You're Not a Figurant
[POV Alex] Ch 41 - Meeting of Two Families

I looked at my family with astonishment. He could not cover his surprise. Especially when you see Papa.

Fathers who are usually fierce and assertive look nervous as well as enthusiastic. It was like seeing a fan who met his idol. The look in my eyes could not be separated from Papa. I refrained from laughing at Dad's expression.

Khansa's house was filled with my family of thirty. The small living room was not enough to accommodate all of us, so some of us had to settle for sitting on the terrace of the house carpeted. Not to mention the amount we brought. On the idea of Mama, every one of us brought a hand like a proposal procession.

Our sudden arrival made neither Father nor Mother do any preparations. They seem confused and busy, but we assure them they don't have to do anything.

We sat in the living room with carpet. Papa Mama was sitting side by side, opposite Father Mother who was also sitting side by side. The impromptu show started with Papa opening up the conversation.

"Assalamu'alaikum Mr. Ahmad and wife as parents of ananda Khansa Aulia. I am Surya Atmadja and this is my wife. We are the parents of Yohan Alexander. The purpose of our arrival was to apologize at once in touch."

"Wa-wa'alaikumsalam... Sa-I accepted your good intentions. There's nothing to forgive..." Dad looked nervous. Father's eyes still looked at Papa with a look of disbelief, as if convincing themselves whether the truth that was in front of him was the former mayor of this city.

"With humility, from our deepest hearts the family apologized profusely for the conduct of our son. We didn't properly educate her causing harm to your daughter. Even if it's too late, let us express our regret." Papa apologized for representing us all.

Seeing Papa like that makes me so embarrassed. I've embarrassed my family. I'm on the male side, but I've been feeling this shy. I can't imagine what it would be like to be on the girl's side. It would be so embarrassing. Having a daughter who is pregnant out of wedlock. How do people around? The guilt haunts me. I cursed myself for the sensitivities I did not have.

"I know it's too late. Our children are already married. But please accept our good intentions. We and our family wanted to propose to my daughter. We will look after her like our own daughter. Give him the love and support he deserves. Give him all the attention. Would you accept our proposal and give your precious daughter to our foolish son?" Papa said in a choked voice. There was a tone of regret and hope in his voice. Mom and Mom started to sob. While I see a puddle of tears in the eye of Dad and Papa. Because of my foolish behavior, I have made these parents sad. Suppose that night I could hold back, maybe this proposal procession wouldn't be this sad.

"I accept the good intentions of my family. We leave our stupid daughter to your family. Please take care of him for us..." Father said sadly. Papa immediately embraced Dad and said,

"We will take good care of her like our own daughter. Thank you for accepting our family."

***

The afternoon was followed by a friendly event. The Khansa family seemed to object to receiving all the offers we brought, but we still forced it.

A few hours later, almost all of my extended family had returned home. Five of us stayed in that house.

Mom and I looked familiar. They told me this. Mama asked more questions about Khansa, and I happily told her all about her beloved daughter.

Dad and Dad are familiar too. Father praised Papa a lot about his leadership during the lead of this city. They talk more about politics. I was in their midst, being a good listener, while my thoughts were with Khansa. How happy it would be if we could all come together like this. The words of Khansa who asked to separate came to mind. It makes me feel sad again.

"Al, didn't you come here to solve your problems?" Suddenly Mama nodded. All attention was immediately on me. Makes me nervous and embarrassed.

"What's the problem?" ask Mom worriedly. I was embarrassed to answer that question, while all the attention was on me. After various urges, I finally told all my problems. From Khansa asked to separate and my meeting with the man.

All the families looked surprised. They think my life and Khansa's happy, because we married out of love. They didn't think our problem was there.

"Dad knows Dad's son well. Although Dad's son was stupid, for doing so before being tied to marriage, but Dad was sure he had a strong reason behind it. I'm sure he loves you. As stupid as Dad's son is, he couldn't have done that without feeling for you. I agree with Andre's son's statement." Dad's eyes looked up, like he was remembering the man who almost became his son-in-law.

When did Khansa start to change? As I recall we are still fine. We were very friendly, even when I was leaving for Singapore. The change in Khansa's attitude was when I came home from Singapore. What is this?

I tell you all the chronology of Khansa's changing attitude. All the families listened carefully. It's a shame to tell all this to a big family. I'm an adult, but like a child, I still need advice from my family for my own domestic problems.

"Over in Singapore, how are you communicating? Has your wife shown any signs of change?" ask Mama.

"We don't communicate Ma. I refrained from contacting him, because I was afraid he would see weakness..."

"So for more than a week you didn't call your wife?!"

"Yes..."

"No phone? Or send a message?!"

"Y-yeah..."

"Don't ask me the least bit?!!" Mom seemed emotional.

"I know how it is through my secretary. He sent me photos and daily activities of Khansa, so I don't have to ask him how he is doing..."

"Basic fool!!"

THE PLAAAKK!! My mom hit me hard on the back.

"Youwww!! Sick Ma!!"

"From the beginning you have never been sensitive!! Never learn from mistakes!! Which wife isn't upset if her husband hasn't contacted her for days?!! Moreover, her position was now pregnant!! Why did Mama give birth to a child as stupid as you!! Even Aaron is smarter than you!! You useless child!!"

"Acqueen, Ma!! Le-remove Ma. It really hurts Ma. Ma, freelance... There's a Mom's Dad who saw... Shame Ma..."

"Let them see your behavior!! Mama told you to be sensitive!! Why is your nature not lost huh?! Just watch nothing happen with Mama's granddaughter, you'll Mama kill Al!! Remember that!!"

"Ma, Khansa and Mama's grandchildren are fine. We're new from the gynecologist, Mama don't have to worry..."

"No need to worry you said?! How can you not worry if you have a stupid son like you?! Wish your wife had asked to separate!! Which wife would have a husband like you?! You stupid boy!! No use!! Mama doesn't want to know!! Repair your relationship immediately. If you can't persuade him, we'll cross you off the KK list. We are not your family anymore!! Remember it's Al!!"

***

Happy Reading 😂