The Fragrant Soul

Chapter 27: The Fire That Never Fades

Sukma Harum bought a horse in the village. Although not a superior horse, the horse he chose looks quite strong and healthy. Enough to be a mount to deliver it to several places. And the first place that came to his mind was: Hot Water Bath!

Sneaking on a tree like a monkey for 2 days. Only eat fruits that are not so ripe. Sometimes they are bitten by mosquitoes and other insects. It seemed like these 2 days he had passed were extremely miserable.

But those 2 heavy days gave him enough information to continue the investigation and uncover the secrets of the game. And for now, it is necessary to relax the entire muscle and tone the brain. Take a break to gather energy.

A few days ago while flying with Horizon, Raka passed through a place that used to be her favorite place. For a long time he did not visit the place.

Rengganis Crater.

A crater that is not too big but the view is very beautiful. It is located in a cool southern area and is close to its favorite lake as well, Situ Patenggang.

Raka sped his horse as fast as he could. He wants to get there before dark in order to enjoy the beautiful afternoon atmosphere there.

After a few hours, he finally arrived at the crater. There are many visitors apparently. The friendly locals are also the reason why this place is so crowded. There are people visiting this place every day.

This fact makes the locals set up stalls around the place to sell a variety of needs ranging from food, fragrances, and others. Buskers, dancers, painters, actors, masseurs are also many who come to this area to find a fortune.

Which [are most certainly places of lodging. The cheapest is of course the houses of the surrounding residents who rented their rooms for travelers. The expensive of course lodging that the building is specifically built for rooms for travelers.

And wherever people travel, of course there are beautiful women. What they do is certainly their own secret.

That afternoon was quite crowded. Many people take a shower in a hot pool. Of course there is a separation for men and women, because when bathing in the pool that most people only wear loincloth.

Raka has left the horse, booked a room in a very luxurious inn, ordered food for later, and has also bought loincloths to use soaking.

It's time to get in the pool!

The water is so warm. There was no smell of sulfur that was too piercing. Crater Rengganis is very comfortable and friendly for visitors. Raka sat soaking and leaned herself against a large rock. There are dozens of people who do the same thing. Each was immersed in the silence and reddened afternoon light in the western sky.

People go into this crater in search of tranquility, and it is the calm that they get.

Warm steam gushed into his nose and penetrated into his lungs. Raka felt how the breath now felt light because the hot steam was cleaning all the dirt and dust that had been inhaled so far.

Crater water containing sulfur there is a cure for the skin. It cleanses their healthy skin, and heals the various ailments of people suffering from skin pains.

I do not know how long Raka soaked in this crater. Letting his mind empty. Letting go of his soul to fly out of nowhere. He felt his whole body so light. Like all the filth of life swept away by that natural hot water.

The day has darkened. One by one people moved from their daydreams and tranquility. Each one started to leave the pool. Raka's still soaking in there. It was like a deep sleep lulled by the soft warmth of the crater water.

When he opened his eyes, he was alone.

Usually at times like this most travelers are indeed mentas from the pool. They get dressed and enjoy dinner and enjoy the crowds not far from there. The crater will again be crowded visitors at dawn began to break. People enjoy the cold of the morning with a warm bath.

“Yeah, it's time to move on,” thought Raka.

Raka went back to her room and got dressed. He also bought new clothes that fit him well. The fabric is smooth and comfortable. The price is very expensive, of course. Because in a place like this, all prices doubled. It can even be 3 times.

Finished getting dressed, Raka went down to the bottom of the inn where there was a tavern. He had already ordered food for her to enjoy at this time. Two roasted pigeons, fresh vegetables, a large bowl of rice, a bowl of soup containing vegetables and quail eggs. Not forgetting to drink it he ordered fresh ginger mixed with milk and honey.

Not far from there, there is a sinden sunda singing accompanied by a lute player.  The voice of the woman is so beautiful. Sing a song about yearning for the hometown.

There are a lot of people in the store. Guests also came in. This store is indeed the most expensive and most famous in this bathhouse.

Raka just enjoy the food while enjoying the melodious vibe of the blue pesinden. He does not care about the situation around.

But a group came. A pair of men and women with their guards. Their clothes are blinking. Their steps are full of confidence. Typical of the nobles of the palace.

This group made Raka stunned.

Certainly not because of his entourage.

Because of the woman in the company.

The Nalacitra Order.

The woman who once filled the deepest recesses in her heart.

Ever been? Maybe “never” is the wrong word.

“Masih” is a more appropriate word.

If someone who is famous for being very handsome, perhaps the most handsome in the universe, has an inexhaustible wealth calculated 7 days 7 nights, has unparalleled magic, and has a very intelligent mind, he said, then falling in love with a woman, what kind of woman?

Of course women like Dian Nalacitra.

She is beautiful without having to plunder your soul. For he sits and reigns and reigns in your heart. He is gentle without hinting at mercy, because with him you get strength. It does not conquer self-esteem, but by its love, any man will be able to rule the world.

Her beauty could not be imagined by people who had never seen her. Because just by imagining it, you have fallen into the abyss of injustice.

The meeting at this place was unexpected.

Raka's face was mediocre as she looked at the woman, but her chest trembled as if her heart was being sucked from its sockets.

Raka's lips moved wanting to call out the woman's name.

“Raden Rakantara Gandakusuma!”

It is not the voice of the woman. Except for the voice of her husband.

Her husband is the son of the palace prime minister, the number 2 person in the country after Sri Baduga Maharaja himself.

If your father is the number 2 person in your country, then whatever you want must be fulfilled.

If he wants Dian Nalacitra to be his wife, then Dian Nalacitra to be his wife. Just like that.

“Raden Indrasaka,” reprimand Raka while menjura and stand politely.

“Don't expect to meet here. Alone?” tanya Raden Indrasaka

Raka nodded with a smile, “To seek tranquility is indeed better alone. What's up, Raden”

“Good news. It just so happened that Dian was pregnant so I brought a bath here so that the baby would be healthy. Eh my wife, why are you quiet not reprimanding an old friend?”

Old friend.

Adakala “beloved lover” turned into “old friend”.

If that happens, who can imagine the pain?

Raka smiled at Dian. The quietest, most refined, and warmest smile he ever did. He raised his hand saluting, “How are you raden ayu?”

Dian Nalacitra smiled sweetly as well, “Against your old friend so ungodly. Wear respecting all. We were all awkward.”

This sound is so smooth. Echoing inside the precious memories stored for so long. Perhaps for the sake of hearing this voice again, Raka was willing to drown in the sea of fire.

“Eh, let's put together a table. The escorts! Unite table!” said Raden Indrasaka tenpa long wait.

“Duli master!” replied the guards while moving quickly.

The table is put together, the food has been ordered, an unexpected gathering party is already celebrated. Three people who were together loved the dish while chatting about the story.

“Daddy called? What's up?” ask Raden Indrasaka. The bodyguard did not answer because the question was addressed to Indrasaka himself.

“Darling, you wait here yes. I'm going to Dad's room. Hey, Raka. I tipped Dian ya,” Indrasaka kissed his wife's forehead with a friendly then rushed to leave the place with the help of some of his guards. Two other guards stayed there.

“Your Excellency Prime Minister is here?” ask Raka to Dian. The woman nodded and replied, “This place is her favorite. Every few months, Your Majesty must be here.”

“Oh. But I do not see a tight escort like an escort against the Prime Minister,” said Raka still shirking.

“He would rather move in silence. But of course the special forces of the Prime Minister's bodyguards disguised as tourists and citizens.”

Maybe because from the beginning Raka came to this place he had emptied all his thoughts so he could not see the irregularity of disguise.

“Servant, will you stand guard at the door there? I am not comfortable if eating accompanied like this,” the demand is very smooth.

“But..,”.

“Come, help me yes?” he smiles. One smile only then the two guards immediately moved the guard.

Raka knew the storm was coming.

Dian looked at himself. He said, “After parting ways when Raka came to my wedding, this is the first time we met again.”

It would be nice if we didn't meet at all.

But Raka just smiled and nodded.

“I just want to know, why Raka could have lied to me,” her words are down. It was as if he was afraid of the wind being hurt by his words.

“I never lied to you. At that time I could not tell my true self. My teacher requires that I adventure without carrying a surname, the name of the teacher, even not to use silat and bring a penny.”

“Why did your teacher order such a thing?” ask Dian astonished.

“For I understand that life in this world cannot rely on others, cannot rely on possessions, and others. Can only rely on yourself,” replied Raka.

“And of course Raka passed,”

Yep. By carrying a broken heart and a wound that still has not healed completely.

Raka could only nod.

“So Raka would rather pass than choose a woman who loves him so sincerely.”

Sukma Harum said nothing.

“If at that time Raka told me who Raka really was, of course my parents would accept you.”

At that time, Dian broke off the relationship with her because her parents did not approve of their relationship. Their castes are different. Raka is poor and has nothing. Traveling from one place to another.

“We all just found out who Raka really is right on my wedding day. My parents invited Raden Arya Gandakusuma's family. Raka came with family.”

While smiling gently holding back the tears Dian continued, “I was surprised to see Raka coming. So dashing, so neat. Without wearing shabby, without a beard and mustache like all this time I know Raka,”

If not for being told by his mother and father to come to accompany him, Sukma Harum would not have come. He certainly will not hurt the girl by showing her true identity.

Why did he keep coming too?

Because of how great and valiant a man is, he must remain obedient to the orders of the parents.

And how beautiful and beautiful a woman is, she must also submit to the orders of the parents.

Who could imagine the feelings of these two people's hearts?

“Raka certainly can imagine my feelings...” he did not cry, not angry, nor disappointed. Because he has accepted destiny with an open heart.

A woman, when her heart is open, will be able to live a life of great suffering.

Her tears had dried up a long time ago. His sadness had long since evaporated.

But is his love still there?

The love of the most beautiful woman in the world for a shabby and poor man.

Demekian love is the truest love ever.

Raka knew, he had lost the chance to enjoy that true love.

His life will never be the same again.

Is that why he was never happy?

Is that why he immersed himself in a tempestuous sea of romance with women he never loved?

“But everything has passed, right? I have been happy with my husband, Raka has been happy with the path Raka chose. Everyone found their happiness. Nothing wrong, and to blame,” her smile expands beautifully once. Like the sun in the shining spring presents life.

But his eyes were so dim. It was dim like a crescent moon covered in blackened dark clouds.

No tears. There is only such a deep emptiness. So empty.

Which man could look into the eyes like this?

Raka opens voice “If one day...,”.

“No that day...,” cut Dian. “Forwardly there will be no that day.”

“Because if someone has gone from my heart, then my door will always be closed. That door will never open again.”

Raka could not say anything.

Dian Nalacitra said softly and feelingly. “I'm ready.”

If a woman has given you up, she will no longer seek you, will no longer miss you, will no longer go to ask for your news.

Because the word “rela” is what makes it able to continue living.

“I've revealed everything I want to say. Next, we don't have to meet again. If you meet on the street, you won't be greeted. Take good care of yourself.”

Then he moved and left.

There is nothing more painful than looking at the woman who is going and going.

The look on Raka's face seemed to show nothing. It was as if he had just listened to a simple conversation filled with nonsense. But the rumble in his heart only he himself knew. His palms were sweaty but his face still looked cold.

Yep. Chilly.

Could it be that a man must be this cold so that he can move on?