About the Heart

Eyang Wejangan

I'm waiting for you with bismillah, a song that symbolizes the romance of a sacred pledge called ijab qobul. In this second, the song was less romantic with the one-breath sentence that Mas Rendra spoke. The tension that lingered spoiled in the recesses of his soul turned into a happy smile when the word "SAH" rang out.

The relief belongs not only to the happy bride but also to all the hearts that bear witness to their innocence this morning. Thank God I said as a form of gratitude as well as an opening prayer so that I and Dion were rushed to be happy like them, under a bond called household.

"After this, replace you, yes, Nduk!" eyang prayer while stroking my head.

"Aamiin," I replied respectfully to Eyang.

Eyang took Dion's right hand and united it with mine. "Le, Nduk, the road to marriage is steep. That straight path would occasionally climb uphill and would probably decline later. The strength of the heart will make you strong when facing the bend of the road. Since all obstacles will be heavy, do not make you turn around and move," Eyang's words that I listened to carefully.

This is what I need to strengthen my heart. Thousands and even millions of pieces of advice from more experienced people. Anyang, he who has passed the time of more than eighty years, certainly has many stories that he digs as experience.

"Yes, Eyang," I answered and Dion together.

"Le, having a beautiful wife is not easy. Be jealous but don't overdo it. Beware of the courtship do not let kebablasan," said Eyang as if he could see the behavior of his grandson from the glass bengal.

Dion who felt finely insinuated became a whimper. "Ah, who knows how Dion feels."

"The one who takes care of you from the baby, who probably doesn't know you," Eyang said, rubbing his grandson's back.

"Sir, so the woman to be looked after is her honor. Not only her honor but her husband's. And it has to start to be guarded from now on. The heart must be firm, not easily swayed by another heart" counseled Eyang to me.

Why would I feel if this advice of Eyang was like skinning my feelings. It was as if Eyang knew, how turmoil was playing in my heart. Like you know or you know? Or is it just an experience he uses as advice?

"Yes, Yang, I have a lot to learn and need support from Mas Dion" I said, smiling awkwardly at having to pin the word Mas in front of Dion.

Dion seemed happy to hear my call. I slumped with my lips.

"Eyang," Mr. Aryan kissed Eyang's hand as a form of respect. He who was sitting next to Dion, greeted Eyang after our conversation ended. It seemed like he was indeed waiting for the right time to join the conversation.

"Le, you have to grow up, don't be spoiled, again! For example, nih, Nak Aryan," said Eyang to Dion.

"Adult and old are along the way, Yang" said Dion

Eyang hit Dion's arm and made him squeal. "Both where? Lookie! He and you are the same age."

"Dion was much younger, Yang, he was old," again Dion confirmed his age.

"I am indeed much older than Dion, Yang," I am Mr. Aryan to stop the granny and grandchild debate.

"You're so mature and calm, son. You will find a woman who will love you with all her heart. Be patient, that time will surely come!" eyang said while patting Mr. Aryan on the shoulder.

The owner was grateful for Eyang's advice.

"Son Rud, here! Why choose it yourself?" call Eyang to Mas Rud who was sitting not far from us.

Hearing Eyang's call, Mas Rud rushed over to Eyang and kissed the back of his hand. He sat himself beside Eyang. Put on a sweet smile and a respectful attitude towards Eyang.

"How are you, son? We haven't talked for a long time" said Eyang.

They look so familiar. The sentence of Eyang's question seemed to imply if they used to talk often. That might have been the case, considering he was a close friend of Mas Rendra and Mbak Sharika. It could be, he used to stay here and spend time with Eyang.

"Rud, fine, Eyang," Mas Rud replied full of smiles.

"Is your heart good too?" eyang Goda.

A question that sounds awkward in my ear. An Eyang asked about matters of the heart? Does anyone know what happened between us? Or is he just guessing? Or did he already know everything?

Mas Rud slightly chuckled and looked at me who was on the left of Eyang. He cleared his throat before returning to speak. "Rud's heart is not well, Eyang. Rud wants to get married like Rendra but the candidate is still ..," Mas Rud did not continue his sentence. Again he stole a look at me. I turned my eyes to Dion and it turned out that he was looking at me too. Did he catch Mas Rud's glance at me just now? I smile for him. Instead of returning a smile, he looked at me as if he had not seen me.

Why her?

"Still ... still ...," Mas Rud still did not continue his sentence.

"Still guarded people, Eyang," said Mr. Aryan with a cry.

Eyang looked at Mas Rud. "Don't wait for people, Le! You're good, orimu you kudu good. There are many other women you can choose from. Don't choose a heart that already has its owner."

Duck. Mas Rud lowered his gaze. I know him, it's the way he dampens emotions. Holding back the sentence of denial so as not to come out in front of Eyang. A moment later he again raised his head and commented on his smile. "Okay, Eyang."

Whether sincere or not, but I think it's just a pleasantries. Although I wish it was the decision he chose. Leaving me, my story and the wonderful memories that only complicated the feelings that had begun to change. And he should also let go of his feelings and open his heart to another love.

"Putune Eyang kabeh, rungokno, yo! Le, Nduk, the heart is not a robot that can be programmed according to the wishes of the owner. The heart has a space that only one winner will fill. If there are two winning candidates who are forced to stay in the same room, then the heart will be hurt. Therefore, let the heart choose who the occupants will occupy the room. Don't kidnap an occupant who's already in someone else's heart. The soul mate will not enter the wrong occupant into the heart that is his dwelling. Don't force love!" He takes things so seriously.

The four of us were silent. Each is struggling with his own mind. Understanding everything that Eyang said and connecting it to our story. Everything feels right. The strap of a soul mate, loving an inhabited heart and not forcing love are the words that represent Dion, Mas Rud and Pak Aryan. Men who are competing to be the inhabitants of my heart with love offered in different ways.

"Love is easy to come but loving it will take a lifetime. If your love ends the rope of marriage then love it throughout your life. No heart will you share because being second hurts."

Dion looked at me softly and held my hand as if convincing what Eyang had just revealed

"If your love should be dashed for coming at the wrong time, please do! Love is guarding not snatching." Eyang patted Mas Rud's shoulder. "There will be another soul mate for you!"

Mas Rud looked shocked at Eyang's words. He tried to smile. All I could catch was a forced smile. He looked down and glanced at me.

"Son Aryan, Eyang is proud of you. Even though you lack the affection of a woman, Eyang is sure that one day there will be a woman who will bestow much love on you."

Eyang smiled, circulating his gaze at the four of us. As if we were evaluating our feelings. "All of you should be happy, you should meet the newlyweds first. May you soon follow, introducing your three women as the grandchildren of Eyang's daughter-in-law."

Then Eyang left us who were still nailing. I could feel that we had just been given a ban. An extended piece of advice, when in fact it is appropriate to target.

"Does anyone know?" ask me who I don't know who I'm referring to.

Dion shook his head, Mas Rud still lowered his head while Mister Aryan remained with his smile. Me? I was busy with questions.

"We're being judged, aren't we?" ask again.

Everyone is still silent. No one wants to answer my question that comes over and over again. But that didn't stop me from asking. "Why is our love complicated, huh?" my question began to be ridiculous, hoping to provoke their reaction.

A nose pinch I received. "The only thing that will inhabit your heart is me. Don't expect another man!"

"Mistake it yourself, asked on their face," I chanted.

"I stand at the door of your heart, aja, Sa! Who knows, Dion is out and I'm ready to replace him" said Mr. Aryan with a smile.

"We, just gelud, yuk!" take Dion with you while smiling at her cute smile.

While Mas Rud was still silent. Did not react with the jokes of Dion and Mr. Aryan. He chose to take a glass of water in front of him. Think for a while and then gulp it down to nothing.

"Selow, Rud, please" said Mr. Aryan.

He glanced at me again and then left. I didn't realize I was focused on following everything he did. Not caring about Dion beside me and also Mr. Aryan who I believe can also see what I do.

*****

Love is always present in different ways and to anyone. A bodyguard can fall in love with the lady he is guarding as well as an idol can be entangled in forced love with fellow idols as well. Discover the uniqueness of their love in the two novels below.