
The sun had started to rise when the bus we were riding had entered Denpasar City, a fairly crowded city in the middle of Indonesia. Different nuances I found in this city. The architect of the building bergitu typical, shaped temple with its attractive gates. Ornaments in the form of gods are beautifully engraved, presented with details. Things like this are rarely found on Java Island.
Doni and I stopped at the terminal stop, after it was completely confused, what should we do? It was like getting lost in the jungle, with a group of strangers all around.
“We want to do?” ask Doni.
“We just walk yuk!” my word.
“Where?”
“Where only. It's up to your feet to go where,” I replied carelessly.
Doni looked riled up as I started to step up. In any case, he still followed along the road that began to solidify. This is not a weekend, no wonder many people are doing daily activities. We walked around without any meaningful chatter, not knowing where to go. I myself feel blind to the state of this city.
In front of a small inn, my steps came to a halt. I stared at the nameplate that began to be difficult to read because it was eaten by the times. It may not have been updated for years. Small inns like this are widely spread across Denpasar. Many reckless people like us use it because it adapts to a budget that is not so big.
“We want to stay here? My house is better than this!” lamented Doni.
“You want to stay in a star hotel?”my many.
“Have that way...”.
“OK. We stay in a star hotel, but you pay me. Deal?” my word.
Doni. His face was a little disappointed. From inside the inn, came out a pair of Caucasians with blonde hair. Her pale skin glittered in the morning sun. They do not speak in English. Maybe from other parts of Europe. I can't quite understand it. They just passed by, heading for the highway.
“Bule is here. When you want five-star styles. The important thing is that we can sleep. Than we sleep in a mosque? You want?” the bujukku.
“Iya .. Yes!”
I smiled looking at the face of Doni who was sulking. A father, who was acting as a receptionist greeted us enthusiastically. I suspect this father is the owner of the inn. To save a budget, he deliberately did not hire a beautiful receptionist. Everything is handled by itself. With a typical Balinese accent, the father offers a room rate that is quite affordable. In addition, it also offers economical travel packages to several attractions. This is interesting, because we do not need to think about tickets, transportation or even eating is also included. The price is pretty reasonable in our pockets.
“You take this package?” I asked Doni.
“Bby. But joint venture yes!” answer Doni. I'm nodding.
Apparently, we're not alone. There are some lodging guests who are interested in following an economical travel package. The more participants, the cheaper the price offered. There are ten people who are interested, so that we can start the journey from tomorrow.
After we put things in the room, today we spend more time around Denpasar City. There are no outstanding tourist attractions in this city. Almost the same as other cities that are quite dense. We took the time to visit Sanur Beach which is not too far from the city, while seeing the many bulls that roam here. Well, Bali is an international island that became an interesting icon of Indonesia. Every year this island is visited by people from various nations. We are now part of that community. With the thinnest wallet.
By nightfall, we were just resting at the inn, preparing stamina for tomorrow's trip. After hunting for halal-labeled dinners around the inn, we sat in the coffee shop while eating the various fried foods available. The atmosphere is very similar to Java. It is undeniable, because the owner of the stall is a Javanese who pitted his fate on this Island of Gods.
“No! Ordinary aja. I just want to take a break from the final task. My head because of too much burden. So yes, all the way here,” kilahku.
“Today I met Dahlia on campus,” continued Doni.
“Dahlia? It's ordinary, right? We actually study at the same campus just different majors. Yes natural dong if meet him.”
I replied indifferently, while stuffing my mouth with a piece of fried banana. It tastes a little different from the fried bananas in Java. Even so, it remains crunchy and sweet.
“If you just meet often, Bi. But this is another,” said Doni.
“Other how?” I'm getting interested.
“He ate meatballs with Darwis. Tumben is not the same as you? Well, I suspect you should not be stabbed with Dervish,” said Doni.
The deg!
This heart feels burning hearing the words of Doni. There is a bit of unwillingness and jealousy raging. I tried to shake the shadow. Recall then the message sent Laras. Ah, I didn't know that Laras was secretly harboring feelings for me. Or is it just the demands of her parents who want me to be a daughter-in-law?
Considering all that, it really disturbs the mind. I better enjoy the atmosphere of Syahdu Denpasar. I just looked at the faces of women who had once stopped at the heart. Let me focus on what is in front of my eyes. A cup of black coffee plus hot fritters.
“That's it, don't think. Learn from me. How many times have I been rejected, I have not given up. I have a monik. Patience will bear sweet fruit,” said Doni sage.
The tumben?
Usually this Doni had a sharp mouth, but suddenly came wise words from his mouth. Perhaps he was possessed by the spirit of the guardian of the Island of Gods, so that the conversation so bounced like this. I heard his advice, even though my heart was holding back laughter.
We returned to the inn at about ten in the evening. Tiredness that whack, makes you want to rest immediately. The sleepiness has attacked. Obviously, the solution to all these problems is to lie down and close your eyes. Doni looks tired too. His eyes were soft, several times clenched by itself.
Drrrttt .. drrrttt .. drrrttt!
Phone's vibrating. I saw the name Laras calling. Should I take that call? What was I gonna say? My eyes have been wracked with extreme drowsiness. I suspect, he also felt unsettled. What he did was quite a surprise. How dare he claim that I've been betrothed to him? I don't know how Dahlia felt about me, but as a fellow woman, she chose to step down.
Or ....
Lest the Prohibition be right. I suspect I'm actually a matchmaking victim. Yes, between the mother and the Turonggo family is familiar. It's not impossible that they've planned something beyond my knowledge. If that's true, then you have to take responsibility for all this pettiness. The conspiracy of this mother must be confirmed immediately, because I also do not want to let Laras in turmoil.
Explain all this to me, Mom!
***