Curious

Chapter 17 - Curious

I'm still silent hearing my mother-in-law's question. What should I say?

"Clara, why are you silent? Is it true what mama asked earlier? Azzam and Winda are married. Mama remembers seeing the photo that Azzam sent when asking permission to get married some time ago."

My mother-in-law kept asking me more and more confused about what to answer.

"Sorry, Auntie, Om. Drink this tea first, while it's still warm."

Kak Neti came out with three glasses of sweet tea, then placed them on the table. While arranging the glasses on the table, Kak Neti glanced at me with a smile.

I didn't understand what he meant, so I just replied with a smile too even though I was sure my smile wasn't beautiful.

"Thank you, you know, Neti. Auntie doesn't feel good for bothering you," said Mama-in-law.

"Ah, it's okay, Auntie. I don't mind, really. In fact, I'm happy," replied Kak Neti with a different accent.

It turned out that both Ms. Neti and Ms. Winda could change their way of speaking if needed.

"Clara, why haven't you answered yet? Are you also lying like Azzam and Winda?" my mother-in-law asked again.

"No, Mom. I just..."

"Sorry in advance, I didn't want to interfere, Auntie. However, because I'm an old resident here, I know more about this matter than Clara. It's true that Azzam and Winda are married, but the real story is...."

Sis Neti cut me off, then she recounted the events and causes until Sis Winda and Mas Azzam were able to get married.

I think they know from direct witnesses better than me telling the story. As a fellow son-in-law, I must be neutral. So that Mama and Papa-in-law know for themselves the behavior of their child.

My mother and father-in-law looked very shocked to hear that. They certainly did not expect that Mas Azzam was married without their knowledge.

Mother-in-law who wanted to be surprised to hear the real story. Because he always considers Mas Azzam as a good boy and has never visited for anything so far.

"Azzam, you have the heart. Mama is ashamed of us, Ra. Also your parents. Where do you want to hide Mama's face," moaned my mother-in-law while crying.

I hugged him and tried to calm him down. Everything has happened, how it will end I don't know.

Now everything is like eating simalakama fruit. If I was honest with my parents, I was afraid that Mama's illness would relapse. If it continues, it also seems unlikely.

"Clara, I'm sorry, Mama!" Mother-in-law asked, crying.

"Yes, Mom. I'm also sorry for lying to Mama," I replied.

"No, you are innocent. This is all Azzam's fault for not being honest with us, his parents. If he honestly said he was married, surely Mama would not force him to marry you."

"I'm just afraid my mother's health will be affected if she finds out about this problem, Mom," I told him.

"Yes, you are right.

Mother-in-law seemed to be thinking about the best way for us to take.

"Pa, how is it. Mama is so confused about this!"

Mother-in-law finally gave up and complained to her husband. The father-in-law, who had only been listening since then, also said that he was confused.

"We'd better wait for Azzam to come home, Ma. We ask him what he wants now. If he wants to continue his marriage with Winda, let it be if it makes him happy," Papa finally gave his opinion.

My mother-in-law looks at me when she shakes her head.

"Mommy wants only Clara to be Mama's daughter-in-law!"

I smiled at my mother-in-law's words. However, my smile immediately disappeared when I saw Sis Winda's arrival.

I wonder why Sis Winda seems to have CCTV everywhere. He just knew that he was being talked about and then immediately came with an innocent face.

"Assalamualaikum," he greeted then greeted my two in-laws. You are very polite, sis. Not the everyday character of Sis Winda.

For me, it's an image.

"Waalaikumsalam," answered my in-laws in unison. However, their facial expressions did not match.

If Papa-in-law smiled welcoming Sis Winda's outstretched hand, it was different from Mama-in-law who greeted his greetings with an expressionless face.

"By any chance you come, please sit down. There is something we want to ask you, Winda," said Papa-in-law casually.

Sis Winda glanced at me then chose to sit next to Kak Neti.

"What's wrong, Uncle?" asked Sis Winda.

Mother-in-law looked at him sharply. This time, Mama-in-law didn't like the look on her face.

"Ehm, what's your relationship with Azzam? I've seen your face in the photo sent by Azzam."

Papa-in-law started his question to Sis Winda who looked surprised.

His face immediately paled and his eyes bulged in disbelief. Then, he looked at me. His eyes seemed to accuse me of leaking their secret.

"It wasn't Clara who told us, we ourselves realized it because we've seen your photo. So you and Azzam are married, right?" interrupted mother-in-law.

"Y-yes, Auntie," said Sis Winda while stroking her stomach.

"What child are you carrying, Azzam's son?" ask

Sis Winda breathed a sigh of relief, then nodded smilingly. I knew this was what he was hoping for.

Sis Winda must have thought that if my two in-laws knew about her relationship with the real Mas Azzam, then she would be accepted as a daughter-in-law in Mas Azzam's family.

After all, now she is pregnant with the descendants of Mas Azzam's family.

"I'm sorry, Ma. It's not that I don't want to tell you, but it's Mas Azzam who hasn't given permission," said Sis Winda still with a wide smile.

I snorted amused to see it, this is the first time I've seen anyone apologize with a big smile like that.

"Mom, I want to see Mama at home first. You guys just continue the conversation, okay," I said goodbye.

It's lazy to see Sis Winda who is feeling on the wind like this. Since then, he's been looking down on me.

"Later, Ra. Mama still wants ...."

"It's nothing, Mom. I'm afraid they'll find us later," I cut in.

Continued.