62. More Closer

Galen parked his car in front of a tall building. This morning he opened the WAG for job vacancies in the area where he lived, and read that there was a vacancy that matched his qualifications. "Excuse me, sir, I'd like to submit a vacancy." Dayyan met the security guard at the glass door of the factory's administration room. "There, Mas. Put it over there, there's already a box for each position you want." The security guard pointed to a table on which were several boxes that looked like election ballot cities. Dayyan read the writing on the outside of the boxes one by one, then when he found a box labeled 'Quality Control' he put in a brown envelope containing his pride. Yes, his pride in front of Septin would only be visible if Dayyan had a steady job with an adequate monthly salary like he used to. 'Bismillahirrahmanirrahim." Before stuffing the envelope, Dayyan made a prayer. "Ya Allah, this is part of my effort, You know what is best for me, while I don't know anything, even my own future. If this is the best, please make it easy." After stuffing the envelope, Dayyan said goodbye to the security guard. "See you later, sir, good luck." The security guard's words sounded like a taunt as Dayyan saw several young men in long shirts, shoes and neat appearance also heading towards the box. They were very young, some even looked like they had just graduated from high school, or graduated from college. He was probably the only man in an online motorcycle taxi uniform who had submitted a job application. Any factory or company would want to have productive employees. He is currently 34 years old, with vacancies open for 22-35 year olds for certain positions. It's not easy competition, Dayyan is well aware of that. He realizes that his time working for a factory or company has passed. He should have his own business by now. "Unfortunately, my in-laws never considered that being an online ojek driver is both, an employee and having your own business, combined. Not under someone else's orders, free to determine your own working hours. The results can also be enjoyed immediately." Dayyan muttered to himself. Almost every day, Dayyan submits an application whose information he gets from social media, as well as WA Groups specialized in job vacancies in his area. Dayyan sped his motorcycle to Zahra's house. This morning he got a message that there were many rice boxes that had to be delivered to customers. Zahra's bright smile greeted him. Sometimes Dayyan felt that smile was dedicated to him. He quickly dismissed that feeling, because he knew Zahra was friendly to everyone. Everyone except Ehsan. The girl was immediately infatuated when she found Ehsan sitting on the bench in front of her house in the morning. "Neng Zahra, very beautiful this morning," Ehsan greeted her almost every day when she started to lower the rolling door of his garage. "Come Bang Ehsan, I'll leave first, I still have a lot of work to do." Zahra usually cleans and then organizes the storefront. Inserting stainless trays of food that she would pack into rice boxes. Dayyan arrived just as Zahra finished preparing ten boxes of rice and put them into a large plastic bag. Dayyan greeted Zahra in a friendly manner. Ehsan immediately perked up his ears when he saw Dayyan's motorcycle entering Zahra's yard. "Hmm, that bully is coming again. Most mornings before other ojek come. Does he always get orders here, or did Neng Zahra ask him to come?" Ehsan began to feel uncomfortable that Dayyan was always getting special treatment. "Here, have some tea, Mas." Zahra's voice sounded very melodious, had she been the one offered tea. Ehsan began to wonder. "Today seems lackluster, is Athaya still sick?" Zahra started the conversation. Her hands deftly molded the rice, then put it into a plastic mica. Vegetables, side dishes were also arranged according to their respective places. "It's normal, mom. Alhamdulillah, since returning from the hospital yesterday, his condition has gradually improved. He's starting to cheer up again." Zahra listened from behind the display case, but she could sense the sadness in Dayyan's voice. He seemed to be carrying a heavy burden that he was reluctant to share with anyone. "Sometimes we don't know when the trial will end, but I always believe there will be a good ending." Zahra seemed to be talking to herself. She was indeed expressing her feelings. At the age of three, being unmarried might be a burden for other women, but not for her. Zahra just feels that she hasn't found the right man yet. "Sometimes we get tired on the road and want to rest for a while. Because only we know our limits." Dayyan said. He took the box filled with rice and attached two rubber bands, before putting it in a plastic bag. "Listening to what others say too often and then taking it to heart, will only increase anxiety." Zahra said again. Dayyan remembered his conversation with Septin last night. This morning when he submitted his application, he realized that all he had done was to prove to his in-laws that he was not just sitting on his hands, but also taking steps and making efforts. Zahra's words just now were very true. "Sometimes we want to ignore it, but there's no denying that feelings can't be dismissed that easily, especially if it comes from someone close." This time Dayyan began to express what he felt. His disappointment in Septin, as well as acceptance that what his in-laws had said was true. The most painful part of Septin's words was when she indirectly told him to leave Farah's life. "There will always be people who disagree with us, and only see through their own eyes. The decision is up to us, whether we want to keep wearing our own glasses, or switch to that person's glasses, which definitely won't fit." "So that's apparently what makes Ms. Zahra seem carefree, huh? Because she always wears her own glasses, and never borrows anyone else's?" Zahra laughed at Dayyan's joke. She was also still often saddened by Mursida's demanding words. Umi did love her, so much so that she didn't want Zahra to be alone for long. The classic problem of parents with standards of happiness when their children get married is the end of all anxiety. "So Athaya is back home, she's healthy again, so what's on your mind that you're so disheveled in the morning?" Zahra asked gently. For a moment, Dayyan's heart beat faster as his eyes met those clear round eyes. "Nothing, I just don't think about anything anymore, ma'am." Dayyan put the rice box that he had rubberized and counted ten boxes into the crackle bag again. "Ah, that's a lie, Mas Dayyan is usually cheerful, today his face is cloudy." "That was when we weren't talking. Now I'm fine, even better than yesterday and the days before. All those burdens seem to be lifted when I see you," Dayyan thought as he stared at the beautiful face behind the display case.