The Rose of De Haas

Chapter 13: Batavia

The loud horn of the ship was again rung by the skipper, a sign that their voyage had been completed and had arrived safely to their destination of Batavia.

Passengers disembarking from the ship alternately down the bridge between the ship and the dock while on the lips of the dock there are many pelvic porters waiting for passengers who need their services.

In addition to the market, pelvic porters are also widely available in the port to help passengers transport their heavy and bulky luggage.

Tanjung Priok Port that day is the same as the previous days, many people will pass by people who just came or want to go and various goods and agricultural commodities come from various places.

"Well, have we arrived in Batavia? This place is so awesome!" Mrs De Haas exclaimed with excitement, enthusiastic to see the large buildings designed by Dutch architects lined up neatly along the eye of the eye.

The sky is also bright blue with small clouds that adorn the vast endless sky, further adding to the beauty of the city of the center of government of the Dutch East Indies.

"Yes, wife. You like the atmosphere?" Mr. De Haas asked his wife who was looking in all directions with sparkling eyes.

Madam De Haas nodded vigorously, as if she was ready to take a new life in this city to make Mr. De Haas feel relieved.

The population of Dutch people in Batavia is indeed a lot, even with cases of marriage with the natives that have been done here.

It was certainly a breath of fresh air for Mr. De Haas, so the hope of his small family life will be better in the city of Batavia is increasing.

"Yes, I really like this city.Thank you for choosing this very beautiful city," Madam De Haas said happily while holding her husband's hand to walk together.

"Then let's take the horse-drawn carriage to our new home, you'll be very happy."

"What's? Riding a horse-drawn carriage? Sure thing!"

The two seemed so enthusiastic about starting a new life in Batavia, making Uncle Darijo and Aunt Inem who were walking behind them smile.

"Mr and Madam look like a pair of young women who are drunk with romance yes," Aunt Inem said softly to Uncle Darijo.

Uncle Darijo chuckled amusedly. "they are both young if you forget, if the old you haha."

"What?! Come here, Darijo!"

...****************...

"When did you buy this house, my husband? this house is very nice I really like it," said Mrs De Haas cheerfully upon arrival at the new house of the De Haas family in Batavia.

This house is even bigger than their previous home with a yard that is also very spacious.

The grass that has been trimmed neatly fills the front yard of the house, while behind the house there is a greenhouse that is still empty.

"I bought it last month from one of my relatives. The previous owner of the house has returned to the Netherland" explained Mr. De Haas while sitting on a sofa located in the porch of the house.

The house with a typical European architectural style was beautified with white paint on each wall surface, making the magnificent building look more elegant.

Roses also seemed happy to move into this house, the beautiful boy continued to exclaim cheerfully as he invited Aunt Inem to walk down the courtyard with the new house of the De Haas family.

Laughing, Aunt Inem was also busy pestering Uncle Darijo who was busy sweeping the front yard of the mansion from the dried leaves.

"Good afternoon, Uncle, Auntie. have Mr and Mrs De Haas arrived home yet?" greet a boy with light brown hair and his pair of caramel-colored eyes.

"Master and Lady De Haas are inside the house. Do you need anything, son?" reply Aunt Inem.

The boy shook his head. "no, aunt. I was sent here by Papa and Mama who wanted to come to greet Mr and Madam."

"Then tell Papa and your Mama to come here, yes" said Uncle Darijo mannered and gentle.

Yes, although Aunt Inem now looked at the middle-aged man wonder he remained indifferent, gently rubbing the top of the handsome boy's head.

"Alright then, thank you Uncle and Auntie," the boy replied then turned around to leave.

The new house of the De Haas family is indeed located in the city center and most of the housing around here is occupied by Dutch people or Indo-Dutch descendants.

Maybe that kid was one of those neighbors who lived nearby.

"You just sweep the yard clean, I have to tell Mr and Madam who knows if there will really be guests coming" Aunt Inem said as she turned towards the house.

Uncle Darijo grumbled in his heart, but how else? The house has been empty for a few months so obviously it needs to be cleaned.

...****************...

"Welcome to Batavia, Mr and Mrs De Haas. Introduce my name Granger Van Marwijk and this is my wife Rukmini," said the tall man with dazzling bright brown hair.

Sarinah smiled kindly welcoming the arrival of their new neighbor, carrying a round tray full of sweet snacks as well as a teapot filled with warm sweet tea.

That afternoon, without them thinking there would be a couple Van Marwijk husband and wife who came to visit their home.

"Thank you for taking the time to stop by our house, Mr and Mrs Van Marwijk," Mrs De Haas said in a statement, put the snacks he had made on the living room table of their house.

"Please come in and sit down" added Mr. De Haas trying to be friendly.

Yes, he had a death pinch from his wife so he wanted to say so.

Mr. De Haas was very bad at pleasantries, so Mrs De Haas always tried to teach hospitality to her husband.

"As our tastes are the same, Mr. De Haas," said Mr. Van Marwijk after sitting on a sofa, side by side with his wife.

Mr. De Haas nodded in agreement. "it seems so, Mr. Van Marwijk. By the way in what field do you work in?"

"I work in the military, a Lieutenant. I heard you are the most successful Dutch businessman in Sumatra, is that true?"

Mr. De Haas chuckled at Mr. Van Marwijk's words, feeling that the man's words were a little exaggerated for him.

"What do you think if I said I could become the most successful businessman on the land of Sumatra thanks to the intervention of my very intelligent wife?" Mr. De Haas is proud.

"That's great and I've been expecting it, sir. Then we should have dinner together next time" replied Mr. Van Marwijk.

Mr. De Haas smiled "an honor to our family, Mr. Van Marwijk. Let's toast as a sign of the beginning of our friendship."

"Return!"