A week past by...
I started working again and there were so many things to catch up with especially on new and revised employment policies. Updating myself with the latest gossips and out lunch with close mates. Missed my friends so much like Kat, Chander, Mustapha, Maya, Zaleha, Sureen, Tah just to name a few. I have been away from work for almost six month. Hans wanted me to permanently leave my job and work with him. He said, "Then I know that you are always safe with me all the time.". But I don't fancy that idea. Sometimes I want my own space rather than having Hans popping regularly to check up on me.
Well, I haven't heard or seen Iddin after we got back from The Kabin. I heard he took leave to return to Perth. Perhaps making arrangements to bring his family to Malaysia? I don't know, just guessing.....
Went for my doctor's appointment with Hans at Pantai Hospital in Bangsar. Doctor Idris said Alhamdulillah everything is looking fine and the baby is developing normal at 14 weeks. Expected due date June next year. I have to keep on taking my Vit. C and Folic Acid. I asked Hans not to smoke whenever he's around me. He nodded.
The contractors completed the cabinet and shelving works for most of the rooms upstairs. Yes, I finally got my island in the dressing room to store my perfumes and accessories.
We left the baby room empty for now. Hans gave me the freedom to decorate whenever I feel the time is right.
And our new house is in its final stages of completion. I love my new bedroom. Simple and not too crowded. Like so much Hans idea. I am happy that my ideas also taken into consideration. Hans especially like what I called the ' lazy pit'. I added bright and strong colors to give contrast to the white color of the sofa and marble flooring. I want a touch of Morrocan style and not to run away too much from Hans theme.
Credit to Architecture and Design and Google Image
Hans was more of a black and white minimalist when it comes to his designed but I managed to convince him that this is not a bachelor's pad. Ours was a family home and we need colors. So that was it and he had to agree.
When it comes to kitchen I had to leave it to Hans. He cooks a lot and it is fair to have him design to fit his taste. He built white wooden cabinet with marble top and I added a touch of country style corner banquette table. I told Hans that the kids can hangout here, play games, eat their meals or do their homework in the corner.
The dining room was a difficult decision to make. Questions like how big of a table do we need? Contemporary or classic style? I suggested an oblong table for eight would be enough. "It is not like we entertain friends on weekly basis." I said. But Hans insist of having table for ten. So I gave up and went along with his plans. And of course the black and white theme. I added beige color to the curtains. I had to admit the set fits perfectly well in the dining area.
Even though there are still so much work to do on the interior, this week Hans already planned for a small kenduri doa selamat. We are expecting around fifty to seventy guess. Mom helped out with the caterer while Hans excited nak show off his BBQ skills. Mom was always angry with Hans because I do lots of work around the house.
She would always said, "Hans carilah maid....".
"Tika yang tak mahu. Talk to her Mom.", Hans would reply. And the conversation stopped there.
I don't do much to be frank.....we had Hans regular cleaner who comes to the house during the weekends. Mrs Kumar has been Hans helper eversince Hans moved to Cyberjaya. In the weekends she helped me with the vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and laundry. I'm always happy to have her around the house. This weekend I request that she help me with the BBQ. We need to marinate the steaks, lambs cutlets, chicken and varieties of fresh seafood. Plenty of food to go around tonight. So who said I do lots of work around the house?
About 5 p.m. the caterer arrived and they started to arrange the food inside the house. Mom arrived fifteen minutes later and Mama arrived at 6 p.m. Soon after guest started to arrive; they mingled among themselves and looked around our new house. Hans took the role as our tour guide.
As soon as dah selesai azan Maghrib, my uncle Yunus (from my mother's side of the family) call upon everyone to perform solat Maghrib, followed by reciting surah Yassin and doa selamat. Finally we finished off with Isya' prayers before dinner.
By 10 p.m. most guest have left the house and I was surprise to see that Iddin didn't come. Maybe he was still in Perth. Only a few close family members and friends stayed on to lepak and enjoy the BBQ. Hans and Dad was busy flipping the steaks and entertaining guests at the same time. I let Mrs Kumar go off at 11 p.m. after she prepared the guest room for Mama who decided she wants to put up a few nights at my house. I was so happy.....
I was working in the kitchen when I heard someone walked in. I said, "Mama, if you are tired, you can rest in the guest room....". I turned and smiled but instead it was Iddin smiling right back at me. He was standing behind the kitchen island.
"Surprised?", he asked. "Your smile really cheer me up. Hilang penat I travel from Perth to Cyberjaya.....sampai sini you terus sambut I with that smile.....thank you..." he said and came over to kiss me on both cheeks. He stood back.
"Hey there stranger....Did you just arrived from the airport? Seriously, you just got back from Australia?", I asked him and actually surprised by his presence tonight.
"Hmmm, tak ada apa khabar or how are you? I missed you ke?", and he laughed. "Soon as I arrived at the airport I drove straight here. Sorry couldn't be here earlier.", Iddin replied.
"Ah!...ada-ada je you ni. You are such a clown......dah makan? Hans is outside flipping steaks. Pergilah and join dia orang. There are still plenty of food going around", I suggested but deep down I didn't want him to leave me alone in the kitchen. His compliments earlier had me there for a moment.
He came closer to me. "Here, I got you a house warming gift all the way from Perth. My wife picked it out for you. I hope you'll like it. It's from DEIA." Iddin handed me 3 brown boxes tied with ribbons. Aku menyambut pemberian Iddin. "Thanks, you don't have to get me anything you know...." I replied.
Credit to DEIA Living and Google Image.
"No no no no....., I want too...........", he smiled as he lean against the kitchen counter. We stood there in silence for a minute. He was staring at me when I lift my face up and our eyes locked for a few seconds. "Errr......well, can't have my guest standing in the kitchen kan.....I have to finish up with the cleaning here.....I'll meet you outside in a bit?" tiba-tiba aku buat-buat seperti aku busy menggelap meja and Iddin pun seperti tersipu-sipu seolah dia hendak minta diri keluar ........"Yeah, yeah...sure. I'll talk to you later....", and he left the kitchen.
Later I sat with Mama and talked about the food and baby when suddenly Mama asked me about the guy who was sitting next to Hans.
"Who's the guy sitting next to Hans?", Mama was curious.
"Oh, that's Fazidin. He's works with Hans. Why the sudden interest?" I was also curious why Mama wants to know.
"I don't mean to pry but I heard the conversation you and that guy had in the kitchen...........", Mama started off with an inquiry. So I jumped in, "Ye ke....hmmm I kenal dia masa I tinggal dengan nenek di Klang. Remember the deal was for me to stay with nenek when I joined Sunway College? We had a brief relationship sebelum I pergi US dulu. Dia pun tinggal dekat dengan Palm Groove. Happened that we took the same bus and that's how our relationship developed. I was surprise when Hans wanted to hire him. I didn't know then but Hans flew Fazidin to Italy for what he called "a casual interview" during our honeymoon. Can you belief that....I was shock to see it was him. And that was it....", I told mama the whole story.
"Married?", Mama asked.
"Yes....he is. His wife and two children are staying in Perth.", I replied. I am feeling rather awkward having conversation about my ex with my mother.
"Does Hans knows about you and him?", Mama popped another question.
"Yes he does Mama from A to Z. I have got nothing to hide from Hans. He's cool about it", I replied and I belief it was the whole truth.......
There were huge laughter coming from outside and I stood up and saw a few guests trying to persuade Iddin to sing. They know him from the annual dinner last week. Another guy brought a guitar. After getting the right guitar cord, guest was already anxious waiting for Iddin to entertain them with a song....and he obliged.
Credit to MusicEverywhereNet and You Tube
The full song ended at 3:57.
I stood and leaned against the door throughout the song. I folded my arms and smiled at Iddin when he started to sing. Once in a while I saw him catch a glimpse at me. Oh my God....it was a good rendition of a song from Maliq & The Essentials. He sure has a beautiful voice.
" He sure can sing. Atika, Mama belum nyanyuk lagi ya. When I listen to the song I can feel he still has feelings for you....", Mama suddenly spoke to me from behind. Aku diam and did not want to argue with her. I just want to listen to him singing.
"Just be careful Atika, you are married. And so is he...", Mama continued.
"Mama, there is nothing going on between us, He's just being him. Flirting and usik-usik Tika when we meet. I am sure the song has nothing to do with me....It's just a song, Mama...", I tried to reassure Mama.
"Well, I'm going to bed. Good night sayang...", and Mama gave me a kiss on the cheek. I still stood by the door exchanging glances between Hans and then Iddin.
Was Mama right?
Note:Credit pictures to Architectural Digest, Architect Art Designs and Google Image
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