Nurul's hand was still around Naira's wrist.
"Let's go home now, Naira. Don't talk to him anymore. It's pointless."
But Naira still didn't stand. She stared at the man. Their eyes were both red. "Keep going," Naira said softly. "What's going on with you and your wife?"
The man let out a long sigh. His shoulders slumped. "We've been married for five years, Ira," he said hoarsely. "But we haven't been able to have children."
Nurul snorted loudly. "What does that have to do with Naira?"
"My mother." The man stared at the floor. "She's getting old. She asks about grandchildren every day. Every time she goes to a social gathering or a religious study group, she comes home with stories about people making snide remarks at her."
He looked at Naira. "Last week, Mom told me... 'If your wife can't give you children, just marry again. Find someone who can.'"
"F***!" Nurul slammed the table again. "So Naira's the backup option?! A baby-making machine?!"
"That's not it!" the man immediately denied. "I didn't agree from the start. I refused. But Mom threatened me. She said that if I didn't obey, she would disown me."
Naira let out a small laugh. "So that's it." She leaned back in her chair. "Five years ago, I left you so you could find a woman who was your equal. And now you want to marry me... also because your parents are forcing you to have a child quickly?"
"Because I'm still in love with you, Ira," he said softly. "I've never been able to forget you. My wife is a good woman, but she's not you."
Naira nodded slowly. At last, her tears fell.
"You know, Ira," she whispered. "After you said you wanted to end our relationship, I honestly didn't know what to do. Then I met my wife, who was willing to accept me. But it turned out the memories of us still hadn't faded."
"And now you want to drag me into your marriage so you can ruin it even more, all to get your mother a grandchild."
Nurul immediately told Naira to get up. "That's enough. Come on, Naira."
Naira looked at the man one last time. "If you really want me, get divorced first. Stand up for your own choice. Not because Mom told you to. Not because you need a child. Otherwise... never come looking for me again."
Naira strode out, leaving her ex frozen and silent where he stood.