There wasn't a sound in the car. Nayara always went completely stiff whenever she was around her adoptive older brother. With other people, she could be much friendlier and more talkative. Especially when she was with someone on the same wavelength—like Wisesa, for example. Around him, Nayara could be downright noisy.
"What did you do today, Nay?" Hasan asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Quite a lot, Bro. I even met Wisesa," Nayara replied.
"Are you really sure about this, Nay? Divorce isn't something to take lightly. Especially when you made the decision while you were emotional. Have you talked to Rudi?" Hasan pressed.
"There are no compromises when it comes to cheating, Bro. Especially not adultery. My life and I are only for my husband, and I expect the same from him," Nayara replied firmly.
"All right. I support whatever decision you make. Tell me if you need anything," Hasan said.
"Just pray for me, Bro. You should focus on your wedding plans with Syilla," Nayara replied. "How far along are the preparations?" she added.
"They're not a hundred percent done yet. We've still got a while because we're waiting until after Arsyilla graduates, which is about three months from now," Hasan answered.
"When exactly is it, Bro? So I can apply for leave to attend your wedding and Syilla's," Nayara asked.
"Does a branch director really need to apply for leave?" Hasan joked.
"Of course she does, Bro. Even as a director, I'm still an employee, not the owner. If I were the owner, then I wouldn't need to apply for leave," Nayara replied.
"Arsyilla will take her final doctoral qualifying exam at the beginning of next month. Her graduation will be roughly two months after that," Hasan answered.
"That's amazing, Bro. You have a highly educated fiancée. If I get the chance, I want to go back to school too. Do you think it's still appropriate for me to go back to college, Bro?"
"You can pursue an education at any age, Nay. Besides, you already have a bachelor's degree in management, so you can continue on to a master's in management. What's gotten into you? You suddenly have so much to say to me." Hasan was slightly surprised by how talkative Nayara had become.
"I feel intimidated when I talk to you, Bro. Out of all Bunda's children, you're the one who talks the least. Though you are the one who helps me the most," Nayara replied.
"You're something else, Nay. When do you want to start your master's?" Hasan asked.
Nayara already had a bachelor's degree, having attended college in between her responsibilities as an employee. On Ratih's advice, along with suggestions from several friends, Nayara had enrolled in an evening program for working students, with classes held after work.
"I'll just wait until everything is settled, Bro. That way, I won't have to divide my focus," Nayara replied.
"Don't let this traumatize you. Not all men are traitors. But if someone wants to enter your life, investigate him first. Find out whether his family can accept Andra or not," Hasan advised.
"It feels like every man in my life has been a bastard, Bro. Dad didn't want to support me just because I refused to go with him, and now there's Rudi. I just want to live with Andra, Bro. I won't get married again. Besides, I still have Bunda—the only person who's always been there for me, even though we aren't related by blood," Nayara said, sounding hopeless.
"That's you and Bunda for you. Sometimes I wonder whose child she really considers you. Everything is about you. I feel like I'm always second," Hasan admitted. "But don't get ahead of fate. Not every man is like Rudi," he added.
"Are you jealous of me, Bro? Oh my God. I can't believe it. Bunda is always bragging about you whenever she's talking to me. For example, when I wanted to marry Rudi, Bunda said, 'I'll pray that Rudi can be like your brother—someone who can protect you.'" Nayara imitated the way Ratih had spoken when Nayara asked Ratih for permission to marry Rudi.
Hasan burst out laughing when he saw Nayara's expression. It was the first time Hasan and Nayara had shared stories with each other for such a long time. Nayara glanced at Hasan, amazed that he could laugh so freely in front of her.
"We're here. You're sleeping at this house tonight. That's an edict from Mother Ratih, and it can't be overturned. If you don't believe me, you can call Bunda," Hasan said when they stopped in front of a simple house.
"I feel bad imposing on Syilla, Bro," Nayara said uneasily.
"Arsyilla is my concern. Don't worry about it," Hasan replied, handing her the house key, which Nayara had initially refused.
"All right. Please apologize to Syilla for me," Nayara said as she accepted the key from Hasan. "Just take my car, Bro. I'm off tomorrow anyway," she added.
"I'm heading out. Take care, and don't do anything reckless. Remember Andra," Hasan warned.
Hasan immediately drove Nayara's car away, leaving without even going inside her house. He knew where the boundaries were. Nayara was only his adoptive younger sister, and she was still married. He didn't want to invite gossip by going inside just to stop by.