ABHIMANYU WORLD

Chapter IX: In Memoriam, Pardi

I stand on a hill at the edge of the rice field. Deliberately took time to this place when I returned to the village. This place is the best place on earth. Sheets of past memories slowly rotated in my brain. Memories that I may never forget forever. I saw the shadow of Pardi running along the rice field while shouting cheerfully. In his hand was a bottle of water and small fish.

“Abiii! I brought these fish for you!”

“What is it, Di?”

“Fish a shoe! I caught him in the river earlier!”

I received the fish with a flat expression. In fact, he looks more excited than me. Never once did a look of sadness appear on his face. His wide laughter was the true meaning of life. The fire of his spirit was always blazing never extinguished.

But unfortunately it all remains a story sheet that has been obsolete.

The morning wind toyed with my hair. The dancing reeds are full of charm. On top of this hill there is a small hut, where farmers rest while watching the rice fields. From the top of this hill is also seen a calm flowing river on the west side. The river water is silvery overwritten by sunlight that shines brightly before noon. What a beautiful view from the top of this hill. Reminds me of a place in the interior of Switzerland.

But wait a minute!

Beauty is deceiving. I guess all along the proverb I've learned is true. The calm water washed away. Yes, the river is indeed flowing quietly and beautifully. But it was that calm water that took the life of my childhood friend, Pardi. Until now, this heart is still sliced when remembering the event.

I never knew for sure why Pardi drowned in that river. He is good at swimming and diving. The elders in the village assume that the departure of Pardi is the work of a genie figure waiting for the river that asks for the growth of children.

I don't want to believe that.

Now, the river is deserted. No kids playing in that place anymore. The departure of Pardi incised a deep wound for our village. The women began to refuse to go to the river. Children are also prohibited from approaching the river. The superstitious stories began to sound, becoming a trending topic at the Mak Parmi coffee shop at the end of the village road. Pardi's sudden departure that afternoon remains an unsolved mystery.

For myself, I don't care about any stories. I just don't want Pardi to die.

That'sthat's all.

It was still fresh in memory when that sunken face looked at me sadly. This is the first look of grief I've seen from a Pardi. We were enjoying the afternoon breeze inside the hut. Waiting for azan maghrib. A week before his departure for good.

“Let's go to school in the city, I can see you right, Bi?” ask Pardi.

“Ya may...” I answer not excited.

I don't know what was on my mind at the time. It is heavy that I leave this village. But I have to learn what I will not be able to get if I stay in this village.

“I will find a lot of money so I can go to a city like you,” said Pardi again.

I silently looked towards the sky which was starting to turn red. The birds begin to return to their nests.

“You know ndak, Di?” my many.

“What?”

“Far above the sky there, he said there are billions of galaxies. I used to think the Milky Way Galaxy was the only galaxy in the universe. But yesterday Mr. Master said that there are actually other galaxies in this universe.”

“Wah! I don't know that, Bi. You're a pinter, you should know better. All I know is that there is still sky above. I used to say, the sky is seven layers. But I can't shadow it.”

“I want to month, Di.”

“You what's all the way there?”

“You see what outer space looks like. I'm really interested in the story of Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin who managed to land on the moon.”

Pardi laughs.

“Why are you laughing, Di?”

“Your dream of heights, Bi! Don't high! Later if fall it hurts.”

“Loh, Mr. Teacher says we should dare to dream, Di. If we do not dream, there is no such thing as a plane. There is no such thing as a car. There is no such thing as electricity. Alexander Graham Bell never invented the telephone. You will learn to use oil lamps. Because all the extraordinary things in this world started from a dream!” paparku.

Pardi gawking.

Maybe he doesn't understand what I'm saying. But I know Pardi will always support whatever I do. Whatever it is, even if he doesn't understand what I mean.

Academically, I was above average compared to my classmates. The class champion is always won every year. The inter-district competitions also often I follow. He even represented Jombang City in the exemplary student competition in East Java Province.

No wonder, you don't want to see my abilities evaporate. You think, if the school in the village then I will never develop. So I had the opportunity to get an Junior High in Kediri City.

Now, those dreams I keep neatly in my brain. I don't know when it will happen. Pardi's right. Above the sky there is still the sky. Now I realize that I'm not as smart as I thought I was. I am still weak in certain areas. Lusi still often teaches in the boring Mechanical Engineering course.

Hope you calm down there, man! I miss you.

The sun has risen to its peak. I returned home lazy. This afternoon I have to go back to Surabaya. Laziness immediately ambushed. If possible, I would like to stay longer in my hometown.

In my shadow, Surabaya will re-mix in dull routines. But what is power.

“Let's not forget to bring this.” mom slipped the parcel in my bag.

“What is it, Mak?”

“Fried meat. It can be eaten for up to two days. Than buy. Then you just cook rice. The base is still to?” ask mom.

Oh God, mother!

He always prepared my needs until the smallest things. Sometimes I refused, but my mother insisted. Really, no one knows what I need in this world better than my mom.

“This sambel pecel. Trus the blue package of fried cassava, later for your friends in contract!”

My eyes glazed. To him, I am an innocent little Abhimanyu and must always be protected.

Your son is an adult, Mom. You can take care of yourself. I can see a pretty girl. Can distinguish between Lusi and Laras. Mom doesn't have to bother like this.

Not stopping my amazement at my mother, a sweet girl also gave me a package of snacks.

Barrel with a shy smile visited my house.

“What is this?”

“Lemper Mass. Father's note make Mas Abi”

“Not bother”

“Ndak nothing, Mas. That's not buying. I made it myself.”

Ohalaahah!

It's beautiful, smart to cook again!

“Maturnuwun yo, Ras”

Whatever the motive, I still thank Laras. I hope I still see him again. Baras looked at me wistfully. There was something he was thinking about, but unfortunately I couldn't guess.

With a bag that is quite heavy, my father drove me to the Jombang Bus Terminal. I can't take the train because it's too late. I was scared all the way to Surabaya.

My departure was released with a kiss on the forehead by my mother. I kiss Weni's cheeks too. The girl who started growing up would miss me, and the souvenirs from me of course.

“Sing ngati-ati yo Le” order Dad.

I kissed my father's rough hands. Actually I don't want to cry. But it also decays clear crystals from the eye peluruk. Just a grain. They can't know I'm crying. Must spirit.

The bus drove away from Jombang City to Surabaya with memories stored in it. Something was shaking up my feelings at the time.

Good bye, father!

Good bye, mother!

Goodbye, Weni!

Goodbye, Baras!

Good bye, Pardi!

I will fight for knowledge.

For you!

***