Chapter 18

The night is getting deeper. Both of Dinda's eyes are still hard to close. Her mind continued to wander far away. The voice of Agus lying beside him sounded soft. It seemed that the man was already fast asleep.

Dinda slowly pressed her palm on Agus's forehead. To check the state of his body temperature. The heat has dropped a bit. But it's still a little warm.

Dinda tidied up the blanket that covered Agus's body to the limit of the chin.

Dinda reached for the mobile phone that was on the bedside nightstand. Let go of boredom because she can't sleep.

[Doctor Firman.]

Dinda pressed the send button after writing a message to Doctor Firman.

[Yes, Dinda.] Doctor Firman retorted quickly.

Dinda smiled reading back the message from Doctor Firman.

[Can't sleep, Doctor! Doctor why haven't you slept yet?]

[I just got home from the hospital.] retorted Doctor Firman.

Dinda was silent for a moment. Both eyes stared at Agus who was sleeping soundly.

[Am I allowed to come to the apartment, Doctor?]

[Well, I'm waiting for you!] Doctor Firman retorted quickly.

Dinda looked happy. She immediately got off the bed and walked to Doctor Firman's apartment, which was only one floor apart from Agus's apartment.

"Assalamualaikum!" said Dinda when she arrived in front of Doctor Firman's apartment.

"Wa'alaiakum salam." The handsome man quickly opened the door for Dinda.

Dinda smiled sweetly.

"Come in!" said Doctor Firman back with the same smile.

"Sit down, Dinda!" said Doctor Firman after Dinda walked into the apartment.

Dinda Sat on a barstool bench in doctor Firman's dining room. The man was seen busy concocting something for Dinda.

"Are you okay?"

Dinda took a deep breath. Then nodded gently. But her face looked like she wasn't doing well.

Doctor Firman smiled slightly. "You're lying!" accused Doctor Firman. "Tell me about it! Who knew I could help you," Doctor Firman said after a few of silence.

"It's about my husband!" replied Dinda with a sad face.

"Why?" Doctor Firman glanced at Dinda.

"How many days have this past day, my husband's body has a fever, and red rashes have appeared on his body. Every time I want to take him to the hospital, surely he always rejects me. If I force it, surely we will quarrel," Dinda replied listlessly.

Doctor Firman nodded. Came over to Dinda, putting a cup of coffee for Dinda and herself.

"What do you think I should do?" Dinda looked at Doctor Firman who was already sitting beside her.

"If indeed he refuses to go to the hospital, the first thing you should do is to confirm whether your husband is diligent in taking the medicine or not. If he takes the medicine diligently, I believe that the thing you told me about earlier will not be possible," explained Doctor Firman at length.

Dinda thought for a moment. "But I always prepare that medicine. But...!" Dinda looked seriously at Doctor Firman. Remembering that she never confirmed that Agus had taken the medicine or not.

"The patient' must take the medicine on time. Otherwise, it will bring bad things to the patient. Because ARV serves to protect the patient's immune system from being damaged by HIV. So once every 12 hours it should be drunk. Well, even though the drug is not able to cure but at least the patient still has a chance to live longer," said Doctor Firman.

"Don't you think my husband forgot to take the medicine?" said Dinda guessing.

"I don't know, just try to take him to the hospital tomorrow!" retorted Doctor Firman staring at Dinda.

"If you are afraid, I will accompany you!" Doctor Firman teases Dinda.

Dinda smiled. "Never mind doctor, I can do it myself!" retorted Dinda. She didn't want Doctor Firman to expect more from him.

"Why?" replied Doctor Firman staring increasingly boldly.

"We're just limited to friends, Doc! I don't want you to expect more," Dinda replied. "I don't want the Doctor to be disappointed."

Doctor Firman smiled. "If getting married is a fate then loving you is my decision. So you don't have to worry about it."

Dinda was silent, speechless. Doctor Firman's love is indeed strong.

"Don't love if it just takes you sick. Love someone who can make you happy," Dinda replied.

"But I am happy to love you because my happiness is to see you happy." Doctor Firman looked seriously at Dinda who was surprised to hear the man's answer.

"Never mind, Doctor. There are still many women in this world!" replied Dinda after being silent for a long time. Her face suddenly turned scared.

Doctor Firman laughed with satisfaction. "Alright, I'm going to find a new lover, but you don't Jealous, right?" said Doctor Firman in between his laughter.

Dinda exhaled heavily. Retracted her gaze from Doctor Firman. Her heart, which was not doing well, is now getting worse and worse.

_____

Dinda turned the doorknob of her apartment very slowly. Her steps slowly entered the house. She didn't want to make the slightest sound that could trigger Agus to wake up.

Clack!

Dinda was surprised when suddenly the room light came on. The man standing next to the lamp scalar stared at her fiercely.

"Where are you from?" said Agus full of annoyance.

Dinda's body trembled. Suddenly her face became confused. "Me, I'm just out looking for the wind, baby!" replied Dinda haltingly.

"Do you have to go to Doctor Firman's house?" snapped Agus angrily. It's easy to guess Dinda's whereabouts.

"No baby! That's not it!" Dinda's face began to be scared

"You bitch!" jerked Agus glared.

Dinda cried. Her face was full of horror. "I can explain everything to you, baby!" Dinda walked up to Agus and pleaded.

Agus's chest trembled.

He forcibly pulled Dinda's wrist.

"What do you want to do, Sweetheart? Let me explain everything?" Dinda burst into tears. Trying to untie the grip of Agus's aching hand.

Agus threw Dinda's body towards the closet. "Now pack all your things and leave my apartment. I don't want to have a shameless wife like you!" snapped Agus. The veins on his face were prominent.

"But it's a pity that I'm not at all....!"

"Hurry up and pack it up and leave my apartment immediately!" Agus threatened with a thunderous voice.

____

Continued...