Awang was jealous by nature, and though it made very little sense considering how busy he was, he never once hid his jealousy. Of course, he could generally control his feelings. But Kuntum seemed to have a strange way of provoking the very issues that made her husband angry. She simply didn't understand that she shouldn't wave signs of infidelity in his face so often and so blatantly, whether it was safe or not.
While at work all day, he kept calling Kuntum, convinced he had good reason not to trust his wife. The paranoia that had developed since his accident wasn't helping at all.
Today became a difficult test of his endurance when Gumarang Koto casually approached their table and sat down beside Kuntum.
"I invited Gumarang to have lunch with us," Kuntum said, noticing the sharp glare coming from Awang's face. "I hope you don't mind, Awang. It's getting late, and I thought you wouldn't make it here."
"No, no, it's fine. A little unexpected, but it's fine," Awang forced himself to reply, looking uneasy. He should have seen it coming, but it still managed to surprise him every time with that same mentality. It was a good thing he wasn't hot-tempered.
Gumarang, unable or unwilling to see the hatred and disgust in Awang's expression, eagerly engaged Kuntum in conversation about the funeral home and everything else. Each exchange made Awang angrier by the second. They left him out of their exclusive little discussion, pushing his anger to its limit. Not because Gumarang was especially devious, or even because Awang hated him that much. In fact, he and Gumarang had been close friends since childhood here in Taluk Kuantan, and had even been roommates for a year in the dorms at Grand Malay National University.
His anger was really directed at Kuntum. Awang simply couldn't believe that his wife was acting with such disregard for his feelings. He had to get away from them before he threw a fit in front of all the customers at the restaurant, which was packed with his patients.
"Honey, I have to go. I'll talk to you later. Come on, Gum," he said, half-pouting as he excused himself and walked away from the table.
"Don't go yet, honey," Kuntum said, sounding a little guilty. "You haven't even eaten."
"I'm not hungry anymore. See you later."
Awang left without even kissing his wife. A victorious feeling filled his chest. This time, he was sure he'd managed to embarrass her. She deserved it for bringing an intruder into the little time that was supposed to be enjoyed by the two of them. He and Kuntum would have to talk about it tonight—unless Awang stopped at a coffee shop before heading home.
Gumarang Koto should have considered Awang a normal, kindhearted person who didn't want to hurt anyone.
After graduating from Grand Malay National University alongside Kuntum and Awang, Gumarang's focus in life was to succeed in whatever work he took up—and, of course, to enjoy himself while doing it. College had mostly been his way of escaping from home for a while, since his father owned a clothing boutique that would become his responsibility after graduation.
He had actually graduated with good grades and was qualified to work at a Government or Regional Office, though he didn't need the grades or the knowledge he'd gained to do the job that had been prepared for him all his life. The boutique made a sizable profit every year, of course, but he could run it without his education—and certainly without any intellectual challenge.
Gumarang knew he'd soon grow bored with the boutique and would have to move on to something more worthwhile if he wanted to feel useful. While he was in college, his real top priority had been finding a wife before graduating and returning to his small hometown. In that regard, he'd found his purpose when he met Kuntum. A minor problem had kept him from getting the girl. Awang
Awang had met Kuntum first, either at a student party or during one of the many bar-hopping expeditions, and they'd been together ever since. Not only did Awang still have her, but Kuntum genuinely loved her husband.