THERE'S ALWAYS A LEANING PLACE

There's Asa

Both hearts were racing fast. For a few seconds they were hypnotized, just silent. Both hands of Azka held Meli's arms.

“Ehm, when will it be?” reprimand Via.

Azka immediately released Meli. Because Meli was not ready, she returned to the dregs. Azka caught him again swiftly.

“Eh sorry. I'm off now, yes,” hiss Azka.

Everyone who saw the scene smiled. While Azka and Meli blushed in embarrassment. Their faces are like ripe tomatoes.

They have to accept it from the people they care about. In fact, Baby Zayn also laughs to make all anxious.

By Ashar they were ready to return. Once everyone is in a ready position, the car tires grind the streets leaving the Kulonprogo area.

That night became the third night for Via to stay at the house of his adoptive parents and in-laws. As for Meli and Anjani, that night became the last night they stayed together with the excitement of the holiday.

Of course the meeting that feels short they are not wasted. After Zayn fell asleep, Via went into the guest room to meet Meli and Anjani. Various exciting topics colored their chat.

“Why is the running time so fast? How come you guys haven't had a long vacation here?” lamented Via.

“We also work in a flower shop. Although only part-time and nothing compared to your income, it is good enough to increase our pocket money. After all, pity Lisa if we stay too long,” Anjani said giving an excuse.

Via nodding. To be honest, it was hard to part. Although their friendship is more through social media, Via feels closeness with Anjani and Meli. The two girls are the same.

“Tomorrow you guys so take the train? Why not just a plane? Can be faster,” said Via.

“We enjoy the thrill of traveling by car. Calm, can enjoy the view, also more secure. Schedule is almost certainly not like a bus,” said Meli.

They laughed considering Meli's arrival a while ago. And that was the beginning of the meeting with the hero.

But the Via is not just that. He recalled traveling by car with Farhan when he was newly married. The memories of being a passenger on a train feel so beautiful.

“Every semester holiday you come, dong. We are very happy to have you guys,” pinta Via.

Meli and Anjani look at each other. Then, they nodded with a smile.

“Who knows next semester Meli has changed status,” chirped Anjani.

“What do you mean?” ask Meli.

“Ah, no need to be plain pretentious. If your parents agree, Mas Azka apply for you, then marry, will next semester you become Mrs Azka,” said Anjani.

Meli pressed her lips. He pretended to be annoyed at Anjani. In fact, in his chest full of various kinds of flowers blooming.

“Who knows also you have become Lady Mario,” Meli reply.

“Aamin,” says Anjani spontaneously.

“Tuh, meaning you really still expect Kak Mario to propose to you again,” Meli ledek.

Blushes.

Anjani's cheeks are blushing. In his heart, he gave his mouth that knew nothing of sikon.

“Anjani was proposed?” ask Via curiously.

Meli happily tells the love story of Anjani-Mario until the hijrah process.

“Married it fitrah at once sunah. Don't be afraid of marriage at a young age. Don't worry about marriage disrupting college. Good intentions insha Allah will be a mother and Allah will make it easier,” said Via giving input.

By 22:00, Via bailed back to the room. Meli and Anjani also get ready to break down.

“Anjani, I deg0degan, nih. If my father would not let me marry. Then, what should I tell Bu Aisyah? He is certainly disappointed,” said Meli confused.

“You must deliver whatever Uncle Roni decides. I'm sure, Ms. Aisyah and the family can accept. You think it's weird? You have to be optimistic, yes! We pray that is fine,” said Anjani.

After finishing the bedtime routine, they lay themselves on the mattress.

**

The next day, after breakfast, Meli and Anjani arrange the items. Via waited in the guest room while holding Zayn.

“Meli, Anjani, Mommy can't take you. Mother must go to school,” said Ms. Aisyah.

“Iya, Mother. Nothing, kok,” said Meli.

“You guys be careful, yes! Don't forget, say hello to your family. And, Meli has a special message from Mother, do not forget!” Miss Aisyah smiled.

Meli.  Via and Anjani glanced at her best friend while smiling meaningfully.

“Then, Mother to school first. Azka takes Mommy for a while, she's back. You guys leave at 9, right?”

“Iya, Bun,” reply Meli briefly.

“One more time, be careful! Assalamualaikum.”

Ms. Aisyah reached out her hand and was greeted by the three young women. They kissed Ms. Aisyah's hand with reverence.

“Via, do you know a store that sells bakpia near here? I forgot not to buy,” said Anjani.

“Calm down, mom already ordered. Maybe soon escorted here,” said Via relaxed.

Justright. Just now Via finished saying that sentence, heard people say greetings from the front porch. It turned out to be the delivery of souvenirs that Bu Aisyah ordered.

“Nih, souvenirs for your family and friends. God willing enough,” said Via,” It's bakpia, it's plaques, and this is Yangko.” Via pointed at 3 newly arrived boxes.

Anjani gawked at him. He didn't think it was that much.

“This is for us all?” ask Anjani wonder.

“Iya. For two, yes! It's up to you, deh,” replied Via.

“I'm not good, here. The time we came did not bring anything home to bring this much,” murmured Anjani.

Laughing at hearing that. He rubbed Anjani's shoulder.

“Remember, we are happy to do so. We are sad if you refuse our gift.”

“Thank you very much, yes,” said Anjani lirih.

Meli smiled and then interrupted, “It's good to play here. I do that too. Hence, when Mother sent here, I gladly assented.” Meli's words followed her third laugh.

“There is a reason Meli is stronger. He can meet the hero,” said Anjani.

Via chuckled again. He understood what Anjani meant.

Half an hour later, Azka came with Ratna. Apparently, he stopped by the shophouse first.

At exactly 9 o'clock all the belongings of Meli and Anjani and souvenirs have been neatly arranged in the trunk. Azka let everyone in. Then, he drove slowly towards Lempuyangan Station.

There is still plenty of time before the train leaves. Azka offers to find a drink first. However, Anjani and Meli refuse. Eventually, they entered the station.

Azka brought a cardboard gift, while Meli and Anjani pulled out her suitcase. When he was about to enter, Azka just remembered that he only ordered 3. Via and Ratna could not enter.

Finally, Azka escorted the two girls to the passenger lounge. While Via and Ratna waited outside.

Just five minutes later they sat down, Via and Ratna followed. Meli surprised.

“You suddenly bought a ticket?” ask Meli.

“Prameks. Hehe...” Ratna.

“What are you doing in a hurry? Why not spend a holiday here?” lamented Ratna.

“You're going to Jember, dong!” anjani.

“Tomorrow if applying Meli,” sahut Via relax.

Meli's face flushed. While Azka was smiling with sparkling eyes.

“Ready! I will stand by at Meli's house,” said Anjani.

Their talks stalled when there was an announcement from the speakers that the Ranggajati train was about to enter the station.

“Be careful, yes! Sorry if our welcome is less,” said Via. He greeted Anjani and Meli followed by cipika-cipiki.

“More even. Until the tickets are bought. Our money is intact. Forgive us for the trouble,” said Anjani.

“Mas Azka even happy if bothered,” said Ratna.

“We are waiting for an answer from your parents. I hope you are Zayn's aunt,” whispered Via while playing with Meli.

Meli smears a smile. It hides blistering happiness.

Finally, Anjani and Meli get into the executive carriage escorted by Azka. After everything was done, Azka rushed down.

“Mel, this is pocket money from Uncle Sam intact. Mas Azka came out a lot of money for us,” said Anjani.

“That's. I used to be, too. The souvenirs I brought were also bought by Mas Azka,”, Meli said as she was engrossed in playing her dress.

Soon the train started moving. Meli looked outside. His eyes continued to stare at the man who stood firmly watching the train that kept moving left the station.

There is a hollow feel. The farewell was very heavy, especially Meli and Azka. They expect the beautiful plans on their minds to come true.

***

Seriate

How did Meli convey Ms Aisyah's proposal to her parents? Did his parents accept? Find the answer in the novel by Kak Indri Hapsari, Cinta Strata 1.

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