in so many ways," Diana replied sincerely. "There's nothing wrong with feeling suspicious, but don't let it ruin all the good within us. I still have a lot to learn too. I hope we can become people who always assume the best, especially when it comes to the partners who've devoted all their energy and thought to making us happy..."
"Yes. Amen..."
"And don't forget about the baby in your belly. Poor thing—if you're stressed, the baby will be affected too. So I hope you can be happier. Not only for yourself, but for your future child and your future niece or nephew."
"I will. Thank you again... I feel so much calmer now."
"I'm glad I could ease your burden. Whenever you need me, I'll be here to listen."
Their trust and openness were what made their bond so strong. Neither of them liked talking about other people's shortcomings, either. Rania learned a great deal from Diana, and they often shared stories about all kinds of things. But sadly, everything was about to change.
They might still be able to exchange stories over voice calls, but it would never feel the same as seeing each other face-to-face. But that was how life was. Goodbyes were inevitable. Life had to go on. All they could do was pray for each other from afar, because only prayers could cross space and time.
As Mahira had been entrusted with Kiara, who was now gone, all she could do was weep bitterly and pray for the best for the baby she had only been able to hold for three months. Healing from that loss was not easy, but fortunately, she had a devoted husband who stayed by her side. Alex was always there for her. While Mahira was ill, he handed his duties over to the Assistant, who was ready to handle anything.
Mahira was cared for not only physically, but mentally as well. On the advice of a relative, Alex took Mahira to an Islamic boarding school that had proven capable of calming her spirit and helping her heal little by little. She learned to accept the tragedy that had befallen her. She also felt grateful to have a partner who remained faithfully by her side when she was at her lowest.
"Thank you for staying by my side. You were always ready to make this fragile heart of mine stronger."
Mahira wept with emotion before her husband, who gazed at her with love. It was the same look he had given her in the past. It had never changed, and Mahira was only realizing that now.
"Please don't ever thank me again, sweetheart. I did it because it's my duty—to make sure you're happy and always be by your side." Mahira could now feel his sincerity even more deeply. In her heart, she vowed to devote her life to the man who had proven his love for her.
With sincere determination to become a better person, Mahira said goodbye to Kiai Abdullah and his wife, who had welcomed Mahira and Alex with open arms and guided her toward finding her will to live again.
Grateful for his wife's recovery, Alex decided to become a regular donor to the Islamic boarding school and planned to visit it with Mahira once a month. The decision made Mahira happy and deepened her love for her husband.
"At least I can make you smile happily, Mahira. Forgive me for what I did..." Alex said silently as his wife enthusiastically thanked him for his plan.