ANOTHER FUNERAL, ANOTHER SOBBING, ANOTHER GATHERING

This morning suddenly I opened my eyes. I thought it was too early to wake up. I reached my handphone to see the time. I was right. The digital clock on my phone showed 4.20 a.m. That means the time was 4.15 a.m. (it is my habit to give adjust my clock to 5 minutes faster).

Strange but I just don't know why I woke up. My 6 lovable cat namely Bhumipol, Sirikit, Chulaborn, ChomChom, ChromChrom and Tata no where to be seen. What else other than sleeping.

I went to the kitchen to drink and then jump into my bed to continue sleeping.

While I was in the office at about 7.45 a.m. one sms came in. It is from my ex-colleague Datin Noorsiah. Very brief - our beloved friend Asnah Abu has left us. Cervical Cancer. She breathed her last at 4.15 a.m. I repeat 4.15 a.m.

I don't believe it. So, I called Noorsiah to verify the news she just sms me. She says "yes, it is true". We both broke down. I have to accept it. Asnah Abu now is no longer belong to this world. Her cold body now lies in University Hospital. We have a task to complete. The 4 rituals - "mandikan, kafankan, sembahyangkan dan kebumikan".

Then I realised the time I woke up this morning is the time she left us. Maha Suci Allah that give me a clue but I was too ignorant to see or rather to understand it. That shows how small I am!

I am among the first few to know about this. I need to make few phone call to some people that know her during her life time. I called my aunty - Makcik Tom. I called Rasid, my brother. I called Joyce. I called Haslina. Actually, I was crying and talkong at the same time. My eyes "bengkak" and red. I am losing my voice. I could not make any more calls but I need to call my superior to inform her that I need to leave office for the day.

I called and spoke to her but due to my sobbing she could not understand what am I saying but she still say I can go out immediately, no problem. When I was about to leave, my phone rang. It was Hidaya. He ask me "Jak, what happened?" I was blank and ask him back "what happen"? He says Puan Halwah called him and requested him to check on me as I was crying and talking at the same time. She could not really hear, let alone understand me but she knows I was crying. I need to record here that I am always blessed to be working with a good boss! I informed Hidaya briefly. I had a short but very meaningful conversation with him. I feel much better. Thank you, Puan Halwah and you too, Hidaya.

I make my way to the car park with my head down. Too shy to show people my red eyes. While waiting for the elevator, another ex-colleague of mine, Nellie called. Both of us break down again. I still have a lot tears! As I was talking and approaching my car, I saw a very familiar figure approaching the lift lobby in 4th floor. I tought it was CekPaKaran. Yes, I was right again, it is CekPaKaran. She always parked her car next to mine or nearby. Ask her why. She were shocked to see me crying like a baby and ask me "abg, why, what happened, are you okay?". I could not answer her properly but just mumble the word "my friend passed away". I feel like hugging her but how can I do it in the car park? Imagine if people see. Another gossip. We have enough of that in my office. I better hurry to my car. But still managed to say I call her later.

You must be curious who Asnah Abu is to me. It is improper to say Asnah is my ex-colleague. Actually, Asnah is my friend. I know her before I became her colleague. She is not only close to me but to my family. We came a long way. I have known Asnah as a very daring young girl until the day she turn to be a girl in "jubah and mini telekong". In fact, Dona reminded me so much of her in her younger days. The way she speak, dress, etc. Few years ago, she transfromed herself to be "CekPaKaran". Alhamdulillah.

I am still too sad. To be continued....