LOVE AND SACRIFICE

Zalina Maharani looked at the husband and wife in front of her at this time. They looked really panicked and confused.

"Our son is not a naughty kid. There is no way he will sully other people's girls. Please defend our lid, Ms. Zalina. We know you are a smart and great lawyer. You can definitely help our son."

"I will help. As long as it is true that your son is innocent. I need to talk to your son and you, Mr Rudi."

"Shall we go to the police station?"

"Yes, of course. Is it possible to bring prisoners here?"

Rudi and his wife Marisa just nodded. Zalina grabbed her bag and car keys and turned to her secretary. "I go first."

"Okay, Miss Lina."

Zalina stepped in, followed by Rudi and Marisa.

"Just use my car, I'm not used to riding other people's cars," said Zalina. Rudi and Marisa just obeyed. And they immediately went to the Regional Police to meet their son, Ardy. Ardy Cresna is their eldest son. A week ago, Ardy was arrested on charges of harassment. But, of course Rudi and Marisa didn't believe it. Because they know that Ardy is not a delinquent. Moreover, he is a prospective doctor.

Arriving at the police station they immediately asked the officers for permission to meet their son. Ardy looks so haggard and desperate when he welcomes his parents.

"Ardy Cresna? I am Zalina, I will defend your case in court later. But, first, I want to hear the chronology of your story. What really happened that night?" asked Zalina.

Ardy took a deep breath before he started his story.

"Tiara is my classmate, she is a good and brave girl. Honestly, she often plays at home. In fact, she once confessed her love to me. However, I never returned her love. Because, since the first I only considered her a sister. That night , I did come to Veronika's birthday party with her. But, she drank with Revan. The young man was the only child of a wealthy businessman and he was after Tiara's love. But, Tiara never paid attention to it. In fact, Tiara had humiliated Revan in public.

"That night, when he saw Tiara coming with me, Revan was annoyed. Then challenged Tiara to drink. And, Tiara agreed. I had forbidden it, but the girl insisted. Finally, because I met Chelsea, my classmate, I left them at the bartender. I then joined my other colleagues. About an hour later, I wanted to pee. When I was looking for the restroom, one of the rooms in the villa opened and I saw Tiara in a pathetic condition. Without wearing a single thread. I entered and was about to cover her body. That's when she woke up and screamed hysterically. Tiara's screams made the guests arrive. That's why I was the suspect," said Ardy.

Zalina frowned. "Hmm... that means Chelsea can be a witness for the time alibi. But, the problem is, the post-mortem results on Tiara, the fluid left behind is the same as your DNA. This is what we have to solve together. Who do you think should be?" responsible for the calamity that happened to Tiara?"

"Honestly, I only suspect Revan. Because, when I was about to go to the restroom and passed the bartender, I asked my friend where Revan and Tiara were. And, my friend said that Tiara and Revan had disappeared for almost 20 minutes and didn't come back. "

"Okay, this is just a thought, let's say I'm a little inconsiderate. But, is Ardy the biological son of you, Mr and Mrs Rudi?" Zalina asked Marisa and Rudi.

Zalina's question suddenly surprised the husband and wife. They looked at each other, then looked at Ardy with a look that was difficult to interpret. Zalina tapped her finger on the table waiting for an answer. However, instead of answering Marisa, she burst into tears. Ardy, who saw his mother crying, rushed to hug his mother.

"Mom, why are you crying? What are you hiding from me? Papa, Mama, why?"

Rudi took a deep breath. "Is this necessary?"

"Well, then let's change the question. Do you have any other children who may have been missing since they were babies besides Ardy?" asked Zalina. Rudi lowered his head, and exhaled slowly. His memory drifted to the incident 23 years ago.

***

_23 years ago_

Rudi looked at the doctor Sukma who looked confused in front of him.

"What's the matter, doctor? Did something happen to my wife's child? How is Marisa?" asked Rudi. Doctor Sukma sighed. "Marisa, your wife is fine and currently resting. However, your sons and daughters...I'm sorry, we did our best, but your son passed away."

Rudi's world has collapsed. He could only stand still and stare. Until finally the nurse led his steps to the morgue to see the newborn son. The baby's face was so handsome, but it was cold and there was no sign of life. Rudi cried, but crying did not make the little body react, let alone open his eyes and cry.

Marisa was deeply depressed when she learned that her son had died. And, in the end, Rudi and other extended families agreed to adopt a newborn baby from the orphanage. Incidentally, there were twins who had just been born, but the baby's mother did not want to take care of her two children because the pregnancy was outside a legal marriage. So their grandfather entrusted his grandchildren to an orphanage. According to the caretaker's mother, the baby's twins had just been adopted. So, Rudi decided to adopt the baby for Marisa's recovery and named him Ardy Cresna. Krishna comes from the name Krishna. Rudi hopes that in the future Ardy will become a brave, honest, wise and kind child like Lord Krishna.

Krisna's presence makes Marisa recover and come back cheerful and healthy. Only then did Rudi tell Marisa when Ardy was 3 years old. Marisa was a little surprised at that time, however, her soul was stronger than before and they agreed to love and care for Ardy as their own biological child. And, it was only when Ardy was 5 years old that Marisa got pregnant again and gave birth to Andini. However, that did not change their love for Ardy. In fact, they were proud of their son. Because Ardy grew up to be such a good child, and proud of them as parents.

***

Ardy felt his eyes wet. He had to accept the fact that was enough to make him a little hit. Zalina smiled, "Okay, for today we will end it here. Mr. and Mrs. Rudi, you will have to provide information on where you used to adopt Ardy. I think I can help you. Don't worry, everything will be fine," said Zalina while smiling.