63. It's Not Destined

After Ehsan left, Mursidah sat and contemplated on the sofa alone. What Ehsan had said was true. Zahra should not have been that close to a man she had just met. Especially since he was just a motorcycle taxi driver. Besides, Ehsan's parents had urged him to get them married. However, Ehsan still doesn't have a clear job. Will Ehsan be able to make his daughter happy. As a mother, she certainly wanted the best for her daughter. "Umi, why are you daydreaming?" asked Zahra after placing a glass of Mursidah's favorite hot tea on the table, then intending to return to the kitchen. "Zahra, wait. I have something to say," Umi called out. Zahra immediately stopped. "Yes, Umi?" Zahra wondered. "Sit down." "Yes, Umi." Zahra sat on the chair next to Mursidah, separated by a small table. "Zahra, Umi wanted to ask, why were you so friendly with the motorcycle taxi driver?" Zahra furrowed her brow. "You mean, Mas Dayyan?" "Ha, yes, so his name is Dayyan and you're used to calling him mas?" "Yes, Umi. I respect other people too. After all, he already has a wife and children." Umi seemed to sigh, leaving Zahra wondering what was wrong with her. "Look, Zahra. Umi asked you not to get too close to the ojek driver. It's nothing, you already have a future husband, Ehsan. You also have to maintain your honor as a woman. Don't get too close to him and just--" "But, Umi--" Zahra interrupted to express her disagreement with her mother's statement. "Zahra, remember you are an honorable woman and also, isn't he married? So, I hope you will take good care of yourself and watch your behavior. I don't want anyone to speak ill of you!" said Mursidah. "Yes, Umi." Zahra nodded. "Umi pray asr first, it's about time," she said, hurrying to the room after sipping and finishing a glass of hot tea. After Mursidah left, Zahra was pensive. Was it true that she was too close to Dayyan? Was her attitude all wrong? Wasn't it natural as a customer to a service provider? Without Dayyan, Zahra would probably have trouble getting around quickly. She was a mobile type person. Always moving quickly. "Have I been too close to Mas Dayyan?" Zahra knew that her mother loved her and wanted to protect her daughter's honor. It's just that Zahra didn't feel that way and had more intentions for the man. However, she thought about it since they had met several times and talked about many things, especially about her family. The conversation did make her feel more comfortable when riding with Dayyan than when riding with other people. However, Zahra believed it was just sympathy between the customer and the seller. She was absolutely sure at that moment of her feelings. Nothing more. "Me? Avoiding and being casual with Mas Dayyan? How can I do that? Well, maybe I'll try. I hope Umi doesn't misjudge my attitude again," Zahra finally decided to follow Mursidah's advice. The next day, when Zahra had to go shopping for something and somehow coincidentally, it was always Dayyan who received her online motorcycle taxi order, Zahra only spoke as needed. "Good morning, Mrs. Zahra. Nice to see you again, I'm ready to take you to your destination," greeted Dayyan in a friendly manner according to the rules of his company. "Please take me to the ATM, I want to withdraw cash," Zahra replied flatly with a smileless face, making Dayyan frown. "Yes, ma'am. I'm ready." Dayyan drove Zahra to her destination and stopped at several places to buy something. On the way, Zahra, who used to chat first or respond to his questions in a friendly manner, was now silent. Dayyan was reluctant to start first, he didn't want his customer to feel uncomfortable, even though it was actually his heart that felt uncomfortable. "What's wrong with Ms. Zahra? Did I do something wrong to her? She's so cold to me today?" Dayyan wondered. They were silent for quite a while. However, the silence of the journey inevitably made Dayyan finally couldn't resist opening his voice. "Ehem. Sorry, Mrs. Zahra. Are you not feeling well today?" "No." Zahra answered briefly. "Oh, thank goodness if it's okay. I thought I had thrush, I've been so quiet, hehehe," Dayyan joked and hoped Zahra would respond with a smile or a small laugh. Thankfully, she would reciprocate his words. However, instead of being outgoing as usual, it became even more awkward because Dayyan was the only one laughing and telling stories by himself. Zahra didn't even respond to his chatter until he returned home. "Thank you, Ms. Zahra. See you on the next order." "Thank you. The change, no need." Zahra handed me a blue slip. And, again without a smile. "Excuse me, ma'am." Dayyan finally got on his bike after a while of waiting because he was hoping Zahra would ask him to stop by. Even though it was just small talk, for some reason he suddenly felt hopeful that Zahra would ask him to stop by as usual. "Hah, what am I thinking. I already have a wife and children. My relationship with her is limited to customers and users. Nothing more. Don't expect and think more even if it's just to be friends, Dayyan! Remember, Atthaya is your priority right now!" Dayyan muttered dismissing his own thoughts. "Zahra is a diligent and determined girl. She dared to start a business and quit being a career woman. Even though she's still pioneering, her business is quite advanced. A beautiful and great girl like her deserves the best match," Dayyan thought at the time. And then, in the days that followed, Zahra's coldness continued. It made Dayyan feel very awkward. He really felt uncomfortable. Every time Zahra placed an order and Dayyan accepted the order, despite the expectation of meeting the young girl, Dayyan still felt awkward when he did. However, he still took orders from Zahra because he was a regular, he needed it and Zahra's area was not far from his reach. Zahra rushed inside when she finished her taxi ride without looking back. Inside the room she leaned against the doorframe and let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry, Mas Dayyan. I didn't want to be like this. It's really awkward, but it's for the good of both of us. I don't want mom to think anything wrong. Neither do people. This is enough." For some reason, Zahra felt a little unwilling. She already felt comfortable chatting with the mature and thoughtful Dayyan. Compared to Ehsan who was always looking for attention and overdoing it, she preferred talking to Dayyan. After all, they had only talked about business and family. Not about anything else. However, not everyone thought the same. Zahra didn't want things to get complicated. Remembering and knowing Dayyan as the only male acquaintance besides her father, Zahra felt she could get along well. Zahra had always run aground in any friendship with men. There were many incompatibilities between them. His nature and thoughts were contrary to most women's perceptions. Hence, Mursida forced her to marry and set her up with Ehsan for fear of Zahra becoming an old maid for life. Despite not fitting in and not feeling anything for Ehsan, Zahra could not refuse her mother's request. "If I had found a better man than Ehsan, if he had something close to Mas Dayyan's character, maybe I wouldn't have been married for long. However, that seems impossible. I've never gotten along with men that easily. Especially a man who can only look down on and judge women from the outside."