Bintang waved as he watched Luna exit the Arrival Gate at Soekarno Hatta Airport.
He enjoys seeing his wife in such office attire, wearing high heels with a handbag hanging from her left shoulder while her right hand pushes her trolley luggage.
Deep down he felt very lucky to have a wife like Luna. All the criteria he had set in looking for a wife were all there in Luna. And number one was one that fit his economic principles, Low Maintenance High Profit.
But Bintang kept his admiration deep inside; not even once did he let Luna know the true feelings of his heart. He didn't want his wife to be big-headed.
It is undeniable that during the marriage, Luna was the one who fulfilled all the needs of the household—starting from daily expenses, monthly expenses, annual expenses, unexpected expenses, and other expenses. And fortunately, Luna never had a problem with it.
Bintang's business is not consistently generating income. And usually, it is only enough to cover his own needs. While Luna enjoys her duty, she feels helped by her husband's presence; Bintang doesn't talk much and is always available anytime she needs. Like when her return flight at midnight, Bintang faithfully came to pick her up.
***
"I'll use the car. I'll meet the customer this afternoon," said Luna about to take the car out of the garage.
Bintang didn't answer. He was seen drying the laundry, a cigarette stuck to his lips.
"Well then, don't forget to iron later." joked Luna behind the wheel as she backed her car. She enjoys Bintang's style. He wore a singlet and knee-length jeans, and his hands picked clothes with a cigarette that never left his lips.
Bintang doesn't react. That's how Bintang is. The evilest boy in the world. Giving compliments to his wife is even more expensive.
Luna goes, just go. Without kissing, hands waving, or permission. Only the horn sounded to indicate she was leaving.
Not long after, the car suddenly stopped. Broke down. Huh!!!! There are always unexpected interruptions. One is correct, the other one is damaged, one business is smooth, and the other is stuck. Complained Luna.
Without thinking twice she called Bintang automatically.
She waited for her husband to come while eating chicken porridge on the side of the road.
Not long after, her husband appeared riding a motorcycle, stopping beside a broken-down car. After taking the key from his wife, he immediately opened the hood and pressed the cables. Luna didn't know what he was doing, and fifteen minutes later, the engine ran.
Luckily to have a husband at critical times like this, when a car breaks down, there is a husband to be her hero. On another occasion, when the gas runs out, the lights black out, the roof tile leaks or the cockroach slips on the toilet, someone will handle it; I don't have to work hard.
Luna smiled to herself.
***
Sunday morning, after taking Bright swimming, Luna washed her car. She considers this routine part of morning exercise.
Her husband appeared from behind the door, just woken up apparently, he immediately entered again. Then came out to sit on the porch with a cup of coffee he had made himself.
After washing the car, Luna mopped the terrace where Bintang was sitting reading the newspaper and drinking coffee with a cigarette of course.
"Up"
Bintang lifted his legs, still with a cigarette on his lips and newspaper in hand, then Luna swept the floor under his feet.
Done cleaning session, she sat on the terrace accompanying Bintang.
Sunday morning is a day when they share their experiences. They rarely communicate freely with each other as usually Luna goes to the office when Bintang is still sleeping, and other times Bintang comes home after Luna is asleep.
"As I guess, the coffee shop in the rest area finally broke. Thank God!" Bintang said a moment later. Her left hand held a newspaper, her right hand held a cigarette.
Luna grabbed Bintang's hand and clipped his nails, "How come?"
"How can selling coffee not allow smoking. Eat the chair!" He said with a smile full of satisfaction.
"Smoking people should be honored, he has contributed to the country's foreign exchange. Not being persecuted." He said again, laughing bitterly.
Luna was silent, patiently cutting the man's nail while hearing his chatter.
"There is one beautiful girl who likes to guard the place, she knows me very well. When I come, her welcome is extraordinary. Turns out she's the owner of the coffee shop." The story continued.
"It's cool, so you can have free coffee then," teased Luna as she put Bintang's feet on her lap and started to cut his toenails.
"Hah, who do you think I am? How many companies do you have there? How many hectares of land do you own? In your bank account, how many digits is the balance; if you can show it, I may consider it..." said Bintang slightly as he smoked cigarette.
"You mafia!" Luna hissed emotionlessly "Be careful sis... don't get fooled..." She responsed in a flat voice as she continued to tidy up her husband's toenails.
Bintang just laughed.
Rarely did he laugh.
Talking to Bintang, don't ever get jealous or suspicious, don't let there be emotions; if you talk about feelings, at the end you will be asked 'What are the benefits?' How much is the profit? How many millions do you get?
Beuhhhh
***