Episode 5

Feeling a bit better, Andini decided to leave the house and join her husband to get some fresh air. Staying home only made her feel worse, with her body aching and her head spinning. She purposely didn't inform Hendra beforehand, wanting to surprise her husband who was probably busy at the shop.

Whether it was the clothing store or the grocery store, Hendra was usually at the latter as it was always bustling with customers. Small stall vendors often bought their supplies from Andini and Hendra's grocery store, so Andini headed straight there, feeling happy and energized.

"Are you going out, Ma'am?" asked Wati, approaching her boss who was getting ready.

"Yes, I'm bored staying home," Andini replied softly, already wearing her mask.

"How are you getting there, Ma'am? You shouldn't be driving alone, Sir said so." Wati was afraid of getting scolded.

"Instead of taking an online taxi, I'd rather drive myself! It's okay, I'm feeling well today," Andini smiled, though hidden behind her mask.

"Are you sure it's okay? Should I come along so you have company?" Wati was worried about letting her boss go alone.

"No need, you stay home. I can manage on my own." Andini insisted on going alone.

Unable to stop her, Wati escorted her to the door, watching as Andini's car disappeared from view. But just as Andini left, another car entered the driveway. Wati observed it closely, having never seen this car at Andini's house before.

Out stepped a beautiful woman carrying a handsome baby, accompanied by her equally handsome husband. Wati was awestruck, marveling at their good looks. They were indeed a perfect match - one handsome, the other beautiful - no wonder their offspring inherited such blessed genes.

"Peace be upon you, is Andini home?" Salsa asked politely.

"And peace be upon you too. Mrs. Andini just left to see Mr. Hendra at the shop," replied Wati, equally polite.

"Oh, she just left? We're late then," Salsa said to her husband.

"It's okay, we'll just wait. She'll be surprised to see us," replied Davin.

"I'm Andini's younger sister. We came from our village to see her because she's pregnant and has been experiencing morning sickness," explained Salsa.

"Oh, you're her sister. Please come in, Miss," Wati invited them inside.

"Thank you." Salsa carried her bag into the house.

"Hendra's house is quite big," Davin remarked, observing the house of his friend and brother-in-law.

"I've been working here for two months, Sir," answered Wati, quickly fetching them drinks.

"Does your sister have a guest room? I'd like to lie down for a bit," Salsa requested.

"Yes, we do. Please follow me." Wati led Salsa to the guest room at the front of the house.

Salsa wanted to call her sister but decided against it after Wati mentioned Andini had driven herself. She didn't want to risk distracting her while driving. It was better to wait, especially since they planned on staying over and Salsa had some matters to discuss.

Davin sat on the sofa, his back stiff from the long drive. The journey from their village to the city had taken almost two hours. He stretched out on the sofa and took out his phone to call Hendra, informing him of their arrival.

"Hello, Bro!"

"What's up? It's not like you to call me out of the blue," answered Hendra.

"I'm at your house now, with Salsa." Davin informed him.

"Really? Have you met Andini yet? She's probably in her room!" Hendra sounded excited to hear his friend was visiting.

"Your helper said Andini went to see you at the shop," said Davin.

"What?!" Hendra's voice boomed through the phone.

"Calm down, man! You're hurting my ears!" Davin pulled the phone away from his ear.

"What was she thinking? I told her not to go anywhere, but she still insisted on coming." Hendra was angry that Andini had disobeyed him.

"She was probably bored at home. Just wait for her to arrive and bring her straight back," said Davin.

"Okay, I gotta go!" Hendra hung up.

Davin ended the call and headed to the guest room to rest as well. While waiting for the homeowners to return, he might as well get some shut-eye. Salsa was already lying down with their son, both exhausted from the journey.

...****************...

Hendra waited impatiently for his wife, feeling anxious and worried that something might happen to her. Andini had been especially delicate since becoming pregnant, which was why Hendra forbade her from leaving the house, let alone driving alone to the grocery store.

"Where are you, honey?" Hendra paced back and forth, his worry growing.

Finally, the familiar car turned into the parking lot. Hendra rushed towards it, his heart pounding with a mixture of relief and anger. Thankfully, Andini was fine. She stepped out of the car wearing an ivory dress that made Hendra's heart skip a beat.

She was still the most beautiful woman in his eyes, even with the changes brought on by her pregnancy. Her smile was as captivating as ever, and Hendra felt a surge of love for her. He quickly greeted her and led her into the grocery store.

"You're so stubborn! I told you not to go anywhere. If you were feeling better, you should have waited until I came home." Hendra scolded her.

"I'm sorry, but I was so bored at home! I'm feeling much better today, honey," Andini pleaded, her voice soft.

"Well, that's good to hear. Our baby must have felt sorry for Mama," Hendra said, gently rubbing her slightly protruding belly.

"The doctor did say that I would start feeling better as the pregnancy progressed," Andini reminded him.

Hendra pulled out a chair for her. Ayu, who witnessed Hendra's doting affection for his wife, felt a surge of jealousy. Even though Andini had lost weight, she was still strikingly beautiful.

"I've been thinking, maybe we should go back to our village and visit Purnama," Hendra suggested, handing Andini a glass of water.

"What for, dear?" Andini was confused by his suggestion.

"I'm worried there's something else affecting you. Seeing Purnama might help," Hendra explained.

"Purnama experienced morning sickness during her pregnancy too. It's normal for pregnant women! Don't go mentioning anything about supernatural causes to her. We've already troubled her enough, and this has nothing to do with the supernatural." Andini explained patiently.

Hendra nodded slowly, realizing his worries might be unfounded. Andini was right; it was common for pregnant women to experience such symptoms. Not everything had to be attributed to the supernatural. He agreed with his wife.

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