UNEXPECTED MEETING: Naura's Luck

Friends of the Past

Samsuar and Novi were seen having a serious conversation in the living room. Currently the family company that was inherited to Samsuar is experiencing financial difficulties. Various efforts have been made by Samsuar with Initial Public Offering (IPO), issuing bonds, and debt to financial institutions

conventional to get funding injection. However, it seemed like good luck had not been on his side.

“How about ma, does mama have any ideas to convey to papa? Papa no longer has any way to save our company.” Samsuar looked to be twitching his temple.

For days he thought about how to release the company from the short-term debt repayment obligations of the company, and maintain the company's operational activities.

“Especially mama pa, being eliminated from the socialite environment alone has made mama unable to sleep for days. Why papa does not try to get funding assistance from colleagues papa.” said Novi Samsuar's wife.

“Yes my ma...., ma..... In situations like this, you still think about the socialite environment. What the hell did you get from them all this time? They are like papa's friends, they step aside when my company is in a state of slump.” Samsuar smiled wryly.

He still remembered how he tried to enlist the help of his colleagues, more than five colleagues offered help on the condition that he would take over the company.

“Do not underestimate Novi pa's friends, they have always been there to accompany mama. Even when papa is busy with company affairs, they are always there for mama,” Novi trying to defend his social gank.

“Iya papa knows ma, they exist because mama has money. But, try if your mom has no money. Do they still want to accompany mom?” samsuar said sarcasm, and Novi silently did not answer her husband's questions.

The couple remained silent in each other's minds for a while. Suddenly Novi smiled, he remembered with their friend Firmansyah while still in college S1. Because Novi chose the more economically established Samsuar to be her husband, the friendship between them became tenuous. Even today with the age of 58 years, Firmansyah still decided to pursue a single life.

“Am I trying to ask Firmansyah for help?” Novi thought to himself.

“I will ask Sam first, he agrees or not if I contact Firmansyah to ask for possible help.” So Novi decided something. Slowly she shifted her seat closer to her husband. Husband who has been married for 30 years.

“Pa.., papa still remember not with Firmansyah our friend back in college S1?” novi asked cautiously worriedly evoking jealousy in her husband's heart.

Samsuar turned his head towards Novi, trying to investigate the intent of his wife's question. Looking at the inquiring gaze of her husband, Novi smiled then held onto an arm and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“Pa, don't look at me like that. Does papa suspect me? We are both old pa, already have three children, which even two of them are time to get married and give grandchildren to us.” Novi tried to eliminate her husband's suspicions.

Hearing Novi's words, slowly Samsuar's gaze faded and then he turned his gaze back to the front.

“Yes, papa remembers him. Last papa met Firmansyah about four years ago, when papa and he both attended a coordination meeting of the Indonesian Retailer Entrepreneur Association (PPRI) which was held in Surabaya at that time. Firmansyah is currently a highly respected businessman in Semarang.” Samsuar said slowly, and conveyed his meeting with former competitors in getting his wife.

“Why suddenly mama asked Firmansyah,” Samsuar asked back.

Novi smiled then sighed for a while.

“Yes, I know that Firmansyah is currently a successful businessman in Semarang. Mama's friends who are on jablay and lonely often talk about it, but mama pretends not to know him if they talk about Firmansyah. Last month, mama met him again on the road with Naura in shopping Arcade, and he had given his card.” Novi recounts an accidental meeting with Firmansyah. Naura is her second daughter, who is currently studying sixth semester at a college in the city of Semarang.

Samsuar looked back at his wife.

“Papa start again. Yes already, rather than we fuss or papa suspects Novi, mending does not need to be considered there is our conversation from earlier,” Novi began to sulk because he felt suspicious of her husband.

Samsuar smiled then embraced his wife who was not young anymore. He thought very well what his wife said, they were no longer young and it was no longer important to feel jealous or not. More important is how they survive.

“Im sorry papa ya ma. After papa thought, we do not have any other idea for now. Papa agrees if mom tries to ask Firmansyah.” for help Samsuar said with a smile to calm Novi.

“Good pa, soon mama contact Firmansyah and make an appointment. Now we go to the room yuk, mom is sleepy” said Novi invites her husband to rest.

The couple had little hope of saving the company, and the future survival of their children. Both of them left the living room and walked into the room.

**********

Firmansyah studied shipping company documents proof of delivery of goods by ship, which is expected within two weeks to be anchored at the Port of Tanjung Emas Semarang. Occasionally his eel folded and frowned, as he found it difficult to understand the documents

those. Even though the exporter from Canada has been waiting for him to approve, so that their side can immediately withdraw money through the Letter of Credit at the arriving bank in Canada.

“Drtt...., drtt..,” suddenly Firmansyah's mobile phone vibrated.

Firmansyah stopped his activity for a while, then looked at the screen of the phone, and read the name Novi was making a call. Seeing that name, his heart rippled slightly but the sense of avenging his heartache over twenty years ago was much greater. Slowly he picked up the phone on the table, then received the post.

“Good afternoon dear Novi, there is a wind what is this suddenly want to initiate a call first,” Firmansyah greet Novi with a smile smirk.

“Siang Fir..., sorry if I interrupted your activities today,” Novi said.

“Of course not Nov, you have always been my top priority. But it turns out for you, even my name never existed,” Firmansyah said trying to stir up the past.

“Sorry Fir, we are now both old. It seems less wise, if we are still struggling with the mind in the past. Can we talk to the exclusion of the past?” Novi tried to neutralize the atmosphere of their conversation.

“Yap, definitely Nov. Okay.., ignore what I said. I'm just kidding, he.. By the way... roughly what agenda until you want to bother contacting me?” ask Firmansyah.

“I want to ask for your help Fir. But it would be unethical if I delivered via phone call. How about you take some time, so I can meet you.” Sahut Novi.

“Definitely Nov.., okay later in the afternoon meet me at Banaran Coffee yes. I don't want to fuss with Samsuar if I come to see you.” Finally, Firmansyah was ready to meet with Novi.

“Alright, thanks Firman. Later at 15:30 I will see you at Banaran Coffee. And I will ask my son to accompany, in order to prevent us from slandering others.” Novi agreed to their meeting plans this afternoon.

Finally after getting certainty of meeting, Novi ended his phone call.

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