Leaning against the thin railing that made up the balcony of the magnificent penthouse, a lean, young man stared across the vast night sky. His eyes betrayed no emotion whatsoever. His thoughts wandered aimlessly, oblivious to the noisy surrounding.
“Rizal!”
He was quickly roused as he heard his name being called out by the now so very familiar voice. Usually he would frown at the thought of someone disturbing his train of thought, but at that particular moment, he didn’t mind. He stood his ground as his eyes focused on the woman who was making her way across the throng of human beings that had gathered in the living room. She grasped his hands and stood beside him.
“Aren’t you coming in?” she asked.
“No. Not just yet,” Rizal stared at the face that was in front of him. Syafika Liza. Fika for short. The only child of Tan Sri Abdul Latiff, the wealthiest man in the country. To Rizal, the information wasn’t of importance. What was, was the fact that beside him stood the only woman that had ever stolen his heart. Gone were his flamboyant days and along with it his ‘playboy’ tag. For him, she was the epitome of beauty and grace. And within her perfect figure, was a child’s heart, full of innocence and gentleness.
That was more than he could say for himself, born Rizal Malik, the younger of two sons. His brother’s death nine years ago, made him the only son and heir. His father, Rahman Mahmud, was a successful businessman. Since birth, Rizal was surrounded by wealth, and grew up to be a rich, spoilt brat. He flaunted his father’s fortune and considered his bank account a bottomless well full of money. But all that took place before he knew the woman who stood beside him. Fika had transformed him from a spoilt, irresponsible teenager into a smart varsity student, now in his final year at one of the top university in Britain. He owed her more than just plain, simple gratitude; he owed her his love.
The turning point in his life took place six years ago, upon meeting Fika. Today, he is to celebrate the 23rd birthday of the woman he loves so much.
“Come on. We can’t wait any longer. Ayah’s waiting inside,” said Fika, breaking the momentary silence between them. Not waiting for an answer, she took Rizal’s hand and led him to the living room, which by then, had taken on a less lively atmosphere. As they approached the door leading to the living room, Rizal could hear the deep, booming voice of her Fika’s father, Tan Sri Abdul Latiff.
“And now ladies and gentlemen, I would like to invite the lady whom I have known since she was a wee, bonnie lass and the reason for which we are all here tonight; my daughter, Syafika Liza!”
Rizal watched in silence, as Fika departed from his side to join her father on the podium. And as guests greeted her with a rapturous welcome, deep down inside, he felt proud.
*********
“No.”
“What?!” exclaimed Rizal.
Silence.
It took Rizal a week to get his plan into motion. Candlelight dinner, flowers, presents, even down to hiring the tuxedo he was wearing. He had planned everything to the smallest detail. To him, tonight should have been the most memorable night in his life. The one thing that he did not expect was his rejection from Fika. The two-letter word that she had uttered a while ago, hung in the air like a hangman’s rope.
Maybe I didn’t love you,
Quite as much as I should,
Maybe I didn’t treat you,
Quite as well as I should have,
If I made you feel second best,
Girl, I’m sorry I was blind…
As the lyrics of Elvis’ evergreen song filled the air, Rizal wondered in the circumstances had been true with him.
“You’ve got to understand Rizal. Don’t ask me anything. I have no answers,” explained Fika. Rizal kept silent.“I’m just not ready… yet,” She reached across the table.
“I’ve got to go.” replied Rizal, avoiding Fika’s outstretched hand.“Rizal... wait... I...,”
And without saying anything further, Rizal left the table. Fika watched silently, uttering no word of objection, nor agreement. Tears welled up in her eyes and slowly, teardrops flowed down her smooth, flawless skin.
As he walked along the quayside, Rizal wondered if he had done the right thing by leaving Fika alone in the restaurant. He was disappointed with the way she reacted. He had allowed his emotions to get the better of him. Pulling aside his jacket, he sat on the planks that made up the dock and rested his tired body on an empty crate. Slowly his eyelids closed shut, slumber took him away from his problems… for the moment, that is.
****************
Searching his pockets for the keys to his apartment, Rizal muttered curses to himself. He awoke to find himself still at the dock, but this time amidst the shout of the dock workers and shrills emitted by foghorns. It was nearly noon, he had decided to wash up and change, before going to see Fika and apologize for his behaviour the night before. Finding the key, he quickly unlocked the door. As he stepped inside his apartment, he noticed an envelope lying on the door mat. He picked it up and instantly recognized Fika’s writing. Without hesitation, he quickly tore it open. His eyes fell on each word quickly, yet knowingly.
Sayang,
By the time you read this letter, I will either be at the airport or half-way across the Pacific Ocean. I am joining Ayah in San Fransisco for two weeks. I tried to tell you this yesterday, but I couldn’t. If you get back in time, I would love to see you before I go. My flight is BA 667. I will be leaving at 11 a.m...
Rizal’s eyes strayed to the clock across the room. 11.37. He cursed himself and continued in despair…
What happened last night was beyond my comprehension. Words cannot…
As he read the last line, his heart paused but only for a while. For a moment bewilderment etched his face. But soon, confusion turned to understanding and yet again, to signs of ecstasy. His eyes scanned, while his lips read aloud the last two lines in the letter, again and again, and again.
Rizal was up and about early in the morning. Fika’s letter had been a source of new found energy, that had awakened and rejuvenated him. The man he was two nights ago, remained in memory. Coffee for Rizal is a daily indulgence in order to start the morning on a bright note. After having brewed his favourite coffee mix, he draped himself with a t-shirt over his boxer, went down to get his newspaper from the doorman. As he strolled down the corridor; he whistled a strange yet familiar tune to himself.
“Morning Tuan. Come to get your paper?” asked Pak Mat, the frail guard. “Yes Pak Mat. And how are you today?” inquired Rizal, as he took his morning newspaper and slowly read the front page. But before Pak Mat could reply, Rizal’s face turned white and without further notice, he ran back to his apartment. As he ran, he could hear the old man calling his name, but he ignored it. Pak Mat was surprised to see Rizal running back to his apartment. It isn’t like him to do such things, he said to himself. While trying to figure out an answer, his eyes fell upon the headline of the morning newspaper.
FLIGHT BA 667 CRASHED AT KWAI TAK AIRPORT : NO SURVIVORS
Pak Mat shook his head in disbelief. What a catastrophe, he thought.
Reaching his humble abode, Rizal ran to his desk and took out Fika’s letter. As tears flowed across his cheeks, Rizal unfolded the letter quickly; yet carefully enough not to ruin it. Sitting in his favourite chair, his bloodshot eyes focused on the last two lines…
Words cannot describe my feelings for you, nor it is easy for me to show and share that feeling with you. After thinking a while, I have realized that the appropriate answer to your proposal would be yes.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Arrivederci La Solitudine
Across the dancefloor… amidst the loud conversation of people around us… it seems that we hear them talking but our eyes only listens to each other…
Your tousled hair as you run your hands through it, making it carelessly shines…
I look up and saw that wink in your eye…
Heartbeat quickens, I look down to the floor, feeling a tad shy but yearns for your gentle touch…
And then it happens…
Feels like we are drawn towards each other… such gravity… such pull…
You took off your bow tie… loosen up your vest… but kept on your shiny cufflinks…
I dropped my bag, hesitated to take off my gloves… but you shake your head slowly...
So I smiled encouragingly, and moved closer…
Bit...
by bit...
You took my hands and brings me closer… your hands on my back... softly yet with such strength that melts my insides...
The saxophonist played an extra longer, waiting for us to sway…
You lead the way, places your lips near my ears…
Your fingers reaches for my clip, and slowly unfolds my hair… caressing them as waves of silk with your strong hands…
It felt like we were the only ones on earth… enveloped in our feelings that I have no perfect words to describe it…
because I know, just being with you and
letting our body talk smoothly…
silently…
It is the perfect moment in my life.
Your tousled hair as you run your hands through it, making it carelessly shines…
I look up and saw that wink in your eye…
Heartbeat quickens, I look down to the floor, feeling a tad shy but yearns for your gentle touch…
And then it happens…
Feels like we are drawn towards each other… such gravity… such pull…
You took off your bow tie… loosen up your vest… but kept on your shiny cufflinks…
I dropped my bag, hesitated to take off my gloves… but you shake your head slowly...
So I smiled encouragingly, and moved closer…
Bit...
by bit...
You took my hands and brings me closer… your hands on my back... softly yet with such strength that melts my insides...
The saxophonist played an extra longer, waiting for us to sway…
You lead the way, places your lips near my ears…
Your fingers reaches for my clip, and slowly unfolds my hair… caressing them as waves of silk with your strong hands…
It felt like we were the only ones on earth… enveloped in our feelings that I have no perfect words to describe it…
because I know, just being with you and
letting our body talk smoothly…
silently…
It is the perfect moment in my life.
And it ticks slowly.... Part 1
Such a weird, catastrophic feeling. No one seemed to see the tears rolling down and no one seemed to hear the loud scream of the agony pain. She stood there in the middle of the road, yet not a soul paid any attention to her. Anxiety filled her expression and slowly turned to despair.
Does fate really allow for someone to feel this lonely?
She half-carried and half-dragged her little feet to the edge of the road. With each movement, every nightmare in her life flashed by.
The vision of her step-father coming into her room at night when she was 8 years old.
The physical fight between her mother and her then-boyfriend... and her mother lying dead on the kitchen floor, bathed in red with her shocked, wide-open eyes.
The sweet promises of her career to create network with powerful & influenced people... resulted pieces of worthless money to be thrown back to her on the crisp, white sheets.
How much can a person take? How long can a person survive? She is exhausted, not from her black life but from trying to find the answers to the questions. Oh and all the faith she has in the world... surprisingly it stands strong amidst of all that has happened.
A bright light flashed by. A loud noise.
She was lying on the road.
A gentle touch. She was convinced she is in heaven.
Murmurs of words that sounds like gibberish. She didn't want to let go. She has not been touched like that, filled with care, for a very long time. So she held on, tightly.
And then, it was black.
*******
His head was hanging down. Everything around him was a blur impression by an artist. His heavy heart prayed non-stop for the vulnerable figure in front of him. Professionals in white uniform and soft-rubber shoes walked past by and ignored the man. Only one thing that disturbed him. The smell. The one particular smell that hinders him from moving forward in life. He sighed deeply.
The figure on the bed stirred. Instantly, he looked up with a curious expression and slowly inched towards the movement.
-to be continued-
Does fate really allow for someone to feel this lonely?
She half-carried and half-dragged her little feet to the edge of the road. With each movement, every nightmare in her life flashed by.
The vision of her step-father coming into her room at night when she was 8 years old.
The physical fight between her mother and her then-boyfriend... and her mother lying dead on the kitchen floor, bathed in red with her shocked, wide-open eyes.
The sweet promises of her career to create network with powerful & influenced people... resulted pieces of worthless money to be thrown back to her on the crisp, white sheets.
How much can a person take? How long can a person survive? She is exhausted, not from her black life but from trying to find the answers to the questions. Oh and all the faith she has in the world... surprisingly it stands strong amidst of all that has happened.
A bright light flashed by. A loud noise.
She was lying on the road.
A gentle touch. She was convinced she is in heaven.
Murmurs of words that sounds like gibberish. She didn't want to let go. She has not been touched like that, filled with care, for a very long time. So she held on, tightly.
And then, it was black.
*******
His head was hanging down. Everything around him was a blur impression by an artist. His heavy heart prayed non-stop for the vulnerable figure in front of him. Professionals in white uniform and soft-rubber shoes walked past by and ignored the man. Only one thing that disturbed him. The smell. The one particular smell that hinders him from moving forward in life. He sighed deeply.
The figure on the bed stirred. Instantly, he looked up with a curious expression and slowly inched towards the movement.
-to be continued-
Terima Kasih Cinta - Part 1
Sekali lagi Nia bertentang mata dengan Haizam. Hembusan nafasnya menggegarkan jiwa Nia. Terlalu dekat sekali muka mereka berdua. Cepat-cepat Nia menarik diri. Haizam mengeluh kecil di dalam hati. Dia tahu, bukan mudah untuknya menambat hati Nia.
"I have to go Haizam... Dah lewat ni. Thanks for dinner," kata Nia, mula berdiri.
Haizam diam membatu. Dia tidak mahu memaksa Nia untuk stay lebih lama, tapi dia juga tidak boleh menghalang jika Nia ingin balik. Haizam mencapai tangan Nia dan memusingkan badannya.
"Biar I hantar you balik. Takkan you nak amik taxi at this hour,"
"Eh takpela Haizam, I'm used to it. Tak nak susahkan u,"
Haizam mula mendekatkan diri. Menyisir rambut Nia. Merenung matanya.
"I insist." suaranya muktamad.
Damn it, kalau kereta aku tak rosak, tak jadi macam ni! rengus hati Nia.
Haizam membiarkan saja Nia berjalan di hadapannya. Aroma Jean Paul Gaultier Fragile, kegemaran Nia, semakin lama semakin merasuk akal fikirannya. Haruman tersebut membawa seribu kenangan manis.
Setelah melabuhkan diri di dalam kereta, Haizam diam seketika berfikir. Enjin tidak distartkan walaupun jari jemarinya sedang memegang kunci untuk dipusingkan.
Nia melihat sahaja perilaku Haizam. "Are you ok?"
Pemikiran Haizam terhenti. Menolehkan mukanya ke sebelah kiri. Kalau boleh tidak mahu dimulakan sebarang perbualan.
"Haizam, what's wrong?" lembut suara Nia.
Haizam mengangguk perlahan sambil memerhatikan side mirror dan memusingkan kunci kereta. Apabila kereta mula bergerak keluar dari side parking box, Haizam menekan brek dan menarik brek tangan.
"What's wrong? Terlanggar apa?" Nia terkejut.
Dilihatnya di belakang tiada kereta, motor mahupun orang yang sedang berjalan kaki. Kosong. Permandangannya dialihkan kepada Haizam.
"Nia... I..." Haizam segera mencapai kedua tangan Nia dan memegangnya erat. Didekatkan mukanya ke muka Nia seinci demi seinci.
Haizam mencium dahi Nia dengan lembut, dibelainya akan rambut Nia yang panjang. Haizam memberikan senyuman kepada Nia. Senyuman itulah yang pernah membuatkan Nia menyedari akan kehadiran lelaki itu di dalam dunia ini. Nia tunduk membisu. Tak mampu berkata-kata. Dia tidak percaya dirinya inginkan belaian mesra Haizam. Can't be!
*********************************
Haizam mengambil telefonnya dan mendail restoran kegemaran Nia, Cilantro's untuk memesan makanan tengahari Nia.
"Yes, that will be all. Please deliver to Ms Nia and make it fast. I don't want her to starve."
Nia mengangkat mukanya apabila terdengar namanya dipanggil.
"Cik Nia? Ada delivery for you,"
Nia mengangkat keningnya apabila melihat logo Cilantro's di kotak yang dipegang oleh remaja tersebut. "Dari siapa?" "Maaf cik, tugas saya hanya menghantar makanan. Enjoy your lunch," remaja itu tersenyum sebelum berlalu. Nia melihat kotak di hadapannya. Aroma bau yang lazat menggoda seleranya. Memang dia lapar, sejak pagi perutnya kosong. Penutup kotak dibuka dan terlihat makanan kegemarannya. Seraya itu, telefonnya berbunyi. Mesej. Nia membuka flip dan membaca sms yang baru diterima. Haizam.
I know u lapar. But jgn sampai x makan, ok. I care 4 u and I'm begging u to take that lunch eventho u marah kat I. Please...
Nia hanya menggelengkan kepalanya. Sometimes, Haizam is just unbelievable.
*********************************
"Encik Haizam, tadi Mr. John datang for his appointment. Dia nearly nak cancelkan tender di Bukit Beruntung... and bos cari you tadi. After this ada appointment with RB and later you have to do a programme with Time.com aaa... Encik Haizam? Are you listening to me?" tanya Susan. Tidak pernah bosnya berperangai sebegini sehinggakan tender penting company pun dah tak menarik. "Encik Haizam?" sekali lagi Susan mencelah di kala kesunyian.
"Huh? Apa dia Susan? Bila awak masuk?" terkejut Haizam melihat gadis Cina di belakangnya. "Encik yang suruh saya masuk. Encik sihat ke? Do you want me to call the doctor?" Haizam terdiam.
"No, tak payah. I'm ok, tengah fikir benda lain tadi..." sambil menarik nafas panjang, "Hari ni macam mana?" tanyanya sambil berjalan ke arah meja. Susan mengulangi apa yang telah dikatakan tadi. Dilihat bosnya itu hanya terangguk-angguk.
"I don't want to be disturbed today Susan," tegas suara Haizam. "Ok bos, saya keluar dulu, Susan mengambil fail-fail syarikat dan berlalu pergi. Mencapai telefon di sebelah, "Hello Kak Nah, Dato' ada?" "Ada Haizam, kejap akan connectkan." setiausaha Dato' bersuara.
"Hah Haizam... where have you been? Your level cakap you tiba-tiba keluar. What happened? We nearly buat John marah. Haizam tak sihat ke?" bertubi-tubi soalan Dato'. "Maaf Dato'... saya ok. I'm really sorry about tadi. Ada personal matter sikit. Anyway, I dah contact Mr. John and promised him a new paper work and presentation. Saya tengah buat paperwork tu sekarang and probably sempat early dinner with him. Insyaallah, boleh buat dia datang balik to us. Dato' jangan risau." Haizam memberikan jaminan.
Dato' tersenyum sendirian. Dia amat sayangkan Haizam. Pekerja yang amat berdedikasi. Baginya, kerja datang dulu. "Hmm... elokla tu. Saya pun dah slow talk dengan dia. What happened tadi?" Dato' Sharif mula membongkar. Kadang-kadang mereka bagaikan anak dan ayah, berkongsi apa saja. Anak lelaki tunggal Dato' Sharif telah meninggal dunia 10 tahun yang lalu akibat leukimia. Haizam dilihat bagaikan harapan baru untuknya.
Apabila Haizam diam membatu, Dato' bertanya, "Pasal Nia ke?" "Yeah and no... takda apala Dato'. Don't worry. Saya sambung balik kerja ye, takut tak sempat. I'll meet you later," Haizam cuba mengelak.
“Hmm… yelah. Nanti saya drop by later. Assalamualaikum,”
“Waalaikumussalam,” Haizam meletakkan gagang telefon. Matanya tertumpu ke Apple I-Mac yang sedang menayangkan paperwork baru, kemudian beralih ke televisyen di sebelah yang sedang memaparkan channel Bloomberg. Saham di Wall Street nampaknya jatuh lagi. Balik lambatla lagi hari ini.
********************
Jam dinding menunjukkan 9.45 malam. Nia masih lagi di pejabatnya, menyiapkan kerja. Apa yang berlaku pagi tadi membuatkan dia tidak dapat menumpukan sepenuh perhatian. Akibatnya, banyak meeting yang perlu ditangguhkan. Nia melihat keluar biliknya dan mendapati masih ada beberapa staff lagi yang bekerja lambat sepertinya. Dia mengeluh kecil. Pejabatnya amat sibuk kebelakangan ini sehinggakan Nia tidak menjaga kesihatan dirinya. Dia melihat skrin komputernya, email inboxnya penuh dengan email dari Haizam sejak tiga bulan lepas. Tak cukup dengan itu, Haizam akan telefon, mesej atau datang ke rumahnya untuk menjenguk Nia. Mouse digerakkan dan membuka beberapa email yang ada.
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : checkin up on u
Hey, I tried callin u yesterday. I know ur still mad, please talk to me. Im really sorry.
Luv lots,
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : ello….
Nia, please sayang. Ur not picking up ur phone, I called rumah, uncle said you tak nak cakap ngan I. Please jangan biarkan I sorang. We’re in this together, I’m here 4 u. Call me k.
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : restless
Hie princess, went to ur office tadi, had a meeting kat 19th. I was at ur floor tapi I takut nak masuk bilik u, scared ur still angry with me. Text me k, we go makan?
Luv lots,
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : not givin up
As my subject stated, I tak akan putus asa. I know u marah and I sanggup tunggu. Just talk to me k, I really am so worried abt u. Mami and ayah k salam.
Luv lots,
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : rindu
I miss ur laugh.
Setitik air matanya jatuh, cepat-cepat Nia menyeka. I know I have feelings for Haizam tapi aku masih tak boleh lupakan apa yang dia pernah buat dulu. Dan Jimmy tak bersalah, kenapa pula dia dihukum macam ni? He has been good to me, it’s not fair to him. But… Nia memejamkan matanya… But I love Haizam, I still do.
“Assalamualaikum,” ketukan di pintu mengejutkan Nia.
“Waalaikumussalam… Haizam?”
Haizam tersenyum. “I called earlier, your floor cakap you would be working late. I datang to check on you. Mesti tak makan lagi kan? I brought something,” kata Haizam sambil menunjukkan bungkusan makanan yang dibawanya sekali.
“Haizam, you shouldn’t be here,”“Kenapa? I rindukan you and I wanna see if you’re ok. We had a difficult morning tadi and you tak reply any of my sms or email. Jadi I datang and I’m here. This is for you,” Haizam memberikan sejambak bunga ros putih, kegemaran Nia. Haizam kemudian bergerak ke meja tetamu di dalam bilik dan menyediakan makanan. Nia melihat sahaja telatah Haizam.
Dalam hati, dirinya tersenyum riang. He is trying hard to win me back.“Sayang? Kita dinner sama-sama? I tak dinner lagi ni, laparnye… Come… I belikan nasi ayam hainan. Remember we used to eat this every week?” Haizam tersenyum. Nia mengangguk dan duduk di hadapan Haizam. Aroma nasi ayam membuatkan dia tiba-tiba terasa lapar.
“Haizam… about this morning, I’m sorry I screamed at you,”“Nia, you have every right to be so. Apa yang you cakap memang betul, I have wronged you. And I still pegang teguh with what I said. I want to marry you,” tegas Haizam.
Then why don’t you? Why did you leave me dulu? Nia terdetik di dalam hati.
“Sayang… I tau I buat salah but now I want to win you back, fair and square. You deserve it. I was a bastard dulu, and I tak pernah nampak seseorang yang priceless ada betul-betul depan mata I. Kalau I kena berusaha sampai kita dah tua, lantakla.. asalkan you tau yang I ikhlas this time. I’m a changed man, bukan lagi Haizam yang suka main-main masa campus dulu. I really love you and I wanna be with you. You don’t have to say anything ok? Biar I kerja keras. In the end, I want you to decide dengan jujur siapa sebenarnya ada dalam hati you. But for now, I dah banyak membebel so now kita makan dulu ye?” Haizam tersenyum.
“Ok, kita makan dulu,” balas Nia, gembira dengan apa yang baru saja didengar.
-to be continued-
"I have to go Haizam... Dah lewat ni. Thanks for dinner," kata Nia, mula berdiri.
Haizam diam membatu. Dia tidak mahu memaksa Nia untuk stay lebih lama, tapi dia juga tidak boleh menghalang jika Nia ingin balik. Haizam mencapai tangan Nia dan memusingkan badannya.
"Biar I hantar you balik. Takkan you nak amik taxi at this hour,"
"Eh takpela Haizam, I'm used to it. Tak nak susahkan u,"
Haizam mula mendekatkan diri. Menyisir rambut Nia. Merenung matanya.
"I insist." suaranya muktamad.
Damn it, kalau kereta aku tak rosak, tak jadi macam ni! rengus hati Nia.
Haizam membiarkan saja Nia berjalan di hadapannya. Aroma Jean Paul Gaultier Fragile, kegemaran Nia, semakin lama semakin merasuk akal fikirannya. Haruman tersebut membawa seribu kenangan manis.
Setelah melabuhkan diri di dalam kereta, Haizam diam seketika berfikir. Enjin tidak distartkan walaupun jari jemarinya sedang memegang kunci untuk dipusingkan.
Nia melihat sahaja perilaku Haizam. "Are you ok?"
Pemikiran Haizam terhenti. Menolehkan mukanya ke sebelah kiri. Kalau boleh tidak mahu dimulakan sebarang perbualan.
"Haizam, what's wrong?" lembut suara Nia.
Haizam mengangguk perlahan sambil memerhatikan side mirror dan memusingkan kunci kereta. Apabila kereta mula bergerak keluar dari side parking box, Haizam menekan brek dan menarik brek tangan.
"What's wrong? Terlanggar apa?" Nia terkejut.
Dilihatnya di belakang tiada kereta, motor mahupun orang yang sedang berjalan kaki. Kosong. Permandangannya dialihkan kepada Haizam.
"Nia... I..." Haizam segera mencapai kedua tangan Nia dan memegangnya erat. Didekatkan mukanya ke muka Nia seinci demi seinci.
Haizam mencium dahi Nia dengan lembut, dibelainya akan rambut Nia yang panjang. Haizam memberikan senyuman kepada Nia. Senyuman itulah yang pernah membuatkan Nia menyedari akan kehadiran lelaki itu di dalam dunia ini. Nia tunduk membisu. Tak mampu berkata-kata. Dia tidak percaya dirinya inginkan belaian mesra Haizam. Can't be!
*********************************
Haizam mengambil telefonnya dan mendail restoran kegemaran Nia, Cilantro's untuk memesan makanan tengahari Nia.
"Yes, that will be all. Please deliver to Ms Nia and make it fast. I don't want her to starve."
Nia mengangkat mukanya apabila terdengar namanya dipanggil.
"Cik Nia? Ada delivery for you,"
Nia mengangkat keningnya apabila melihat logo Cilantro's di kotak yang dipegang oleh remaja tersebut. "Dari siapa?" "Maaf cik, tugas saya hanya menghantar makanan. Enjoy your lunch," remaja itu tersenyum sebelum berlalu. Nia melihat kotak di hadapannya. Aroma bau yang lazat menggoda seleranya. Memang dia lapar, sejak pagi perutnya kosong. Penutup kotak dibuka dan terlihat makanan kegemarannya. Seraya itu, telefonnya berbunyi. Mesej. Nia membuka flip dan membaca sms yang baru diterima. Haizam.
I know u lapar. But jgn sampai x makan, ok. I care 4 u and I'm begging u to take that lunch eventho u marah kat I. Please...
Nia hanya menggelengkan kepalanya. Sometimes, Haizam is just unbelievable.
*********************************
"Encik Haizam, tadi Mr. John datang for his appointment. Dia nearly nak cancelkan tender di Bukit Beruntung... and bos cari you tadi. After this ada appointment with RB and later you have to do a programme with Time.com aaa... Encik Haizam? Are you listening to me?" tanya Susan. Tidak pernah bosnya berperangai sebegini sehinggakan tender penting company pun dah tak menarik. "Encik Haizam?" sekali lagi Susan mencelah di kala kesunyian.
"Huh? Apa dia Susan? Bila awak masuk?" terkejut Haizam melihat gadis Cina di belakangnya. "Encik yang suruh saya masuk. Encik sihat ke? Do you want me to call the doctor?" Haizam terdiam.
"No, tak payah. I'm ok, tengah fikir benda lain tadi..." sambil menarik nafas panjang, "Hari ni macam mana?" tanyanya sambil berjalan ke arah meja. Susan mengulangi apa yang telah dikatakan tadi. Dilihat bosnya itu hanya terangguk-angguk.
"I don't want to be disturbed today Susan," tegas suara Haizam. "Ok bos, saya keluar dulu, Susan mengambil fail-fail syarikat dan berlalu pergi. Mencapai telefon di sebelah, "Hello Kak Nah, Dato' ada?" "Ada Haizam, kejap akan connectkan." setiausaha Dato' bersuara.
"Hah Haizam... where have you been? Your level cakap you tiba-tiba keluar. What happened? We nearly buat John marah. Haizam tak sihat ke?" bertubi-tubi soalan Dato'. "Maaf Dato'... saya ok. I'm really sorry about tadi. Ada personal matter sikit. Anyway, I dah contact Mr. John and promised him a new paper work and presentation. Saya tengah buat paperwork tu sekarang and probably sempat early dinner with him. Insyaallah, boleh buat dia datang balik to us. Dato' jangan risau." Haizam memberikan jaminan.
Dato' tersenyum sendirian. Dia amat sayangkan Haizam. Pekerja yang amat berdedikasi. Baginya, kerja datang dulu. "Hmm... elokla tu. Saya pun dah slow talk dengan dia. What happened tadi?" Dato' Sharif mula membongkar. Kadang-kadang mereka bagaikan anak dan ayah, berkongsi apa saja. Anak lelaki tunggal Dato' Sharif telah meninggal dunia 10 tahun yang lalu akibat leukimia. Haizam dilihat bagaikan harapan baru untuknya.
Apabila Haizam diam membatu, Dato' bertanya, "Pasal Nia ke?" "Yeah and no... takda apala Dato'. Don't worry. Saya sambung balik kerja ye, takut tak sempat. I'll meet you later," Haizam cuba mengelak.
“Hmm… yelah. Nanti saya drop by later. Assalamualaikum,”
“Waalaikumussalam,” Haizam meletakkan gagang telefon. Matanya tertumpu ke Apple I-Mac yang sedang menayangkan paperwork baru, kemudian beralih ke televisyen di sebelah yang sedang memaparkan channel Bloomberg. Saham di Wall Street nampaknya jatuh lagi. Balik lambatla lagi hari ini.
********************
Jam dinding menunjukkan 9.45 malam. Nia masih lagi di pejabatnya, menyiapkan kerja. Apa yang berlaku pagi tadi membuatkan dia tidak dapat menumpukan sepenuh perhatian. Akibatnya, banyak meeting yang perlu ditangguhkan. Nia melihat keluar biliknya dan mendapati masih ada beberapa staff lagi yang bekerja lambat sepertinya. Dia mengeluh kecil. Pejabatnya amat sibuk kebelakangan ini sehinggakan Nia tidak menjaga kesihatan dirinya. Dia melihat skrin komputernya, email inboxnya penuh dengan email dari Haizam sejak tiga bulan lepas. Tak cukup dengan itu, Haizam akan telefon, mesej atau datang ke rumahnya untuk menjenguk Nia. Mouse digerakkan dan membuka beberapa email yang ada.
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : checkin up on u
Hey, I tried callin u yesterday. I know ur still mad, please talk to me. Im really sorry.
Luv lots,
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : ello….
Nia, please sayang. Ur not picking up ur phone, I called rumah, uncle said you tak nak cakap ngan I. Please jangan biarkan I sorang. We’re in this together, I’m here 4 u. Call me k.
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : restless
Hie princess, went to ur office tadi, had a meeting kat 19th. I was at ur floor tapi I takut nak masuk bilik u, scared ur still angry with me. Text me k, we go makan?
Luv lots,
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : not givin up
As my subject stated, I tak akan putus asa. I know u marah and I sanggup tunggu. Just talk to me k, I really am so worried abt u. Mami and ayah k salam.
Luv lots,
Haizam
FROM : haizam.hamdan@dbs.com.my
TO : nurul.niyada@manulife.international.com
SUBJECT : rindu
I miss ur laugh.
Setitik air matanya jatuh, cepat-cepat Nia menyeka. I know I have feelings for Haizam tapi aku masih tak boleh lupakan apa yang dia pernah buat dulu. Dan Jimmy tak bersalah, kenapa pula dia dihukum macam ni? He has been good to me, it’s not fair to him. But… Nia memejamkan matanya… But I love Haizam, I still do.
“Assalamualaikum,” ketukan di pintu mengejutkan Nia.
“Waalaikumussalam… Haizam?”
Haizam tersenyum. “I called earlier, your floor cakap you would be working late. I datang to check on you. Mesti tak makan lagi kan? I brought something,” kata Haizam sambil menunjukkan bungkusan makanan yang dibawanya sekali.
“Haizam, you shouldn’t be here,”“Kenapa? I rindukan you and I wanna see if you’re ok. We had a difficult morning tadi and you tak reply any of my sms or email. Jadi I datang and I’m here. This is for you,” Haizam memberikan sejambak bunga ros putih, kegemaran Nia. Haizam kemudian bergerak ke meja tetamu di dalam bilik dan menyediakan makanan. Nia melihat sahaja telatah Haizam.
Dalam hati, dirinya tersenyum riang. He is trying hard to win me back.“Sayang? Kita dinner sama-sama? I tak dinner lagi ni, laparnye… Come… I belikan nasi ayam hainan. Remember we used to eat this every week?” Haizam tersenyum. Nia mengangguk dan duduk di hadapan Haizam. Aroma nasi ayam membuatkan dia tiba-tiba terasa lapar.
“Haizam… about this morning, I’m sorry I screamed at you,”“Nia, you have every right to be so. Apa yang you cakap memang betul, I have wronged you. And I still pegang teguh with what I said. I want to marry you,” tegas Haizam.
Then why don’t you? Why did you leave me dulu? Nia terdetik di dalam hati.
“Sayang… I tau I buat salah but now I want to win you back, fair and square. You deserve it. I was a bastard dulu, and I tak pernah nampak seseorang yang priceless ada betul-betul depan mata I. Kalau I kena berusaha sampai kita dah tua, lantakla.. asalkan you tau yang I ikhlas this time. I’m a changed man, bukan lagi Haizam yang suka main-main masa campus dulu. I really love you and I wanna be with you. You don’t have to say anything ok? Biar I kerja keras. In the end, I want you to decide dengan jujur siapa sebenarnya ada dalam hati you. But for now, I dah banyak membebel so now kita makan dulu ye?” Haizam tersenyum.
“Ok, kita makan dulu,” balas Nia, gembira dengan apa yang baru saja didengar.
-to be continued-
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)