Exiting the restroom. I see Mom and Dad already gathered with Sinta at the reserved table, full AC, non-smoking. I greet them warmly, giving them hugs, and Dad pats my shoulder, showing his pride.
"Have you ordered, Sin?" I ask Sinta.
"Not yet, Mas. We were waiting for Mom and Dad to arrive."
"Alright, I'll call the waiter."
A young man, fresh out of high school, approaches with the restaurant menu.
"Yes, please take a look at the menu," he says, standing by us.
Five minutes later, our family has decided on our food and drinks. The waiter repeats the order to confirm.
While we wait, Mom asks me about my work and daily routine. Am I eating regularly, am I sleeping well? The usual questions from a mother who doesn't often see her son. Sinta and I respond with light conversations, discussing trending topics, funny things on Instagram, and laughing about childhood memories. We even joke about my past punishments. Strangely enough, Dad also seems amused. He's become a friendlier figure since Sinta and I graduated from college.
"If Mom wants, Dad can give you that kind of punishment again," he jokes.
"You can try, Pa. But I think Mas Wisnu has gotten stronger, so it might not work anymore," Sinta teases.
"Oh... we could try that after lunch. I'd like to see how strong he is now," Mom chimes in.
"No, Ma! You don't want delicious food to go to waste!" I protest, bringing more laughter to the table.
For some reason, I can feel a different atmosphere. This isn't an ordinary lunch. It seems like Mom and Dad have something serious to discuss, but they're holding off until we've eaten to avoid ruining our appetites if the conversation takes a turn.
***
One by one, our orders arrive: two baskets of rice, Salted Soft-Shell Crab, Padang Sauce Shrimp, Kudu Kudu with Salted Egg, Oyster Sashimi, Seafood Mantou, Papaya Leaves, Water Spinach, and Black King Crab from Japan. For drinks, Mom and I have warm water, while Dad and Sinta have hot unsweetened tea.
As we enjoy the meal, Mom starts another conversation.
"Wisnu."
"Yes, Ma?"
"Don't you have any plans to find a wife?"
There it is. The real question. I nearly choke hearing it.
"I do, Ma."
"Do you have a girlfriend now?"
"No, Ma."
"Oh, okay. Mama just suggests not to wait too long. You're almost thirty, and it'd be nice if you still looked young when your child goes to college. Sinta also says she won't get married until you do."
I turn to Sinta, who nods in agreement.
"I've already told her, Ma, that she can get married first. Waiting for me could take a long time. I don't even know myself."
"Wisnu, you're still interested in women, right?"
The question sounds like a joke, but it's serious, and I feel intimidated.
"Yes, Pa."
"What's the matter? Are you having trouble finding a woman? Do you want Mom and Dad to help find you a potential wife? We have some acquaintances whose daughters could be a good match for you."
"Some are lawyers, businesswomen, diplomats, celebrities, doctors..." Dad adds.
I don't know what to say. I lower my head, focusing on finishing my meal, feeling uncomfortable facing my parents across the table.
Finding a life partner isn't easy, especially when your heart is still held by a woman who left you. Whenever another woman tries to enter, 'she' drives them away.
Suddenly, Sinta looks at me. While chewing crab, she speaks with her eyes, asking for permission to speak. Go ahead, talk.
"Ma, Pa. Mas Wisnu still likes his ex-girlfriend from high school."
"Oh, that's it," Dad reacts immediately.
"You fool. You're a man, Wisnu. I don't like hearing such weak things," he says, finishing his shrimp and papaya leaves before wiping his mouth with a napkin.
I hate hearing that tone again.
"Enough. I don't care. You have three months to find a wife for your mother and me. If not, we'll find one for you, and you'll have to accept our decision, whether you like it or not."
I look at Mom. She just nodsâyes, my child, that's the way it is. I finish my drink and excuse myself to the restroom.
The restroom is empty. I relieve myself and then wash my face. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, water dripping down my face. Haaah... I really am a fool. I don't know what to do. I'd rather handle hundreds of corporate finance cases than face this.
A hundred months have passed. Aghhhhhh...
I scream in frustration in my mind. Isn't there any doctor who can heal this 'wound'?
A doctor? Talia? No, no, no. She's not that kind of doctor. Just a doctor I recently met. I don't even know if things will head in that direction or not. I think she's just being nice out of gratitude for what I did yesterday. Or is she the one? I don't know. I'm confused.
I wipe my face and walk back to the marble table.
"So that's it, Wisnu? Three months from now."
I have no words other than "Yes, Pa."
***
The food on the table is all gone, except for the mantou and oysters. Sinta tries to finish the leftovers. She's not the kind of woman who fears gaining weight. She's also the kind of woman who can eat as much as she wants and never gain weight. Her body remains ideal.
"Enjoying it?" I tease Sinta.
"Hehe. Yeah."
"You're paying, right?"
"Ugh, no way! My royalty hasn't come through yet. You pay."
"Stop arguing. Wisnu, here, use Mom's card."
"No need, Ma. I'll pay for it."
The four of us get up from our seats. I head to the cashier, while the others go to the parking lot.
As we say goodbye, Sinta, who barely reaches my shoulder, hugs me and apologizes for Dad scolding me. I say, "It's okay, ugly." She pouts.
I hug Mom. She looks at me lovingly. "You'll find love again, my child."
And Dad pats me hard on the shoulder. "Remember, Wisnu, you're a man. You are my son," he says, pointing at me.
Then we each get into our cars and return to our respective affairs. I check the time; it's almost four o'clock. Time to pick up the 'doctor.'