In The Rain

CHAPTER 43

After the fire that occurred some time ago, now the factory began to be resolved. Grateful that Raden was nearby who was always ready to help him, he did not know where to start cleaning up after the fire.

Shortly after the cleanup was completed, Raden alluded to renewing the burned place. Raden reveals all his plans to the Gemintang, and the Gemintang agrees. The plan includes replacing all old machines and buying new ones, replacing all the cables, and making the most modern rubber rubber factory in the country.

“We can make a huge profit in this year, and the Bank is willing to provide long-term loan credit for renovation costs with light interest. We should take advantage of this opportunity.”

“I agree.”

They worked overtime for a few months, but both of them remained excited. They often have to refrain from touching each other. Many eyes were watching them, and they did not want to give people a chance to gossip about them. Rumors about why Raden did not immediately return to Jakarta have circulated, the gossip alone has made Gemintang anxious.

“Raden...” said Gemintang when they rest for a while in the workspace Gemintang.

“Hmmm?” Raden touched a can of cold drink to his forehead, the scorching heat that stung him when outside earlier, making his body sweat easily.

“When did you return to Jakarta?” Gemintang tried to talk properly but knew he was not successful when Raden lowered the can of drink and stared at him sharply.

Raden sipped his drink. “You want to stay away from me?” Raden tease.

The eyes of the Starlings radiate the twinkle of love. “Of course not,” sahut Gemintang quiet. “I just want to know why you did all this in this factory. If I'm clear, I get a salary at this factory. While you? you have no reason to spend your time and energy here, you have an airline in Jakarta.”

Raden put his can of drink on the table. Standing up, the man wriggled and walked to the window, where he used to watch workers unload building materials from the truck. “This factory has great meaning for me, regardless of whether I like or dislike Thunder for me. I did not benefit financially from it, due to his will, but the factory still attracted my interest. This factory belonged to my mother's family before Thunder took over and made it his own. Since it's part of my family's legacy and carries my name, I have to care about this fabrication. What's the reason‐that reason isn't strong enough? let's just say I protect my sister's legacy.”

“I love you," said Gemintang.

Suddenly Raden turned to face Gemintang. That unexpected expression of love and it seems to have nothing to do with the translation material he just revealed. “Why suddenly talk like that?"

“Because, if this situation befalls another man, it is certain that the man has left this place a long time ago, because of the grievous and angry feeling that there is no name on the list of beneficiaries."

“That's what Thunder wants. I'm out of this place forever, but I don't want to."

“You want to challenge the dead Thunder?"

Raden smiled and approached the Gemintang, he pulled the hand of the Gemintang and pushed it into a corner, between the wall and the filing cabinet. The narrow room was enough to make them avoid the sight of the person who suddenly entered the room. “You have nothing to do with my whereabouts here,” Raden said, and began to kiss Gemintang .

Raden landed a kiss on the neck of the Gemintang, about to bite and tickle him. His hand grasped the payud*ra of the Gemintang and stroked it.

“You can't be this free here,” muttered Gemintang . “In this factory I am the highest superior.”

“You are not my boss, I do not work for this company, remember?”

The starter groans softly when Raden's fingers play *********** from behind the shirt he is wearing. While looking down, Raden unbuttoned the topmost Gemintang blouse with his teeth, then his lips warmly enjoyed the warm part behind the blouse. “But I still have the right to control this factory,” said Gemintang with a gasp.

“Not me, you have no right" Raden said.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

“I feel this place always,” said Gemintang while looking around.

“Inchant so. But this is the most delicious barbeque place in the city. They have a family recipe coming from Europe. What do you want, ribs or sliced meat?”

“Let me lick my finger?”

“Sure.”

“Then I ask for iga only.”

They smiled as the waiter passed after receiving their order. They had to talk by shouting because the sound of music heard from the corner of the room was too loud. Some people were seen dancing to the rhythm of the song while hugging.

Thick smoke filled the room, fluorescent lights pink and blue, illuminating various brands of alcoholic beverages are quite famous, the, and there are also decorations that are electrically driven to beautify the room but even make the stars dizzy when looking at it for too long.

The stars and Raden enjoyed their togetherness. They have a habit of finding new places to pass together for a few hours each night, in order to give Adit and Laura time alone at home.

Adit once expressed his intention to take Laura on a honeymoon, but he felt Laura must be afraid if traveling too far. He could not be far from home and Heny, therefore Adit no longer mentioned the honeymoon.

“You often come here?” asked Gemintang, while putting his hands on the table and leaning slightly towards Raden.

“Often.when I was in High School, I was not old enough to buy beer, my friends and I came to this place by car. They are not afraid to sell us beer. Said daddy..” Suddenly Raden stopped his words, he remembered his father.

“Continue,” insist Gemintang soft. “What did your daddy tell you?”

“She told me the times that it was forbidden to sell liquor, this is a gathering place for liquor smugglers. Especially whiskey, in this place can be obtained easily compared to other places.”

Raden pondered while playing the place of salt like a dazed person. Gemintang clasped Raden's hand, making the man set his sights on him. “You two always fight? Is there not the slightest sweet moment you can remember, to forget for a moment your anger at him?”

Raden smiled bitterly. “There are some, yes. Like when I want to smoke a cigarette. I was twelve years old. He let me suck it. I was like a sick dog when I first sucked it, but he was so happy to see it. He's been mocking me about it for years, but I don't mind. Then the time I got caught for doodling‐coret another school wall. Thunder defended me desperately in front of the school administrators, instead reminding them that boys should be naughty, otherwise they are not normal.”

Dahi Raden. “If I engage in an act of delinquency, Thunder always defends me. He likes me when I make trouble. When I do something good, he scolds my actions. He wants me to be like him, like to make a fuss, mess around, always breaking the rules. I didn't teach him to be a good boy, but I never fooled anyone or hurt anyone.” Raden saw the Starling looking at him deeply. “I want you, actually I regret him and I do not love each other.”

“I know baby, you want to be able to love him.”

“When I have a boy or girl, I want to love them as sincerely as my heart, and I will guide them to be good children and let them set their own ideals. I swear to it.”

They held hands on the table and did not let go until their food came.