The Story of Clouds, Rain, and Sun

XIII. Memories from the Past

“Ganteng, Var.”

Varsha gasped in shock at her seat. Next to him was Mario who was watching his picture on the tablet. The man put his finger on his chin and rubbed it.

“Stay polished a little more color, already cool really.” Added Mario again.

Today it just so happens that there are not many tasks to be done. So for his assistants who want to stay, they can use his drawing tablet, to practice drawing. At least twice a month, Mario does this routine.  Then he would go around looking at pictures, commenting, and input here and there.

Varsha looked at the picture again. The face in front of him looked so familiar. A handsome and tall man. Wearing a white shirt whose arms are rolled up to the elbows and wearing dark-colored material pants. His gaze was cold but warm.

Deg.

Why he drew Surya…

Suddenly both cheeks Varsha felt heated. He touched it trying to cool it down. Yet a heavy and somewhat hoarse voice constantly sounded in his head. Calling his name softly.

Varsha's...

“Varsha.”

Varsha finally realized that someone was actually calling her. He looked towards the source of the voice. Then he rubbed his eyes. He had just seen two versions of Mario in front of him. Then he blinked again a few times. But Varsha still saw the same view. Instantly he realized what was going on.

“Axel!”

Varsha clenched her hands to her mouth, still feeling shocked. For years Varsha has not seen his rival. Maybe the last time he saw her was after they graduated High School. Well, if you look at Mario is not counted of course.

Axel is the twin brother of Mario who is also a rival of Varsha in school. Every year, they always compete for the first rank. And Varsha is invincible.

The twins Axel and Mario were very famous in their school. Their nicknames are Nakula and Sadewa High School Mandhala. Seeing the two standing in front of Varsha, reminded her of the beautiful memories of her old school days.

“When are you back, Axel?” Varsha asked smiling.

Five years ago, Varsha and Axel were scholarship recipients to Australia. But because of what happened to Varsha, he did not leave. Finally only Axel and one substitute candidate who continued their studies there.

Despite that, Varsha did not hold any grudges or envy towards Axel at all. He was really happy to see Axel again. Moreover, it seems that the rival came back successfully.

“Hmm.. about a month ago.” Answer Axel.

“And you just visited us now?” Varsha asked as she folded her hands in front of her chest, pretending to be angry.

“That's why I'll treat you to lunch now.” Axel response is quick.

“Good answer.”

Varsha gave a small laugh, showing her two sweet dimples. Suddenly Axel felt sorry for trying to delay meeting the beautiful woman in front of him. Verily Axel wanted to quickly meet Varsha even since he set foot in the airport. But he was afraid that his friend would feel awkward to him, even though Mario had said many times that Varsha was not so.

The three took Axel to a restaurant not far from Mario's studio. Soon, they arrived and got a seat. Mario immediately ordered an order for them quickly as he was already starving. In addition, Mario is also the most familiar with the menu there, so Axel and Varsha let it go.

The three of them were chatting and joking while waiting for food to come. Axel is relieved that the relationship between him and Varsha has not changed. Still familiar as before.

Unbelievably, their order finally came. Axel, Varsha, and Mario immediately eat food in front of him. Occasionally joking or bringing up the past.

“Var, know not? Si Axel used to have a crush on you.” Mario Ledek.

“Oh yes?”

Axel was silent. There was no change in the look of his face, except for the color of his ears that became red. He glanced at Mario. But it seems that the name telepathy between the twin brothers is just a lie. The proof is that Mario is completely insensitive.

“Iya.” Reply Mario again after sipping his orange ice.

“She even asked Tessa how to express her feelings to you.”

“Oh yes??”

“Var, do you know that when SD, Mario never shot Tessa continues to be rejected?”

“Serious??”

Varsha opened her mouth wide and closed it again. She can't believe Tessa never told her about this. Although quite reasonable, because Varsha and Tessa only knew each other during Junior High and since then they were inseparable.

“Woi! Privacy. Privacy please..” Mario finally gave up.

The three continued their lunch full of jokes and laughter.

***

“According to Teja, the games on list A are more interesting than in list B, Om.”

“Om agree.”

Surya nodded his head in response to Teja. The two handsome men were both putting one hand on their chin. Surya and Teja are currently discussing what games they will feature at the Akasa Game Festival.

“Walau is still not ready for release, this VR game is quite interesting also to be placed in the exhibition.” Said Teja again.

“Betul Teja's. I put that on my list yesterday. All of you want to see how the opportunity and enthusiasm of the market will be.”

“Iya, Om Surya. Teja also just wanted to say so.”

Surya smiled and then did a fist bump with Teja. It's great to have someone to discuss with and a frequency with. All this time he had trouble finding that person.

Surya then called Raka, his assistant, to immediately take care of the documents he had just finished discussing with Teja. After hanging up the phone, Surya stared at Teja. The little man was staring seriously at a decoration on his desk. His forehead even crinkled.

“Om Solar, can I ask you something?”

“Of course, Teja.”

Teja facing Surya. Then he pointed to the beautiful frame in front of him.

“This picture... who made it?”

Surya did not answer Teja's question directly. He walked towards the wooden display and raised it with one hand. A simple decoration that means so much to Surya. That helped him through his tough days five years ago.

“Someone who is very valuable.” Surya replied with a smile.

I don't know why there's something strange about her smile at the moment. It was as if he saw a bit of sadness there. It was as if Om Surya was missing someone.

Surya then thrust the beautiful decoration on Teja. Letting Teja's little hand take it from her hand. The boy looked back at the picture.

“What do you think Teja? Do you like it?”

Teja quickly nodded before saying, “Actually Teja asked that because..”.

“The picture style is very similar to the picture style of mama..”

***

The curcol author:

Huehehehehehehehe.

Well, I hope you like it, guys. Don't forget to love, comment, and thumb ;D

Noah\~

- Onion