ABHIMANYU WORLD

Chapter XLII: Being a Vagrant

I stood sculpting like a statue, trying to digest the words of the gas seller's mother. A moment later, my body staggered. The world seemed to be falling apart on me. The bones are stripped. Shaky views. My chest felt increasingly squeezed, making it difficult to breathe.

Dahlia, I need an artificial breath....

The news was like a thunderbolt that struck in the middle of the day. Asa that I have cultivated since months ago, now throws one by one. The flowers that bloom in the garden of the heart fall suddenly. I am still trapped in the pain. Still think this whole thing was just a nightmare. The words Diana said the other day.

A silver sedan suddenly stopped in front of the magnificent two-story house, resuscitating from the turmoil that colonized half my soul. I was still staring at a girl and a teenage boy getting out of the car. It feels like this leg is glued to the bottom of the earth. I can't confer. I want to take a thousand steps away from this place full of sadness.

Unfortunately ....

“Mbak Lus! Here is his friend Nyari! I've been waiting since!” without command, the mother of the gasoline seller was already shouting loudly.

Damnit damnit!

Where should I hide my face? Should I meet Lusi with a face full of destruction? Lord, please replace my face with Leonardo di Caprio's or anyone else's! I just want Harry Potter's cloak for now.

The girl turned her face towards me. While the teenage boy who was carrying a large package went inside. Yes, I still know that stern face. The enchanting Susi Handayani. Almost unchanged. His intelligent face still clung tightly to his mind. How could I deny it?

For a moment he seemed surprised to see my existence. Automatically, the memories installed in my brain are replayed, like three-dimensional cinema before my eyes. Especially when the memory when it rains, sepayung together with him in the middle of the roar of water that poured from space. That colorful Hello Kitty umbrella ....

“Bi?” said short. Perhaps he also did not believe that this terrible person standing was me. A man begging for his attention. Abhimanyu Presetyo.

“Come in, Bi. Sorry I just came home shopping with Bimo,” he said breaking the ice that happened.

I don't know what to do. There's no way I'm avoiding it anymore. This inner scream I ignored. Recycle scattered pieces of heart. Mentally strengthen, straighten the face in front of him. He can't see me as fragile.

Can't do.

“You're again bothered, Lus?” many doubt.

This feeling is already overdue. Seeing the sparkling figure of Lusi that morning, with simple makeup, made the morning atmosphere more cheerful. In fact, the morning will dim without the presence of Lusi.

I followed him into the spacious living room shades of green tosca. A wide carpet spread out, with a large sofa in matching color. Large medieval paintings hang on the walls. While at the end of the room stood arrogantly, an antique clock carved teak from Jepara.

I threw this helpless body onto the sofa. Before long, two glasses of orange juice filled with fresh water soaked the esophagus. It's been the whole vocabulary in my vocabulary. What am I supposed to say?

Lusi looked a little awkward. My arrival this morning was so sudden and unexpected.

“How are you, Bi? Healthy?” ask Lusi.

I nodded slowly.

“How's mom? Already healthy?” I asked back.

Last met, Lusi told her that her mother was sick, so she had to return home to Malang to take care of her mother.

“Mother is still sick, Bi. No signs of healing yet. I heard from Diana, your father died too huh. Sorry, Bi. I can't come ...,” said Lusi sissy.

“Nothing really,” I tried to bring a smile, even though this mind is crying.

At times like this, I want to listen to Didi Kempot songs, or pretend to be an Indian artist crying under the rain, while circling around hugging an electric pole.

Shouldn't pain be enjoyed?

We were silent for a moment. Her soft hand held out a piece of gold-colored engraved paper. There are puppet figures of Rama and Shinta printed on the paper. My feelings are suddenly not good. My chest feels like it's going to explode.

“If any time comes yes, Bi” said Lusi hesitated.

“Congratulations yes, Lus ..”lirihku, barely audible. Orange juice served in the cup of cups tastes cyanide coffee flowing into the esophagus.

He didn't answer. His face looked sad, like bearing an unspeakable heavy burden. Isn't he getting married? Why is his face so sad?

“I'm sorry yes, Bi ...,” the whisper is raucous.

“Sorry? You should be happy, Lus.”

“This is for my mom, Bi. There's no way I'm turning down his sickly-lying request ...” he said.

Waitaminute!

To be honest, this speech of Lusi ignited a spark of spirit. Is it true that Lusi was forced to marry because of his mother's will?

Let's trace it!

“Ka-you ... betrothed, Lus?” I asked. This is not really my business. But this curiosity tickles the heart.

He didn't answer. His eyes were sending sadness. Even though he didn't tell me a story, I could immediately guess his heart. His aura of sadness had told him all. Read all the turmoil that was entrenched in his brain.

Okay, Lusi.

Even if I know your heart is not for your future husband, it does not mean that I will be transformed into a knight in armor who can pick you up from the shackles above the castle. Your marriage will still be festive, and it's an irresistible necessity. Still, you will wear a wedding dress decorated with beadam. What dayaku?

“You should come, Bi. I'd love for you to come ..” lamented.

Lusi's request was the same as telling me to go into a pond full of piranhas. Should I come to offer heartbreak to see him smile on stage with the rich man?

“Come yes, Bi ...,”his request once again.

I held my breath, nodding weakly. My heart is getting slashed. But in his honor, I will try to grant his request.

“God willing,” I whispered weakly.

I don't want to linger inside Lusi's house. Immediately I ended the short meeting with mixed feelings. Lusi let go of me with a blank look. Before leaving, he whispered softly in my ear.

“I still love you, Bi . Forever.”

It's too late, Lusi. Even if your love is as big as the Pacific Ocean or as deep as the Mariana Trench, it does not unite us in the sea. Neither did the penghulu shake my hand to pledge. What does that mean, your dear?

Nothing.

With a smile of destruction, I walked down the streets of Malang City that began to be crowded. No creature cares. Even the birds that fly as if laughing at my misfortune. There is no desire to return to the camp. Let me enjoy my solitude, walk through this city. I want to enjoy this destruction beautifully.

The gentle wind of Malang City rattled my hair. At a roadside stall, under a shady tree, I enjoyed the devastation while looking at the passing of vehicles. I don't even know where it is now. Let this civilization erase my name so that it does not appear in any history.

Dahlia, I need an artificial breath ....

I continue my adventure through this city. No matter where this step takes me. I don't care either. Once it came to mind, I better run to the middle of the highway, and let a car fondle me.

Nah! Rawon satan is still delicious. I pared.

Let me just glare. Being the most handsome bum in the whole Malang City.

***