Chapter 22 - All of Me.

Part 1.

I didn’t want to get up. All I wanna do is to curl up in Hans arms. I felt save, protected and loved. It’s a nice feeling when you have someone you loved next to you.  But I know I had to get up. It was 6:30 a.m. and I can’t sleep no more. I lift Hans arms around my waist as gently as possible not to wake him. I picked up my robe which was on the floor and put it on. I sat for a while on the bed and turned to look at Hans.

Love you….I whispered softly.

“Love you back….”Hans said.

Aku terkejut . “I am sorry,.....did I wake you up?” I asked softly.

“Nope, I've been up…….hmmm…..for the past half an hour…saja stayed in bed until you bangun…” he said but didn’t open his eyes.

“Really? I thought you’re still a sleep….”I replied.

“I was already up and just loving every moment having you in my arms….” he said. He opened those beautiful eyes of him and held out his hand. I crawled back on to the bed next to him and gave him a kiss on his fore head...…..

“Thank you for last night. You were patient and gentle with me. I really appreciate it. I could never ask for a better partner than you, Hans. You treated me with respect and you brought out the wild side of me I never thought I had. I love your touch, your smell, your warmth which made me feel so confident. I enjoyed every moment being with you.”

Credit to You Tube and johnlagendVEVO

Hans just stared at me the entire time. Once in a while his hand squeezes my arm with a smile. With my legs folded in a yoga sitting position, I lean over to kiss him on his lips……”I love you Hans.”

His eyes were still locked on mine and his hands grabbed my neck gently. He kissed me back and the next thing I laid there in bed with him not wanting to let go of him.

“Tika, I am touched by what you've said…..hmmm (he took a deep breath and released it)…..I thanked God for giving you to me. You're the best thing that has happened to me and I couldn’t ask for anything more in life. I am glad I met you. I am crazy in love with you. Despite what we have gone through to get here today, you are my wife now. That’s all what matters and it is my obligation as your husband to care for you, to love you and make you happy. Of course it will be an bonus for me when you love me back...(he winked). May He guide and protect us, insya Allah.” Then he hugged me. I stayed there in his arms. We didn’t have to say a word……we understood the silence…………..

“I could just lay in bed the whole day with you, you know? But I think we have a little bit of sightseeing and a lot of shopping to do……I mandi dulu ya?” I excused myself.

Hans smiled and said, “After you, babe….”.

Aku sengaja mengajuknya,”After you, babe….”. Tak semena-mena  I felt something hit my back….I turned and looked at Hans,….”Wah! Main kasar nampaknya……?” I picked up the pillow and threw back at him.  

Hans just laughed and catch hold of the pillow….”Dah, pergi mandi.”

“Ialah I nak mandila ni. Yang you campak bantal tu kat I kenapa?” I said in defense.

“Saja suka-suka….bila marah you lagi nampak cantik…” he said and threw the pillow back at me. Malas nak layan Hans, aku menjelir lidah kearahnya dan membiarkan bantal tadi di atas lantai tanda protest. “Aren’t you gonna pick it up?” Hans asked.

I replied, “Nope. You campak you pick it up yourself.” And I walked into the bathroom.

Part 2.

That morning while having breakfast we discussed our program for the day. We agreed to visit nearby attraction such as the famous Trevi Fountain and Pantheon which are just a few minutes walking distance from our hotel.

In 2013, Italian fashion company Fendi sponsored 2.2-million-euro restoration of the fountain. For those who are superstitious it is believe that throwing coins (throw using the right hand over the left shoulder) in the fountain while making a wish that your wish may come true. It is said that an estimated 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day. However  there have been regular attempts to steal coins from the Trevi Fountain which by the way it is illegal.

The Pantheon located at Piazza della Rotonda was the largest concrete structure in the world. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. The Pantheon has had many uses, primarily; it is a burial place for several important Italian historical figures.  When you enter the Pantheon and look around you'll notice tombs set into the walls. The famous Renaissance painter Raphael is buried in the Pantheon.

The first instinct when you enter the Pantheon is to look up at the magnificent dome overhead.  The only source of light in the Pantheon comes from the Oculus in the ceiling. This large hole floods the room with light.

Via dei Condotti is a busy and fashionable street in Rome. It is the street which contains the greatest number of Rome-based Italian fashion retailers, equivalent to Milan's Via Montenapoleone. Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Hermès, Armani, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Céline, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Damiani, Zegna, Cartier, Bally, Montblanc, Louis Vuitton have stores on Via Condotti.

As usual Hans loves to shop at D&G. His closet back home has lots and lots of D&G suits. He bought 2 pairs of suits and custom made another pair. Don't asked me what it cost him all 3 pairs but he was satisfied with his purchases. He said, "I can't get these suits in Malaysia and it is cheaper here compared to London...".

My favorite store....what can I say. I bought myself a zipper wallet as the one I have has problem with its zipper due to wear and tear. Then I bought a Monogram Louis Vuitton Artsy and a LV leather bracelet. Gelap mata bila tengok banyak design on display. With my kind of salary it will take me at least 3 months to save up to purchase the handbag. Thrilled that Hans paid for items purchased. He smiled and said, "Hmmm...women and handbags tak boleh dipisahkan..." 

This is where I bought my shoes. Love, love love Ferragamo's shoes. I had a pair once when I was a student in the US. It cost me US179.00 at that time. Now with the credit card dad gave me I bought 2 pairs of Vara bow sandal of the same design but in different colors.

Walking in one of the alley in city Rome. 

Setelah penat membeli belah, we decided to go back to the hotel. It was almost 3 p.m. and we hadn't had our lunch. Instead of eating out we decided to order food to be delivered from Restaurant Indian Affair. The dishes we pretty descent and tasted good. We had plain rice, naan bread, aloo ghobi, saag paneer, and chicken tikka massala.

Part 3.

"So...babe, you're happy with your purchases today?"Hans asked.

"Happy? How could you asked such a question?"I said. "Of course I am happy and thank you very much Hans. I love my new wallet. I had planned to get a new one at Starhill but I don't like to go to KL. Way too crowded and it is so intense driving in KL. Finally, I got what I was looking for in Rome." sambil menguyah roti naan with paneer.

Hans smiled and said, "Anything for you babe...". Aku hanya tersengih.

"Once we're done with lunch, perhaps we can check out hotels in Almafi Coast and Positano." Hans suggested.

"OK but I already know where I wanna stay." I said and gave him a broad smile.

"Oh...? You do? Kat mana tu and which hotel?" he was interested to know.

"Ok this is the thing. Please don't think that I am cheesy, silly or live in la la land....." aku memulakan penjelaskanku.

"Ok this is it......aahhhhh....how to begin.....Ok, Ok,.....The reason I nak pergi Almafi Coast and Positano because of a movie I watch long time ago titled Only You. Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey stayed in this beautiful hotel in Positano which later I found out it is called Hotel Le Sirenuse. Soooo.... ever since then I said to myself if I ever go to Italy, this is where I wanna be and stay..." and I covered my face with both hands out of embarrassment.

Hans took my hands and smiled, "There is nothing to be embarrassed about. This vacation is all about you....anything you want. Your wish is my command. So, Hotel Le Sirenuse,...here we come!" and he kissed both my palm. I was so surprised by his reaction.

"That's it? It's alright if we stay there?" aku bertanya seperti tidak percaya.

"Yup, for sure. Let's try to book it online."Hans said. Then my cellphone rang.....

"Assalamualaikum, Tika....it's mama..."It was mama!

"Waalaikumsalam, mama. How are you? Are you calling from London?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes, we arrived in London yesterday. All is good here and we did a little bit of sightseeing today and stopped at Harrods for shopping. I bought your favorite hazel nut cookies. 2 container of those." Mama replied.

"Really? Thanks mama for thinking of me....well, we have been to Trevi Fountain and Pantheon and did a bit of shopping on Via Condotti. Most of it are just walking distance from where we are staying. We will be going to Positano and Almafi Coast soon." I looked at Hans who is busy browsing the internet.

"How's Hans treating you?"Mama asked.

"Like a princess....(I walked away to distance myself from Hans. I don't want him to hear my conversations). I am so happy mama being with him. All this while I was looking for a father figure to replace Abah and then I met Hans. I found my closure mama....I cannot compare him with Abah. Abah is Abah and he was my rock, mama. Hans, is my strength now...(I started to cry.....)  I found someone who cares and loves me so much. I hope I am not over reacting, mama." I wiped my tears away.

"Tika, no two person are the same. Take care of Hans just like how he takes care of you. I do not have any secrets to share with you when it comes to relationship but I always believe communications and respect towards each other is important, tau...." mama's advise.

"Well, I have got to now but we will talk again soon ok? You take care and don't forget to send me pictures of the both of you. I love you Tika and enjoy yourself!" Mama ended the conversation.

"Ok mama, thanks for the advise and talk to you again soon. Love ya...." I replied and hang up.