The Musafir

A Festive Celebration

The mantel opens the door and exits. Oh, how amazing he is! The bustling atmosphere that was happening in front of his residence was truly lively. Several lines of pageantry carry many white lanterns or luminous animal-shaped dolls. Other pageantry lines carry food baskets, some play musical instruments that produce beautiful song chants really too. Everyone was wearing their best clothes, creating a pleasant view.

The mantle was stunned by all the excitement in front of him, until one of the disciples of the procession pulled his hand to enter the ranks. It was just before the procession began to sing a song. Accompanied by a variety of sounds from the procession in the back, making the atmosphere really lively.

Whether the procession brought Mantingan to where, he followed it, he was happy with them anyway.

One of them said to Mantingan, that this was a great day of remembrance for them, so it should be celebrated with a merry heart. However, they should make a good and true celebration. No wine or booze, no comfort women—all are entertainers here, there is no eating until the stomach is thick, no food is thrown away.

This is what Mantingan enjoys, celebrating parties in a good way. He should not be afraid of sin, but still be able to have fun.

Mantingan fingers fingered the jug where Rara's ashes were stored, muttering in her heart, “Feel this peace, Rara.”

Of course Mantingan did not forget Rara. He wants his love to live on in his soul. Mantingan does not want to forget Rara, he will continue to remember her, in peace and not in sorrow. Would if Rara was still alive and with him now, Mantingan was constantly grieving? If he thinks Rara is still alive, then he should be happy and peaceful, as if Rara is walking beside him.

The atmosphere was getting lively as many other pageants joined in. The resulting sound flow was more and more melodious, but no one dared to play it too loud and loud. The mantan did not sing, because he did not know what to sing, but he hummed in his heart.

The procession hordes arrived at a large field, in the middle of which planted magnificent coconut trees. The huge coconut tree was extremely attention-grabbing, it was the largest and most sturdy coconut tree Mantingan had ever seen. Under the moon's silver glow and the reflection of the white lantern, the dashing coconut tree finally showed its gentle side.

Surrounding the coconut tree was the stage. On it are special chairs, some of which have been occupied and some of which are still empty. The most on that stage was the large chair on which Rama was seated. Unlike in general, the seat next to Rama was not occupied by his wife or children. Usually, the king's wife sits next to the king.

Mantingan could not help his curiosity, then asked just anyone beside him, “Brother, is the Chairman not married?”

Hearing Mantingan's question, the student who was asked coughed before finally answering, “Rama often told the oldest students to get married quickly, of course he was married, Brother.”

“Then, why is the one sitting next to him not his wife?”

The student understood, immediately explained, “Yang sitting next to the Chairman is the vice-chairman, while the wife of the Chairman does not hold that position.”

The mantan understood. Mantingan fad thought, does Rama not want to celebrate this important day of his wife and family?

Mantingan smiled stiffly hearing that, the head of the college like Rama was still very fond of his family, he said, even to be willing to leave from a very festive and fun celebration and replace it with a simple small celebration at home.

The remaining chairs slowly began to fill up, those who filled were important people in college. Shortly after all the seats were filled, someone on the stage gave a sign for the disciples to shut up. The real event is just about to begin.

For a while, it was the host who kept talking and reminding the important parts during the event. Then Rama spoke to the sea of disciples before him.

There is one part of Rama's speech that Mantingan will always remember. “Peace does not deserve to be enjoyed alone. Peace is created for man, but man is not only you. If you find peace at the top of the mountain, study that peace so fervently that you can bring it down.”

Mantingan really touched his spirit by the words of Rama who though calm it really burns the spirit. No Mantingan thought that a non-serious person like Rama could talk seriously like that. The words that Rama chose were so precise and fitting that they were completely absorbed into Mantingan's subconscious mind.

After Rama finished speaking, the other elders took turns to raise their voices, not tired of giving advice and memories to his disciples, while the disciples were exhausted. They began to use deep energy to stand up longer. The mantan that has been accustomed to walking a long distance does not need to use internal energy, it does not feel tired at all.

Completed all the elders conveying their expressions of affection, the event will be continued with a cone led directly by Rama. But unfortunately, Rama was not in his place.

People are no longer surprised by it, it is common for Chairman Rama to cut the cone in the shape of a mountain cone with his family. Rama also said that he felt he did not deserve it. As deputy, the second chairman who leads the tumpengan.

Of course not all students will get a share of the cone, but other food is waiting for them.

On the edge of the field, there are dozens of carts serving different foods. The students who originally gathered in the field began to disperse to the edge of the field.

Mantingan actually invited several students to both enjoy the dishes on the sidelines, but Mantingan refused it on the grounds that he could not linger here. With Rama's disappearance from his chair, Mantingan felt there was nothing more he had to do here, although he believed there were still many other festivities later.

Meningan feels himself not to contribute to the college, he will give opportunities for other students who have contributed a lot to the college.

By stepping away, Mantingan remembered that he had to serve the warrior from Padepokan Getih Asin soon. Remembering that made Mantingan exhale a long breath. The world, however, always has two sides that sometimes wake up and sometimes sleep; peace and chaos, truth and error, black and white.

The mantle sped up to make it to his residence faster. He had to take out his sword which was left behind, as it was impossible to attend the feast with the sword.