Kelelahan

Semalam, kawan aku mengadu tentang isteri dan anak-anak dia. Aku dengar sahaja. Aku tahu dia terlampau stres. Dia nampak serabut sangat. Aku ajak dia ke masjid. Selesai solat, kami pergi makan. Dia bercerita tentang isterinya yang balik kerja tapi tak mandi. Mandi hanya sekali sehari. Bila ingin bersama, dia rasa tak selesa. Dia jauhkan diri. Sudah hampir setahun mereka tak bersama. Katanya lagi, isteri dia baik. Rajin memasak, sedap pula. Mengemas tak begitu pandai. Dia yang buat.

Anak-anak pun ada masalah. Bila suami isteri bekerja, anak-anak kurang di beri perhatian. Satu hari, ketika dia melihat handphone anak sulungnya, dia terkejut. Anaknya yang berusia 14 tahun sudah ketagih pornografi dan masturbasi. Apabila di soal siasat, dua anak yang lain turut terjebak. Dia mengucap panjang. Aku sarankan dia memasang DNS pada router di rumah. Jika dapat di pintas, pasang Firewall pula. Ketagihan pornografi yang melampau akan merosakkan masa depan. 

Bila dia minta pendapat, aku beri beberapa cadangan. Pada aku isterinya bukan tak mahu mandi. Mungkin dia terlalu penat. Balik dari kerja perlu memasak. Kemudian mengemas sambil mencuci pakaian. Mungkin kerana keletihan yang amat, dia mengabaikan kebersihan dan kesihatan diri. Dia masak setiap hari menandakan dia pentingkan perut isi rumah. Mungkin kerana tak ada yang membantu, tugas di rumah menjadi satu beban. Kalau sama-sama ringan tulang,  pasti lebih mudah. 

Aku cadangkan, sekiranya dia mampu, dukunglah isteri ke bilik air. Mandikan isteri atau mandi bersama. Ada waktunya kita terlalu letih untuk mengurus diri sendiri. Waktu inilah pasangan memainkan peranan. Katanya, dia berulang-kali menyuruh isterinya mandi, tetapi selalu di jawab "Sekejab" lalu tertidur di katil. Katanya lagi, cadar, selimut dan bantal semuanya berbau. Aku syorkan dia ubah suai perabot di dalam bilik, cat jika perlu. Letak *pokok hiasan, pasang pewangi. Buang yang tak perlu.

Aku beritahu dia nafkah batin bukan hanya hubungan badan semata-mata tapi sentuhan-sentuhan kecil yang buat dia gembira.  Mungkin dia perlukan sokongan emosi kerana sudah burnout menguruskan kerja dan rumah tangga. Aku juga minta dia rapikan diri - potong rambut dengan gaya baru, trim bulu di muka. Perempuan suka lelaki kemas, bersih, wangi - selalu gosok gigi, jaga bau nafas dan bau badan. Aku juga syorkan dia bersenam untuk kurangkan stres. Bersenam baik untuk tubuh badan.

Dia nampak lega. Aku sarankan, jika boleh selalulah buat aktiviti bersama seperti memasak, bersenam dan terutama sekali solat jemaah. Aku Google beberapa judul buku terbitan AJM untuk di baca sebagai panduan terutama *Koleksi Rumah Tangga Jawi. Buku-buku ini aku baca sebelum berkahwin. Aku turut belikan untuk Ara. Sebenarnya, sebelum berkahwin lagi aku sudah mendidik dan melentur Ara. Bukan untuk mengikut kehendak aku tapi lebih kepada persiapan menghadapi badai rumah tangga.

Pokok hiasan dalaman

Ruang Tamu

• Palma Areca (Areca Palm) — Dypsis lutescens
• ZZ (ZZ Plant) — Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• Pokok Getah (Rubber fig) — Ficus elastica
• Monstera (Monstera) — Monstera deliciosa

Dapur

• Lidah Buaya (Aloe Vera) — Aloe barbadensis miller
• Rosemary (Rosemary) — Salvia rosmarinus (sebelum ini dikenali sebagai Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Pokok Duit-Duit (Pothos) — Epipremnum aureum

Bilik Tidur

• Lidah Mak Mertua (Snake Plant) — Sansevieria trifasciata (kini diklasifikasikan sebagai Dracaena trifasciata)
• Bunga Peace Lily (Peace Lily) — Spathiphyllum wallisii
• Lavender (Lavender) — Lavandula angustifolia

Bilik Air

• Pokok Labah-Labah (Spider Plant) — Chlorophytum comosum
• Pokok Buluh (Lucky Bamboo) — Dracaena sanderiana
• Paku Boston (Boston Fern) — Nephrolepis exaltata
• Daun Kayu Putih Tergantung (Eucalyptus Leaves) — Eucalyptus globulus (mengeluarkan pati minyak  yang menyegarkan, melegakan resdung dan merehatkan minda apabila terkena wap panas)

Koleksi Rumah Tangga Jawi

• Kitab Adab Perempuan
• Kitab Adab Perempuan Juz Pertama
• Risalah Seruan Kepada Jenis Yang Lembut: Perempuan²
• Kitab ‘Alam Perempuan
• Risalah Pergaulan Di Antara Pemuda-Pemuda Dan Pemudi
• Haq-Haq Laki Bini
• Rahsia Pengantin Baharu
• Kitab Dunia Ibu

Selasa, 29 April 2025

Mumbai, India

Min

Hi Min,

I’m writing to you from a train headed from Jaipur to New Delhi. It’s about a five-hour ride. It’s been a long day, and though I’m tired, I can’t seem to sleep. For once, I have the time and space to sit quietly with my thoughts. Normally, I avoid overthinking or digging too deep into my feelings, but tonight is different. The rhythm of the train gives me room to reflect.

The last time I messaged her was in January. Since then, there’s been complete silence. I haven’t even opened that chat app anymore—what’s the point? I did see her online once, but I didn’t say hello. Part of me wondered if it was really her or her husband using the phone. That uncertainty kept me from reaching out. Silence seemed like the wiser choice.

I can say with confidence that I’ve been a faithful man. Many women have approached me over the years—some even crossed lines—but I always stepped back. My heart has always belonged to my wife. I’ve never allowed space for anyone else, even in lonely or difficult times. That’s one thing I’ve held onto tightly, no matter what temptations came my way.

Alhamdulillah, it’s over now. That was the best decision for both of us. We each have spouses and children to care for, careers and reputations to protect. An affair would’ve destroyed everything. I’ve seen the pain such mistakes bring into people’s lives, and I couldn’t bear to let that happen to mine—or hers. Ending it was hard, but necessary. 

Still, I miss her. I don’t think she ever truly left my thoughts. During the affair, we were both under stress. We loved each other, but like before, it couldn’t work. The same problems reappeared. We fought, talked, laughed, cried. The misunderstandings felt endless. And yet, there was something undeniably real in it all—memories, warmth, a strange sense of fate.

But jealousy tore me apart. That was the crack that widened with time. I couldn’t shake it, and deep down I knew it would consume everything. Even before her husband found out, I was already breaking inside. Despite all that, there were still moments of joy. Even now, a message or missed call from her still stirs something in me. I’ve saved a few texts in my blog—just for memory’s sake.

These days, I feel calmer. I can focus more on work and family. Alhamdulillah, work has been better this year than the last. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t like to hear from her, but I know better now. I still carry guilt for what I put her through. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is let someone go—even if the love remains.  That’s a truth I’ve come to accept. 

As Muslims, we know the line between right and wrong is thin. What is halal is clear, and what is haram is clear. I don’t want to risk crossing it again. I still remember what she told me: that she loves her husband more than she ever loved me. “He loves me wholeheartedly,” she said. That truth echoes in my mind. It reminds me to stay away, no matter how strong the pull.

I genuinely hope she’s happy. She chose him—and maybe Allah gave her what she needed, not just what she once wanted. There is always wisdom in His plan. I tried once to talk to my wife about all this, but she wasn’t ready. Maybe she still isn’t. I don’t know what’s going on in her heart, but I’m here. Trying. Waiting. Healing. The tongue may be silent, but the heart speaks in prayers.

Take care of yourself, Min.

Feb 1, 2025

Dobi

"Don baru pergi dobi"

"Ri tu basuh baju kita outstation diam-diam. Maceh tau"

"Ha"

"Jawab la sama-sama. Bukan susah pun"

"Ye"

"Sama-sama"

"Ha"

_

"Kejab lagi abang turun"

"Sekarang, please"

"Abang nak kemas beg. Nak iron baju"

"Dobi?"

"Tu simpan. Bawa baju lain"

"Rajinnya"

"Baju dekat dobi tu berapa lai je yang kotor sebab ada yang dah basuh tapi cuci semua senang"

Segenap kalbu

"Abang?"

"Ha"

"Dah habis kerja? Kenapa balik?"

"Duduk. Abang buat roti bakar. Ke nak cereal dengan orange juice?"

"Nak abang boleh? hihihi"

"Lepas tu tanya kenapa balik"

"Hihihi"

_

"Jumaat Ara balik mesti penat. Sabtu, Ara tidur awal"

"Kita suruh abang gerak. Abang tak panggil kenapa?"

"Mana ada Ara suruh"

"Lahhh kan kita cakap habis kerja gerak kita"

"Aduuu"

"Jumaat kita minta tuala. Abang cakap dah letak. Kita buat tak jumpa, abang cakap cari situ situ"

"Hahahahahahahahaha"

"Otak abang fikir apa? Penat tau. Laki lambatttt"

"Abang dah set dalam otak Ara penat. Tak perikemanusiaan pulak kalau kacau"

"Kacau best takpe hihihi"

"Dah melepas"

"Tak rindu kita ke?"

"Segenap kalbu"

_

"Kenapa perempuan tak nak tidur? Time ni la dia nak borak. Abang nak tidur. Penat tungkus-lumus membanting tulang"

"Abang jahat"

"Tidur la"

"Tak nak"

"Habis nak buat apa? Nak lagi? Haa kang"

"Haaa apa?"

"Waktu ni pun nak ajak gaduh"

"Gaduh manja hihihi"

Saling mengingat

"Abang dah sampai"

"Kerja baik-baik tau"

"Pergi hotel, workout sikit, lepas mandi gerak pergi site"

"Cari duit banyak-banyak untuk kita"

"Nak beli spender eh"

"Aip!"

"Hehehe rindu la"

"Fokus"

"Garang"

"Singo kea"

"Ra"

"Mmm?"

"Kalau rumah sepah ke, bising ke, Ara jangan marah. Biar anak main dari rumah tak bising, tak sepah sebab anak sakit. Bersyukurlah anak kita sihat. Satu ruang tu je abang buat bagi budak main. Ruang lain tak kacau"

"Terima kasih tau ingatkan kita"

Panggilan telefon

28/4

Rumah

Aku balik rumah hari Jumaat malam. Penerbangan 11:20. Sampai di Cyprus jam 8:50 pagi. Luangkan masa bermain dan berbual dengan anak-anak. Umar dan Adam akan kembali ke sekolah Isnin ini selepas tamat dua minggu cuti Easter. Aku dan Ara bergilir masuk kerja. Cuti kali ini, kami tak bawa anak-anak melancong. Umar mengikuti bengkel pengucapan awam untuk mengasah kemahiran bertutur, selain menyertai kelas memasak. Aku sangat galakkan anak-anak lelaki pandai memasak — satu kelebihan penting walaupun aku sendiri kurang mahir di dapur. Adam pula menyertai bengkel AI. Dia sangat berminat dalam bidang penciptaan dan pembangunan produk. Malamnya, aku memimpin solat Maghrib dan Isyak berjemaah di rumah. Kami makan malam bersama, dan selepas Isyak, kami teruskan dengan tadabbur Quran dan berselawat. Ahad petang, aku berlepas ke Mumbai.

Zayed International Airport

April 27, 2025

Makan

"Abang buat semua tu?"

"Ha. Staf kena ikut abang"

"Ada yang tak suka ke?"

"Ada"

"Kenapa?"

"Pendek kata rumah murah tak payah bina beria"

"Pelik kan manusia. Benda baik tak nak sokong"

"Abang nampak idealistik sangat ke?"

"Taklah"

"Rumah orang susah siapa nak pasang smoke alarm. Bila terbakar habis meninggal. Kalau ada alarm, rumah hangus pun kurang-kurang orang selamat. Dekat Malaysia, pemaju tak di wajibkan pasang"

"Serius la"

"Sepengetahuan abang, dulu. Sekarang tak pasti"

"Madanon acam… mmmm halah…malas cakap"

"Rumah yang abang buat kalau boleh tak pasang zink. Musim panas, kesian. Berpeluh-peluh. Kalau hujan bising. Kalau paku, nanti lama-lama bocor. Datang angin, habis terbang. Guna skru, selamat sikit tapi skru pun mahal"

"Betul la kan abang suka fikir. Siang malam fikir. Semua bendalah abang fikir"

"Penggunaan zink hampir 80% dapat elak. Bata merah belum lagi. Abang tengah usha ada orang buat bata recycle. Kalau harga cantik, nak cuba"

"Kita baru terfikir. Abang jadikan rumah kita lab test kannn. Kita faham. Haih lambatlah"

"Hahahahahaha"

"Tak baik tau ketawakan kita"

"Sebelum deliver dekat client kena test sendiri dulu"

"Fikir banyak-banyak penat. Balik makan kita tau. Tambah tenaga hihihihi"

"Nak makan apa dulu hmm?"

"Abang suka apa mmm?"

"Malam ni abang balik"

"Aippp!"

Panggilan telefon 

23/4

Campervan

"Kalau, kalau aje tau"

"Ha"

"Abang beli campervan tu kan, abang happy tak?"

"Ara kan tak suka. Kita beli yang Ara suka. Ada skrin besar pawagam tu"

"Tapi kan"

"Hmm"

"Camper acam best. Acam la, tak tahu best tak"

"Boleh ke anak dulang mas hidup dalam campervan? Kang tak bernafas pulak"

"Kita dah bagi green light beli aje la. Suka ngat gaduh ngan kita"

"Laaa"

Panggilan telefon

22/4

Telur

"Ha. Ara. Abang tengah mandi"

"Aummmmm"

"Kejab nak basuh telor. Nanti abang call balik"

"Eeee tak senonoh la abang ni"

"Telur ayam lagikan kena basuh inikan telor manusia hahahaha"

Panggilan telefon

23/4

Lori ais

"Abang dekat site. Tunggu lori ais"

"Ada makan-makan ke?"

"Bukan la"

"Bistu?"

"Campur dalam konkrit"

"Campur dalam konkrit?"

"Iye"

"Untuk apa, bang?"

"Bangunan besar biasanya kena guna ais tak nak bagi cepat keras. Pekerja tak rushing. Konkrit panas, bila cuaca pun panas bangunan boleh retak. Kalau cepat keras, tak cantik finishing. Macam orang main, cepat sangat pancut mana best"

"Takde contoh lain ke?"

"Tu je senang. Tapi yang ni kita letak ais sebab masa nak tuang tu nak suhu yang spesifik. Dalam pelan dah ada. Kita ikut je"

"Macam masak kek"

"Pandai"

"Buat bangunan pun susah"

"Gigit Ara je senang hehe"

"Gigit apa tu mmm?"

"Gigit la apa-apa"

Panggilan telefon

24/4

Construction Services

Office Setup Overview: Establish a professional office offering construction products and services, with a strong focus on quality, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction.

Core Offerings:

1. Construction Materials Supply: 

• Cement

• Sand

• Steel (rebar)

• Nails

• Concrete blocks

Finishing materials:

• Tiles

• Fixtures

• Sanitary ware

• Lighting

• Flooring

• Paint

Other materials:

• Plumbing and electrical supplies

• Power tools

(Focus initially on this core service to establish a solid foundation before expanding into other offerings)

2. Equipment Rental Services: 

• Mixers

• Scaffolding

• Formwork

• Compactors

• Excavators

• Cranes:

• Mobile Crane
• Tower Crane
• Crawler Crane

(Start with a mobile crane or partner with a crane supplier to gauge demand before expanding the fleet)

3. Construction Finishing Services: 

• Tile installation

• Gypsum ceilings and partitioning

• Painting and waterproofing

• Aluminum and steel works

• Complete interior fit-outs

4. Site Services:

• Site cleaning and construction waste removal

• Promote reuse and recycling of materials to reduce site costs

5. Logistics & Delivery Services:

• Provide delivery of materials and rental equipment to construction sites

• Enhances customer convenience and service efficiency

6. Tool & Equipment Sales:

• Sell power tools, safety gear, and consumables

• Complements rental services and builds customer loyalty

7. Temporary Site Infrastructure:

• Rent or sell temporary fencing, portable toilets, and water tank

• Useful for medium and large construction projects

Potential Future Services:

Block Manufacturing & Sales:

• Concrete blocks

• Hollow blocks

• Interlock pavers

Eco-Brick Production & Pilot Housing Projects:

• Explore innovative and sustainable housing options using eco-bricks

Phase Plan by Investment Size:

Phase 1:

• Launch material supply and logistics

• Basic office and warehouse setup

Phase 2:

• Add tool rentals and site cleaning services

• Purchase delivery vehicle(s)

Phase 3:

• Introduce finishing services and equipment/tool sales

Phase 4:

• Block manufacturing

• Eco housing pilot projects

Initial Resources Needed:

• Office space and admin staff

• Warehouse or yard for material storage

• Delivery vehicle(s)

• Starter inventory (cement, tools, safety gear, etc.)

• Basic tools and equipment for services

Terima kasih

Ara butangkan kemeja, pakaikan jam, sarungkan cincin, minyakkan jambang, sikatkan rambut, pakaikan stokin, sarungkan kasut. Lama dia peluk sebelum aku melangkah keluar menuju lapangan terbang.

Aku rasa di sayangi, di beri perhatian dan di hargai.

Terima kasih, Ara.

_

"Semoga Allah sentiasa memeliharamu duhai isteri"

"Semoga Allah sentiasa menjagamu duhai suami"

"Abang sayang Ara dunia akhirat. Maafkan salah silap abang"

"Ara sayang sangat abang. Halalkan makan minum Ara, ampunkan dosa Ara dunia akhirat. Ara harap reda abang"

"Semuanya abang maafkan. Abang reda atas Ara dunia akhirat"

"Jaga diri tau"

"Okey, sayang"

Happy, happy, happy

"Abang bawa berapa pasang kasut?"

"3 termasuk kasut jogging"

"Safety boots?"

"Steel-toe"

"Seluar? Denim?"

"Dah. Sekali canvas dengan slack"

"Jangan pakai ketat-ketat tau"

"Spender tak nak tanya warna apa?"

"Orange, kan?"

"Eh tahu hahahahaha. Purple, yellow, bright pink, turquoise"

"Amboi, meriah"

"Happy, happy, happy hehehe"

Goreng ayam

Ara goreng ayam rangup spicy. Sekali lagi, minyak merecik hingga ke lantai. Mujurlah tak teruk. Tegur juga tapi dia tak melenting. Alhamdulillah, selesai kemas dapur dan mop lantai. 

Kalau tak degil bukan perempuan namanya.

Tambah isteri

"Abang tak nak tambah bini"

"Cantik pun tak nak?"

"Ara kena luruskan niat. Kalau untuk kebaikan abang, abang tak nak tapi kalau untuk kebaikan Ara, abang boleh pertimbangkan. Mungkin Ara nak me time lebih hmm"

"Takde la macam tu. Poligami banyak kebaikan. Ara nak mudahkan abang"

"Tapi abang rasa macam Ara tak sayang abang…tak nak ambil tahu hal abang, pass dekat orang lain"

"Jangan salah faham, abang. Niat Ara ikhlas. Kalau Ara keluar kerja, ada co-wife jaga makan minum keperluan abang. Lelaki kan sifatnya perlu sentiasa di dampingi"

"Di belai dan di manja sentiasa hahahahaha"

"Gatal"

Siri ujian

"Abang okey tak?"

"Okey"

"Tak baik tau tipu isteri solehah"

"Kadang-kadang, dada rasa berat bila teringat perbuatan kita yang menyebabkan orang lain menderita. Tak kisahlah di pihak kita atau pihak lain yang tak terlibat. Dalam banyak perkara, rasa bersalah tiada ubat…"

"Jangan fikir, sayang. Ara tak nak abang sakit. Abang tak sihat sangat lately ni, kan?"

"Abang boleh halang…tapi abang tak buat…dan yang tak bersalah lebih terluka…"

"Abang"

"Hmm"

"Abang pernah cakap, hidup ini adalah siri ujian. Kita perlu melaluinya dengan sabar untuk mematangkan diri, menguatkan iltizam dan berasa kasih serta ihsan kepada orang lain"

"Bila abang cakap?"

"Masa kita nangis"

"Bila?"

"Astu la kawin agi ngan orang tua. Semualah dia lupa"

Cincin

"Cuba Ara pakai cincin abang tengok cantik tak"

"Blue sapphire cantik"

"Tourmaline?"

"Lawa"

"Yellow sapphire? Macam citrine?"

"Cantik"

"Band dia nak letak warna apa? White gold, platinum, silver?"

"White gold"

"Abang pun rasa macam tu"

"Tambah diamond"

"Okey"

"Abang nak ke? Kita boleh tempah?"

"Eh tak payah. Saja tanya. Dah banyak cincin"

"Abang ada majlis ke?"

"Tak ada"

"Abang kan selalu tempah cincin sebab nak sama dengan baju"

"Sejak kawin semuanya Ara beli. Baju, seluar, kasut, spender"

"Tu pun nak mention ke?"

"Ha ye la. Mesti"

"Abang nak beli warna apa?"

"Entah, tak tahu lagi. Ara suka cincin macam mana?"

"Minimalis. Diamond kecik-kecik aje"

"Morganite rose gold, okey?"

"Dah ada"

"Blue sapphire?"

"Dah ada, bang"

"Aquamarine white gold?"

"Takde asenya"

"Haa. Diamond & gold lawa, kan?"

"Dulu tiap tahun dapat hadiah cincin every anniversary astu laki kita lupa manjang"

"Ara marah ke?"

"Dulu aje. Sekarang tak. Kalau ingat, Alhamdulillah. Tak ingat pun takpe. Tak penting pun"

"Banyaknya abang lukakan hati Ara hmm abang minta maaf"

"Jadi wife businessman kita faham fokus abang banyak. Takde la penting sangat pun, anniversary aje kan. Recently kita baca something and ingatkan kita dekat abang. Benda macam anniversary kita tak nak emo lebih-lebih"

"Apa orang tu tulis?"

"Pautan"

Nasi kenduri

"Abang nak makan apa?"

"Nasi kenduri + ayam masak rose + jelatah + acar buah ada lagi ke? Air nak jus. Petang nak mi kari tapi kalau Ara nak masak bihun tomyam boleh jugak. Lama tak makan"

"Alaa biasa jawab nak makan kita mmm mmm"

"Laa hahahahaha"

Mini zoo

"Daddyyyyyyy"

"Anak siapa tu, bang?"

"Entah"

"Daddyyyyyyyyyy"

"Ambil anak angkat ke? Tak cakap kita"

"Mana ada"

"Daddyyyyyyyyyyyyy"

"Jab kita tengok"

_

"Mmmmm?"

"Hmm heee"

"Babtu tiba dalam jadual ada bird mmmm"

"Cantik, kan?"

"Rabbit, kucing, burung, monyet, ikan, otter apa lagi, bang? Dah macam mini zoo"

"Tak beli dah. Janji"

"Burung sampai 3"

"Dua tu memang berpasangan. Satu ni single"

"Monyet lompat sana sini. Kembar pun join. Siap tali. Haihhhhhhh stres tau"

"Heee"

"Acam tarzan dah"

"Ara marah ke?"

"Abang boleh tanya?"

"Okey, salah abang"

"Kenapa tak pasang dalam bilik macam Costa?"

"Dalam bilik pun ada tapi budak dah besar. Cepat boring kalau indoor. Dia nak explore"

"………"

"Ara tak suka nanti abang buka. Abang pasang tempat lain"

"Masalah bila dapat suami rajin sangat"

"Habis nak buat apa?"

"Biar aje situ"

"Tapi marah tapi biar"

Kain masam

"Abang…abang buat apa?"

"Baru lepas mandi"

"Alaaaa kenapa tukar kain?"

"Dah masam"

"Astu kain tak masam?"

"Tidur, tidur"

"Tak nak kain ni"

"Dah pulak"

"Tukar la cepat"

"Orang pakai wangi-wangi nak masam. Kain dah masuk bakul"

"Alaaaa"

"Shhh…tidur. Pukul 2 dah ni"

"Nak kain masam"

"Dalam bakul"

"Ambil laaaa"

"Ni dah kenapa ni? Mimpi apa?"

"Tadi kita goreng ikan"

"Tidur dulu esok kita sembang"

"Abang"

"Ha"

_

Kalau tanya esok, mesti dia lupa.

Ayam goreng

Sebaik sahaja pulang dari masjid, aku terus ke dapur. Aku lihat Ara sedang menggoreng ayam. Minyak terpercik di serata tempat, termasuklah di atas lantai. Peralatan yang berhampiran semuanya berminyak. Aku menarik nafas dalam-dalam, cuba mengawal emosi dan ekspresi wajah.

“Goreng apa tu?” tanyaku, walaupun aku sudah tahu jawapannya.

“Ayam,” jawabnya ringkas.

“Kenapa tak guna air fryer?”

“Lupa,” jawab Ara.

“Oven pun ada. Alat pemanggang pun boleh guna. Taklah minyak merecik sampai ke lantai. Anak jalan sampai sana lantai melekit”

Aku berkata dalam satu nafas, bersedia sekiranya berlaku perbalahan.

“Sorry, next time kita tak buat dah,” jawab Ara spontan.

Aku tak jadi marah. “Tak apa. Nanti abang mop lantai”

Kami tidak bergaduh. Syukur, alhamdulillah. Ada waktunya, kalau tersalah tegur memang boleh jadi perang, seperti hari pertama puasa. Puncanya? Aku tegur ada sesuatu di atas lantai.

“Benda apa tu?” Soalku pendek dan ringkas, tetapi dia melenting. Betul-betul melenting.

“Lantai kotor aje salahkan Ara. Penatlah!”

Dia bercakap seolah-olah aku menuduh dia yang mengotorkan lantai, sedangkan aku sekadar bertanya.

“Benda simple. Dah kotor, mop. Tu je.”

Aku pun tak mahu mengalah. Kami bergaduh besar—jam 10 malam.

Malam itu, selepas peristiwa di dapur, Ara mengambil kunci kereta dan keluar rumah. Dia tidak berkata apa-apa. Aku hanya memerhati. Dia pulang selepas satu jam tiga puluh lima minit. Ketika dia melangkah masuk, aku menegurnya. Namun, dalam masa yang sama, kedengaran Luqman menangis dari atas. Aku naik ke tingkat atas untuk mengambil Luqman. Bila aku turun semula, kereta Ara sudah tiada. Aku tidurkan Luqman kembali. Kemudian, aku duduk menunggu Ara.

Hati risau—tak tentu arah. Macam-macam perkara berlegar dalam fikiran. Dia pulang kira-kira lima belas minit sebelum pukul dua pagi. Aku benar-benar lega. Kali ini aku tak menegurnya. Dia melangkah masuk ke rumah. Aku pula terus naik ke atas. Malam itu, kami tidur di bilik berasingan. Aku tetap bangun seperti biasa, menyiapkan sahur tetapi Ara tidak turun makan. Mungkin merajuk. Keesokan harinya, kami kembali bercakap seperti biasa. Seolah-olah tiada apa yang berlaku malam sebelumnya.

Makan malam sudah tersedia tapi Ara tetap mahu memasak. Aku tak mahu rosakkan mood, dia pasti penat. Selesai makan, aku mop lantai sambil berzikir supaya hati aku tenang dan tak merungut. Hampir sejam lebih selesailah semuanya. Aku naik ke tingkat atas, Ara sudah pun tidur — gembira mendapat 4 kuntum bunga ros dari kembar ketika di lapangan terbang. Aku tak bawa jambangan; hanya sekuntum aku berikan bersama sebatang pen dan satu set novel bersiri yang aku letakkan di atas meja. 

April 18, 2025

Ary

"Aku tengah design cincin untuk Ara"

"Sayanggggg bini oiii"

"Apa salah. 4 anak dia bagi. Dahlah hari tu lepas bersalin nak bangun pun tak boleh. Aku yang tengok pun seksa. Masa bisnes aku down, dia ada. Tak pernah complaint aku cut budget ke apa. Mana nak cari perempuan baik. Siap nak cari co-wife pulak ni. Boleh pulak dia suruh mak dia tanyakan"

"Ini macam baru lelaki sejati. Kaya dan berjaya. Kasi on braderrrr. Anak jantan"

"Kasi on, kasi on. Kerja lain tak ada"

"Meman*** kan sedap kahkahkahkah"

13/4

Every detail

Tomorrow’s schedule isn’t too packed, but there are still quite a few things to take care of. The housemaid will start with a deep cleaning in the morning. After breakfast, I’ll take the kids—and myself—to the salon for haircuts. Once Jumuah prayer is done, I’ll start getting ready to head to the airport. On the way, I’ll stop by the florist to pick up a bouquet for my wife. Before leaving, I’ll prepare the jacuzzi and set up the room with flowers and candles to welcome her home. A special dinner will also be waiting for her. Although it’s not a hectic day, it feels like a lot to prepare. Tonight, I’ll plan my outfit for picking her up—choosing the right clothes, perfume, shoes, ring, watch, and sunglasses. 

Every detail matters.

Thursday, 17 April

8:45 AM

Brush teeth

Clean the bathroom

Take a shower

Choose clothes to wear

Make the bed

Hang the towel to dry

9:30 AM

Have breakfast

Listen to Nuril Mubin

10:00 AM

Light exercise

Dance time

10:20 AM

Drink plain water

DIY activity: Make organic detergent

10:50 AM

Have milk, a boiled egg, and honey

Free play

11:15 AM

Read picture book: Wonders in the World

Drink plain water

11:30 AM

Peel the boiled egg

12:00 PM

Help daddy set the lunch table

Eat lunch

Clean the table

Wash the dishes

Wipe the dishes

Arrange the dishes

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:30 PM

Eat Nestum with oats

Coloring activity

2:45 PM

Science project

3:15 PM

Drink a smoothie and eat pasta with Alfredo sauce

Explore the globe

4:00 PM

Play with toys

Drink plain water

4:45 PM

Go cycling

5:20 PM

Drink plain water

Swimming time

6:20 PM

Take a bath

Drink milk and eat fruit

Free play

7:30 PM

Dinner

8:15 PM

Bonding time with daddy: Play carrom

Listen to saxophone instrumental music

9:00 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Bedtime story

Sleep

Beli hati

"Abang bagi kembar troli lepas tu bagi duit suruh pilih apa nak pilih"

"Shopping sakan"

"Masa bayar tunggu turn. Nasib orang tak ramai. Bila dapat baki simpan dalam poket"

"Luqman meragam tak?"

"Tak. Sabar je dia tunggu giliran. Pelan-pelan masuk barang dalam troli"

"Barang siapa paling banyak?"

"Raysha!"

"DNA Ibu hihihi"

"Hari ni ajar lepas beli barang, baki simpan tabung. Nanti ajar jadi pembeli yang bijak. Daneal beli paling sikit. Dia suka tengok sayur. Raysha pemborong paling besar sampai tumpang troli Luqman"

"Dia beli apa, bang?"

"Segala benda ada. Tak shorting lagi. Hasha beli tak banyak sangat"

"Abang beli apa?"

"Hati Ara"

"Eeeeee menci laaa. Cair tau hati kita"

16/4

16/4

Health Checkup Schedule (Bonda)

Every Month:

• Monitor Blood Glucose Level (BGL)
• Monitor Blood Pressure (BP)
• Monitor Cholesterol Levels

Every 3 Months:

• Comprehensive blood test conducted by an internal medicine specialist

Every Year:

• Cardiac stress test (treadmill) with a cardiologist
• Echography (ultrasound) to assess 11 vital organs

Every 5 Years:

• Colonoscopy

Exercise:

• Light physical activity is highly encouraged — brisk walking is ideal and recommended

Weight Monitoring:

• Check and record body weight every two weeks
• Note: Unintentional weight loss in older adults may indicate bone or muscle loss. Regular monitoring is essential.

Habis ayat

"Ara cakap apa sampai dia marah?"

"Perangai macam perempuan. Kuat membebel"

"Laa. Ara melawan dia buat apa. Diam je la"

"Ehhh laki kita cakap pun kita menjawab. Nak suruh kita dengar cakap dia"

"Habis ayat la nak cakap"

"Dahlah kuat sentap astu nak marah-marah jerkah kita. Eh please la. Bini dia boleh la dia buat acam tu. Tak gila ke bini dia bang dengar dia membebel?"

"Nanti kalau kena tindakan macam mana?"

"Biar eh. Peduli kita"

2/4

Darling

"Kita call nak cakap I love you. Okey, bye!"

"Kejab la"

"Kerja, bang"

"Satu kiss tak boleh?"

"Abang"

"Separuh ke"

"Bye, abang"

"Bye, darling"

_

"Abang macam letih aje"

"Letih sikit"

"Abang buat apa tu?"

"Tengok landscape plan. Tengah pening orang mintak konsep tak pernah buat dek orang"

"Dah makan, sayang?"

"Cuba cakap sayang lagi"

"Dah makan, sayang?"

"Dah…kenyang orang panggil sayang hehehehe"

"Mulut manis"

13/4

Wednesday, 16 April

7:30 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Choose outfit

Make the bed

Hang the towel

8:00 AM

Breakfast

Listen to Zikir Munajat & Asmaul Husna

8:30 AM

Measure height & weight

Light exercise

Indoor gym play

9:30 AM

Milk + boiled egg

9:50 AM

Get ready to go out

Clean up

Change into outing outfit

10:40 AM

Head to the mall

Choose favorite food, toys, and drinks

Enjoy Yakult + rice cereal

1:00 PM

Lunch at the park

Brush teeth (public toilet)

Nap time

2:30 PM

Nestum + oats

Plain water

3:00 PM

Picture book: Reptiles

3:15 PM

Free playtime

4:15 PM

Head home

Plain water + pudding

5:00 PM

Free playtime

6:30 PM

Bath time

Rest

Drink milk

7:40 PM

Dinner

8:20 PM

Cuddle with daddy

Share stories

8:50 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Recite Ya Zal Jalali Wal Ikram

Sleep

-

Outing Output

Self-care basics

• Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet

Social Skills

• Say “thank you”
• Take turns
• Greet others politely

Safety Habits

• Hold hands when walking outside
• Stop at the street and look both ways
• Don’t talk to strangers

Tuesday, 15 April

8:30 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Make the bed

Put clothes in the washing machine

9:15 AM

Breakfast

9:30 AM

Singing & dancing

Feed the animals

Water the plants

10:00 AM

Basic self-defense practice

10:20 AM

Milk + boiled egg

Rest

10:40 AM

Basic survival skills practice

11:10 AM

Free play

Fruit + plain water

11:30 AM

Picture book: Country Flags

11:45 AM

Help daddy set the table for lunch

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:00 PM

Cuddle time

Cereal

2:30 PM

DIY plumbing activity

2:50 PM

Milk + Veggie pancake

3:20 PM

Reading session

3:40 PM

Drink plain water

Free play

4:15 PM

Lego time

4:50 PM

Water play day

5:45 PM

Yogurt

Plain water

6:20 PM

Take a shower

Get ready for the mosque

Free play

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

Wipe the table

Help carry the dishes

8:15 PM

Qasidah time with daddy

8:40 PM

Warm milk + cinnamon stick

Brush teeth

Bedtime story (Malaysian history)

Sleep

Monday, 14 April

7:20 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Choose outfit

Make the bed

Put clothes in the washing machine

7:50 AM

Breakfast

8:20 AM

Light exercise

8:40 AM

Chalk art + movement

9:15 AM

Milk + boiled egg

Play dart

9:40 AM

Hang the laundry

10:00 AM

Help daddy cook rice

10:30 AM

Fruit + plain water

10:50 AM

Play dominoes

11:20 AM

Help daddy set the table

Learn how to arrange spoon, fork, knife, plate, and cup

Lunch

Clear the table

Wipe the table

Carry dishes

Wash dishes

Wipe dishes

Organize dishes

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:00 PM

Nestum + oats

Toy playtime

2:45 PM

Bring in dry clothes and put them in the laundry basket

3:00 PM

Picture book: Insects

3:10 PM

STEM robotics

3:35 PM

Milk + toast

Storytelling

Free play

4:45 PM

Short bicycle ride

Plain water

5:30 PM

Learn to separate trash for recycling

Throw trash in the bin

6:00 PM

Feed the fish, cat, rabbit, and bird

Water the plants

Milk

6:30 PM

Take a shower

Free play

7:40 PM

Dinner

8:20 PM

Bonding time with daddy – Play carrom

8:50 PM

Warm milk + cinnamon

Brush teeth

Bedtime story

Sleep

Sunday, 13 April

8:30 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Make the bed

9:10 AM

Breakfast

9:30 AM

Kayaking

10:30 AM

Milk & mashed potatoes

Free play

11:20 AM

Picture book: Ocean Animals

11:35 AM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:00 PM

Smoothie + waffle

2:30 PM

Pack the bag to head home

Take time to enjoy the view

Drink plain water

4:00 PM

Milk + fruits

Rest

5:00 PM

Ride-on adventure time

(Mini ATV)

Plain water + crackers

6:00 PM

Coconut water & agar-agar

Rest

6:30 PM

Take a shower

Get ready for mosque (for boys)

Free play

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

Wipe the table

8:20 PM

Deep breathing

Bonding time with daddy – Play snakes & ladders

8:50 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Bedtime story

Sleep

Bini baru

"Tak payah pening-pening. Tarik keluar, pindahkan dekat emas dah selamat. Teruk sangat market sekarang. Semua orang dah bising"

"Bila eh gila dia nak habis? Menyusahkan orang"

"Ada kata dia nyanyuk. Pasaran akan kacau-bilau selagi dia tak diam. Lawan dengan China takkan menang. Ara bukan tak tahu orang Cina macam mana. Dia takkan berganjak. Tekaan abang betul sebab Xi Ping cakap China is not backing down from Trump's tariff war. Semua orang boleh agak benda ni. Perangai Cina siapa yang tak tahu"

"145% vs 125%. Dia tak rasa ke dia susahkan hidup rakyat dia sendiri? Macam mana eh dia fikir"

"Dia nak jadikan Amerika hub ekonomi dunia tapi kos buruh mahal. Sejam $28 siapa nak. Ekonomi mesti slow sampai 2027"

"Suka sangat masuk campur hal negara orang. Sekarang merentan hutang banyak"

"Amsterdam sikit je tanah tapi hasil eksport pertanian nombor dua dunia. Bandar cantik, seni bina lawa, kedai buku bersepah. Rakyat kedekut hahaha"

"Nama pun go Dutch"

"Nanti kita pergi tengok bunga nak?"

"Tak nak"

"Abang pergi dengan bini baru je la. 44 kali abang sebut jeng bini baru datang. Muda, cantik, bergaya phewitt!"

Panggilan telefon

13/04/2025

Permainan

"Anak abang, suka hati abang"

"Manja sangat aih"

"Biar la. Bukan dosa pun. Banyak lagi abang nak beli"

"Sebab tu suruh kita gi kerja kannn"

"Abang minta belikan tak nak tolong. Biar la. Bukan lama pun jadi budak-budak. Kejab je. Esok lusa dah besar"

"Kita bukan tak nak"

"Ara tahu tak…abang masa kecik tak pernah main semua tu. Basikal pun tak ada. Tak pernah tengok pun mini bike ke apa. Ada sekali tu abang meniaga dekat pasar malam. Selang dua meja ada orang jual kereta mainan, kereta control. Ramai mak ayah datang dengan budak-budak beli. Masa tu dalam 30 ke 40 ringgit je. Abang teringin, tapi abang tak ada duit"

"Sorry la. Kita tak marah pun"

"Sekarang permainan dah advance. Dari beli excavator ke backhoe mainan baik beli yang mini boleh bawak. Praktis terus"

"Abang beli ke?"

"Ha?"

"Ye, kan? Macam kita tak kenal abang"

"Dia kecik dulu jadi princess siap ada castle kita tak komen. Anak nak main sikit dah bising. Bukannya mahal pun. Bijan lagi mahal. Allah, terungkit pulak hehehe"

"Abanggggggg! Eeee! Melampau tau back-up anak"

"Bagi la abang peluang. Zaman Umar, Adam, Huda membesar abang tak merasa. Abang sakit masa tu. Apa pun tak boleh buat"

Panggilan telefon

12/04/2025

Saturday, 12 April

8:00 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Make the bed

Put dirty clothes in the washing machine

8:40 AM

Breakfast

9:10 AM

Light exercise

Deep breathing

Feed the animals

Water the plants

Clean the backyard

9:40 AM

Sourdough bread + milk

Rest

10:20 AM

Ride-on adventure time

Motocross - Boys

Chopper cruiser - Girls

11:40 AM

Eat fruits + plain water

Take a shower

Free play

12:40 PM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:30 PM

Nestum & oats

Free play

3:00 PM

Pack bag

Head to the catamaran

3:40 PM

Fishing

4:20 PM

Smoothie + agar-agar

5:30 PM

Get ready for BBQ

6:15 PM

Take a shower

Rest

Drink milk

7:00 PM

Get ready to watch the sunset

Drink plain water

7:20 PM

Listen to Quran recitation & reflect on the surah

7:35 PM

Free play

8:00 PM

BBQ time

Moongazing

Singing

9:30 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Bedtime story (travel-themed)

Sleep

Friday, 11 April

8:00 AM

Brush teeth

Take a bath

Make the bed

8:40 AM

Breakfast

9:10 AM

Morning walk (grounding)

Enjoy the sunrise

9:30 AM

Muffin + milk

9:50 AM

Sewing (cutting fabric)

10:30 AM

Fruit + plain water

Rest

11:00 AM

Drawing & coloring

11:30 AM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap

1:45 PM

Nestum & oats

2:10 PM

Picture book – Local culture

2:30 PM

Free play

2:50 PM

Toast with kaya + Vico

3:15 PM

Walk outside

3:30 PM

Jigsaw puzzle

4:00 PM

Milk

Free play

5:00 PM

Obstacle course – crawl under, jump over, zig-zag

6:00 PM

Pudding + coconut water

Rest

6:30 PM

Bath

Free play

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

8:30 PM

Free play

Listen to violin music

8:50 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Bedtime story – Great Women in Civilization

Sleep

Fountain pen

Ara’s never really been into the arts—painting and poetry don’t interest her much. We're quite different that way. I’m not into painting either, and I wouldn’t say I have any artistic talent. I only know technical drawing. But one thing she truly loves is cursive writing. Her parents enrolled her in cursive handwriting classes when she was younger, along with piano and violin lessons, among others. She has an impressive collection of pens, and I’ve always encouraged her to teach our kids how to write in cursive. It’s such a beautiful skill to pass down. I’ve been thinking—it might be a nice gesture to get her a new pen as a little welcome-home gift after her short work trip.

Yes, she wrote me letters, sweet little memos, and heartfelt love notes—all in her beautiful handwriting.

Thursday, 10 April

7:00 AM

Brush teeth

Take a bath

Pick clothes

Make the bed

Put dirty clothes into the laundry basket

7:50 AM

Breakfast

8:15 AM

Stretching

Feed the animals

Water the plants

8:45 AM

Cycle around the neighbourhood

9:15 AM

Pancakes & milk

Free play

10:00 AM

Learn manners / public etiquette

10:20 AM

Do a simple house chore

11:00 AM

Eat fruit and drink plain water

Read picture book (food around the world)

11:30 AM

Help daddy set the table for lunch

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap

2:30 PM

Cereal

Free play

3:00 PM

Make smoothie and toast bread with daddy

Clean the kitchen

3:45 PM

Rest

4:00 PM

Playdough

4:30 PM

Ball games

5:30 PM

Pudding and plain water

Rest

5:50 PM

Visit the beach

6:30 PM

Take a bath

Get ready for the mosque

Free activity

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

Wipe the table

Bring dishes to the sink

Wash dishes

Wipe dishes

Arrange dishes

8:20 PM

Stargazing

8:35 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Mystery story

Sleep

Nama anak

"Dah orang letak nama suka hati, elok ada guideline. Kalau ayah nama Megat, anak perempuan nama Puteri. Kalau bapak nama Meor, anak perempuan nama Wan. Tapi ada jugak memang keturunan Wan, anak laki ke perempuan pangkal nama Wan. Kalau Raja, laki perempuan Raja tapi bila panggil tukar Engku. Dalam keturunan Raja, ada yang namakan anak perempuan Yong"

"Tuan pun ada, kan?"

"Ada. Tun pun"

"Alaaa Haraaz tak boleh ke?"

"Haraaz datang mana tiba-tiba?"

"Ritu cakap nak nama Haraaz astu tak jadi"

"Kan tak ada maksud, nak letak macam mana. Habis semua kitab abang bukak, semua bahasa abang check dari Parsi sampai Urdu memang tak ada maksud. Ada, tapi maksud tak berapa baik"

"Cuba cari agi"

"Anak mana ada dah nak letak"

"Buat laaaa"

"Amboi!"

28/3

Kegawatan

"Dua hari lepas abang dapat tahu harga batu dekat kuari naik. Barang lain pun akan naik. Construction mesti slow. Orang akan berjimat, bermaksud peratus penjualan rumah akan menurun. Kemungkinan bisnes slow sikit tapi tak effect sangat. Yang penting tabung makanan tak susut, yuran sekolah dengan duit belanja Kakak ada, sewa tak sangkut. Kalau perlu kurangkan kos, kita pindah rumah sewa murah sikit. Ara nak beli apa-apa sebelum bulan 6. Lepas bulan 6, abang kena review dulu. Kalau lulus, beli. Tak lulus, tak boleh beli"

"Takde buat masa ni"

"Kalau jadi kegawatan lama. Kita dah bertahan dulu, harap kali ni kita okey"

"Susah senang kita sama-sama, abang"

"Buat masa ni vacation tak potong, tengok macam mana"

"Ara percaya abang. Setiap keputusan suami, Ara hormati. Ara tak akan pertikai"

"Terima kasih"

"Awalnya buat perancangan"

"Jaga keluarga dah tentu. Abang kena pastikan semua terkawal. Pekerja nak bawa balik duit bagi anak bini makan. Nanti dapur tak berasap"

Panggilan telefon

10/4/2025

Ary

"Sembang-sembang datang tidak. Tunggu bini aku balik arr"

"Mana bini lu?"

"Kerja"

"Cuti menetek la ko seminggu kahkahkahkah"

"Hahahahaha harey"

Global Recession

1. MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS OF RECESSION

A. Declining Oil Prices

Causes:

• Reduced industrial/consumer demand (global slowdown)
• Shift to renewables + energy efficiency policies
• Geopolitical factors (e.g., OPEC+ disputes, U.S. shale production)

Impacts:

• Negative: Fiscal crises in oil-dependent economies (Nigeria, Venezuela)
• Positive: Lower input costs for transport/manufacturing sectors

B. Trade Barriers & Supply Chain Disruptions

Key Drivers:

• U.S.-China tech decoupling (semiconductors, EVs)
• "Friend-shoring" (e.g., EU shifting supply chains from China to India/Mexico)
• Export bans (e.g., food, rare earth metals)

Consequences:

• Higher production costs → Inflationary pressure
• Delayed deliveries → Just-in-time manufacturing collapse

2. SECTOR-BY-SECTOR IMPACT ANALYSIS

A. Most Vulnerable Sectors

Oil & Gas

Key Risks:

• Price volatility due to demand collapse (e.g., Brent crude dropping below $40/barrel).
• Stranded assets from ESG pressures (e.g., Shell’s $22B write-down in 2020).
• Fiscal crises in oil-dependent economies (Nigeria’s currency devaluation, Venezuela’s hyperinflation).

Case Examples:

• ExxonMobil’s 2020 $22B loss, Saudi Aramco’s dividend cuts.

Manufacturing

Key Risks:

• Consumer demand collapse for durable goods (autos, appliances).
• Supply chain bottlenecks (e.g., semiconductor shortages crippling auto production).
• Rising input costs (steel, aluminum) squeezing margins.

Case Examples:

• Ford’s 2022 $3B supply chain losses, Foxconn’s factory shutdowns.

Construction

Key Risks:

• High interest rates freezing project financing (e.g., U.S. housing starts dropping 30% in 2022).
• Material cost inflation (cement +25% YoY in EU, 2023).
• Labor shortages exacerbating delays.

Case Examples:

• China’s Evergrande crisis, U.S. commercial real estate defaults.

Luxury Goods

Key Risks:

• Discretionary spending cuts (e.g., China’s luxury sales growth dropping from 17% to 1% in 2022).
• Secondary market resale cannibalizing new sales (Rolex, Hermès).

Case Examples:

• LVMH’s 2020 revenue decline (-17%), Kering’s profit warnings.

B. Resilient Sectors

Healthcare

Why It Survives:

• Inelastic demand (chronic treatments, aging populations).
• Government-backed funding (Medicare, EU public health systems).

Case Examples:

• Pfizer’s COVID vaccine windfall ($37B revenue in 2022), UnitedHealth’s steady growth.

Utilities

Why It Survives:

• Regulated monopolies with guaranteed returns (e.g., U.S. rate-base models).
• Essential service status (no demand destruction).

Case Examples:

• NextEra Energy’s +12% annualized returns during 2008 crisis.

Discount Retail

Why It Survives:

• Consumer trade-down effect (Walmart’s 2022 +6% same-store sales).
• Private-label expansion (Costco’s Kirkland brand now 30% of sales).

Case Examples:

• Dollar General’s 2,000 new stores in 2023, Aldi’s U.S. market share doubling since 2018.

Cybersecurity

Why It Survives:

• Remote work → Higher IT security budgets (global spend to hit $215B in 2024).
• Government mandates (e.g., U.S. SEC’s 2023 cyber disclosure rules).

Case Examples:

• CrowdStrike’s 60% revenue growth post-COVID, Palo Alto Networks’ $6B R&D spend.

Key Contrasts

Worst vs. Best Performers:

Oil & Gas

• EBITDA margins may drop to 5-8%, while Healthcare sustains 20-25%.
• Luxury stocks (Richemont, Kering) underperform S&P 500 by 15-30%, but Utilities (NextEra, Duke Energy) outperform by 10-20%.

Footnotes for Depth

Geographic Nuances:

• Emerging markets suffer more in Manufacturing (Vietnam’s -7% GDP shock in 2020), while developed economies shield Healthcare/Utilities.

Policy Dependencies:

• U.S. CHIPS Act ($52B) may partially offset semiconductor manufacturing risks.

3. CORPORATE RESPONSE STRATEGIES

A. Defensive Measures

Liquidity Management:

• Hoard cash (Apple’s $166B reserve in 2020)
• Renegotiate debt covenants

Workforce Reductions:

• Meta’s 2023 layoffs (11,000 employees)
• Automation investment (AI, robotics)

B. Offensive Moves

M&A Opportunities:

• Distressed acquisitions (e.g., Disney buying 21st Century Fox post-2008)
• Vertical integration (Tesla securing lithium mines)

Pivot to Recession-Proof Products:

• Unilever’s focus on budget hygiene brands (Dove, Lifebuoy)

4. PERSONAL FINANCE & INVESTMENT GUIDELINES

A. Opportunities

Investing:

• Value Stocks: Blue-chips with strong balance sheets (e.g., Coca-Cola)
• Real Estate: Commercial property discounts (post-WFH crash)

Career:

• Upskill in recession-proof fields (healthcare, data science)
• Freelancing/gig economy diversification

B. Risks to Mitigate

• Debt Traps: Avoid variable-rate mortgages (2023 SVB collapse lesson)  
• Overexposure: Rebalance portfolios away from cyclical stocks (e.g., travel, luxury)  

5. GOVERNMENT & POLICY IMPLICATIONS  

Monetary Policy:

• Rate cuts vs. inflation control dilemma (Fed’s 2023-24 balancing act)  

Fiscal Stimulus: 

• Targeted subsidies (e.g., EU’s green energy grants)  
• Unemployment benefits extension (U.S. CARES Act model)  

Trade Policy:

• Regional trade pacts (IPEF, Africa Continental FTA) replacing globalization  

HISTORICAL CASE STUDIES

2008 Financial Crisis:

• Failures: Lehman Brothers (overleveraged)  
• Winners: Amazon (e-commerce boom), Goldman Sachs (distressed asset buys)  

2020 COVID Recession:

• Collapse: Hospitality (Airbnb’s 80% revenue drop)  
• Growth: Zoom (300% revenue surge), Pfizer (vaccine windfall)  

7. LONG-TERM STRATEGIC OUTLOOK

 

Mega-Trends Accelerated by Recession:

• Deglobalization: Reshoring critical industries (chips, pharma)  

Automation:

• "Lights-out factories" replacing human labor  

Climate Adaptation: 

• Green energy investments insulated by policy (IRA, EU Green Deal)