Nayara arrived at Ratih’s daycare center and immediately picked up Andra, who was still asleep in his car seat. Ratih had just opened the rolling door to welcome her. It was still very early, and no other children had arrived to be dropped off yet.
Ratih helped Nayara carry Andra’s things inside and placed them in the room reserved for the belongings of the children in their care. Each child had their own locker.
“Mom, I’m sorry for coming this early. I have a lot to take care of today. I also have a meeting with a prospective client,” Nayara explained.
“You don’t have to act so formal with me. Andra’s my grandchild too, so don’t hesitate,” Ratih replied.
“Mom, please pray for me. I’m also meeting with a lawyer today to help me file for divorce,” Nayara said in a very soft voice.
“File for divorce? What happened, Nay?” Ratih was shocked by Nayara’s words.
Nayara immediately dropped to her knees at Ratih’s feet, her body trembling violently. In front of Ratih, Nayara couldn’t hide what had happened to her. Ratih wasn’t her biological mother, but her role in Nayara’s life went beyond that of a mother.
“Rudi’s having an affair, Mom.” Nayara forced herself to tell Ratih, her voice trembling.
“God forgive me.” Ratih covered her mouth.
“Rudi could be so cruel to me, Mom. And Andra just turned one. Doesn’t he remember everything I went through to give birth to his child?” Nayara stammered.
“Are you sure?” Ratih asked, trying to calm her down.
“I clearly saw Rudi take that woman to a hotel, Mom. I’ve even collected some evidence, including photos and CCTV footage,” Nayara answered.
Ratih drew a deep breath. Then she said, “I support whatever decision you make, Nay. You deserve to be happy. No matter what happens, don’t feel like you’re alone. I’m here.”
“Thank you, Mom. Meeting you and Dad has been a blessing in my life. You and your family have always treated me like one of your own.” Nayara kissed Ratih’s hand.
Ratih lifted Nayara by the shoulders and led her to sit beside her. Then she hugged her tightly. “If only we could turn back time, Nay. You’re the daughter-in-law I wanted. Not anyone else.”
Nayara didn’t respond to Ratih’s words. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand. She simply didn’t want to change the situation. To her, it was more than enough that this family treated her well; she had never wanted anything more. Nayara had once overheard Ratih and her late husband talking about how they wished they could have a daughter-in-law like her.
But fate had other plans. Nayara had already entered into a relationship with Rudi. Their son Hasan was already committed to a woman—the daughter of the head of the Islamic boarding school where Hasan had once studied and worked as a teacher before receiving a job offer from a mining company.
“I’ll get going, Mom. Please take care of Andra,” Nayara said as she took her leave.
“Take good care of yourself, Nay. Always remember that you can come home to me.” Ratih walked Nayara to her car while carrying Andra.
“I’m taking my own car, Mom. The company car will be picked up by the office driver later. I’m going to secure everything that belongs to me, Mom—including Andra, the house, and the car. If there’s anyone who has the right to enjoy what I’ve gained through all the hard work I’ve put in, it’s you, not that man,” Nayara said.
“Fight for it, Nay. I support you. Be careful. When people are hurt, they can sometimes do things that harm others,” Ratih warned.
“Yes, Mom. I’ve prepared everything,” Nayara replied.
Nayara got into her car and drove out of the residential compound, which also housed Ratih’s daycare center. She had no idea what would happen in her life, but fighting for her dignity as a wife was something she had to do.
Nayara had never looked down on Rudi because his job was, arguably, at a lower level than hers. She had never once belittled him. She always treated her husband as a worthy imam who deserved to be honored. Yet everything Nayara had done seemed to be in vain. Rudi had chosen to become a traitor, betraying the sanctity of their marriage.