CONFINEMENT

CH 43 - A HARDENED HEART

Kedai Tepi Sawah that afternoon looks deserted, there are only a few visitors seen at some tavern tables. Downstream the shop waiter looks to provide service to the visitors.

In the corner of the tavern, a woman was seen sitting looking at the rice fields that spread around the tavern, her face looks unhappy marked by the expression of wrinkles on her forehead and her red lips tightly gritted.

Suddenly a big man with a fierce face approached the woman.

"I'm sorry Ni Mas, I'm late!" said the man with his face bowed before the woman he was sweeping.

"This is the last time I'll have to wait for your arrival! next time don't repeat." the woman still looks riled up at the man in front of her.

"Then what's the latest information you got, Martin?" said the woman returned who was none other than Habsari Bonawati.

"Information of the existence of Honey Sulaiman Stone at this time we have obtained Ni Mas, it turns out the owner is a blind woman named Suratmi. The woman was the sister of the last ruler of the Land of Patria and it was very surprising from the information of my men that Suratmi was the mother of a friend of Ni Mas Sariwati named Muhibbin."

Martin told all the results of his investigation to his employer and Habsari looked cold to hear the reports of his men.

"What's the plan we've devised, Martin? have you done it?" ask Habsari

"About the lure of treasure we have carried out, Ni Mas. But Suratmi still hasn't budged with our offer."

martin is back.

"Alright, wait for the next plan and you should keep an eye on the old lady. I have another way to get that Honey Sulaiman Stone, don't move it before I command. Go, I'll call you back!"

habsari concluded to Martin and his hand picked up and threw something from the bag he was carrying at the man in front of him.

Martin's hand picked up two buckets of money and he left Habsari alone in Kedai Tepi Sawah.

Habsari was seen leaving the store after paying for all his dishes. He went towards the Beach Country city riding the wind carriage he was carrying.

***

It has been four months since Sariwati settled in Villa Sandat on the border between Banjar Manguntur and Batubulan village owned by Mr. Timoti the governor of the State Beach.

Dara ayu was busy with community medicine activities around Banjar Manguntur and Batubulan village as well as his expertise as an alchemist. That afternoon no one was seen at the Villa after noon many visited by residents who seek treatment.

Shortly after a train approached Villa Sandat, a young man was seen parking the train in front of the yard and immediately headed to the hallway of the antique building in front of him.

"Assalamualaikum," said the man

no matter how long a girl ayu out of the house.

"Waalaikum greetings, enter Bin! I've been waiting for you."

The man who was none other than Mihibbin stepped into the living room following the girl in front of him.

"Sleeping dumbbells, Wati. Where are Mek Iluh and We Landep? muhibbin asked Sariwati.

"They both said goodbye to his house, because today there is his son's wedding" replied the girl.

Mek Iluh and We Landep were servants assigned by the governor to accompany Sariwati while serving the needs of the girl while at Villa Sandat.

"What do you want to drink, Bin?" he said as he passed towards the back of the Villa Sandat building he occupied.

"No need to bother Wati, I was already drinking before coming" replied Muhibbin and looked worried man was alone in the building of the house.

Muhibbin stepped out and sat in the front porch of the Villa. No matter how long Sariwati came out again with drinks and small meals on the tray she carried.

"Why out, Bin?" ask Sariwati.

"It's better here Wati, while enjoying the twilight." replied the man briefly. His eyes still lead to the expanse of rice fields in front of the Villa foyer. Seen some men herding hundreds of ducks among the rice field.

"See Wati, the activities of the people here are almost the same as those in my hometown in Batu Serpent Country" Mihibbin told Sariwati who sat beside him.

"Look! their shady faces, as if without burden and living a life sak dermo as it is as the line set by the creator." he concluded again.

"Bin, how are you and all the families in the village?" sariwati asked Muhibbin.

"Alhamdulillah Wati, now that the state of Mother has improved, when that day was sick because of a fall when it will pray and mbak yu Cahaya told me."

"Where are you, Bin! why are you telling me this time?" sulang Sariwati to Muhibbin.

"If you tell me, we can go back to your village and take care of Mom there!" returned say.

"I don't want to trouble you, Wati. Moreover, you have just moved to this place and surely the governor does not allow you to go with me." replied Muhibbin.

"Yes but at least you tell me, so I can prescribe a cure for your recovery!"

"Aren't you asking me to exist? after all, it's hard to be happy that we have to go together, Bin! your family is my family too. You know for yourself, I've got no one but you and Uncle Timoti!" said the girl was sniffed.

"You can't say that, Wati."

"Your mother's father is still there, you still have a brother. Even though their treatment for you is not as you expect, but you need to remember! there are no former parents or former brothers, Wati." Mihibbin told his girlfriend.

"They've dumped me and convinced me there's nothing, is that like a family?"

"Was it because of a deed I never did, they could punish me with a severe punishment!" now Sariwati can not resist his long-held feelings.

His frustration was spilled on the man in front of him and Muhibbin could only be silent to see his lady worship vent the burden he was experiencing.

It was seen the girl standing from her seat and grumbling into the house.

"You're the same as them, you never thought I existed!" sariwati shouted from inside the house.

"It's not like that, Wati! you've misunderstood."

"I just don't want to burden your mind with my family's problems" Muhibbin said in and calmed Sariwati as he headed inside the house.

"That's what you've confessed! indeed I have no right to be involved in your family matters!" yelled the girl back.

"You misunderstood, Wati. I know you care about me and my family."

"I know your problems are hard with your family and I don't want to add to the burden of your problems." Muhibbin said.

"Yes, I admit it's wrong not to tell you about Mom's situation. Next time I will not repeat again and if there is anything you must be the first person I tell." Muhibbin added.

"I just want to be appreciated, Bin! by not telling me about the calamity that you experienced, it's the same that you didn't think I existed!" sariwati said it was still emotional. The girl was seen standing by the window and from her eyes were clear circles.

"Yes, I was wrong. I'm sorry, Wati!"

"Don't you get angry, I promise I won't repeat." now Muhibbin is standing behind the girl.

"I just want to be useful, Bin! don't treat me like a kid, who you're worried about when you put on a heavy load won't hold it back!"

"Yes, I know you're strong! I promise I'll always share your joys and sorrows with you."

Sariwati turned around and hugged Muhibbin tightly, her cries spilling over the young man's chest.

"Here you go, you don't have to be sad. We will face it all together" Muhibbin persuaded Sariwati.

"Never leave me, Bin! I have no one!" isak Sariwati's.

"yes, I know. Stop your crying. No need for you to be upset, I will always be with you, Muhibbin said.

"Have entered Magrib, let's pray first!" coined.

The two stepped into the building next to Villa Sandat which was used as a surau.