Episode 14

In the living room, Rena, Sinta, and their mother Rahayu continued to be a constant presence, discussing how Dinda seemed to grow more tidy and lovely by the day. Even her attire had noticeably improved - Dinda didn't wear fine clothes every day, but today she was adorned in a new outfit, coupled with a bracelet around her wrist and a ring on her delicate finger.

"Did you see Dinda wearing a ring and bracelet earlier? When did that girl start wearing jewelry? Or could it be that you, in secret, gifted her with gold?" Rena asked, turning her gaze towards Mother Rahayu.

"No, I wouldn't give Dinda anything if she's still with Satria. I don't want any jewelry to go towards Satria's indulgence, to be sold for his reckless spending. I've set aside a gold share for Dinda, but I'm keeping it safe - I've given you your portions long ago," Mother Rahayu exclaimed.

Indeed, Mother Rahayu had jewelry for her daughters and daughters-in-law. Most had been distributed two years ago when Dinda and Satria were about to wed, yet Dinda's share remained securely stored.

"Oh, that gold is probably fake, just for Dinda to flaunt and appear affluent while it's not genuine," Sinta sneered, prompting laughter from both Mother Rahayu and Rena.

"Possibly fake, indeed. Where would she get the money if it were real," Rena concurred with Sinta's suggestion.

"Don't mind my business; tend to your own lives. Money matters or debts, that's all my concern. And about my jewelry - every piece I'm wearing is authentic, the ring's stone is even a diamond. You know, a diamond? You probably couldn't even afford it, seeing as your husbands are merely salaried men, unlike mine who earns money every day," Dinda boasted, showing up suddenly and shocking the three women of different ages who had been merrily gossiping about her.

"Only proud of selling iced desserts," Sinta uttered with a hint of scorn.

"Even if it's iced desserts, he can afford to buy his wife a diamond. By the way, please prepare lunch for father later, as I won't be able to do it today; Satria and I are going out," Dinda mentioned nonchalantly as she bid farewell.

Without waiting for a response from the women before her, Dinda headed home to ready herself. Although their promise was to leave in the afternoon, she intended to start early to spend more time at their grandmother's house.

"Has Mr. Marno taken his cart, Mas?" Dinda inquired.

"Yes, Din, he's already started selling since he had all his ingredients ready. You made coconut milk this morning, right? Rather than letting it go to waste, Mr. Marno decided to sell from now," Satria replied.

"Yes, I made it this morning; I wasn't aware you weren't selling today. As for the ice, let Mr. Marno take it from our fridge, and no charge for that. It's sort of our charity for him," she added.

"My wife has such a generous heart," Satria expressed his admiration.

Dinda and Satria were now en route to the main house where their grandmother resided. Satria was driving his own car. Dinda was impressed by her husband's driving skills and wished to learn herself.

"Mas, I'm so nervous. I fear grandmother won't like me," Dinda confessed, still lacking self-confidence.

"Don't be tense, relax Din. Besides, grandmother won't be upset. I told you she's very kind. If you get close to her, you'll truly understand her," Satria assured her as they drove.

*Bismillah... May grandmother accept me warmly\,* Dinda silently prayed.

Satria's vehicle pulled into an elite housing complex where all houses were multi-storied, luxurious, and vast. They stopped right in front of the seemingly largest and most opulent three-story home. Dinda was awestruck by the sight of Grandmother Satria's residence.

"Let's head inside; grandmother must be waiting for us," Satria suggested affectionately, guiding Dinda into the house.

Inside, Dinda was further amazed by the house's lavishness, with expensive Gucci items and precious crystal displays adorning every corner and showcase. The floors shone so clean that they were mirror-like and made Dinda cautious of slipping.

"Is this my grandchild's wife?" asked Grandmother Murni upon seeing Dinda and Satria approaching.

Instead of first asking about her grandson, her immediate attention was on welcoming her new granddaughter-in-law.

"Assalamualaikum, Grandmother," Dinda greeted with courtesy, bowing to kiss Grandmother Murni's hand with profound respect.

"Wa'alaikumsalam," Grandmother Murni responded.

Dinda was still nervous, unsure of what to talk about, while Satria, though not very close to his grandmother, silently took a seat beside Dinda. The only family member Satria had left was Grandmother Murni.

"Don't you miss your grandmother, Satria? Five years without a visit – are you still angry about that punishment? Everything I did, I did for your benefit, not wanting you to continue down the wrong path," Grandmother Murni spoke candidly.

Satria moved closer to embrace his grandmother tightly, his eyes brimming with emotion. It wasn't that he didn't care, he just didn't know how to express his affection.

"Forgive me, Grandmother. For five years, I was away to focus on a new life as an ordinary citizen, stripped of luxury. I am now grateful for your discipline; it led me to find someone who genuinely loves me, accepting all my flaws. This woman defied her own siblings to be with me. Thank you, grandmother, for those valuable lessons I will treasure forever," Satria spoke tearfully.

"The best of my blessings are with you and your marriage. Rest now, or eat if you've not had food. Stay the night; there's something I wish to discuss with you both later," Grandmother Murni suggested.

Dinda and Satria exchanged a glance; their initial plan was merely a visit of introduction, not an overnight stay, and Dinda hadn't brought a change of clothes.

"We shall stay the night then, Grandmother," Satria agreed dutifully.

"Lead your wife to rest in your room; let her sleep and don't bother her, she looks utterly exhausted," Grandmother Murni advised, giving Dinda a warm, welcoming smile.

Satria took Dinda to rest in his room, a room he hadn't set foot in for five years. Earlier, their grandmother had instructed the servants to bring refreshments and snacks to Satria's room.