As I was getting the sahur meal ready, Ara came up and asked for a couple of plates. Without thinking, I turned to her and affectionately asked, "Sayang, yang mana satu?" She didn't reply, simply gazing at me in silence. In that moment, a serene calmness enveloped us like a blanket, as if time had come to a standstill, and it felt like an angel had cast its shadow over us.
I repeated the question and her brother couldn't contain his laughter, teasing her with, "Sayang, 'Sayang'." She then playfully tapped my chest, blushing and freezing up as she gave me a hug. The moment was filled with a mix of light-hearted laughter and affection, etching a warm memory in my heart as I looked into her eyes, seeing her face turn a shade of red.
As her family members witnessed this little exchange, I tried to play it off casually, as if it was no big deal. Maybe she was taken aback by me calling her that in front of everyone. It was a spontaneous gesture, something I rarely did. This unexpected moment has now turned into a cherished memory, one that I'll hold close to my heart for a long time.
Sri Hartamas, KL
31 March 2024