The Murder of the Beloved

Chapter 60

Then Bi Imah came out. "Non, there's a call from Mr. Johan."

"Oh yeah. Wait a minute, mas. Get me a drink."

Dinda ran towards the phone table. "Well, there's big news..." He also told me about his guests.

"Well, that's great. That means we got a trace of Bram. Don't forget to ask for Din's address."

"Beres Well. Should I tell you everything about the missing mother and Frida?"

"Yes. Just tell. Too bad I'm so busy I can't get there right now. I want to talk to him too. Oh, look at you, Din. You'd better keep some of the story so he comes to see you again. If you can ask him so that he wants to contact regularly to tell any developments or movements Bram."

"OK on Well."

"Dad won't hold you back much longer. Talk to him again. Father's phone tonight."

Dinda's back on the terrace. Bagas was sipping his tea. Dinda drank before starting her story. He started from the beginning of Bram's entry into his mother's life. Bagas listened coolly without interrupting at all. It was only after Dinda finished her story that she said, "It seems I have to believe in your conjecture, Din."

"Must, you say?" Dinda doesn't understand.

"Yes. I mean, even if there are no witnesses and no concrete evidence, your analysis is clear to me. You're good at stringing events together. Your conclusion is also brilliant," said Bagas with an amazed expression.

Dinda was flattered, but her regrets surfaced again. "Unfortunately it was all in vain. My emotions have ruined everything."

"If I were in your place I would be, too, Din. But you're great for kicking it." Bagas smiled at the scene of Bram being kicked. "Who would have thought you were a good girl kung fu."

Dinda was happy but also embarrassed to hear the compliment. "Ah, I'm not good at all. It can be just a little. I managed to kick him because he was unexpected and unprepared. If he knew maybe the situation turned around."

"So what's your advice now about my tant? He is married to Bram. And if a month ago, when they hadn't married, I'd have heard your story and told my aunt she wouldn't have believed it. Maybe he thought I didn't like Bram because I was jealous. It's no different with your mother who has similar prejudices against you."

"Yes. Exactly right. People who have been blinded by love are hard to believe. Not only did he not want to believe that the person he loved was not good, he was angry. And because of that, my relationship with my mother became tenuous."

"But how could I not tell my aunt? If anything happens, I'll be guilty."

"Ah, you're right. I felt guilty for not being frank with my mother about Om Bram's actions. Yeah, you better tell me everything. Believe it or not it's up to him."

"I'll find the best time for that. Ah, I don't feel grateful for being able to meet you and hear your story. Thank you very much Din. Me and Aunt Maya owe you one."

"Don't say that. I am also happy to know about Bram. Can I have an address, Mas?"

"of course. I'll write it." Bagas took out a business card and wrote the back. "The one behind this is Bram's address in Menteng Numbers. My address and phone number are the same as mine."

"Thank you mas. Actually there is still one more story, which is about Frida who until now is still declared missing. Frida's mom's friend who introduced her with om Bram. She mysteriously disappeared and promised my father to meet."

"Does Bram have anything to do with Frida's disappearance?" tanya Bagas with a horrified face.

"Oh, it's nice that I can meet him. Was he the one who drove you home? I heard you call him!"

"Rubber. Shall I give you his phone number? You can call her sometime. It's better at night."

"Of course I want to. But don't forget to give me your phone number, too, Dind. If I may want to call you again if there's any forgetfulness."

"Byeh, mas. I also want to know how you reacted after you told me. Will you tell me?"

"Yes. From now on I will open my eyes and ears wide. Unfortunately, I can only do that if they happen to be at home. But there are times when they stay in Menteng. I certainly can't go there."

"I have another suggestion. Suddenly remembered."

"Yes? Just say it."

"Never tell Om Bram that you know me. He knew very well how our family felt and thought about him. So if he finds out, then you and your aunt could be threatened."

Bagas. On his face was an emergency. "You're right. Then Aunt Maya must not show her suspicions. Like asking directly."

"Oh don't do that."

"Well, it's hard, too. I have to be good at pretending."

"For the sake of your safety, you can. So careful. Tell your appointment in a wise way maybe."

Bagas. "It's hard too. He must be very surprised and sad. Poor thing."

Dinda nodded. He could imagine how Bagas and his tantas would feel knowing. How does it feel to be deceived? Oh, just being angry isn't enough... The desire to explode. Then he remembered his mother. I was not angry, I did not explode. That's because I didn't know. Mothers go with confidence in happiness?

"You're daydreaming," Bagas reminded.

"I remember my mother. He had not been told of the danger he faced."

Bagas. "I'm sad, Dind."

"That's it. What matters now is that we must prevent him from repeating his actions."

When Bagas said goodbye, Dinda asked hesitantly, "May I ask for one of the photos, Mas? It's nothing, but I need a photo of Om Bram. Obviously a father in need. He wanted to show his picture to the people in Frida's neighborhood, in case anyone ever saw him coming there. Too bad I don't have a picture of my mother's wedding with her. He left nothing when he left the house. It might as well have been destroyed."

Bagas thought for a moment, then said in a regretful tone, "Unfortunately there is my aunt beside him. If shown to anyone, my tantric face will be everywhere. Let me try a photo of her myself. I will give it to you when I can. The important thing is not to get my tantric carried away."

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