LOVE STRATA 1

CS1 Anjani's Decree

The anxiety initially struck, then muffled because of the words solace. Self-confidence that everything will be fine, so magical that it becomes an instant tranquilizer. However, the tranquilizing miracle was instantly gone, because an appointment was about to arrive.

Was-was, restless, troubled, that word that describes the mood of Anjani that afternoon. Anjani just got a short message from Mario, explaining that he was on his way with his father's secretary to Uncle Sam's house. Instantly Anjani's mind and heart were filled with many questions, guessing what had really happened.

Again Ma caught the anxiety that hit his daughter's heart. This time not only Ma, Uncle Sam also caught the look of his nephew's bald face. Ma again calmed his daughter's heart, saying that all would be well. While Uncle Sam was just sitting quietly on the sofa, he also occasionally nodded when there was a statement from Ma that he thought was right.

"Calm you! Can I make you some coffee?" ask Uncle Sam.

"So we had coffee, Uncle. Drink another glass later Anjani more sweet how?" said Anjani while trying to respond to Uncle Sam well.

"Well, why does coffee make it sweeter? Just found out about me, too" cried Uncle Sam.

"Make the drink sugar, Uncle. Yes make more sweet," said Anjani then chuckled softly.

"Haha. Haaah, apparently you're joking, yeah!" exclaim Uncle Sam.

"Well, continue on. Cheering like this is better than being agitated like that" Ma said.

For a moment, the restless look was replaced. The closest person as well as family, his presence does give a different meaning. Just silent, soluble in the mind, in fact it is able to gnaw the heart, making it easily fragile. However, with the presence of people who are so meaningful, it is necessary to make its own antidote.

Thirty minutes later, a black-painted luxury car stopped in the yard of Uncle Sam's house. Guess who was in the black luxury car, it must be Mario and his father's secretary, Uncle Li.

Suddenly Anjani's heart thumped. Not the beat of love as usually felt when the figure of Mario appeared with his handsome look charming. The leaflets that Anjani felt at that time more precisely led to an agitated buzz, until the handsome face that charmed Mario's face was unable to provide an antidote for his heart.

"Sorry in advance, our arrival here may bring bad news. Our arrival ...." Uncle Li's words were interrupted by Mario.

"Sorry, Uncle. Let me do the talking" said Mario in a serious tone.

Uncle Sam and Ma who caught the seriousness in the face of Mario and the secretary was a little disturbed, until finally he wondered as Anjani had previously done.

"Son Mario, please just explain what Nak Mario means. We are here to try to understand" Ma explained.

Mario nodded, then looked at Anjani's eyeballs which had been shining with worry. Yes, it can be seen clearly in his eyes. Anjani was worried, anxious, troubled, and somehow the word that could define his condition at that time.

Although faint, Anjani was seen nodding. A sign that he also wants Mario to immediately explain his point.

"Uncle Sam, Ma, and ... Anjani, sorry, the wedding cannot take place this Saturday" Mario said.

"What?" exclaimed Uncle Sam and immediately stood up from where he was sitting.

Anjani and Ma are shocked by Uncle Sam's reaction. There was also shock on the faces of Mario and Uncle Li.

"You mean the wedding's canceled, huh? How could that be! Just like yourself! Many people knew, including neighbors. What should I say if my marriage is suddenly annulled?" uncle Sam continued.

Ma immediately took the initiative to calm his sister. "Sam, sit down first! Cool out! Listen to the reason of Nak Mario!" pinta Ma to Uncle Sam.

Anjani schematized the end of her clothes. His chest was tight to find the condition at that time. Anjani looked back at Mario. The look was also welcomed. Mario looked at Anjani. However, the two pairs of eyeballs that at that time met face to face, both look worried.

Uncle Sam was able to temper his emotions after being persuaded by Ma. Now, Uncle Li is taking over the explanation.

With wisdom and unquestionable speech, Uncle Li explained the true chronology. About the media coverage that was highlighting John, and even began to spread to the news of his son's wedding plan, Mario. Uncle Li also did not hesitate to mention the main reason until the wedding should not be held this Saturday.

After the explanation that was heard, Uncle Sam was also bearded. Uncle Sam was beginning to accept the reason. Ma also looks so, understanding the conditions that are happening at that time.

"True, it would be very uncomfortable for the wedding party if many media crews were covering the gossip" said Uncle Sam.

"really so. So, the marriage wasn't canceled, it was postponed." Uncle Li reiterated.

"alright. The affairs of friends and neighbors who already know, let me face later. Uh, that's my opinion, yeah. Brother, what do you think?" ask Uncle Sam to Ma.

Ma first looked at Anjani before saying a word. Ma could feel disappointment in his daughter's heart.

"I'm sorry, how long until the wedding?" ask Ma.

"Depends on condition. It could be days, weeks, or maybe years." Uncle Li mentioned the possibility.

"Huh? Long time!" exclaim Uncle Sam.

"Yes, that sounds a long time ago. Tell you what, Ma left everything to Anjani. Sam, is that it?" Ma asked his sister's opinion.

"Yes-yes, I just said Anjani." Uncle Sam agrees with his brother.

Mario noticed Anjani who was now looking towards the floor, no longer seeing the handsome figure of Mario. Anjani fell silent, yet took out her words.

"Anjani, what do you think?" ask Mario.

Anjani's eyes were still fixed on the living room floor. His blink of an eye was rare, implying there was a blinking unseen eye in the middle of his mind and his turbulent mind.

One minute passed, Anjani still did not answer Mario's question. The view of the living room floor was still in his sight.

Ma and Uncle Sam were still patiently waiting for Anjani to argue. Likewise with Uncle Li who was still patiently waiting. Unlike again with Mario, who again threw a question sentence at Anjani.

"Anjani, say. How do you think?" ask Mario, a little impatient.

Anjani breathed deeply. Anjani then looked at Mario. A few seconds Anjani looks at Mario speechlessly. A moment later, Anjani made a decision.

"Waiting is exhausting, let alone waiting for uncertainty. Mario, sorry. Our relationship ends here!" anjani clearly.

"Huh?" said Ma, Uncle Sam, and Uncle Li together, as if they could not believe what they had just heard.

"Anjani, can't you rethink that?" ask Mario with a hopeful look.

Anjani smiled at Mario. A slightly forced smile. A moment later, Anjani shook her head firmly. The code is quite clear, asserting that his decision is no longer negotiable.

Now it was Mario's turn to breathe deeply. The assertiveness of Anjani at that time can be understood well, although it is very difficult to accept. Mario finally got a beard.

"Well, if that's your decision." Mario also accepted Anjani's decision. Trying to smile anyway, offset Anjani's forced smile.

"Master Mario ...." Uncle Li was about to try to argue, but was quickly prevented by Mario with a hand gesture.

Ma is seen stroking Anjani's shoulders, while asking again about the truth of the decision he has made. However, Anjani remained firm with the decision. Ma could not impose his daughter's will.

"The fool is a mystery. If we are a match, rest assured that someday there will be a way that can unite our relationship again" explained Anjani with a more sincere smile.

Mario captures Anjani's heartfelt talk. His heart was touched, making him smile with a smile that was better than before.

"alright. So ... from now on we ...." Mario's words stopped.

"Friends. From now on we are friends. Senior and junior," Anjani explained as she stood up and extended her hand to invite Mario to shake hands.

Mario smiled and stood up. Soon Mario welcomed the hand of Anjani who invited him to shake hands.

"We're friends" said Mario.

***

Black painted luxury cars are no longer in the yard of Uncle Sam's house. Mario and Uncle Li have returned home. They readily accepted the decision Anjani made.

Ma hugged his daughter, who looked strong after making a big decision. Uncle Sam only saw that, then advised Anjani to remain patient.

"Never regret a decision that has been made. You just look at the road ahead. Look back occasionally for reminders. Patience, Son." Ma gave advice.

"Yes, Ma. Thank you for supporting my decision" Anjani said.

"Hm. The melow is easy, yes. Your uncle can not be invited baper-paper like young people," said Uncle Sam intend to melt the atmosphere.

"Haha, since when is your language like that, Sam?" asked Ma, laughing.

"Ah, sister is not cool!" uncle Sam's Protest.

Apparently with a little joke like that was able to make Anjani entertained. Anjani chuckles softly.

"Thank you everyone. Eit, anyone want some fried rice petai? I want to make sure, here!" anjani offers.

"Yes would. Especially your uncle. Already, make it for three servings!" pinta Ma's.

"Ready, go!" exclaim Anjani while running around to the kitchen.

Ma and Uncle Sam noticed Anjani's attitude. Ma knew very well what his daughter was feeling at the time. There must be a sense of disappointment in his heart. It's just that his daughter was reluctant to show it.

"Anjani will be fine, Sam." Ma said to Uncle Sam who was finally moved as well.

"Yes, Brother. I believe it," said Uncle Sam confirming.

***

In kitchen.

Anjani prepares all the ingredients and seasonings to make petai fried rice. Anjani peeled and cut small petai that Ma had brought from the village. Anjani also peeled onions that want to be used as a seasoning fried rice. While preparing to cook, Anjani's mind soared far. Remembering all the great memories with Mario.

Anjani's inner voice echoes the story.

The entrance of the flower shop Sak Lisa bears witness to our initial meeting. The white rose of apology you gave me just after I blew the door, I just accepted it for no reason.

Time goes on, until we meet again at the market. Back, a white rose you gave me. White rose apologies for your friend's mistake. From there I asked, are you that good?

Seconds by seconds passed. New days are also coming. I see the goodness of your heart. Help the little girl whose life is only with her mother. The white rose is a witness. I, who was freelancing at the florist, delivered one hundred and one white roses to your order. That's when I was sure you were a different person.

It was time for the beginning of college. When OSEK you helped me without me asking. You know, your charm was so radiated. A little bit of a distraction to my heart. But ... Your radiance of charm is so strong, that my classmates idolize you so much. I, too, who is ordinary and looks, obviously means nothing to you.

Time after time passed. Without me ever, I don't know when we'll both get to know each other and be so close. I still think of you as a shoe salesman.

That closeness had unknowingly crossed my line. Friendship limits. I who at that time knew who you are, that you are not a shoe salesman, then disappointed with the lies of your status so far. If I realize, I shouldn't deserve to be angry, because I'm not who you are.

When my disappointment is muffled, we get closer and closer. I'm no longer awkward with you. It was precisely comfort that swallowed my heart at that moment.

I don't know when the first time that taste came. Breaking through the door of my heart, barging in, and filling the gaps with pink seeds. I fell in love with you, until jealousy reigned in my heart.

Jealousy in my heart soon you give the antidote with the expression of your love. The dancing fountain in the park of the city square bears witness to the feeling of love for both of us.

Your seriousness proved. You asked me to get married and I was ready. Sweet days during the wedding preparation period so I enjoy, imprint in the heart until now.

Now, I'll remember all that. It will definitely be a part of the past that is so warm. There is no sobbing that accompanies the great decision I have made before you and my family. I believe, if you mate .. we will be reunited again. Mario Dana Putra, thank you for all the wonderful memories. Short, but so meaningful.

Anjani finished echoing the love story in her heart. Along with the finished petai fried rice seasoning made. Then, suddenly Anjani's smartphone shook. A voice call from Meli. Anjani quickly received the voice call.

"Hello ...." Sapa Anjani by phone.

"Hey, Anjani. You're not busy? I'm gonna go see you. It matters!" meli across.

"Not really, anyway. What's important, Mel?" ask Anjani.

"Next night we meet, huh? I was just visited by Leon's sister. That Leon brother, tuh!" meli explained.

"Leon? What's the matter?" ask Anjani.

As soon as Leon's name was mentioned, Anjani was shocked. Not without reason, because lately Leon is often suddenly meet him, as if trying to get close.

"Ah, long when reported on the phone. I'll see you later. I want stories about Mr. Nizar, too." Melia explained again.

"okay-okay. Then I'll go to your house tonight, okay?" anjani Pinta.

"Okay, I'm waiting!" sahut Meli's.

The phone was disconnected too. Anjani was silent for a moment. Anjani refused to guess. Petai fried rice was re-cooked.

***

Connect ....

Thank you for reading the novel Love Strata 1. Wait for the story, yeah. Criticism suggestions for authors can also be, you know 😉✨