The Musafir

Go back to Champa!

One sunny afternoon, right after Mantingan aided by the North River Angel closed the flower shop. The two walked casually around the garden while watching Kana train. Moments like this Mantingan use to talk about important issues.

“Sasmita, you must return to Champa ... White Wind College has finished preparing a warship to escort you.”

The Northern River Angel looked at him with a frown on his forehead. “Do you feel disturbed by my presence here?”

The mantle smiled and shook. Still in a soothing voice, she said very gently, “Saudari gave me a different taste. Did you know that during the years of wandering, I never felt at home too long in one place. But with Sister, Kana, and Kina, I feel like I can stay here forever.”

The sweet lips of the North River Angel are not covered in a veil, displaying an equally sweet smile. “Then, why are you impressed to kick me out?”

“Kiai Guru Kedai said to me, that comfort does not always mean good. I feel very comfortable if you are by my side. But it's not good for you. Remember, sister, that there are still many warriors who want you. If the existence of the White Wind College did not count them, then we would be in great difficulty now. The longer Sisters waste time, the more dangerous the situation is.”

The North River's Angel was silent. However, he also realized the truth of what Mantingan said. The longer he wastes time, the more dangerous his condition will be. In fact, he could have caused a dispute between the White Wind College and the black groups who were after him.

If that happened, then it was inconceivable what regret he would get.

But in any case, the North River Angel refused to part with Mantingan.

He felt that Mantingan was the true love he had been looking for for a long time.

Together with Mantingan, he felt something he had never felt before. Is it still unspeakable love, after all that he has been through with Mantingan?

True love is usually found in unexpected places; unexpected people; and in unexpected times.

As if he had found Mantingan in a foreign land, at a really dangerous time, and with a meeting that seemed to be a mere coincidence.

Kiai Guru Kedai once said, "But everything has been outlined. Nothing happens by chance. Even a speck of dew that fell to the ground was no coincidence."

Everything happens based on the formula of the universe, which is then successfully solved by the strong desire of the North River Angel in finding his true love.

However, it was not a meeting without farewell. Sooner or later, separation will still occur after the creation of the meeting. And this time, the North River Angel had to part with Mantingan faster. It really is something that breaks his heart.

So slashing, even crying he could not. In the midst of the rampage in the depths of his mind, the Angel of the North River found a hope. It was as if he saw a speck of the spring of an arid field. I hope the water will support all the plants.

“Do you want to come with us to Champa?”

The girl's heart was waiting for an answer. Indeed he imagined that Mantingan nodded his head and said that he would come with them. What happened was beyond the shadow. Making the heart of the Northern River Angel shrink immeasurably. As soon as the plant dies, it does not watered water.

“I cannot ...” Manten. He clearly shook his head.

It was very disappointed when the North River came. Nothing is more disappointing than disappointment. So he said with tears breaking, “Why can you not, Mantingan? Tell me, WHY?!”

Cana stopped her training for a moment knowing what had made the Northern River Angel shout loudly.

“Why do you always reject me, Mantingan? What less am I that it is not worth you?! Do you have a mental disorder so that you cannot see how sincere my love is, Mantingan?”

“Not that I don't love you!” The mantan said with a loud tone. “But I don't want to lose the girl I love for the second time. And if I really love you, Sasmita, then I will send you back to Champa, and not sacrifice you here!” Mantian breathing is completely irregular. “Do you understand that, Sasmita? Do you understand that you must return to Champa for your love of me?”

The North River Angel was still staring at Mantingan with eyes twitching. The mantle looked back sharply. Once again the wind blew slowly, driving the wind chimes cradle across the village. It signifies how the east wind has come to pick up the North River Angel.

Their goals looked at each other. As if he was talking through a look. Indeed, sometimes, words do not need to be expressed through writing or speech, just with a gaze. But it is hard for people to understand.

It can be said, Mantingan and the Angel of the North River passed close, so it was not difficult for them to talk through face to face. And that is what makes them hurt if forced to separate.

A moment later, the Angel of the North River lowered his gaze. Exhaling a long breath. Her pretty lips smiled, but it was her tears that came down. At that time, he said, “By Kana and Kina. For your sake. And for my sake ..”

“For us.” Mantingan menimpali—aknya the eyes of the young man has been moaning as well.

“For us,” reset the girl. “I'll be back to Champa.” Then he repeated again. “For us.”

***

HOWEVER, Mantingan is still not ready to accept the departure of the North River Angel which will also include Cana and Kina. Tonight, the two children have been informed. They were crying out, as if Mantingan had died as the news spread. None of them wanted to escape from the North River Angel or Mantingan. They could not choose, whether it should be Mantingan or the Northern River Angel. Really, they can't.

But indeed, Mantingan did not give them a choice. The two of them must join the North River Angel, for a brighter future.

Now Mantingan locked himself in his room. Stay away from Kana and Kina's sight. And also to calm down. How losing something that can be achieved, but cannot be achieved, is very painful to the mind. When they separated, it was certainly difficult to meet again.

Sayup-sayup, Mantingan heard the voice of the North River Angel. But this time, his voice was pitched. The language issued does not understand Mantingan.

The sound of strings being plucked rhythmically accompanied his singing. I don't know where he got those strings.

Indeed Mantingan did not understand the Champa language sung by the Angel of the North River, but his ability to read the omens was more than enough to make him understand the message implied in the song.

***

BIDADARI RIVERS Utara sang in a very sad tone. His brawl was similar in tone, as if he was sad with him. Even the night crickets seem to be willing to stop for him.

The mantan did not want to reveal what he had understood about the chant. Really, it will only make her tears fall. He breathed a long breath. Leaning back to the bench.

“How come he doesn't have to experience all this.” The mantan muttered slowly. His ears could still catch the chant of the girl. “And how much I didn't appreciate his love. Oh, Rara, what feeling is there in my tribe?”

“Then, to whom else should I lean?” The mantan sighed softly. “Why is my short story not worthy of another swordsman's story? Why do I have to get involved in the noose of romance?”

Mantingan then remembered the story of the warriors in the river of the martial lake. Rarely do those who know love. And none of them are in love. For them, the problems in the martial world are much more important than love affairs.

Swordsman in general meet the needs of his passion by renting flowers. Only Mantingan who is not so, choose to continue to pursue romance in the world of friendship that is actually forbidden.

Then he remembered that the romance of a swordsman always has a sad ending. How much his love for Rara has proved that statement. Swordsmen who have been involved in romance, can only take one decision from two choices. Whether the swordsman chooses to stay away from his love, or the love will disappear on its own due to various causes.

Then what about the Mantingan who seems to oppose all that?

As a young man who is struggling to fulfill his goal—introduces Kembangmas to Kenanga— should not be Mantingan involved too far into the affairs of romance.

The chanting and tinkling of the strings played by Bidadari Sungai Utara continues. The spoons are getting longer. It was as if the singing was a mere sobbing pitched. The Northern River Angel was so good at expressing her feelings in a song. How the Mantian became lulled into it.

***

TWO DAYS later, Bidadari Sungai Utara began packing the items he needed to carry. Of course, he did not pack his own goods, but also Cana and Kina goods. The two children, however, finally complied. They can accept this reality peacefully. So since then, they more often get closer to Mantingan.

Cana and Kina also showed that what Mantingan had been teaching was not in vain. Kana shows the movements and the self-easing style that she is able to master; kina shows her expertise in calculations.

Makes Mantingan feel warm in his chest. Really, really grateful to have met Kana and Kina.

But as the day of departure neared, the two became moody. No longer as excited or radiant as those days ago. No longer were they conversing with Mantingan, although Mantingan had tried to create a conversation—all was futile.

When Mantingan thought about it, the Northern River Angel came to him. With a warm smile on his lips, he said, “Leave it alone. They don't hate you, they love you very much. Someone will be moody when it comes to parting with his loved ones.”

“Saudari, what if that opinion is not true at all? What if they were expecting a parting gift, but I didn't give it?”

Still with his smile, the Angel of the North River said, “My opinion is most likely true, Brother. My boyfriend in Champa always acts gloomy whenever he partes with me.”

The mantle frowned. I don't know why the North River Angel offended her lover. The girl was laughing. As if enjoying the frown on Mantingan's forehead.

“Brothers do not sulk or jealousy ..”

“Absolutely I am neither sulking nor jealous, Sister, not in the least. I don't care about everything about your lover in Champa.”

The Northern River Angel tried to control her laughter while saying, “Why don't you care about my lover? There must be a reason behind it.”

Mantingan replied briefly, “Because he has no importance to me.” Feeling bad about unnecessary things, then he shifted the direction of the conversation to be more important, “Saudari, I just visited the White Wind Padepokan in this village. They said that the fleet had been prepared from the beginning, but the crew had still not been determined. We are required to arrive at White Wind College at the latest fourteen days from now. We need approximately three days of riding.”

The smile of the Northern River Angel faded slowly. “Good. I'll make sure I finish packing tomorrow so we can leave the day after.”

The mantle nodded its head. “We better wait at North Wind College until the day of departure rather than wait here. Just in case something happens on the way.”

The Northern River Angel nodded her head in agreement that it was the best, even though she did not like it though. Currently, the feeling was no longer the subject of attention, so he could not force Mantingan or the others to understand his feelings either.

The girl left, replaced by Kana who had just descended the stairs while humming. The coat immediately called him.

“Kana, come here.”

Kana gave him a quick look. His face showed concern. The mantel then smiled. “Is there something that sticks in your mind, Kana? Come and reveal it to me.”

Kana walked towards Mantingan who was sitting casually behind the middle room table. A little doubt he stepped.

“What movements do I need to tell me?”

Instead of answering, Mantingan asked, “Why are you impressed to stay away from me?”

“Who do you mean?” said flat.

“You and Kina.”

“We try to hate Kaka.” Kana doesn't mince words.

“Why are you trying to hate me?” Until the moment he said that, Mantingan was still smiling.

“Because we don't want to be sad when the day of farewell arrives.”

“If you keep doing this, then when the day of farewell has come, you have absolutely reason to hate me the next day. Do you understand, Kana?”

“I understand very well, Kaka Man.” Initially, Kana made Mantingan smile in satisfaction, but what she said afterwards instantly faded Mantingan's smile. “However, I don't want to. I will still hate Kaka, and I think Kina will. Forgive us if we impress us like a child with no idea of being lucky.”

___

note:

Freak asked. How is the match between Indonesia and Afghanistan? I missed it to finish this chapter. The author of the article is too raw to tell the excitement of the match.