Chapter 55 - You Make Me Feel Brand New

Part 1.

2 years later......................

That's Hans with the new addition to our family. Allah blessed us a baby son whom we named Hans Tariq. Adorable baby,...well what mother wouldn't praise their own child.....I was hoping for a girl since Hans had two boys from his previous marriage. Yet, we accept what was planned for us. Hans really love Tariq intensely. Every free moments he has, Tariq will always be in his arms. Hans is a hands on father. Some nights he will get up to change Tariq's diapers while I try to catch up with my sleep.

My pregnancy was a breeze. No morning sickness except I regularly have the craving for Japanese food and maggie goreng. I didn't cook much because I can't stand the smell of onions and anything fried. Didn't eat rice much but my weight shot up to an extra 25 kg.

I was a week over due and on the day of my last appointment, Doctor Idris had me admitted into the hospital.Without realizing, he confirmed that I have an opening on 3-4 cm. I was still okay. There was no labor pain so I decided to go back first to pack my maternity bag, bank in a check and did a bit of shopping. By 10:30 am I admitted myself at the hospital. Hans was in and out of the hospital for most of the time. There's still no sign that the baby wants to come out. It was already 5 p.m. when the pain start kicking in. I feel so restless and in so much pain. The nurse gave me a pain killer on my thigh since I did not request for an epidural. Hans was calm, hugging me at times, rubbing my back and holding my hands.

"It's okay Babe, I know you are in pain. I am so sorry that I am not able to share the pain with you. I want if I could......believe me.", Hans tried to calm me up.

"I know you would.....,but can you shut up!", I looked at him and gripped his hands tighter while I'm trying to control the pain.

Hans sat there and looked at me......"I'm sorry, that wasn't me......", I said and started to laugh.....then cringed in pain.....

"Alright calm down, calm down.....listen I'll be back, ok", Hans whispered softly to my ears. Doctor Idris popped up and checked on me. My vagina was like seven eleven. They just open it up whenever they feel like.......

Hans came back and sat next to me. He read The Yassin......

It was not until way past midnight that Doctor Idris vacuum sucked out the baby out of me. I no longer can push....I was too tired to even try to push. I hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning and I have no energy left in me. Doctor Idris was afraid, the longer we waited the baby may suffocate in the womb.

After practically being encourage to push, finally I heard the baby cried out loud while Hans went over to cut the umbilical cord. The nurses placed the baby on my chest and a few seconds after they took the baby and clean him up and gave to Hans. Hans mengazankan anak kami and kissed him. He came closer to me and I held my son for the first time. I can't describe the feeling. After two miscarriages,....alhamdulillah we have a healthy 3.72 kg baby boy.

On Hans advised, I took a year off of unpaid leave where in between I do a few HR consultancy work for his company. I am still hesitant to permanently leave my job. I love where I work. Whenever I get the chance I will set up lunch date with my work colleagues. I missed them and my work.

Hans was  made the CEO of Hans & Hans Architect while his dad was appointed as the Chairman of the firm. I bumped into Iddin quite regularly at the office. He was made the Director of Design with good perks. Being a licensed architect with a thorough knowledge of architecture practice Iddin also develop designs standard and supervised design department. He overseas design presentations and monitors project design management.  He still resides in Cyberjaya and seriously thinking of purchasing a property here. His wife still commutes between Perth and KL every two months. I heard the arrangement brought about a strain in their marriage. I know they will work things out.

Hans children are now 17 and 15 years old, are very protective of Tariq.  I can rely on them to babysit their little brother. The three of them will one day lead this firm. By the way, they have been living with us for over a year.  They are very active in sports and debate at school. We will always be there in the front row cheering them.

But lately I notice Hans has lost a considerable of body weight. Aku juga perasaan mukanya cengkung. Stress kerja? Kadang-kadang aku perasaan Hans kerap mengelamun. I must find out what's going on.........

That night I saw him in bed, reading Pramoedya Ananta Toer's King, the Witch and the Priest, about a 12th century Javanese Tales.

"Mmmmm....Pramoedya...? Wow heavy stuff you got there.", aku mengusik Hans. He smiled at me.

"You pernah baca buku-buku Pramoedya?", Maybe he was just testing my knowledge on the author.

I lay down on the bed and rested both my arms under my head. "Of course. I took literature when I was in Form 6. I studied Keluarga Gerilya.", I proudly said.

"Amboi! Baru baca satu buku........", then I cut in,"Bukan baca saja tau but studied the story and message."

"That book wasn't just any book. I sleep and eat with the book." I continued. Hans slide closer to me and asked, "So what's the book called, Keluarga.....apa tadi?".

"Keluarga Gerilya. My memory may not be so good since it has been a long time. Tapi membaca buku tu seperti kita dapat membaca sebuah keindahan. Keindahan falsafah, keindahan prinsip, keindahan perjuangan, keindahan cinta dan bermacam-macam keindahan lain. The entire story took three days and three nights during a revolution in Jakarta around 1947. How many people suffered because of war or revolution? And how many hundreds or perhaps thousands of people died and dragged their family ke dalam kehancuran dan penderitaan? Unaccountable. So that’s what happened to kelurga Amilah dan keluarga  Samaan. Theirs was just the tip of the iceberg.”

"Memory not so good huh....?", and he started to tickle me on my waist.

“Geli lah…., but wait, wait, can I ask you something….”, I menukar topic perbualan.

“Sure, go right ahead…”’ he gave me his utmost attention.

“I noticed recently like you are losing weight and muka you cengkung. Is everything alright?? And please don’t lie to me because if I ever find out the truth I will not forgive you…..”, aku bertanya or rather threatened him.

He looked at me and replied, “I am fine. Maybe tired and a bit stress here and there but overall everything is okay. And thank you for your concern….”. And he kissed me on the lips.

“I’m just worried about you….tengok pipi you dah cengkung….”, aku mengusap-usap pipi Hans. He grabbed and kissed my hands.

“Really, I am fine….”, and he kissed me again on my lips.

Hans kerap ke luar negara lately. He said there is a potential project in Singapore. Iddin would always accompany him.  Three weeks at home then he’s off to Singapore again.

Part 2.

One day I decided to call Iddin just to catch up on things…..

Me : “Assalamualaikum….”, I greeted Iddin.

Iddin : “Waalaikum salam….Atika is that really you? How long has it been? A year or two perhaps?”

Me : "Eh, mana ada…..kan baru 3 hari lepas we met at a meeting…?”, as I recalled.

Iddin : "No, what I meant was, you calling me?”, he explained.

Me : "Is it convenient for you to talk?” I asked.

Iddin : “For you, any time of the day….”, and there he goes flirting again with me.

Me : “I am sorry about what happened to your marriage….”, and I kept silence.

Iddin : “Yeah, but it’s not your fault. You have nothing to be sorry about.” Iddin convinced me.

Me : “Tak ada cara lain ke nak selamatkan your marriage?” I asked.

Iddin : “The way I see it,……nope. I guess at some point in a marriage you just grew apart when both of you forget to fight to save it. And that’s what happened.”

Me : “Jangan lupa tanggungjawab you as a father. Always be there for your children.” I advised him.

Iddin : “Thanks for your kind words……so what’s up with you….?” I heard him sipping from a straw.

Me : “What’s that you’re drinking? Let me guess, it’s Slurppy from 7-11…”, and I laughed. And I heard he laughed, too.

Iddin : “Good guess….I’m impressed. Psychic lah you ni……..”, and continued to laugh…..

Credit to Simply Red and You Tube.

Then I overheard a song played over Iddin’s stereo…..we were silence……..The moment the song ended,

Me : “Wow,…..I like this version. That song…..did you had anything to do with that…? How did you know I like the song....", aku tanya.

Iddin : “Me? You are the one who called me…”, Jawab Iddin dengan selamba.

Me : “Okay…..maybe just coincidence…”, I assured myself. “Boleh tak I nak tanya you about Hans?”

Iddin : “Hmmm,.....so you want me to spy on Hans? Is that it?”

Me : “No nothing like that….I am just curious since both of you frequently travel to Singapore, what do you guys do sampai seminggu kat sana? It has been 5 times in the past months…..can you enlightened me?”

Iddin : "Work and meeting pretty much…..", and he was silent......

Me : "You mean every time you guys do that..……and no other hanky panky?”, I was testing Iddin.

Iddin : "What are you trying to imply? Come on woman, you practically married to this guy. You think he’s fooling around with another woman?.....Be real……In his mind is work and once he done, it’s with you where he wants to be. Are you blind!”

Me : "Hello, hello, excuse me. Apa pasal you emotional sangat ni. Kalau tak ada hanky panky, tak ada lah. Tak payahlah garang sangat.", I was defensive. I didn't quite understand why he burst out like just now. Is he hiding something?

Iddin : "I’m sorry…..but how dare to think Hans like that……he’s your husband Atika….you know him better that he’ll never do that to you…..", Iddin was defending his friend.

I kept quiet. Iddin is right. I doubted my husband.

Me : "Iddin, I have to go. I wanna check on Tariq." I wanted to excuse myself.

Iddin : "Hmmm……sure. Anyway, that’s what you always do best……runaway from the situation rather than dealing with it. "He sound pissed off by my immediate reaction.

Me : I’m sorry…..,"

Iddin : "Jangan minta maaf dengan I. You minta maaf dengan suami you…..”, and it really hurts hearing those words came from Iddin. Rasa malu di dalam diri ini. “I’m glad we had this talk. Good night Atika. Take care and love you.” The phone line went dead…………………….

I looked at he picture stand next to my bed. Hans and baby Tariq when he was three months old. Where are you Hans? It’s almost midnight and belum balik. Now, I’m getting worried. Hans did not pick up his cell phone the two times I called.

Chapter 54 - I Finally Found Someone

Part 1.

Everything went as planned.....Alhamdulillah. Guests started to arrive and signing the wedding guest diary. I peeked out through the side door. I'm starting to get cold sweats on top of my lip. I closed the door and leaned against it. I looked straight at my sister and took a few deep breath. I can do this.....

"You're nervous aren't you. Why don't you sit down and relax for a moment. You have been pacing the room since half an hour ago.", my sister tried to put some sense into me.

I sat down and said,  "No, I am not that nervous but just anxious to see everything goes according to plan."

"Insya Allah, they will. Don't worry, I'm very sure things are under control.....", my sister replied and hugged me from behind. I kissed her on the cheek. Then mama came over to join our family hug. My nephews and Hans children look handsome in their black suit were ushered out to kick off the ceremony.

A few minutes later mama excused herself to meet up with friends and relatives outside. I am excited to see the wedding hall again. I dropped by this afternoon and I have one word to described that it is magical....!

Yes the wedding hall was magical. Various tones of purple from lighting, table cloths, napkins, to flowers filled the hall. I would still prefer round tables for the guest but the number of invites, long tables was appropriate to fit 650 guests. Yes it was a long list.

My cellphone rang and it was Hans. "Babe, you're ready?", he asked.

"Yes, I am.", I replied.

"That's my girl....I'm already here...", and I turned towards the door and there he was with his cell phone still on his ears, "..... and .....he continued, "I love you, babe.", he hang up his cellphone. He walked over and immediately gave me a hug.

"I love you Hans. Look at you. You look dashing....", I stepped back to have a full view of him again. He gave me a wide smile, a smile of a man who's really in love.

He spin me around, "The dress looks superb on you. And you......,Wow, you've become more beautiful every time I see you. You mesmerized me.", Hans complimented. He grabbed my waist and kissed me. His hungry eyes scanned my entire face. "You know we could go back to our suite and, continue where we left last night.......". His hands was moving down on my back....

Now I am starting to get embarrassed as there are people in the room looking at us."......and disappoint all of our guest? That would ruin your reputation....wouldn't it", I was playing with his mind.

"Hmmm.....you are smarter by the day.....don't change. I love you just the way you are....", and he hugged me.

"Ready?", then Hans asked.

"Yes." I replied.

That night things ran smoothly. Alhamdulillah......what's important is that our guests had a great time. I stand to witness, guests we met complimented how they enjoyed the entertainment, food and most of all our hospitality. A few, we had to practically chase them back,..hahaha.....the extension until midnight was what we were allowed by the hotel management. This huge gathering of friends and families really ignite memories and strengthened our family bond. Laughter filled the hall as they were hugs, kisses, salams and selfies pictures going around.

Marcell performed three songs. All were my favorites. Speech by the groom's parent, Hans and myself representing my mom and my side of family.

After the VVIPs and business acquaintances left for the night, we continued the party with a simply relaxed ambiance and protocol free. The last hour a few stayed and dance to the 70's, 80's and current musics. Even Marcell and  wife stayed on and party with us. Marcell and I danced to "Fly me to the Moon".

Yes...., finally I get to meet Iddin's better half. Her face is so pure and beautiful. "You are such a lucky guy. I am so happy for you.", as I looked at Iddin while I salam his wife was my instant response. "What was that...?". I said to myself and giggle. Iddin was all smile as he introduced his wife to both Hans and myself.

Funny thing, Iddin did not make any attempt to asked me for a dance. I am quite surprised actually. I really thought I could have a moment with Iddin. But perhaps it's better this way.

What I had planned next was totally unexpected. The light was dimmed and the background music switched to a smooth relaxing mood. I walked elegantly to the dance floor and called out, "Assalamualaikum......",

"Hi.....assalamualaikum semua yang masih ada di sini.", as guest turned to hear the announcement.

"Tika ingin mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kerana sudi meluangkan masa berkampung di sini malam ini. Terima kasih to Hans and his family. My Mama whom I love dearly. She had teary eyes since this morning.......and of course to my husband, Hans....., could you please join me on the dance floor...?", and I asked him to come over as I extended my hand. I waited until he stood next to me.

Then I turn and face him. Now I am nervous.

"It's not easy to express your feelings to the man you love, especially infront of my friends and family.". My voice was shaky as I hold his hands and held tight. He lift my hands and kissed them. The hall was suddenly quiet......

"Tika nak beritahu yang Tika sangat bersyukur to have Hans in my life. When I look in to your eyes, I see someone who will fight for me and protect me and love me in spite of all the ways I am. With you Hans, I see home. Wherever you are, that's my home.", I looked deeply into his eyes. They shimmer with joy.

We were still holding each others hand and I continued to explained, "My tasked prior to this occasion was to find a song for our first dance tonight.", I nodded at Hans and smiled. ".......oh yeah...., we're gonna dance tonight....", I teased him........and he pretended to wipe off his sweat on his forehead....,comically.

"This particular song had the lyrics of how we met, basically our entire love story is in this song." Hans took off his jacket  and  toss it aside. He was ready to battle out tonight. The background screen played our video. There we laughter followed by a few blowing whistle at us, and needless to say the sound of hands clapping filled the hall.

Credit to Bryan Adams and You Tube

The applause of our guest died down as I tried to ignore the stares we received. At last, Hans and I took our places and waited for the soft flow of music to begin. Once it started we took a step forward. We circled each other, our gaze remained locked. Hans placed his hand on my back, my hand on his shoulder, and our free hands finally met. Together, we danced to the music, our feet in perfect sync to the beating of my heart.

I finally found someone, who knocks me off my feet

I finally found the one who makes me feel complete...

It started over coffee, we started out as friends

It's funny how from simple things; the best things begin...

As the song progressed I felt relaxed, and allowed a small smile to form on my lips. He was perfect. Hans had on a white spotless shirt, which matched my dress. His eyes were deep and irresistible.

He turned elegantly, his body in tune with the slow music. Yet, there was a sort of harshness to him, like he was someone who shouldn’t be underestimated. I didn’t quite care at the moment. The warmth between us grew more powerful by the second. My heartbeat was growing steadily along with it. Our dance was perfect; everything from our breathing to how our feet moved stayed in sync.

This is it!

Oh, I finally found someone

Someone to share my life

I finally found the one

to be with every night;

Cause whatever I do

It's just got to be you!

My life has just begun, I finally found someone..

He pushed me away but he held on to my left hand with his right, catching me as our arms pulled taut and spinning me out and away. Then he reeled me back in, unable to give me up.

I fell into Hans, his strong arms wrapping me tight, protecting me before casting me out again.

"Wow..., you're good.....". Hans complimented me. "So, is there chemistry when we dance?". Aku tersenyum tersipu-sipu terasa seolah-olah Hans memerli aku.

"You, me......, intense chemistry.", and I winked.

When the song ended our audiences’ applause filled our ears. I couldn’t help but smile at him. He came closer and we embraced. Then he kissed me. 

We opted out of the next song. We sat at one on the empty table quite a distance away from the dance floor.

"I am so happy tonight sayang.....", Hans looked at me as expressed his emotions.

"I can see that......(I smiled back at him).....I feel the same way, too", replied and hold his hands.

He lift my hands and next rested his elbows on his knees. He brought my hands closed to his forehead,  and moving down to his lips. Suddenly he looked up at me....., those eyes really melted my heart. He placed my hand on each side of his face and gently grabbed to embrace me. Tight but not too tight.

I understood. His body language. His expression.....he does not have to a say anything else.......

I truly feel the same way about you too, Hans..............

Chapter 53 - Spanish Guitar

Part 1.

"And, what's the one thing I should know about you?", I asked Hans back the same question.

"Hmmm......well, I got this scar below my right eye after a drunken night in New York where an equally drunk friend accidentally slammed my face in a car door.", he took my index finger and rubbed against the scar as he explained.

"Ouch that must hurt pretty bad....", and I looked into his eyes. "Actually dah lama dah I nak tanya but I yang selalu hesitate. I don't want you to think that I ni nosy sangat. But thanks for sharing...".

Hans senyum saja...."Nosy? My wife should be that way......always nosy about me. If not than I may think you have lost interest in me.....". I giggled. "Ok, I'll try....".

Marcell sang another 2 songs before the hi-tea reception was over. We went over to him and thanked him for his appearance. He will be performing again tomorrow night and another one at our post party. He then introduced us to his lovely wife, Rima Melati, who just joined him at the table.

"Hello, it's really nice to meet you. I'm Atika.", I said and shook hands with Melati.

"Your husband must be a very lucky man.", said Melati and that made me blushed. "Thank you, that's very nice of you to say...", I replied. We sat down and started to chat.

" I am a great fan of Marcell. I listen to his songs all the time...He is such a brilliant artist...I am sure you are tired listening to these compliments all the time......", I confessed and practically embarrassed myself infront of Melati. She smiled.....

"No...no....no worries.Thank you. ...I am glad you enjoy his musics. Bapak Yoka Sara is such a generous man. How long have you known him?", Melati adjusted her seating and placed both arms on the table.

"I met Bapak Yoka sometime ago when I was working for a construction company. He was the architect who built my ex-boss house in Bukit Damansara and then a resort in Pahang. It was a Bali concept home. Then I left the company. But we met again about a year ago. He is helping Hans build a house in Port Dickson. It is still in the preliminary stages. Last year we went to Bali to approve some drawings.", I replied.

"Wow a house in Port Dickson?". Melati was so impressed. I like PD and have been there many times. In fact I call Malaysia my home, too. I have relatives who are living in Johor and  Kuala Lumpur.", she continued to share about her interest.

"That's wonderful! Will you be visiting them this time?", I asked and sipped on my hot lemon tea.

"Kind off....we will spend dinner during our final day here", she said excitedly.

"Sooo.....how did you meet your husband?", genuine question from Melati. I like her, she is very friendly and talkative. I enjoyed sharing relationship stories with her. She did not hesitate to share hers with me.

At 5:30 pm we thanked all guests and said goodbye to each and everyone of them before we parted that evening.

We left the restaurant and headed back to our room.

Part 2.

As we walked in to our suite, I walked a head and stopped to make sure Hans locked the door. He turned and almost bumping into me.......

"What's wrong? Did you leave something back at the restaurant?" , Hans asked and raised his eyes brows.

Aku teragak-agak untuk menjawab. Entah kenapa lidahku kelu, "No,.....no,......no,......", aku menjawab. Aku terus melangkah masuk ke ruang rehat. I decided not to seat instead walked over to the window.

Tiba-tiba Hans bersuara. " I'm sensing something is wrong here. Kenapa? Are you alright?". He came closer and hugged me gently. I hugged him back. "Than what is the matter?".

I avoided eye contact as I release myself from Hans and took one step back. "Ok,.....I would like to say something before I still have the guts.....", meluncur keluar kata-kata tadi dari bibirku. Shit!!!! It had to come out, didn't it?.......

"Now......, you are making me nervous, What is it Tika?", Hans  held out his hands but I turned and walked away.

I turned back and walked straight towards Hans. I took his hands and we both sat on the plush sofa.

"You have been so kind and generous to me, Hans. I really love you but sometimes I am so scared of the small voices inside of me....", I let me insecurities out.

"Small voices? Inside of you? Wow I thought I was the only one with it....", Hans seems to be  surprised by my confession. He chuckled.

"I'm serious Hans...", I said.

"So am I, Babe...!", Hans replied. "Listen, I know you have been very independent throughout your life. You only had yourself to depend on. But now, you found me and you have me and you feel scared and maybe restricted.".  I looked at his face.

"It's alright to feel how you feel because I do sometimes listen to small voices inside of me or rather my instinct. My instinct told I've fallen for you and one day you are gonna be mind. Of course kalau kita tak berdoa bersungguh-sungguh and tak berusaha, nothing becomes a reality.", Hans caressed my arms and reassured me.

"So what does your little voices say now?". Hans wants to know.

"Well, I feel so overwhelm and flattered the way you took care of me. Sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming that I just need someone to slap me in the face. At times I feel I don't deserve all of this. Expensive things you bought for me, Italian holiday, Bali, our new house, and this lavish reception. I terasa macam terhutang budi dengan you.....". There I said it all.

Hans sat there and looking very serious. I shivered because I was afraid he might misunderstood my intention. I looked down and closed my eyes. I wanted to cry. And Hans was not responding......."Hans have I offended you? I wasn't trying to be ungrateful, I merely .......", I stopped to look at Hans reaction and that instant he cupped my face with both of his hands and kissed me ever so passionately. Into a few seconds, he let go, he smiled and kissed me again. I didn't expect the second kiss....

"I yang sebenarnya terhutang budi dengan you. Really!". I was surprised by his words. He still has his hands on my face when he confessed. "Having you in my life it's like a second lease to life. I am a better person now than I was 10 years ago when my marriage collapsed. I meant every word what I've said in my speech earlier today. Please don't think I'm buying your love when I buy you expensive things. I buy because you do not have them. You remember, I told you that once before?" Put away your insecurities........I am gonna be here with you until my last breath. I am so happy to be married to you. You know I can go on and on all night........". He ended his speech with another kiss on my lips. I closed my eyes to savor his gentle lips movement, hard......, biting mine.

"AAaarrrhhHH.........", as I gasp for air. I was breathing fast. My heart was pumping fast....."Open your eyes Babe,........", Hans whispers close to my ears. The sharp edges of his stubble rubbed against my soft cheeks made me shiver....

It was impossible for me to open my eyes when I could barely lift my eyelids. My mouth parted. My internal voice pleaded, "I want you to kiss me hard..like you can't get enough of me..I want you to bite my lip and suck it hard and make cry for more". 

Hans seakan-akan terdengar suara kecilku......then he whispered again softly at the tip of my lips,"Open your eyes and look at me babe, say I WANT YOU....". His hands was already unzipping my top. He lift me and place me on his lap. I took off his shirt and there we were naked on the sofa, breathing hard, rocking  and clinging to each other....

Then suddenly, my eyes opened wide and my hands on his forearms. "I WANT YOU, HANS......", I said into his ears. "Make love to me Hans......", I pleaded. I was at his mercy. His hands cupped by soft round buttocks as he squeeze them softly. He lift me and gently pull me down again. My back arch and I feel so full. He stays still, letting me acclimatize to the intrusive, overwhelming feeling of him inside me. "I'm going to move, babe,” he breathes after a moment, his voice tight.

EEmmm,........AAaaahhHH.......I cried in pleasure.

Credit to ToniBraxtonVEVO and You Tube

He eases back with exquisite slowness. And he closes his eyes and groans, and thrusts into me again. I cry out a second time, and he stay still.

“More?”, he whispers, his voice raw.

“Yes.”, I breathe. He does it once more, and stay still again.

I groan, my body accepting him... Oh, I want this.

“Again?”, he breathes.

“Yes.”. It's a plea.

And he moves, but this time he doesn't stop. He moves slowly at first, easing himself in and out of me. And as I grow accustomed to the alien feeling, my hips move tentatively to meet his. He speeds up. I moan, and he pounds on, picking up speed, merciless, a relentless rhythm, and I keep up, meeting his thrusts. He grasps my head between his hands, pulls me down and kisses me hard, his teeth pulling at my lower lip again. He shifts slightly, and I can feel something building deep inside me, like before. I start to stiffen as he thrusts on and on. My body quivers, and sweat gathers over me. Oh my... I didn't know it would feel like this.. didn't know it could feel as good as this. My thoughts are scattering... there's only sensation... only him... only me... oh, please... I stiffen.

“Come for me, Babe....” he whispers breathlessly....

Chapter 52 - Semuanya Yang Terlambat

Part 1.

The wedding rehearsal went well without any hiccups. Hans said he is still keeping the wedding ring as a surprise until tomorrow night. I told him nothing fancy, just a simple gold band will do. He agreed.

That afternoon we had a small kenduri doa selamat in the Orchid Conservatory followed by afternoon tea. Just strictly among close friends and family members on both sides. We pray and asked that the wedding tomorrow night will be a success, Insya Allah.

Credit to The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Orchid Conservatory.

"Hi there. How are you. Senyum saja you hari ni.....that's a good sign.", Iddin came and sat next to me. Dia membetul-betulkan songkoknya.

You may be thinking why was Iddin at the reception this afternoon....Well what can I say, hmmm...his the best man!

"Aha...it's a good day, isn't it? So....no hang overs this morning, huh? You better cut down on your drinking. It's bad for your health......I care about you, you know.", aku tersenyum sinis.

"Someone caught me by surprised last night....", Iddin glanced at me. I'm guessing he was referring to me drinking his glass of whiskey.......

"Well, someone caught me by surprised, too....", and I was not impressed what almost happened last night. I looked at him and dia tersengih...."I'm sorry,.....did I misbehaved? My instinct says it could have happened another two seconds.", Iddin jawab dengan selamba and turn his head faced forward.

"Sudahlah, nak berlakon konon....", aku menjawab sambil menampar lengannya. "Don't ever let it slipped again, understand?". I warned him. "This time I may be able to resist the temptation. Next time who knows I might be tempted......", tiba-tiba terpacul dari mulut aku. He was taken a back by my response. I stood up and just as I was about to walk away, I turn back and look at Iddin who still has his confused face on.

"You're kidding right....?", Iddin inginkan kepastian. He lifted his eyebrows.

Then I said, "Gotchaaa.........!", I teased him and walked away. I walked over to Hans mother and sat next to her. I scanned around the room for Hans and there he was.....he looks good in his baju melayu. Then he looked straight right at me from across the room and gave me a smile. I smiled back at him.

Suddenly,.....

"Can I have everyone's attention please, I just have a short speech that I want to share with all of you...", Hans stepped forward and spoke up to get everyone's attention. A few guest took their seats while others were just standing around the main table.

"Terima kasih kepada semua yang hadir petang ni. As all of you know Atika telah sah menjadi isteri saya pada tujuh julai tahun lepas. Kami bernikah di kedutaan Malaysia di Budapest. Thank you to Mom, Dad and Mama, my mother in-law who gave us their blessings. It made both of us the happiest couple that day....thank you again from the bottom of my heart. We wanted to do the right thing. Resepsi esok adalah untuk menyempurnakan ikatan perkahwinan kami. Kami ingin dekatkan yang jauh dan yang dekat di perkukuhkan talian persaudaraan.", Hans started his speech. He walked over to me and held his hand out. I reached for his hand and stood up next to him.

Hans held both my hands and faced me directly. "Atika, I don’t know where to begin to thank you,……………you’re simply amazing". We both laughed and followed by the guests. "And now all I can think about is your smile and your laugh and the sound of your voice when you say my name. When I am not with you, you all I think about. When I am with you all I think about is how lucky I am to be with you. I want to spend the rest of my life proving my love to you. I do not want a day go by, me without you. I can’t change my past but finding you in my present makes me want you for my future. Atika, I love you and I want to present you with this ring........". I saw Hans opened a small box in his hand.

"Hans, it's beautiful......". It was a gold band alright.....a his and a her set of ring from Bvlgari! The ring can be put together and become one! I was touched when he slipped one ring on my finger then he gave the other to me and I can put it on his finger. He kissed me on the forehead and followed by a warm embrace. There were laughter, whistles, and claps going around. I smiled and held tight to Hans hand as we turn to face our guests. Our fingers clamped together.

"There are so many people we want to thank from wedding planner, our designers, friends, relatives and especially our parents. On behalf of my wife and I,thank you sincerely for sharing this special day with us. Seriously the length many of you have gone to in order to be here today really means a great deal to us both,  It really wouldn’t be the same without you all and we thank you.", Hans ended his speech. Everybody clapped.

"Oh by the way, one last surprised of the day......., is the band ready?", Hans asked the restaurant manager. The manager nodded. Hans showed a thumbs up sign. I wonder what is he up to now.....

Part 2.

"This special surprise was flown all the way from Indonesia, and it's a wedding gift for my lovely wife from my mentor, Bapak Yoka Sara!"

Everyone was puzzled by the introduction. A few were whispering among each other. What could it be....ermmmm something from Bali?

Then the music began.........followed by,

a familiar male voice.....

and I kept turning my head around....,

where is the voice coming from.........and then,

he walked in......

Credit to blindpig film and You Tube

Oh my God.....it was Marcell!!!! He came over, sang to me and stood in front of me. I froze, blushed and felt sweaty at the same time. Helloooo! Slap me please....!

Holding the tips of my fingers, Marcell led me to the middle of the room and serenade the entire song for me. I just can't believe my eyes. I couldn't believe I get to meet Marcell in person. He gently placed his arm around my waist as he sang.

I thought of Hans and kept looking around the room. I am still in shock and overwhelmed with multiple emotions that I wanted to cry out of joy. After scanning the room 180 degree I saw Hans stood smiling in one corner. I whispered "Thank you" to Marcell. He nodded and let go off his arms. I slowly walked towards Hans. He reached out his hands and hugged me from behind as we slowly rock to Marcell.

When the song ended, Marcell said a few words to us, "It has always been my pleasure to perform in front newly weds. Ya, brings back memories tika saya nikahi Rima Melati, istri saya....."our guest chuckled.

"Acara weekend ini ya bangat penting bagi Bapak Yoka Sara dan I just can't turn him down. Katanya Hans is just like a son to him...So here I am.", loud claps came from our guests. "Jadi saya ada 3 performance for this wedding, semuanya menyampaikan lagu-lagu kegemaran the bride,...yang mana difahamkan gemar mendengarkan musik saya sebelum tidur. Feeling, feelingkan.......", the guest all laughed and looked at me. I was embarrassed. Ini mesti kerja Hans.........

"Thank you to Hans and Atika for having me here. Congratulations. Semoga perkahwinan ini berkekalan.....Amin.....Baik, my next song berjudul, Firasat. Musik dan liriknya seksi ya. Just listen to the lyrics and you know what I mean....". Yes, aku agree with Marcell. This is one of my favorites.

"Jadi, let's have the bride and the groom tampil ke hadapan untuk first dance ya......". Thunderous applauds filled the room. 

Oh my...now I have to dance.... to a slow tune....I looked at Hans to let him know I was a bit hesitant but Hans insist, "Don't worry, I'll lead and then we let the music take charge...".  I smiled nervously and said, "Okay....", and we nodded at the same time. 

We dance and spin. Midway into the song others started to join us on the dance floor.

"Babe, what's the one thing I should know about you?", Hans tiba-tiba bertanya. A very unusual question to ask, in my opinion.

Aku memandangnya dengan pelik. I am not sure how to answer him. "Well for once, easy identification in case anything happened to me, my birth mark is on my right buttock.". And we laughed.

"That I know....you don't need to tell me......", and Hans winked at me.