Animal Sacrifice For Mother

14. The Unintentional Honesty

“You sure you didn't come to Mr. Kades's wedding? Aren't you guys good friends? It's okay if you don't go to the market today. We can sell the kale tomorrow.”

Brother Arif nodded. Convinced. He sends greetings to Mr. Kades' son. Immediately kissed Inaq's hand and left for the market.

The seventh morning counted since the first time Kak Arif helped Inaq sell kale in the traditional market. Two days ago, brother Arif was asked to play his guitar again in one of the shops in the opposite village. Shop owners feel they need the services of Arif to attract visitors.

Arif did not agree directly. He recalled the age of Inaq who was no longer young. It would be exhausting if Inaq had to do this routine on his own. Morning to noon selling in the traditional market, afternoon to evening picking kale in the river, and when night comes, Inaq must tie the kale. Little time for Inaq to rest. Arif doesn't want that to happen again.

In the market, anyone can see the good looks of Arif. Among the crowd of many people, his good looks were increasingly contrasting. Especially when mothers come to ask the price of a bundle of kale. Occasionally Kak Arif takes the time to joke with special price mode. A thousand three ties. But if you buy six ties, then you only need to pay two thousand rupiah.

At that moment the mothers immediately muttered softly. One-two smiles. Same thing, nothing special. Brother Arif laughed. He began to be able to adjust to the traditional market conditions. Who would have thought, in such a way the kale ludes sold. Not only joking, Arif also occasionally heard to provide motivation to buyers.

After the mothers, a man came to say hello. Not too old. He's about 30 years old. Surprisingly, only this time there is a weaner himself coming to the traditional market. A light blue shirt wrapped in black trousers is so harmonious with the color of his white skin.

“I am amazed by the spirit of sister in trading.”

“I Arif, famous musician candidate.”

Brother Arif cut off the man's words. He extended his hand. Smilingly. The man also welcomed Arif's brother's hand and said his name, Firmansyah.

“Wait! Arif, a handsome young man, good-looking, aspiring musician? Musicians should be in music schools. Not in the traditional market.”

That day, Arif came home early.

One side, he was happy because his kale sold out. On the other hand, a short conversation with Mas Firmansyah increasingly felt filled this room room. Missing moment. Coming again. Lost, trying to be forgotten.

“Hei, Blacky. I'm sorry, I rarely touch you lately. I didn't mean to break our friendship. Wasn't it! You see for yourself, Inaq is not as tough as it used to be. His hand grip is getting weaker day by day.”

Brother Arif is sitting. Sighs. He spoke to his beloved guitar, still wrapped in a bag and leaning against the wall. Guitar that seemed to listen to the outpouring of the heart of the master.

“Like it or not, I have to replace Inaq. Oh yeah, in the market I met a man. Firmansyah. He bought the rest of the kale today. I don't know who he really is? What job? But I remember what he said. He doubted me. Doubt we can perform together as famous musicians.” Arif continued his words. Then down.

For a second, two seconds, Arif turned his head. He pulled out his favorite guitar from the bag. The entire body of the Blacky can not be separated from the gaze of his eyes. Again, Arif sighed. Longer. Heavier.

The guitar began to be played with great pleasure. One song is sung. Done it. In the middle of the second song, stop. The sound of greeting was heard from outside the house. Rahman has gone home. He returned home safely after the ankle (a public transportation similar to a bus) he was riding through 1 city and 3 districts. A considerable distance from the provincial city dormitory towards the village.

“Waalaikumsalam.”

Brother Arif is rising. He stopped the agile dance of his fingers. The guitar was put back, but not in its original position. Then he opened the door and welcomed the return of his beloved sister.

“Kak Arif how are you? Where's inaq? Uh, brother Arif is still diligent fitness? Another month is definitely the body of brother Arif is no less good than his body Deni Sumargo.”

Brother Arif smiled. His hand grabbed Rahman by the neck and dragged him into the room. Rahman laughing. Amused by the treatment of Arif.

“Let me go, please! Don't kill me. Forgiveness.”

Rahman pleaded. Pretends. The sound is arranged in such a way, similar to the FTV cast artists. Brother Arif laughed. How could Rahman be killed? And yet he loved her very much.

“Kak Arif has not answered Rahman.”'s question

“Oh yes, me and Inaq are fine. Now Inaq is still at Kades's. His first son married.”

“Why doesn't Arif come? Arif must have been wanted by Mr. Kades' son. Aren't you guys good friends?”

“You're right. Inaq also told me to attend Mr. Kades's son's wedding. My good-friends. But just you know, ever since you called me a week ago, until today. I'm the one who replaced Inaq. Starting from picking kale in the river, to selling it to the market.”

“Kak Arif join Inaq to the market? Isn't brother Arif singing in the store?”

Rahman did not believe. At one time, if Arif sings in the store, he always comes home late at night. But brother Arif said he helped Inaq sell kale in the market? So early in the morning?

Brother Arif nodded. Ja. Then shake. No more singing in the store.

“How was your lecture?”

“Aalhamdulillah's. Everything went well. The holidays are good too. It is fun to be on the top of Mount Rinjani. But,..”

Rahman held back his words. Swallow. If Arif knew, he would be angry. But Rahman did not want to lie. Especially to his small family.

Brother Arif looked over. Rahman looks very suspicious. Again, he swallowed. Whatever it is, it has to be honest. Even if Arif will be angry with his behavior.

“You could have finished it first, just got out. Now if you're certain you don't graduate, you may no longer get a scholarship. You think you're a rich kid? You think Inaq has a lot of money?”

“Kak, Rahman just followed Inaq's message. Inaq teaches us to always pray together. Really, Rahman doesn't want to disappoint Inaq.”

“You did not disappoint Inaq. But you forgot Amaq's message! Amaq wants us to be successful, and success takes struggle. Your struggle? Yes?!”

Brother Arif glared. His voice is a little high. Assertively. Strenuous. Rahman. Her tears almost fell. He's confused. Both of his parents' messages went side by side.

“You think I'm happy with everything I do now? And you know why I turned down a music school scholarship back then? Huh huh? I did everything so that you could still achieve your dream of becoming a teacher. And really, I didn't have the heart to leave Inaq alone in this house. I sacrificed my dreams for you, for Inaq!”

The break was Rahman's cry. He could not see Arif. His words were so deep in the heart. It turns out this is the real reason why Arif chose not to go to college. Not by his own will, but by Rahman, by Inaq. Why is Arif honest now? Why not from the beginning?

Rahman was really hit. The crying gets louder. As loud as Inaq's cry behind the walls of Arif's room. He sat down against the wall. Immerse his wrinkled face between the circles of both hands that hug his knees.Inaq felt like a barrier for his brother Arif in achieving his dream.

Brother Arif is standing. He closed his teeth. Move out of the room. One step out of the room, Brother Arif was surprised. He saw Inaq crying. Rahman immediately got up. Half-run, then hugged Inaq.

In just a split second. The house was flooded with the cries of Inaq and Rahman. Brother Arif looked up. Both of his eyes closed. He sighed. Regretting.

None of this would have happened had Brother Arif been able to keep his honesty a little longer. Unfortunately, the frustration with Rahman's behavior has thrown him far toward rejection four years ago.

“Thank you in advance. But I can't, sir. You are right, this is the way for me to realize my dream. Thanks again very much. I recommend you get this scholarship. Sorry if I let you down. For now, there are more important things than just realizing my dream.”

The answer is impure out of the heart of Arif. However, if life does have to take its toll, then he is ready to sacrifice his big dream of becoming a famous musician for the sake of his small family.

At that time, brother Arif only thought how Rahman could achieve his dream of becoming a teacher. Also Inaq who could not possibly be left alone at home. Really a tough decision.

Brother Arif sighed. Bows. Mr. Yasid nodded. Smilingly. As an art teacher, he only tried to provide the best opportunities for each of his students.

That afternoon, before Arif left the school music room. Mr. Yasid asked him to play a song created by The King Of Pop, Michael Jackson – Heal The World. No problem, brother Arif took a guitar that seemed to be his if he was playing music at school. Mr. Yasid chose to play the keyboard.

Looky. Arif really has an amazing talent in music. The way to play the guitar, his distinctive voice, makes Mr. Yasid more convinced that someday brother Arif can realize his dream of becoming a famous musician.

“This is a music school scholarship form in one of the major cities on the island of Java. I know some people there. And I recommend you as one of the many prospective recipients of this scholarship.”

And I recommend you as one of the many candidates for this scholarship. The words of Mr. Yasid always ring in the ears of brother Arif. Even until he was home.

“Kak, lunch first. Inaq has cooked Arif's favorite menu. Fish cob fry and pelecing kale super spicy.”

Brother Arif looked over. Immediately stood up and followed Rahman leaving the room. In the kitchen, Inaq had prepared a lunch menu.

“Sit here, brother. Time to eat the best cuisine in the world.”

Brother Arif is giving a thumbs up. Exactly it. Then sit cross-legged. Rahman. Inaq just smiled hearing the excessive praise from both of his children.

“You've met your teacher?”

Brother Arif nodded. It's been. He only offers music school scholarships in Java. But Arif refused the offer. Rahman's confused. Don't understand why Arif didn't just accept this good opportunity.

“Why, sis?”

“You're the one who's in college. Learn well, so you can be a teacher. Music can learn on its own. Anywhere, and not necessarily school.”

Rahman. Inaq. Since long ago, Arif never hesitated in making decisions. While deep in his heart, Brother Arif was a little regretful because circumstances forced him to lie. There is no harm in sacrificing for Inaq and his brother Rahman.

***

“Inaq, Rahman, Arif apologize. It's not what you think.”

Inaq and Rahman were still crying. Arif felt devastated. Deeply sorry. Free, honesty is spoken.

Immediately, brother Arif sat down. He tries to convince Inaq and Rahman of the reason behind his lies all along. He promised, from this moment on he will no longer hide anything from Inaq and Rahman.

Inaq and Rahman looked in unison. Hugged Arif. Thankfully, the harmony of their small family is still maintained.

***