ABHIMANYU WORLD

Chapter XXII: Escape from Dahlia

Light rain drenched the earth Surabaya from morning. Cold air grips the skin. At times like this, it's best to re-touch the blanket or sip a glass of jasmine-scented tea. While the voice of Soendari Soekotjo mendayu-dayu singing Bengawan Solo from the obsolete radio legacy of the father. This is a bit of heaven.

But all of this is just an illusion. I am currently sitting on a car driven by Andre, driving towards Pasuruan City. Decision's unanimous. I chose to spend the turn of the year with my rented friends to camp in the Prigen area. The reason was simple, just wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis city. Want to breathe pure oxygen, feel the coolness of the mountains and sleep roofed sky.

Since this morning, Doni has been pounding on my room to get ready. Not much luggage I carry. Just a few pieces of clothing, a jacket, a sarong, and a few sheets of panties. Not to forget the toiletries and deodorant. No need to bring food. This is not an Umrah trip either!

While the tent equipment and all sorts have been prepared by Doni, considering the residence is not too far from where we camped.

This journey has been intended to clear the mind and liberate from Dahlia who has often asked for company lately. He should be looking for a bodyguard that is more dashing, large, muscular wire and iron-boned.

I mah what?

Two hours later, the car arrived at a large house. Many large trees grew around it. The building is effectively old, haunted, and has magical power. Similar to an old house that is often made to shoot horror movies.

This is the house of Doni the cowboy from Pasuruan.

I took the time to review his spacious backyard. Amboi, dozens of cows appear to line up orderly in each cage. So remember my cows in Jombang.

Doni's family is very welcome. Her parents greeted her with a smile. Relaxed and light chats are able to melt the atmosphere. That intimacy flows naturally. We sat in a gazebo in the backyard, accompanied by warm tea and crispy fried cassava.

Interestingly, we also just found out that Dina, the younger sister of Doni who is still in high school turned out to have a very interesting level. Doni and Dina are very different, like the earth and the sky. Doni told us about Dina a few times. It turned out that his true form was completely beyond our expectations.

Our playboy souls are turbulent. Andre was unceasingly stealing glances towards Dina. While I try to behave normally, not neat. Well, like a cat who lives quietly when there is fresh fish in front of him?

“This is Mi's name is Abi, which I once loved Mimi. Shy and quiet, but washed away,” said Doni as he devoured hot pieces of cassava into his mouth.

Mimi's?

Suddenly my stomach was nauseous as if I wanted to vomit. In this remote village apparently Doni made a pretty spectacular innovation, calling his fathers ‘Mimi-Pipi’. Feels Anang and Krisdayanti.

“Think this Andre. A lot of her boyfriend, Mi. Until the girl so-genesis chased after him,”

Doni continued the introductory session with no guilt. I saw Andre's face looking embarrassed. There was a little bit of pride on his face.

Doni's getting crazy. His eyes glanced towards Farhan. I don't know what Doni would describe to her. It seems he is very satisfied to strip us.

“And this one's name is Farhan, Mi. He's the ustadz. Frequent assessment of mothers. But often bete if the honor is just rice box.”

Oh my God, Doni is so honest!

Farhan's face turned like boiled shrimp!

We stopped at Doni's house not too long ago. Mimi prepares an unusually unsavory breakfast. Fried rice is complete with cucumber slices, but the salty taste is dominant. My fried rice is much better. Did Mimi ask Doni to marry again?

In the Javanese tradition, the cuisine is identical to the cook who asked to be mated. Uh, I mean married. Surely there is a significant difference between the words ‘kawin’ and ‘nikah’. Unfortunately we're not talking about that. Maybe on another occasion.

After the character assassination moment at Doni's house, we immediately continued on our way to Prigen. Along the way accompanied by music from Linkin’ Park, Doni was unceasingly laughing. A feeling of contentment on his face that could not be expressed in words.

“Partially you have a lot of heart Don. My reputation fell in front of Dina,” Andre added.

Occasionally he pressed the horn because the traffic was quite heavy before the turn of the year.

“Awas! Don't you have a crush on my sister!” threaten Doni's.

“I have no crush. But if he has a crush, I don't take responsibility!” cibir Andre's.

“She has a boyfriend yet, Don?” asked Farhan who had not stopped chewing corn chips.

“Ne don't know either. Never nanya,” replied Doni flat.

“Have a beautiful little sister that must be taken care of carefully. Don't fall into negative things. Your brother's a strategic asset. Must be a lot of people who are eyeing,” Farhan advised.

“Nggeh, Mr. Ustadz,” replied Doni while grinning.

I'm just mute. They were still discussing Dina, but I was less interested in joining. The view outside the car window caught my attention. The smell of the mountains began to be felt. Rows of cypress trees lined the road, like soldiers who stood firm to welcome our arrival.

This area is a mountainous area located on the slopes of Mount Arjuno-Welirang. Its beauty is fragrant all over the country, so many use it for camping.

In addition, the Prigen area is a prima donna for many travelers to spend the holidays, or just escape from the tedious routine. It seemed like this place was also quite comfortable to escape for a moment from Dahlia.

Justright. I opened my cell phone. There were some missed calls from Dahlia. Though I told him earlier that I couldn't attend his family's invitation for a reason strong enough. I have my own plans with my friends.

I see, Dahlia must have kept a sense of disappointment for years.

Decide on me, Dahlia!

Ah, we're not even made yet....

In my shadow, it was drawn the atmosphere of the party that will be held later tonight. Surely Dahlia's house has been preoccupied with preparations. Imagining the food that would be served made my poor stomach churn. Goat bolsters are foods that rarely exist, except for certain events. I myself, almost certainly eat goat meat only once a year when slaughtering sacrificial animals on the Eid al-Adha Day.

That's also if part of the ration from Mr. RT.

Our car arrived at a parking lot that was quite large in the field. At first I thought not many people would camp today. In fact, this vast field is already similar to the parking lot in Mal!

Various cars with plates from various cities appear lined up. Their motives are the same. Escape. Either running away from routine, personal affairs or whatever. My shadow about the banquet at Dahlia's house I immediately threw in the recycle bin. The view here can really make you forget everything.

What is the blessing of Allah that you deny?

At least the end of this year will give its own color. Not like previous years. Who knows, this year-end holiday could make me reborn into a better person. Yes, the beginning of the year must have a resolution, even if it is not written.

One of them is to meet a life partner. Not girlfriend.

***