Chapter 6 - Starting Point
1530 Words
Of course, Eva had no idea that she, her brother-in-law, and her two nephews were being watched for a moment by Ardi, who was on the opposite escalator. Even though the escalators were parallel, Eva didn't even realize that Ardi was in the mall.
Right after stepping onto the first floor, Dika asked Eva, “Is there anything you want to buy?”
The first floor is indeed a shopping center and has everything.
Eva paused to think about what she wanted to buy, but soon she shook her head slowly. “I don't think so, no,” she replied.
“Since we're here, might as well,” Dika said again. “But if there's nothing, let's just go straight to the parking lot,” he continued.
“Daddy, Daddy,” called Lukas.
“Yes?” Dika replied.
“You should ask me and Lily too.” Lukas looked annoyed.
“Ask what?” Dika frowned.
“Ask what we want to buy,” Lukas answered. “I want ice cream.”
Dika immediately smiled. “You haven't eaten yet. Let's have the ice cream later, okay?”
“I want it now!” Lily chimed in.
“All right, let's go get it quickly,” Dika finally conceded. He then turned to Eva. “Do you want to wait here or come along?”
“I'll just wait, Bro.” Eva then pointed to a long bench that was available there. “I'll sit there,” she continued.
Dika nodded and then took his two children to the ice cream place.
Seeing Dika with Lukas and Lily from behind made Eva sometimes imagine... if only Nafa were with them.
***
Ardi's purpose in coming to the mall was to visit the food court, where he believed he would find something to whet his appetite, especially since he was reluctant to eat at the hotel. However, who would have thought that he would see Eva's harmony with her new family? Yes, Ardi truly believed that Dika was Eva's husband and the twins were their children.
Indeed, Ardi, who had followed Eva to the daycare, lost track of her after answering a call from his girlfriend. But who would have thought he would see Eva again in this mall? Now, Ardi just sat staring disinterestedly at the food he had ordered.
Strangely, why did Ardi find this so ridiculous? Of course, it was natural that Eva had changed over the past five years. Ardi meant that she had changed from not wanting to get married, let alone have children, to the complete opposite.
Well, someone could change their mind after meeting the right man. Perhaps that man had managed to change all of Eva's thoughts, so that she, who previously wasn't interested in leading a normal married life, became very interested.
Truly, Ardi felt happy that Eva was now living happily, but why did he also feel something strange about his feelings?
It felt like there was something weighing on his heart. He didn't know what it was.
***
“Oh, my! So you avoided Aunt just because you were afraid of being asked about marriage?” Sri chuckled when Eva explained why she couldn't be reached.
“It's true that six years ago, when you were about to be married off and ended up running away with that man, Aunt defended you fiercely. It wasn't for nothing. You were only 21 and still in college. At that time, Aunt thought your mother was very ridiculous.”
Yes, most people thought Eva ran away with Ardi. Only Eva's parents and her late sister knew that Ardi had actually married Eva, not just eloped. Even Dika didn't know about this. Who knew if Nafa had ever told him back then? However, Eva felt her brother-in-law didn't know.
Sri continued, “Don't forget, you're not 21 anymore. You're already 27! It's only natural if Aunt brings up marriage. But... this doesn't mean Aunt is forcing you. Aunt will understand if you explain why you decided to postpone the wedding, even though you already have a fiancé.”
While enjoying the meal at the dining table, Lily, who seemed to be listening to the adults' conversation, chimed in, “Because Aunty wants to marry Daddy, right?”
“What?” Sri looked surprised. She had indeed thought about Dika marrying again but had never imagined this topic would actually be discussed. “You guys...”
Eva quickly shook her head. “No, Aunt. Don't get any weird ideas, okay? Besides, it's impossible, especially since I already think of Dika as my own brother, and I'm still with Daniel. Seriously.”
Sri laughed. “I thought...”
“Even if it were true, it wouldn't be a problem. I'd actually like it if Aunty became my mommy,” said Lukas.
Ah, children and their thoughts. Eva understood and didn't mind because the twins really didn't understand anything yet, so it didn't need to be taken seriously.
Sri, realizing that continuing the conversation about remarrying would become awkward, finally stated the real reason she wanted to meet Eva.
“Seriously, Eva, even though I sometimes tell you to get married... I won't force you. I'm not your mother, okay?”
“I thought you were possessed by my mom,” Eva joked.
“You,” Sri replied. “And just so you know, I tried to contact you not to talk about marriage or because there's a man proposing to you. It's not about that at all.”
“Then... what did you want to talk about?” Eva asked curiously.
“It's about the rental next to you, the one at the very end.”
“It's empty, right? What's going on with it, Aunt? Is someone going to rent it?”
Sri nodded. “Yes. Because I saw some of your things stored there, could you please take them? Someone might be moving in tomorrow. You still have the spare key, right?”
“I still have it,” Eva replied. “In that case, I'll get my things that I intentionally stored there. By the way, is it a man or a woman, Aunt?”
“A man,” Sri answered. “This Mr. Gatot checked out the rental and mentioned he's the warehouse manager at Savanna.”
Warehouse manager, Eva. Not a branch manager, so it's not Ardi. Besides, Aunt clearly said it's a man, and his name is Mr. Gatot....
“Is that okay with you? He works at the same place as you.”
“It's not a problem, Aunt,” Eva replied. “Sorry, Aunt, I was hard to reach. I had jumped to negative conclusions,” she continued.
Eva then turned to Dika. “ Dika was right. I shouldn't jump to negative conclusions. It turns out my assumption was wrong. Thanks for reminding me .”
Dika just smiled.
***
As Ardi exited the elevator and headed to his hotel room, he found Gatot standing in front of his door. His friend and senior was definitely looking for him.
"What's up?" Ardi asked, stopping Gatot from pressing the bell.
Gatot immediately turned around. "Oh? Just got back?" he asked, puzzled. How could he not be, since Ardi was still wearing the same clothes as earlier in the day. "Or did you get lost?"
"I was just wandering around and had dinner," Ardi replied, unable to honestly admit that he had been following his ex-wife out of curiosity.
Ardi then took out his access card and tapped it on the door, which opened immediately. He entered, and of course, Gatot followed him.
"How's my accommodation?" Ardi then asked.
"That's why I'm here," Gatot replied. "The owner of the rental house called earlier, and the house is really ready. In fact, here... the key is already in hand." He handed the key to Ardi.
"Good," Ardi replied.
"I've looked around, and that's the only rental house I found most suitable for someone like Ardiansyah Kusuma Wardana. Plus, it's close to the office and already furnished... basically, you just need to move in," said Gatot.
"Just me and that suitcase," Ardi said, pointing to his suitcase.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it tomorrow."
"In that case, hold onto the key for now." Ardi handed the key back to Gatot. "Make sure the suitcase is there when I get back from the office. Because tomorrow morning, I want to go straight to the office."
"Understood, Mr. Ardi."
"Thanks, Mr. Gatot. I appreciate your help."
Gatot smiled. Actually, Gatot was only three years older than Ardi. However, their appearances were very different. Ardi still looked young, while Gatot wouldn't be surprised if someone called him quite fatherly.
"Don't forget to return the key by the end of lunch break tomorrow."
"Are you going straight there after work tomorrow?" asked Gatot.
"Yes, tomorrow I'll check out from here."
"Hope you settle in well," said Gatot. "Hope you can adapt to the environment here. Me too," he continued.
Little did Ardi know, his move to that rental house would be the start of everything—the beginning of something he had never imagined before.
- Writer
