An Unwanted Match
THE JYTD 29

Entering the restaurant owned by Galang. Thea's tongue has been spoiled with a wide variety of menus available inside. He who had only been eating home-cooked dishes was finally able to feel how delicious Western-style dishes are.

The dish was made by her husband. "This must be a dream" Thea muttered. He tried to escape from what he saw. Because, never imagined before. A Aaron Galang can cook and become the owner of a French restaurant!

Somehow Thea felt Galang very sexy in her eyes this time.

"Try it. I'm making this your taste ...."

Galang offered a special dish in front of Thea. Food like thin pancakes rolled with a stuffing of sweet strawberries sour and coated with chocolate it also makes Thea sip saliva.

Actually, this includes dessert. After a moment before, Thea had consumed two types of main dishes.

"Totally edible? No pellets, are you?" ask Thea.

Galang laughed crisply. "That's useless. No need for any pellets you already love me."

"Damn, geer!" Thea laughed back. "I eat, yeah. But you also have to eat."

Thea began to devour dishes that tasted so delicious on her tongue. Not to forget, a big bribe was given to Galang until his mouth was full and he sounded a little grumbling indistinctly.

"Sorry to interrupt, sir. Everything is waiting in the room Mr" said one of Galang's employees.

"Oh, yeah. I'll be there." The bar began to move from the chair. But before leaving, he first said goodbye to Thea. "Don't mind waiting here. I'll meet with them for a minute."

Thea nodded. "No papa, really. You focus on work, I'm not going anywhere either."

The two of them smiled at each other before Thea saw Galang actually leaving. Thea understood, now her husband became a man with a myriad of busyness.

The business he started one year ago is still in the development stage. So it is only natural that Galang is so trying hard so that this restaurant becomes the safest place for customers who come.

***

About half an hour later, Thea was bored. It also seems that it will not be finished in a short time. Finally, he decided to go to the toilet to just wash his face while relieving drowsiness.

"Huft .. Is Galang finished?" Thea walked back after her face started fresh after being touched by the cold water. He became more fresh and tidied up the clothes and make up he wore.

"Did you have no eyes?! Look, with your salary for a month you won't be able to change my expensive suit!"

A shriek of sound was heard by Thea after she reached her table again. It appeared that a well-built man was wiping his coat that was hit by a sauce spill from one of the maids.

In front of him, there were also three women who tried to calm the man. However, his attempt failed.

"Sa-I'm sorry, sir. I was unintentionally, I was shocked because Master was suddenly in front of me," said the maid.

"Oh, so you blame me for what you did?! What kind of waitress are you?! Now, call the owner of this restaurant in front of me!"

"But, Sir."

"Call me or I'll destroy the restaurant's good name because it's bad service!"

The lady's servant was getting scared. Likewise, Thea Tang was worried about Galang. He was afraid that Galang would get into trouble. Apparently, the man who was enveloped in anger from above.

Thea walked over to them a little quickly, and the maid was gone. Must have called Galang.

"Sorry, if you may know. What's up, sir?" ask Thea. He's actually afraid. However, a little bit he often experienced this kind of thing because he himself was a trader.

"Are you the owner of this restaurant?!"

"Thea?"

"Ma-Mama?"

Thea's shocked not playing. It turned out that the woman in front of him was Miss Rini. The middle-aged woman slightly flinched. His face painted a concern on this condition.

"So this is Mom's son?" asked the man in a cynical tone. Occasionally his hand still cleaned the rest of his sauce with a tissue and smiled obliquely.

"Yes .. it is men-"

"It's my wife. And I am the owner of this restaurant, I apologize for the inconvenience. If you are uncomfortable with our service. Please speak up so we can correct the mistake."

Suddenly, a barrage appeared from behind them. His facial expression was so flat and did not look at Bu Rini at all. Until it is not so clear how Galang really feels.

"Oh, so they're both your son and daughter-in-law? I was really surprised to hear that. Looking at the big name of your company, you have a kid who's not even good at running a small restaurant."

The words clearly hurt the feelings of those who heard them. Because this situation makes things complicated.

"I'm really disappointed with the service of this place. Your servants will not work until they dirty my expensive coat. Do you know, I could've destroyed your little restaurant so easily." The man spoke very haughtily to Galang.

Ms. Rini soon realized from her attitude towards her son. "No. Please don't do that. I'll compensate for the loss you've experienced. Just tell me how much it's worth" said Ms. Rini.

"The value is very expensive. It's worth our cooperation contract."

"W-what?"

Thea found Bu Rini suddenly silent for a moment hearing the answer. Perhaps, their cooperation contract was of great value. Considering her mother-in-law's company was indeed quite large. Or, the price was just a threat from the unilateral termination of the contract from the man.

"Never engage in work with anyone else. I have nothing to do with your business clients. Your client may feel uncomfortable and claim to be my parent. But, that's all obviously not true. In this business. My responsibility as an owner. So, I'll compensate you for your loss."

So firmly Galang said. He did not see Bu Rini who was giving off an aura of sadness in front of him. Meanwhile, the haughty middle-aged man returned to obscure every face he saw.

"No. I was already disappointed. This time you are free, because your attitude is brave enough to admit mistakes," he told Galang. "But not with our cooperation, Ms. Rini Setyowati. Because of the carelessness of your secretary who recommended this place. I declare our cooperation void."

The man just left without any prevention from Bu Rini. But Ms. Rini did not care at all, she felt that the loss she would experience was not comparable to Galang. Because at this time, Galang has become a top priority in his life.

"Please tidy up again" Galang ordered one of his servants. And executed quickly. He looked towards Bu Rini, the woman was still in front of him.

"I'm sorry about this, ma'am. If the cooperation that has just been canceled makes your company lose money. I will take full responsibility" Galang told Ms. Rini.

Bu Rini's body felt imprinted on the spot when Galang pinned the title of Madam on her. A title that is so foreign and definitely intended for foreigners.

Does Galang hate me so much? Until he called me that? Bu Rini.

"No. Mama no longer cared how much it was worth. Because you're more important than everything you have in this world. Don't you think about it again, yes," replied Miss Rini. He is still trying as calmly as possible to face Galang's attitude. He believes, this attitude is the effect of the operation carried out by Galang. Because he knows the nature of his son will never be evil to anyone else. He rubbed Galang's shoulder to reassure.

"Oh, yeah. Is this really your restaurant? Well then, mommy told papa first, yeah. So that papa can come here and we will eat together. We haven't eaten four of them in a long time" said Ms. Rini again with a hopeful face.

Thea finally felt a gap from this situation. Although of course later Miss Dewi was angry. But, he really could not bear to see the efforts of the strong Bu Rini wanted to be with Galang.

"Langs. Don't be rejected, yeah. Please ... this time." Thea grabbed Galang's palm and clasped it tightly. He put on the most heartfelt face like a child asking for a gift from his father.

He was silent for a moment before he took a deep breath. "As far as you are." It just passed without excuse.

***

While waiting for the arrival of Mr. Yahya. Ms. Rini seemed enthusiastic about asking a lot of things about Galang and Thea. About Galang who had performed the operation. He also finally knew the reason why Galang entered the detention cell when he was last at his house. As it turned out, it was just a mere slander for his son and daughter-in-law to divorce.

From the answers he got from all his questions, he was increasingly convinced that his son had really become someone who was responsible and so take care of the people around him.

They did not join in the conversation between the two of them. He prefers to stay away and busy himself to avoid people who continue to call him a child.

Galang just joined them after the arrival of Pak Yahya and Thea invited him to lunch with them.

"Papa's happy, you finally want to sit with us now. Know it? Your mama has waited a long time for this, Lang," said Mr. Yahya.

They seem to smile at each other sometimes. Because this has only happened during the history of their lives.

"Oh, huh?" Galang speaking flat. He looked at no one and focused on the food in front of him.

Miss Rini nodded. "When do you want to, right, eat at mom's? Later mama masakin your favorite food Thea as well," he said with enthusiasm.

Thea and Pak Yahya nodded in agreement.

"May also."

"Hows it? You agree, don't you?" ask Rini again.

Smiles like Bu Rini and Pak Yahya widened. They hope, this is the beginning of a good relationship between them and Galang after the separation.

"But on one condition," added Galang.

"What's? Do you want to request the food? Say ...."

"Don't call me by that name again. I feel that name is not worth using for someone like me. Moreover, you two continue to consider me a child. Is ... That not wrong?"

Mr. Yahya scrunched his forehead. So did Miss Rini who was no less surprised by the question.

"Not wrong, Lang. That's your name, a name your late father gave you when you were a baby" replied Ms. Rini.

"really?" Galang.

"It's okay if you don't remember everything. I'm sure you will sooner or later remember us. It's just a matter of time, we'll help you remember that, son."

Thea saw Galang beside her bowed. He massaged his temple as if trying to remember everything about them in the past. Thea realized, if Bu Dewi had found out that Galang had met his biological parents, he would have been furious.

But in fact, the situation again urged them to meet. Perhaps, this is a hint from Allah in order that they can improve family relationships.

"I don't want to remember. I think it's better" said Galang.

"Do not want? Why?"

Silence for a moment. "Sorry .. I think I should go back first. You can also go home to my house, The." He then went and said goodbye to them without giving any more answers.

"Galange .. wait!" Thea ran after Galang, pulling the man's arm until it completely stopped. And Thea could stand before him again. "Why don't you remember them? You were the one who loved them the most. You always hope that one day you will come together as a whole family. Even if you lose your memory now, you may admit that they are your biological parents. A forgotten past doesn't have to end badly, does it." He slightly confirmed his words.

Ms. Rini and Mr. Yahya approached again for several times. Although it will end up sick, Miss Rini is more ready to accept Galang's attitude to him.

Galang sighed in seeing those people continue to blind themselves like a shadow.

"I'm not not disowned, The. I told you, I'm totally blind about you guys. Is it wrong to ask? All I know is that mom is there for me all the time. But they suddenly came and claimed to be my real parents. How do you think I'm in my position now?" ask Galang. Again he looked at their faces one by one. But, his gaze did not dare to look at Bu Rini.

He was silent again. How strange. If he can hold the chest to forgive Thea in his heart, but he can't even see Bu Rini's eyes for a while.

"I feel like there's something wrong between us. Who are you really? If I really am your son, then why was I taken care of by the Goddess Mother?" ask Galang to Miss Rini.

Galang waited for an answer from the woman because he could not guess the extent of their relationship first. It's just, it really bothers him. However, looking between them no one answered his question. He began to realize something.

"You ... dumped me. Right, right?"

"Galange .. mama never meant to throw-"

The words of Bu Rini stopped. Galang held back the sentence only with body movements that were no longer comfortable. The confused should be how to express his feelings now. Among, disappointed, angry, hate. They all seemed to work together to break his heart in one stab.

"So it's true I'm your son and you dumped me. I should have guessed this from the beginning. And we should never have met! Now all of you have come to remind me that I am not wanted by anyone?! Right so?" Breath is stinged because of emotions.

"Galong. Don't think bad first. Calm yourself, we talk about this well," said Mr. Yahya mediate.

"Speak what else? That's enough of an answer that makes more sense considering the years I've lived with my mother." Galang retreated as Bu Rini tried to get closer. The woman was crying, but her heart was too sore to accept this fact.

"Let this situation endure properly. I will stay with my mother and we will live each other's lives. Stop calling me Galang. Because I'm just an outcast who doesn't deserve that name."

"No, Galang. Mama didn't mean to throw you out. All of this is misunderstanding, and mom fully acknowledges your mistake."

Galang. "Misunderstand me?" He also dared to look into the eyes of Bu Rini. Looking at the woman up close, her mind suddenly went haywire.

***

"Basic killer! You deserve to be in jail for your mistakes! You killed my husband! You ruined my life! Because of you I lost my husband! And now you give the same problem! Haven't you got enough trouble yet, huh? Just kill me so you can be satisfied!"

Miss Rini kept saying. "You don't deserve my husband's last name! You don't deserve to use my son's name! That name is too precious for you to wear, you murderer!"

***

Suddenly there was a voice so loud buzzing in both ears of Galang. It was a glimpse of the words that Miss Rini said. It's not wrong anymore.

***

"I'm sorry, Ma."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be what you expected. I can't be the kid that Mama wants me to be. I'm sorry that I've always made Mama suffer since my arrival. Sorry, I'm really sorry about Mama,"

"I'm sorry? Is that all you can do, huh? That alone is not enough to make up for all your mistakes to me!"

"If there's anything that can make you forgive me, I will. Whatever it is, you can accept me a little bit as a child. Even if only a little and only once. I'll do Mama's request to me."

"Are you really going to do what I ask?"

"Yes, whatever it is. When I do what you ask, I will ask for nothing more than to hear you accept me in your life. Even though it was just a little and a blink of an eye. I just want my mom to admit me."

"Well, I'll say a request and then I'll acknowledge you as a child."

"Death .. It is your penance for killing my husband, and I will forgive you for the rest of my life."

"Astagfirullahal adzim, No! Don't listen to that! Nay! Close your ears and eyes, son. Don't listen to anything. Don't listen to what the madam says."

"This is too much! Why does the madam talk like that? Galang is your real son! He is your real son! How could the madam tell him to die!"

"No! He's not my son! My son is dead! Besides, what's your business with my family? You're just a maid in this house, I can fire you anytime Esti!"

"Rin! Don't exaggerate! Stop this fight. Esti, quickly bring Galang into the room. Now!"

***

Fruating galang. The voices were so clearly audible and so painful for him. Never before had he felt such pain. Because memory is like a spear that sticks right into his heart.

He wanted to reject that memory. He could not survive, a sudden weakness came and he felt he had experienced this before. Caged in a circle of sadness with no gaps, and he was alone.

"No. .. That's not true." His breath was heavy. He squeezed his hair tight, wanting to divert the pain. There was no real voice he heard except the loud voices of rejection from a woman to him.

Prak!

A flower vase fell after Galang accidentally nudged it. The man had intended to hold on to the corner of the table, but his attempt failed.

"What's going on, Lang? Your head hurts?" Thea tried to help Galang stand firm. He was worried half to death to see the man look tormented.

Galang did not answer. Small rings coming out of his mouth endure excruciating pain.

"Don't push yourself, son. It's okay if you don't remember it now. Or even forgetting everything is okay, mama can't see you like this, Lang," said Ms. Rini. Yahya tried to get closer to help. "We're going to the hospital, yeah. This time listen to me."

Galang did not refuse their hand to him. More than that, now his eyes were focused on the woman who looked crying. For a long time he looked at Bu Rini's face, without feeling the goddamn tears coming out. Why is his heart so sick that he even looks at his face?

"What's my fault that you don't want my presence? Say ...."

The sound of Galang made everyone's movement stop. For the first time, Thea saw Galang shed tears. The man who used to look tough and could at most change that state looked fragile.

"Why do you hate me so much? Is all your trouble my fault? In fact, if I were born into the world even if I had to. Am I sinning against you? Is... A child like me not worth living?"

Ms. Rini was fixated on the situation. Galang's tight grip on his shoulder, reminding him of a child he always maki, rejecting his presence, breaking his expectations, even saying inappropriate things. But, the boy always ran after him as if tireless and slumped.

"Tell me, why do I love you so much even when you ask me to die? Please answer my question ...."

Miss Rini couldn't say more. Even returning a sad look at him he could not. Feeling Galang's grip loosened, his body's reaction turned out to be faster than he thought. He hugged the body tightly. Crying and shedding all feelings.

"Groof!" Bu Rini finally collapsed, he slightly moved Galang's body when the load was full. Unfortunately, the young man did not respond. Until he realized something bad. Both of Galang's eyes had already closed tightly in his arms.

Guilt and compassion. Both are so compact attacking to the bottom of the innermost heart. Galang is the fruit of his love with the late Puguh, I don't know how much he hurt his heart.

If only time could turn back. He must have thrown away the selfish attitude that became king in his heart. Opening his eyes and heart, when Galang only asked for one simple thing in his life.

The love of a mother