They were now in the living room. Alya sat on the sofa, while Mrs. Erna and Mr. Solihin sat side by side on the sofa across from her.
Then Arin set a plastic bag full of snacks on the table. “Hang on, I’ll get some plates first,” she said as she hurried into the kitchen.
The beautiful girl walked along, humming cheerfully. She was so bright and carefree, as if she had never had a worry in her life—completely different from Alya.
“Come on, Alya, don’t listen to her. You’ve moved on, right? Don’t become a second wife! Even if people say you’re an old maid, it’s still better not to get married than to become someone’s second wife.” Before anything had even happened, Mrs. Erna was already warning her.
“Hey, listen first. Here’s the thing, Alya. Honey Hanan said he wants to come here with his wife. He said he wants to propose to you again. Whether you want to accept or not is up to you. If you ask Uncle, it’s better to accept, since his wife has agreed to share her husband. Besides, Honey Hanan has a strong reason for wanting to marry again.”
“No! I absolutely don’t agree! Don’t listen to your uncle, Alya.” Mrs. Erna slammed her hand on the table in frustration.
Alya remained silent. No one knew what she was thinking. Although she tried to look as if she was fine, making Mrs. Erna think she had moved on, deep down, the disappointment and pain still remained.
After all, Alya had already fallen in love with Hanan, and the reality of the situation had truly broken her heart.
And yet, hearing that Maudy genuinely approved of her becoming Hanan’s second wife brought her a small measure of happiness. Could this really be Alya’s chance to be with the man she loved?
No. Alya should have pushed those feelings far away. Becoming a second wife had never been part of her life plan. She didn’t want it. No, she didn’t.
“Uncle thinks you should pray istikhara. Maybe you’ll receive some guidance. That way, when Honey Hanan and his wife come to propose to you, you’ll already have your answer. You’ll be sure of it.” Once again, Mr. Solihin tried to persuade her, while Alya remained utterly silent.
“Here are the plates. I’ll put everything out.” Arin emerged from the kitchen carrying several plates.
She quickly transferred the snacks from the plastic bag onto the plates. “Come on, eat. Don’t just sit there looking so tense. You’re acting like you’re in a House of Representatives meeting,” she said with a giggle, picking up a piece of steamed pandan cake and popping it into her mouth.
“Honestly! Arin, sit down properly while you eat.” Mrs. Erna shot her a sharp look.
Arin flashed an impish grin, then sat beside Alya. “Hehe... sorry, Auntie.” She took another piece of traditional cake from the plate.
“Here, Alya. Come on, eat. Hey, why are you just sitting there?” Arin nudged the woman beside her. “What’s going on, anyway? Mom? Dad?”
Arin looked curious. She glanced back and forth between her parents as if demanding an explanation. “Is this still about Honey Hanan? Ugh, just forget it already... Arin thinks you should move on. Sis Alya can definitely find someone better than a guy like Honey Hanan.”
“Exactly. I agree with you, Rin. You should find someone better. There are plenty of other men out there. What’s so special about Honey Hanan, anyway? A man like that? Absolutely not.” Mrs. Erna shuddered.
“Hey, you two, don’t interfere. Let Alya make the decision. I’m sure Alya still loves Honey Hanan.”
“Love, love. What a load of crap. No matter how much you love him, you still shouldn’t agree to be the second wife. It’ll be pointless. In the end, you’ll only spend your life nursing a broken heart.” Mrs. Erna stubbornly held to her position. Love alone wasn’t enough, she insisted. Alya shouldn’t agree to become the second wife, or she would only suffer later.
“Uncle, Auntie, enough. Don’t keep arguing. I’m not a child anymore. I can decide what’s best for me. Excuse me. I’m going to rest.” Alya looked extremely restless. She stood and said goodbye to Mrs. Erna and Mr. Solihin.
“Alya, just think it through carefully, okay?” Mrs. Erna said, her eyes filled with sadness. Alya nodded.
“Wait, Sis Alya. I’m coming with you. I want to spend the night at your place.” Arin busily put several pieces of traditional cake back into the plastic bag to take to Alya’s house.