Short Story (Cerpen)

4th anniversaries

okay back again yah readers autor for the novel but this is a written by me well if there is a similarity in the name or plot I apologize

Jihan stared at the last sheet of the sitting calendar that was on her desk with a worried look. He sighed and his gaze was fixed on a date marked with a red ink.

'Han, aren't you back?' tiara asked who approached her desk while attaching a bag to her shoulder. Jihan raised her head to look at her co-worker.

'Yes, this is coming back, ' Jihan replied with a faint smile. Tiara nodded her head in understanding, 'You want to go back the same as me? Or did you pick up Aditya?'

Jihan glanced at her phone and smiled again, Thank you, Ra. I picked up Adit.'

'Oh, 'Oh, okay. Well then, I went back first huh, said Tiara while then leaving Jihan who was still lazy to rise from her seat. He lies. Adit didn't promise to pick her up. Adit didn't even call her today. Jihan just didn't want to trouble Tiara.

Aditya was Jihan's lover for almost 4 years. Time is worth enough for them. Jihan still remembers how Adit expressed his feelings right on the eve of the new year. Under the colorful sparks of fireworks, Adit reveals the entire flavor that was stored for almost 1 year of approach. At that time they were both sitting in the final 3rd semester lecture. Well, time has indeed been rolling for quite a while. Now they are in a world where they are trying to pursue their dreams. Time can change.

'Where are you?' jihan asked as soon as he was at the caf' where Adit promised to come see him after work today.

'I'm on my way. There was a brief sudden coverage, ' heard Adit's voice on his phone. Jihan glanced at her watch. 1 hour had passed past their covenant time.

About 15 minutes later, Adit came while tidying up his messy-looking hair. He looked at Jihan who had put on a sour face while stirring up her drink which left only the remains of ice cubes.

'Sorry, I'm late, ' Adit sat down in front of Jihan.

'Again,' Jihan added with ketus.

'Yes, suddenly there was a sudden coverage earlier. There are brawls between groups of people on the road…'

'I can read it in tomorrow's newspaper, ' Jihan still sounds sniffy leaving Adit out of words. This isn't the first. This fight is the umpteenth time.

'Why do we have to constantly fight?'

'I asked the same question, why should we fight again? Why are you always late again? Why are you always more concerned with work than me? Why are you starting to change? The question kept coming to my mind, ' said Jihan with annoyance.he waited for Adit's answer that seemed to have no answer.

Adit turned his gaze the other way. As if already caught up with the demands on all questions Jihan.

'You want how?' ask Adit at last. 'Do you want us to end everything?'

Jihan fell silent and looked at Adit in disbelief. He did not expect Adit would offer the end as a solution.

'Why are you so easy to say?' jihan's two eyeballs started to glaze over.

'I'm just tired. Tired because you never tried to understand a thing. I'm tired of always caving in and explaining, ' Adit's voice sounded heavy.

'That's so? Just that?' tanya Jihan still does not believe Adit's words. They stand by each other with their own egos. Adit sighed heavily and handed the decision to the girl.

Jihan threw her face the other way. Without feeling her tears just slid down her cheeks. Several times Jihan tried to wipe it herself. Adit couldn't bear to see the girl cry. Finally, he had to give up again.

'Forgive me, I didn't mean it at all. I just feel so tired of our situation. I just want to try and understand my life.'

Jihan still won't look at Adit. He grabbed his handbag and walked away from the man. He walked with wide strides and rushed over, leaving Adit who was following him.

Quickly, Jihan stops a taxi and leaves. Adit simply stared at the rest of Jihan's shadow while cursing himself for his stupidity.

Jihan was still crying over Adit's words. That was not the solution he wanted to hear from the man he trusted as a soul mate God sent for him. He wanted Adit to care a little more.

Jihan is aware, her relationship with Adit is in a critical period. Just wait for who will end first and who will finally decide.

As always, Adit always forgets. His job as a journalist seemed to be able to take all his time.

'In one day you have 24 hours, 1440 minutes, 86400 seconds. Can't you take 1 hour to see me? 1 minute to ask me how I am? Or, 1 second just to remember me?' ask Jihan one afternoon.

Adit. Due to the coverage deadline, he barely contacted Jihan in 2 days. Jehan's frustration reached its peak. He comes to Adit's workplace and waits to meet him.

'I am tired of our relationship too. Now it's up to you. 4 more days are December 31st. On the eve of the new year, it will be our fourth year together. I don't know if there's a 4th anniversary or not. Until that date, let's not communicate with each other. Let's both think about our feelings, ' said Jihan withholding her emotions.

'Asri Pemara. That place will determine the meaning of the 4th anniversary. If that hope is still there, maybe we'll meet there. However, if not. That means either one or both of us have given up on time.

Jihan steps away leaving Adit who still does not fully understand what Jihan wants. Suddenly, he remembered something. On the eve of the new year this time he had to cover the new year event held by the mayor in Medan Merdeka Square. Instantly, he was faced with a tough decision.

—

'Han, mama, how come you rarely see Adit come home lately?' asked Mama Jihan who saw her daughter sitting watching television in the living room.

Jihan immediately turned her head, looking at her mother worriedly. 'Adit is busy with his work, Ma, ' Jihan replied finally in a soft tone.

'Oh, so. Mama thought you guys weren't dating anymore or maybe you were fighting.'

As if he could read the look on his daughter's face, Mama Jihan immediately continued her words. 'If he is so busy, then you should pay more attention to him. Like your father, if it is too serious with his work, let alone remember mom, to remember to eat even he forgot.'

Jihan was silent for a moment because she felt her mother was able to figure out what was going on right now. He did not comment much, letting his mother say what he should have done.

'If he forgets to care and you are too proud to care then there is nothing but emptiness. Love is not just about how you start, but how you survive and sustain.'

Jihan's chest felt so relieved hearing her mother's words. It seems like he got an afterthought. Now he only needed to think clearly, would he still be able to hold on and be able to defend?

On December 31, Jihan sat in a cafe to fill the afternoon after work. The cafe is where he used to spend time with Adit. So many stories flow there.

Jihan chose the edge of the table near the window glass bordering the street with five feet in front of the cafe. With a warm cup of espresso, Rachel moves her index finger on the screen of the phone which is now displaying several photos that record the traces of memories between her and Adit. Oh, Jihan really misses those days.

He still clearly remembers how he first met Adit at a college event. At that time Adit was still joining a community of campus journalists. Jihan and Adit are indeed one campus, but different majors. Adit is a communication science student, while Rachel herself is an accounting student.

Adit is Jihan's first lover and always hopes to be her last too. So many dreams that they have knitted together.

However, now Jihan was sitting by herself thinking about the decision she would make later. All the memories of his association with Adit just appeared like a piece of film.

Jihan took a sip of her drink and looked up at the sky that afternoon through the caf's window'. It was cloudy, as if describing Jihan's current feelings.

'Can we still be together? The sky is not even on our side, ' said Jihan softly as she sipped back her cup of coffee.

—

'Dit, you are already in Merdeka Square right?' tanya Jaka, Adit's senior in the print media.

'Yes, bang. Soon I got there, ' Adit replied and then ended the conversation. He looked at his phone with a worried look. In less than 5 hours, the year will change. For the last 3 years, he always passed the moment on the same date with Jihan.

However, this year he even stood on the outskirts of the street shop in the city of Medan to shelter from the rain that fell with a rush alone. Adit took a breath back.

He is angry at Jihan who never wants to understand that they are now entering the adult phase. He must work to give Jihan a good life, but why does she still not want to understand him.

Adit tightened his jacket to ward off the cold. His gaze was shifted by two people who were also taking shelter in the courtyard of the shophouse. The man and woman looked like lovers. The man took off his jacket and gave it to the woman by his side. They were then engrossed in telling stories, ignoring Adit who was staring there.

Adit only swallowed the bitter taste in his throat. He can't remember the last time he did that to Jihan. He could not remember the last time he talked to the girl at length.

Adit immediately returned to riding his motorcycle through the rain. He drove to Merdeka Square where he had to get the news that night.

Merdeka Square which is also known as Merdeka Walk is a young area of Medan city that night was crowded with visitors despite the rain falling.

The mayor who is scheduled to attend at 8 o'clock will not come even though the clock has shown at 10 p.m. Adit looked at his watch in annoyance.

Suddenly someone patted Adit on the shoulder. A short-haired woman smiled widely, 'Dit, you snail here?'

'Yes, ' he replied to Dhea who was a fellow journalist.

'Loh, you snuggle here too?'

'Ah, no. I finished snooping earlier. So, just play around here with temen,'

Adit thought for a moment then immediately looked at Dhea expectantly. 'Dhe, please help me this time. Can't replace me covering the New Year's Eve event with Mr. Mayor,'

Dhea looked at Adit unsure. 'Actually, I want to help you, Dit. But.' Dhea's words were cut off.

'Maybe you'd say I'm not a professional if I explained why, but it's really important to me, Dhe.'

Dhea weighed Adit's request. 'But, how about bang Jaka get angry, Dit?'

'I'll explain it to him later, Dhe. You want to help me?'

Finally Dhea nodded. 'Ok, Dit. No problems.'

'Thank you, Dhe's gonna help me.'

'That's friend are for, ' Dhea said with a smile. Adit immediately rushed to leave Merdeka Square to Asri Cemara Complex which is always crowded during big days, especially the celebration of the new year.

The rain that had flushed the city of Medan slowly subsided. However, severe congestion was inevitable. Most people with their vehicles want to get through the new year by taking a walk and adding to the density of the highway.

Adit glanced at his watch again from behind his helmet. In his heart he felt anxious. 'Is Jihan going to be there? Still Jihan wants to get through that new year with her?' ask in the heart.

Adit realized that in his heart. It's been hard to make time for Jihan lately. He thought it was not a problem and hoped that Jihan would understand. However, he began to feel, there is something more frightening than losing a job, namely losing a loved one.

—

Jihan walked through the courtyard of the shophouse, which mostly opened seafood restaurants on the right and left. The rain slowly began to fall. The owners of the seafood restaurants began to re-arrange their tables to welcome the visitors who seemed to be choosing where to eat.

Dozens of people chose to walk and park their cars on the boulevard. Yes, the Asri Spruce Complex seems to have become a city of its own with various facilities that they have. Barongsai performances that have become a tradition in every celebration of big days that are not only imlek also enliven the atmosphere.

The main purpose of the visitors is a park in the middle of a very large complex. From there came dozens of fireworks that began to slowly decorate the sky.

4 Years ago, Jihan visited the same place with Adit who is still a friend. And under the pretty spark of those sparks, Adit expressed his feelings.

It felt like it happened yesterday. That togetherness, that thumping, that shyness, it all felt like it just happened yesterday.

However, now Jihan is walking alone. Waiting anxiously, did Adit decide the same with him, choosing to endure and defend? Or did Adit instead choose to surrender, releasing the heart of Jihan he had fought for first? Jihan was beginning to fear her own thoughts.

He sat on a bench, watching the people around him. Some couples make their hearts melt. Some of the fireworks that shot up into the sky were unable to heed the night for Jihan. There was only one person who could make the night perfect, 'Adit, I wish you were here.'

—

Adit has the vehicle in front of him impatiently. So many vehicles are racing into the Cemara Asri complex making the streets more densely creeping. For the umpteenth time, Adit glanced at his watch.15 minutes away from the turn of the year. By trying to be patient, Adit continues to follow the density of the vehicle.

Finally, Adit arrived at the parking lot of motorbikes. After parking his motorcycle, Adit ran towards the center of the park which is still about 500 meters away. The roar of trumpets, the eruption of fireworks in the sky, the boisterous cries of people who began to prepare to count down the new year, accompanied the steps of Adit who was running to find his beloved.

'5 minutes,'

'4 minutes,'

'3 minutes,'

Adit circled his gaze among hundreds of people who filled the park with a diameter of approximately 300 meters looking for a girl.

'10.. 9. 8..' the roar of the voices of those who have been counting down every second towards the new year.

'7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Happy new year…'

Adit looked at the sky with resignation. The night sky was beautiful. Its darkness was defeated by the color fusion of fireworks. If only, he could see it with Jihan who really likes fireworks.

Adit averted his gaze and began to twist his body to look around him. And, not far from him, among the cheering people bursting with joy, Adit saw a girl standing up while closing her eyes. Not cheering like the others.

'Jihan,' said Adit with a slight relief. He immediately passed by some people who blocked his path quickly. The girl was only a few steps away from him.

'Jihan, ' he said again in front of the girl who was still closing her eyes.

Just as the countdown of the new year approached lift 1 earlier, Jihan who was resigned to waiting for Adit's arrival immediately closed both eyes. He missed the fireworks that danced beautifully in the sky. He doesn't want to see it at all.

Now in the darkness, Jihan heard the man's voice say his name. Jihan hesitated to open her eyes. What if when he opened his eyes, he only found Adit not in front of him? What if that voice was just a delusion of his longing?

'Happy 4th anniversary, Jihan, ' Adit whispered and finally made the girl open her eyes.

'Adit, ' said Jihan almost crying as she saw the man smiling before her. That smile she missed.

'Forgive me, all this time I was too busy with my work and ignored you. I realized my actions were not right. I was too selfish. But, one thing you should know, Jihan. My feelings for you won't change one bit. I still love you as much as I first met.'

Jehan's tears just melted away. He hugged Adit so tightly. 'Adit, I miss you. I promise I will be the best for you.'

They embrace each other long enough with prayer and hope in their hearts. However, with the same tone of prayer, expect the following years to stay together.

'It's not the end, it's the beginning. The beginning of a bigger dream together with you, said Adit.

Finally they enjoyed the remains of fireworks in the sky while looking at the bird lake that was still in the same place. The hundreds of white storks that gathered on the small lands above the lake looked so beautiful as cotton.

Adit and Jihan share a story together. About dreams and the future.

'Oh, yes, ' Adit said on the sidelines of their talks. Jihan looked at Adit wondering what he would say to the man.

'Why did you look to close your eyes at the fireworks, instead of you loving fireworks?' ask Adit.

Jihan smiled gently letting Adit wait for her answer curiously.

'Because I want to, you are the first I see in this new year, not fireworks, ' Jihan blushed.

Adit immediately smiled broadly as he pinched Jihan's cheek, 'What if I didn't come earlier, people must have thought you were asleep.'

'Because I believe you must have come, even if it has to be late again.' Jihan rested her head on Adit's shoulder comfortably.