Cempaka Bride

Ivan's Confession

Ivan sat on the bench under the mango tree with Tia. Ary and Zein were sitting cross-legged on the grass.

In front of the fence looks a handyman stirring cement and sand. Another handyman seemed busy shuttling back and forth transporting cement mortar to the second floor of boarding house owned by Wahyu.

"Malika was my fiancee, three years ago. He's an orphan and lives with his aunt, his late mother's sister," Ivan begins the story.

The three friends waited patiently for him to continue the story.

"We met at the office when he was just signed as a new employee. Different divisions with me. I'm in operations, he's in finance. At first we were just ordinary friends. Gradually the love began to appear and grow in bloom in our hearts," continued Ivan.

"After six months of dating, I proposed to her. I said desperate because at that time in savings there was only one million rupiah. Thank God, he accepted and understood my financial condition which is still unstable."

Ivan paused and looked at the face of Tia sitting next to him.

"His face looks a little like yours, Tia. That's why I was surprised when I first came here. I thought you were Malika's twin," Ivan said as he looked at Tia who was somewhat misbehaved.

"Next, Van. Curious yeuh!" tukas Ary who got Zein's nod.

"Rese! I'm going to take the country to Tia. Love and affection to Tia it's not because she looks like Malika. But it was because of his good personality and very understanding," Ivan's murmur that made Ary and Zein smile widely.

"I get. Come on, tell me about Malika. The afternoon rush is hot here" Tia said.

"OKAY. Ehm... out of it our relationship runs like a dating people in general. Watch movies, take a walk to tourist attractions, chat for hours in kosanku if again kere and not payday." Recalling the memory story with Malika made Ivan involuntarily smile.

"Our relationship is very much condoned by my family, but not so much in his family. Om and his aunt are Christians. Malika is the same religion as us. The tantenya still received me well, but the omnya not. Every time I come, Daniel's gonna go somewhere. Go back home when I come home. Malika said that."

"The reason Daniel behaved so, was because he wanted Malika to marry his boss. A distended-looking old man with a shitty look."

"A shameful thing happened when I came to bring the family, to propose to Malika officially. At that time, our relationship had been going on for almost two years. At the application event, Daniel suddenly came and was angry. Insulting me and my family as poor. Not worthy of his nephew."

"I'm really embarrassed to be treated that way. Same with father and mother. Even my uncle almost got hit with Daniel. After that, my father immediately asked me to break with Malika because I hate her."

Ivan stop. His hands moved rubbing his face. As if to eliminate the most embarrassing memories of his life.

Tia's right hand moved to grab Ivan's left hand and to hold it gently.

A hint of smile was engraved on Tia's shady-looking face, making Ivan slowly gradually calm down.

"We remained in secret contact for the next few months. But suddenly Malika stopped from the office, and disappeared without a trace. I'm like a madman, looking for him there. Really desperate," continued Ivan.

"A close friend of his in college finally gave word that he got a wedding invitation from Malika. My heart is completely broken. It was simply unexpected that he could betray like that."

"One day I met Natalia. He is Malika's cousin. The youngest son is Daniel. From Natalia I got information that Malika was forced to marry by her omnya with the boss's annoying face. And the old man brought Malika to settle in Surabaya."

Ivan stopped telling stories. Her view glazed.

"That which demon whispered to me, that I took revenge on Daniel, by .. ruining Natalia's honor," said Ivan, closing his eyes.

Tia covered her mouth with her left hand and released Ivan's hand. Ary and Zein looked at each other in confusion.

"Then, when and how did Malika die?" tanya Zein switched the conversation. He felt sorry for Tia who was still lowered. Maybe at that time Tia was disappointed in Ivan.

"Malika died a year after she got married. She said it was because of bleeding during childbirth. The baby also only survived a few days before finally catching up with his mother" replied Ivan.

His gaze never separated from Tia who was still lowered. Ivan understood that at this moment Tia was angry and disappointed in him.

"Then, why did he flirt and want to take you away?" ask Ary.

"That's what I wanted to ask you yesterday. But he's been destroyed. How do you want to try it?" Ivan asked back while scratching his head.

"Malika still loves you, Van. That's why he's here" Zein interrupted.

Momentary silence. All it sounds is a typical sound of a traveling iceman. Followed by the lizard, the lizard and the bread.

"I'm hungry" Ivan said as he grabbed Tia's hand back. Trying to persuade Tia with her distinctive style that is a little spoiled.

Zein and Ary chuckled as they saw Tia pull Ivan's hand over. The young woman stood up and walked quickly into the house.

"Curver, go after it! Don't forget to apologize!" zein's orders to Ivan were still dumbstruck on the spot.

Zein's holding on to Ary. After that he pulled Ary's hand so that the tall man could stand.

"Buruan!" hardik Zein who was annoyed saw Ivan was still silent on the spot.

Ivan stood up. Walking hesitantly after Tia. Zein and Ary followed behind.

Ivan suddenly stopped when he saw Triska coming out of his room. "Have food, right? I'm hungry!" with a clear face.

Two stories landed on Ivan's head which immediately grimaced. Triska went back into her room and came out with a can of biscuits.

Zein takes a can of biscuits from Triska's hand and takes them to Tia's room. It was Ary who evicted Ivan. While Triska followed with a confused face.

"Tia," called Ivan hesitatingly in front of Tia's closed room door.

Triska pushed forward and opened the unlocked door. As Ivan stepped in, Zein gave Ivan a can of biscuits, then pulled Triska's hand away.

Ary closed the door again and walked into her room. While Zein grabbed Triska's arm and took her into his room.

***

By midnight, two patrol officers were passing by the boarding house. They walked quickly without looking at the house.

"Huf! Finally passing too," said Encep as he heaved a sigh of relief.

"The more here the more afraid through the house, yes," said Jaja while pointing to the boarding house.

His face immediately paled. He looked unblinkingly at the corner of the boarding house.