The Love Traces of RAHWANA

Quara 19.

It's been a month. Time feels so fast to me.

My family is having dinner at our house. This time with a complete formation. Mas Bhanu is also at home.

“Ara want to come to malang?” Ask dad.

“Ke poor? What's the show, Dad?”

“Can Susan want to get married.” Mom chiming.

Susan is my nephew. My cousin's alias. “When?”

“Saturday.” Answer mother. “We leave from here tomorrow.”

“But ara Still no college Friday’atnya.” My word. They want to come, but they don't want to leave the lesson either.

“Once in a while holiday is also not a problem, Dek.” Mas Bhanu chimed. “You've learned too much. Mas afraid you quickly bald when not the time.”

I stared in annoyance at Mas Bhanu. He said it like there was no burden. As a result of this, I imagined my bald hair.

“Mas follow?”

Mas Bhanu simply nodded. He stayed focused on his food.

I thought for a second. Yes, it is true said Mas Bhanu. Once on vacation I don't think it's a problem. I can borrow a note to Fio or Yuta later.

“Good. Ara follow.”

Mom seemed to smile happily. And the conversation continues with a few more topics. Even until we moved into the living room to watch tv.

The thing we always do when Mas Bhanu comes home is to spend time chatting together. Because Mas Bhanu served in Semarang and only went home once.

I was waiting for the call from Awan to lie down on the bed. Doubtful between wanting to call first but embarrassed, and can't wait for my phone to ring.

Ting!

I soon saw a message coming in from the Clouds.

‘Are you asleep?’

'Not.’

‘Sorry I can't call. I'm having a family event.’

I looked disappointed at that sentence. I miss his voice. We haven't seen each other since last week.

Yeah I know. Sometimes I also feel very bad to Awan and Yuta. Moreover Cloud. I did not respond to her feelings but I accepted with open arms every single one of her concerns. I honestly feel ashamed of myself too.

All this time I was also trying to control my heart so as not to be too happy with the attention of the Clouds. But I still managed to control my own heart. Even my plan couldn't stop him.

‘It's okay. I'm going to sleep too.’

‘Alright, good night. Dream about me.’

That last sentence made me smile. This is why I cannot escape the clouds. He was always forthright in whatever he felt and expected of me. He never limits himself on his feelings.

In the morning, I woke up when the sun had not even come up from the horizon to get my clothes cleaned. I put some clothes in the bag. We will stay there for a few days.

We all left for the airport after breakfast with Mas Bagus.

“Again permission?” Ask dad. Meaning college.

“Already, Dad. I've asked Yuta to write.”

“Dek, don't hang Yuta. Poor.” Chirps Mas Bhanu who sat by the window.

I just took a seat and turned wildly to him. Warn him not to discuss Yuta.

“Less what try Yuta? Good, handsome, considerate, smart, and from a great family anyway.” Mother chirps.

“Mother why follow?”

“Hehehehe. I just don't understand why you won't open your heart to Yuta. Though he was already quite clear with his feelings.”

“Ara already said. Ara doesn't want Ara's college interrupted.”

“Not because of Cloud?”

Dad's question was like a ball hitting my face.

“No! Nothing to do with him.”

“Wahhhh, although jutek, it turns out my sister is a lot of likes yes. If you choose Yuta. You see, I understand the ins and outs of Yuta. His family is also close to our family.”

“Ya already, Mas Bhanu alone married to Yuta.” I grumbled.

“If Dad, Dad still supports your commitment. The relationship can be later. Marry all. Now you are young, chase everything you want to achieve.”

I glanced at mom while sneering a laugh at dad.

I threw a glance out the window. My family is discussing Yuta and his family. But my head was filled with clouds. There's no room for anything else.

Until now I am still looking for what is special about the Cloud so I am out of my commitment. All this time, no one could shake me.

While daydreaming, I heard my mother talk about Clouds. I sharpened my hearing to hear more clearly. I was embarrassed to turn my face to them.

“Unfortunately Still High School.” Mother's chirps then.

“But like not a High School kid only.” Mas Bhanu chimed. “If he doesn't wear his uniform, I don't even think he's a high school kid. I think he's about the same age as Ara.”

I just fell silent. Until the discussion of Awan turned into a discussion of Mas Bhanu who did not bring prospective wives home.

The plane we were on landed at Abdul Rachman Saleh airport, Malang. We have been waiting for our arrival by Irlan. He immediately greeted my father and mother and hugged me as well Mas Bhanu.

“How was the trip, Bulek, Paklek?” Ask Mas Irlan.

“Good, good. How are you?” Ask dad.

“Both too, Paklek. Come, already at home.” Take Mas Irlan later.

We all got into Mas Irlan's car.

Our arrival was warmly welcomed by the family. Susan, my cousin who is 4 years older than me, looks very ayu in a peach-colored kebaya complete with a bun.

“How are you, Ma'am?” I asked after we finished hugging.

“By-good. You're more beautiful, Ara.”

I got that compliment. Although I've heard so many times, but everyone praises me so, I still feel embarrassed but happy.

That night, after the recitation, I spent time with Susan's sister in her room. We talk a lot about our past.

Susan said that the man who will marry her on Saturday is the man who has been in her boyfriend since college.

“Lho? Didn't you say you guys broke up?”

“Already. Three times they broke up. But his name is soul mate no one knows, Ra. Turns out he came back to me. Or am I going back to him? Hahahahaha.”

I am so amused to imagine when Susan used to tell stories while shedding tears. We can be said to be close. But that was when Susan went to the top State University in the city of Jogja.

Since Susan finished college and returned to the poor, we rarely communicate again if there is nothing important to talk about.

And here we are. Poking around in her room while reminiscing about Susan's wonderful past.