ABHIMANYU WORLD

CV Chapter: Finish Line

The days while in Bali ignite the fire of the burning spirit in the chest. I've decided to put an end to all this turmoil. I realized it was very energy draining, and it was bad for my mental health. Whatever happens, life must go on, I must continue to live. I packed all the clothes into the bag, and the scattered shales of joy. The last day in Bali, after three days of adventure and excitement. It's time to return to the real world, full of challenges and tears.

However, I have prepared mentally to face the likuan life. I ended the conversation with Laras, without any decision. It's okay, hoping he understands that I'm not ready for a deeper relationship. Let time answer. I need time to get to know him more deeply. Ironic indeed, because actually this Laras I have known since childhood. I don't know why, sometimes I don't know him.

“Any return to Surabaya?” ask Doni.

“Siap. On fire!” reply excited.

With a backpack full of souvenirs, we returned to Surabaya. It was a tiring journey, crossing two large provinces. Thank God, during the trip I did not find any significant obstacles. Instead I was happy, looking around with positive thoughts, with positive friends. Kutepis all the turmoil that dwells.

Arriving in Surabaya, Doni chose to hibernate because he was tired. While I do not have time to just take a breath, because I have to catch up with my lag in doing the final task. Type for the sake of typing I work, practicum in the laboratory also I run. The meeting with the supervisor back I scheduled. Apparently true, the meeting with Mr. Kusumo ended in mockery because he accused me of neglecting duty. I'm not angry anymore, I take all the scolding with my chest.

This spirit is broken. The phone call from the early morning mother, giving as usual, is an injection of spirit that is not worth the price. I sent it from Bali through the Post Office, hoping they liked it. I also apologize for not being able to return to Jombang because of the extraordinary busyness. All I hope for is their prayers, so that everything I do here will be smooth.

Days become weeks, weeks become months. Not feel the final task has become a book volume with a light blue hardcover. My name is engraved with letters embossed on it. Proud to have not yet undergone a final trial. This is one of the most thrilling pieces of events in life.

The final assignment I've been preparing mentally since a long time ago. Practice speaking in front of the mirror I do every morning. Now I was ready to dress formally in a suit and tie, standing in front of a group of examiners. Before leaving, I looked up and admired myself. How handsome I really am. It's the fools who dumped me!

The final trial, like the arena of the Gladiators' slaughter, where we must fight to the death. The lecturers of the examiners fouled with merciless questions, skinning alive. This is the most epic event in my life's history. I lost my breath in this tie of clothes. In the heart is unceasingly praying to be given fluency, do not let this tongue sprain when speaking. All I have to arrange is neat, so that my appearance does not disappoint. No need cumlaude.

After the trial, I cheered with excitement to the surprise of some students who happened to be there. Including Dervish. He looked at me, then approached.

“Congratulations yes, you are done.” Darwis shook my hand. I nodded briefly.

“Thank you,” I replied.

“Sorry...”.

I'll leave Darwis soon. I don't want him to see my destruction. Instead, I developed a big smile, mingling with other friends, but not Dervish. I don't care about anything that's on his mind. Do not let just because of a Dervish, this life becomes a mess. Let it!

The final task session is the final phase of the lecture series. All efforts have been put in place so that the results achieved can be maximized. After assembling upstream, now is the time to swim to the edge. It felt like I deserved everything I fought for with sweat and tears. All insults, ups and downs and failures are worthless teachers in the course of life.

It was time for the final of all finals, namely graduation. I held the graduation invitation with teary eyes. Immediately I called my mother and Weni to prepare to come to Surabaya, because I myself would pick up and present this joy. The first phase of my life has passed, though it is not perfect. Let it be, not the perfection I want to achieve. At least my existence as an intellectual human being will soon be recognized.

The graduation procession is solemn. I sat next to my mother. A happy aura emanated from his wrinkled face. He kissed my forehead, with teary eyes, whispering something in the ear.

“Your father must be proud...”.

I don't know why it feels unstoppable. I tried to hold back the tears, but it also shed even though it did not flood.

I'm sorry sir, I'm crying today....

When this name was called, I gallantly stepped onto the podium. My smile expanded as many photo shots pointed at me. Short, but really deep. I can't stand this excitement. I hugged the bodies of my mother and Weni. A sense of excitement gushed throughout the Graha Building.

Graduation companion? I don't need that. Pretty mom and weni, two of the most influential people in my life journey.

I stepped out of the Graha Building with a million dreams that I had etched into my brain. After this, I will truly enter the real world. Graduation is the first phase in the struggle.

In the courtyard of the building many student families to take pictures together, or hunt for photos that have been taken by impromptu photos. Rows of photos are deliberately displayed in rows, to make it easier for students to search for his. I took two sheets, in the best pose.

Suddenly my eyes hit on the figure of Laras who suddenly came to greet me. I greeted him awkwardly. I let him talk more with my mom. On the other side of the building, I even saw Dahlia looking at me with a sad look. Clasped in his hand a bouquet of flowers, then handed to me. The epic event took place in front of Laras, mother and Weni.

Not many sentences were given. As usual, he kissed her hand, then passed. I don't want to chase, like in a romantic movie scene. I let him pass by. After all, there was a Dervish waiting somewhere else. Baras also looks uncomfortable with all that, but I don't care anymore.

To celebrate graduation, we had lunch together at a simple restaurant in Gubeng Kertajaya area. We haven't felt this moment of togetherness in a long time. The world is beautiful if we are grateful for what we have. Why have I felt this for so many years? Let the noise out there pass. I will start this life again, as a reincarnation into a new body, beginning the first page in a more savage world.

Welcome to the new world! Challenged you!

- THE END—

With this episode ending, the story of Abhimanyu ends in season 1. What is the story of Abi's next struggle? How is her love relationship complicated?

Find the answer in Season 2!

Thank you for your support all this time...