The Estuary of Desire Baruna

Eps. #61 Death of Alfin

Knowing the truth often leads one in a nestapa. That kind of grief is what Ardila is currently feeling. Knowing that he was not part of the Waradana Family was a huge blow to him.

"Why did you hide such a big secret to me, Pa?"

Ardila sobbed in Arkha's arms. His heart was so bitter when he found out that the person he regarded as his father had not been his biological father.

They are now in the hospital's IGD waiting room and waiting for medics to deal with Alfin who is already in a very critical condition.

Because of Ardila's insistence, Arkha also just told all the things in the past between herself and Alfin, until he admitted that Ardila was his biological daughter.

"Biologically, Alfin is indeed your papa, Ardila. But, ever since you were in your mama's womb, everyone has admitted that you are papa's daughter. Even after papa found out that you were not the flesh of papa's blood, papa still thinks you are papa's little daughter." Arkha gently rubbed Ardila's head affectionately. The secret that he kept for decades, was finally known by Ardila, the real child born from the results of an affair between Alfin and Livina in the past.

Until Ardila is now twenty-four years old, during that time Arkha is able to cover everything. Especially since birth, Livina who is also his ex-wife, in writing has indeed stated that Ardila is his biological daughter and get his family's last name. All that makes everyone no one knows that Ardila is not his son, except only those closest to him who know about it.

"Now I understand why Oma Yuna always differentiates me from Baruna and Arnav, Pa. I'm not her grandson, that's why Oma Yuna always hated me" Ardila complained. He also now realizes that Oma Yuna's different attitude is the biological mother of Arkha, all this time because she is not a descendant of the Waradana Family like Baruna and Arnav.

"But papa and Mama Mutiara never set you apart, Ardila. You are still a princess in the Waradana Family. And at any moment, all that will never change" Arkha said as she stared fixedly at her daughter's eyes wet with tears that never stopped dripping.

"For me, Brother Dila also remains my brother, sister. I love you so much." Baruna, who was next to Ardila and Arkha, also chimed in and wanted to reduce Ardila's sadness.

During the paramedics work and rescue efforts for Alfin, Arkha, Baruna and Ardila remain waiting there. At that time, Arkha told all about his past to his two children.

A few minutes later, a doctor still wearing a green robe, face mask and head covering came out of the operating room and rushed to them.

"How's my papa doing, Doctor? Can he still be saved?" sergeant Ardila rushed to the doctor and hoped to hear good news from him.

The doctor only glimpsed at Ardila, he rushed up to Arkha who also moved from his seat as soon as he saw her coming out of the operating room.

"We've tried our best, Mr. Arkha. But, Mr. Alfin's condition was already very critical when he arrived at this hospital. I'm sorry we couldn't save Mr. Alfin's soul. Mr. Alfin is gone" said the doctor, opening his face mask and showing a sad face to Arkha.

"Innalillahiwainnaihirojirojiun." Arkha rubbed his face and let out a long sigh.

"Simplified.....!" Ardila screamed hysterically and immediately sat limp on the floor where she stood. Tears were pouring down her cheeks.

"No way, Pa. Papa can't leave me so soon," his sobs couldn't accept the fact that happened to Alfin that he just found out was his real father.

"Sir Dila, Brother must be strong, Brother!" Baruna went straight to Ardila and crouched down next to Ardila while hugging her.

"Why is God so unfair with Brother, Una? Why did you have to be born into this world because of the mistakes made by your own parents, Una?" Ardila. With her voice that sounded hoarse, she spilled all her complaints towards Baruna. "Mama Livina chose to end her life in a mental institution, and now Papa Alfin is gone. I don't have any real parents anymore, Una."

"Sister can't say that. Me, Papa Arkha and Mama Mutiara remain your family, Brother. Until whenever Brother remains a part of our family." Baruna continued to try to calm Ardila down.

"Yes, Dila. Never regret anything that has happened. All this time, papa always thought you were papa's biological daughter. Even if you now know the truth about yourself, your views will never change." Arkha also hugged Ardila again and rubbed tears on her daughter's cheeks.

"Keep your heart together, boy!" arkha said as she stroked the hair on her daughter's head. "Now, let's meet your father for the last time!" Arkha stood up and raised Ardila's shoulders.

Ardila just nodded and the three of them went in to see Alfin and saw his body.

****

The next day in a cemetery area, the atmosphere of haru and sad to accompany the final release ceremony Alfin. The cries of those closest to Alfin broke out among the crowd of mourners especially Ardila. Knowing the truth about Alfin was precisely at his last moment that made him feel very sad.

The same goes for Arkha and Pearl. Although during his life, Alfin made many mistakes and always instilled hostility and hatred towards Arkha, but in fact they were best friends since childhood. Alfin's death which was due to his bravery of saving his daughter, also made him feel very sad.

"Get your papa gone, Dila. He is now calm in nature." The pearl hugged Ardila's body tightly and continued to comfort her.

"God has already punished Papa Alfin and Mama Livina, Ma. They both made many mistakes in their lives. Maybe that's why God called them sooner." Ardila buried her head in Pearl's chest and continued to cry.

"It's not good to say that, Dila. Your father Alfin, died saving you. All of this was enough to prove the greatness of his heart. He is very responsible to you, dear," said Mutiara as she rubbed Ardila's face.

"Thank you so much because Mom and Dad have always loved me. Even though I am the son of those who have done evil to you, you are also always honored to receive and take care of me lovingly." Ardila is still sobbing. After finding out who her real birth parents were, she was increasingly able to feel Arkha and Pearl's affection that was so sincere towards her all along.

Although the funeral atmosphere has now begun to be quiet because the mourners have left the cemetery area, but Arkha, Mutiara, Ardila and Baruna are still there.

They continued to look at the mound of land that was still wet, the place where Alfin had a long rest. The tomb was deliberately made adjacent to Livina's tomb.

After a long time there, they left the place and headed to his car.

Baruna walked the very back of it all. In his heart he could also feel the sadness that Ardila felt along with her parents. However, in addition to that he also harbored another calamity.

"Flo and Diaz disappeared last night just before the police arrested Daniel. I was so moved by what happened to Om Alfin that I did not have time to pay attention to them. Where the hell did they go? And why should they run away and dodge like that?" baruna's mind was filled with questions because now she realized Floretta and Diaz had suddenly disappeared after the incident last night.

"I have to find out where they are." Baruna muttered to herself and sighed deeply. There was a feeling he could not understand now raging within his mind.