"Q, last night you asked me why I don't stay with my mother when I'm in Bali. And I said I will tell you when we leave Ubud?" Imran tiba-tiba bersuara. "It was because I didn't want to ruin our moment.", he paused.
I almost forgotten about it......I turn my head towards Imran and placed my right hand on top of his left hand.
"I am ready to share with you about my mother.", he stopped, looked at me and squeezed my hand. Then he continued. "I love her, my mother......., and I am not embarrassed by her actions. We are given choices in life. You could go either way, right or wrong. Nobody is perfect."
Aku terkejut dengan huraian panjang lebarnya but I was composed.
"Did I catch you by surprised...? Remember when you asked me on the way to Ubud, why I don't stay with my mother whenever I'm in Bali?" he said.
"Yes, of course I remember.....I'm listening.", I replied and smiled at him. Gave him my fullest attention.
He sat up and turn to face me. No smiles but he ran his fingers on my hair. He pulled the sides of my hair and tucked it nicely behind my ears.
"Selepas kematian my father, Bunda remarried into an affluent family in Bali. Love accedes all. In order for the marriage to be legal, she willingly converted to Hindu religion. Our relationship become strained as I objected to her way of life. But as they say blood is thicker than water. I recently patched things up with her. It was her choice but I prefer not to interfere with her way of life. I do visit her in Ubud whenever I return to Bali. She deserves the respect." He expressed deeply.
My lips were slightly parted. Aku menelan air liur. Wow...! hati aku berkata.......I don't know if I am able to take such a stand when it comes to love....
I don't know how to respond. "But you have been very strong and I know how difficult it must have been for you. Family relationship tak semestinya putus just because of this. You made the right decision patching things up with your mother." I held his left hand and gave it a soft squeeze. I slowly placed my head on his left arm. Imran kissed my head.
After two and a half hours, we finally touch down in KLIA and I can't wait to get into my bed. Ha..ha...what was I thinking.....On the other hand, I am gonna missed Imran. His smile, touch and laughter's. Hmmm....I can feel the warmth of his hugs.
After collecting our luggage we proceed to the arrival hall. Aku berjalan di belakang Imran when suddenly I heard Imran called out to someone.
Imran : "Hey man, what are you doing here.......!"
Kasyaff : "Imran.....?! How are you bro......?" They shook hands. I stopped when Imran stopped. I almost ran into him.
I still can't see who it was....... "You just landed?", the voice again said.
Itu seperti suara Abang Ngah! I immediately let go off Imran's hand and smoothly turn 180 degree. I quickly walkaway and stood in a corner. I just hope he didn't see me. I managed to eves drop on their conversation.
Imran : "Yeah...yeah....from Bali.....". I heard Imran replied.
Kasyaff : "Bali?" He sounded anxious.
Imran : "Yeah...Bali.....yeah your sister was on the same flight and you're here to pick her up?"
Darn it! Why must Imran let him know. Eeee...geramnya aku...!
Kasyaff : "Really?.....Do you know where she headed?
Imran : "Sorry man....., she didn't mention....hey, I gotta rush. It was nice to see you again. We should do lunch sometime....". Imran said.
Kasyaff : "Yes, we must. Hey man, thanks and take care.", replied Kasyaff and he left. I think.
Suddenly someone grabbed my waist and kissed my hair. I froze. " He's gone. We better leave now! I'll explain later." It was Imran........lega rasanya. He took off his cap and placed it on my head so that I am not recognizable.
We got into the cab and he had his arm around me. " It's okay. He's long gone. You're alright?", he said and kissed my left cheek.
Aku mengangguk.
Imran menyerahkan tiket kepada pemandu limousine. The guy asked, "Cyberjaya dekat dengan Eco Glades ke?".
"Ya. Nanti dah sampai Eco Glades saya tunjuk jalan ke rumah saya...", replied Imran. He rubbed his hands on my back so to comfort me in a way.
"Ok....tuan baru balik dari berbulan madu?", asked the driver.
Berbulan madu.....? Trying to be friendly I'm guessing but Imran response was out of this world, again...
"Lebih kurang macam tu....kami baru balik dari Bali." He answered.
"Dua tahun lepas saya ke Bali. Seronok. Orang rumah saya kerja dengan Airasia jadi tahun tu dia dapat tiket pergi balik ke Bali.....", shared the driver.
Imran gave a huge smile listening to the driver's story. "Mula-mula saya takut jugak nak pergi Bali. Teringat Bali kena bom....ramai mati.....tapi sebab orang rumah nak sangat ke Bali.....saya ikut saja...", he laughed.
"Abang enjoy tak?", Imran seems to enjoy the conversation.
" Mestilah.....kami pergi bedua saja. Anak-anak kami tinggalkan. Suruh kakak dan abang sulongnya jaga adik-adik.....", he laughed again.....and so did Imran. Aku yang sedari tadi mendengar perbualan mereka menyampuk.....
"Berapa anak abang?, I asked. Imran seems could not believe his ears when I popped out a question. He gave me a squeeze on the arm.
"Lima....si kakak 24 dan abang 23....dua-dua dah kerja....pandai-pandailah mereka jaga adik-adik tu.......yang lain-lain sekolah lagi.......17, 14, 8....", he answered.
Kami berborak all the way sampai Cyberjaya and Imran directed the driver to my place. We got down in front of the guard house and passed some tips to the driver. We said our good byes and he left.
"Imran, you can take my car tonight. I won't be needing it tomorrow." I said.
"You're sure it's alright? I can just call a cab....", he responded.
" No, seriously. It's the least I can do...with you sending me all the way back here....Come on, follow me, I'll get the keys for you....Or you rather wait here...?", I gave him his options.
"I'll come with you. I don't want to stand here alone....look at the short guard....he has been looking and smiling at me......", Imran sounded serious. I turn and saw Imran keeps looking his back.....he laughed.....
"You think it's funny huh....?" I said. He came over and grabbed my waist...."I was just kidding...", and a big peck on my head.
"Jahatlah you ni....", as I tapped on his stomach. We walked to my unit and I invited him in. "No, it's alright, I'll just wait out here for you...", he replied.
"Yes, it's better that way.....wait here......". I went in and grabbed my car keys and a spare access card. I ran back to the door....
"Nah, ini kunci kereta and this is the access card. You will need it when you leave the premise.", I explained. He looked at me reluctantly.
"I'll return the car tomorrow...and I will explain what just happened in the limousine. I promised....", he assured me. I just smiled at him.He smiled back me and kissed my hand.
