Bima arrived at Ratna's apartment with a bouquet of lilies, his usual gift for his mother. He hoped their fragrance would soften the tension that had been building over the past few weeks. He knocked on the door, and Ratna opened it, her eyes red-rimmed and her face etched with worry. "Bima," she said, her voice hoarse. "You're here." "Mom, I wanted to talk to you," Bima said, his voice gentle. He stepped inside, placing the lilies on the small table by the door. "Can we sit down?" Ratna nodded, her eyes downcast. They sat on the worn couch, the silence heavy between them. Bima reached for her hand, his touch hesitant, but she didn't pull away. "Mom, I need to be honest with you," Bima began, his voice firm but compassionate. "I understand how difficult it is for you to adjust to this new reality, but I need you to trust me. I love you, and I want you in my life, but I also love Sinta, and I need to prioritize our marriage." Ratna's lips quivered, and a tear trickled down her cheek. "Bima, I just... I miss you. I miss our routine, our closeness. It feels like you're slipping away." Bima felt a pang of guilt. He understood her feelings, but he also knew that he couldn't let her dependence dictate his life. "Mom, I know it's hard, but I need you to understand. I'm not trying to push you away. I just need you to respect the boundaries I've set." "But what about me?" Ratna asked, her voice breaking. "What about my needs?" "Your needs are important to me too, Mom. But I can't be everything to you. I have a life to live with Sinta, and I need you to support that."
A Mother's Plea
Ratna's tears flowed freely now, her voice cracking with emotion. "Bima, I've sacrificed everything for you. I've given up my dreams, my aspirations, everything. I only want you to be happy, but it feels like I'm losing you." Bima's heart ached. He wished he could take away her pain, but he knew there were no easy answers. He held her hand tightly, his voice filled with sympathy. "Mom, I know it hurts, but I'm not losing you. I'm just building a different kind of relationship with you. I need you to understand that." Ratna's gaze met his, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and desperation. "Bima, please, don't let me be alone. I need you. I don't know what I'd do without you." Bima felt his resolve falter. He wanted to comfort her, to assure her that he would never abandon her. But he also knew that giving in to her demands would only perpetuate the unhealthy dynamic they had been struggling with.
A Son's Dilemma
He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Mom, I'm not going to abandon you. I'll always be there for you. But I need you to understand that I need to live my life, and I need you to respect that." Ratna's eyes widened, her expression a mix of hurt and disbelief. "You're saying you don't need me anymore?" "No, Mom, that's not what I'm saying," Bima insisted, his voice growing strained. "I need you, but I need you to support me in building a life with Sinta. I need you to trust me." Ratna's shoulders slumped, and she let out a sigh, her voice a whisper. "I'm trying, Bima. I really am. But it's hard. It's so hard to let go." Bima felt a deep sense of empathy for his mother. He knew she was struggling, and he hated seeing her in pain. But he also knew that he had to be firm. He had to protect his marriage and his own happiness.
A Promise of Support
He reached out again, taking her hand in his. "Mom, I'll always be there for you. I'll call you, I'll visit you, I'll make sure you're okay. But I need you to understand that I have a life with Sinta now. I need you to respect that." Ratna's eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded slowly. "I'll try, Bima. I promise I'll try." Bima held her hand, offering her a comforting smile. "I know you will, Mom. I know you will." As he left her apartment, he felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. He knew he had made the right decision, but the emotional cost was significant. He felt a deep sense of sadness for his mother, but he also felt a glimmer of hope. He had taken a step towards a healthier relationship with both his mother and his wife. He knew it would be a long and challenging journey, but he was determined to find a way to navigate the complex waters of love, loyalty, and family. BerbagiHow does Sinta react to this conversation?What are Bima's long-term plans for his relationship with his mother?Does Bima feel he has a responsibility to his mother beyond his love for her?