Storms On Mount Ciremai

Hope to Return II

Wiratama bowed his head when he heard Commander Mandala Putra speak, it is too difficult to refute what he said. "Hamba can feel what Gusti is experiencing, but is it true, how valuable a Wiratama is to Nimas Retno?"

"Wira, we've had a lot of battles, the risk of life and death we often face, do you think I'm doing this is not enough to convince you?, self-esteem for a soldier is everything, but for the sake of my daughter's happiness, I have pawned my pride to you".

"Is there still in your heart a feeling of love for my daughter 'Wira?" Commander Mandala Putra looked at Wiratama's face. Wiratama was silent, his mouth locked, unable to answer.

"Ha.ha.ha, Hero!....Wira!.., it turns out that you have a side of weakness too, only the first time I saw your face so pale like this", I have never seen your face like this in any battle Hero!"...is it so hard to answer my question?"

"I'm sorry Gusti, the answer to Gusti's question is not simple, Commander Mandala Putra smiled "anything is difficult, I'm waiting for your answer?"

"Alright Gusti, I love Nimas Retno with all my heart, even until now I can not get rid of it, but I can not go with him again".

"What's your reason for Wira?" don't tell me you're not who else, and you're worried you can't make my daughter happy", Wiratama was stunned, because that's what he'll reveal to hide the real reason

"Say according to your heart 'Wira!"

After taking a breath to calm himself Wiratamapun said "the servant will tell the truth Gusti, until now I put disappointment to Nimas Retno, Trust and loyalty can not be obtained from him, I can not get from him, when the servant fell down and humiliated, Nimas Retno left me and trusted others more", that hindered my desire to be with him again". Wiratama again showed his sad face, when he remembered the difficult times he had experienced.

"You only judge my daughter as a lover, who feels betrayed, try to judge her as a Senopati!" she left you when you were stamped as a traitor to the nation, my daughter preferred to be loyal to her homeland, even if she sacrificed her love for you!"

Wiratama sat pensively, but then he tried to ask the question that had been stuck in his heart, "please forgive Gusti's servant, why does Nimas Retno trust the news more than trust me?", "Wira, why does Nimas Retno believe the news more, to gain trust not only by feeling love, but by using logic! Were you trying to prove the truth of your position not as a traitor?" why did you give in, by still letting the news spread widely?, I alone as a Commander, knowing the truth about you after a proving time, not because you were the one who fought to prove your truth! I know the reason you left to avoid bloodshed, but it's another matter, you ignored my daughter by not providing evidence and explanations so she could trust you!"

"Wira, I must give this explanation not to force you, the loyalty of his love for you is not in doubt, until this moment he can never turn away from you". then Commander Mandala Putra came out leaving Wiratama alone in the room.

Wiratama fell silent, rethinking the words conveyed by Commander Mandala Putra earlier, his understanding began to falter, and began to believe the truth of what was said by Commander Mandala Putra. Wiratama leaned his back on the chair, silent and pensive all by himself.

After a long time later, Commander Mandala Putra returned with a package, "Wira, leave this to my daughter, say that this is a gift from you, I just want his happiness, he's in the front garden now, meet him.and don't say anything about me!"

Wiratama with all his confusion, received the package, and put it behind his clothes, "servant retreat Gusti, Wiratama then menjura pay his respects, and walk to the front pendopo park.

Arriving there, Princess Retno was sitting in the garden, Paras ayu looked thin, her eyes were staring at the pendopo gate with a blank look.

Wiratama slowly approached, when the distance of one spear was behind him, Princess Retno Ningsih remained unaware of his presence, Nimas!..how are you?....are you alright?".