KUYA NGAGANDONG IMAHNA

Jaman baheula aya Kuya imah-imah di sisi muara. Gawena ngahuma, ngahumateh indit isuk datang sore magrib. Hiji poe Kuya keur di huma, aya hujan geode bari jeung angina. Tatangkalan rarungkad imah Kuya oge kaapungkeun murag ka leuwi brus ti teleum. Sakadang Kuya sedih kacida, isukana manehna ngieun dei anu leuwih keker supaya te kabawa angina.

Hiji poe manehna balik ti hima, Kuya teh masak pikeun dahar sore. Sabot masak Kuya kacai hela, keur di cai katingali hasep ngebul dina suhunan imahna ku Kuya diburu tapi imah geus angus seneuna gede nakeranan. Kuya teh ceurik.
Keur kitu jol bae Monyet kolot. Monyet ngomong ka sakadang Kuya, “tong ceuri sakadang Kuya ngieun deui imahmah!”

“Anu matak sakadang Monyet lain sakali wae kacilakaan imah teh bareto kabawa angina. Kudu kumaha akalnanya supaya imah awet?” cak sakadang Kuya! Sakadang Monyet ngajawab, “gampang atuh, ngarah imah ulah cilakamah dibawa bae, ulah ditinggalkeun. Pek ngieun dei anu alus tur kuat ke lamun geus anggeus arang tangkodkeun kana tonggong anjeun, pantone sakira asup sirah supaya gampang ngelokeun sirah ka jero.
Eta papatah teh ku Kuya diturutkeun, saenggeus anggeus prak ditengkodkeun dina tonggongna, monyet anu memenerna. Nah ti haritamah imah sakadang Kuya teh sok dibabawa bae, digagandong.

Rincian Dongeng:
    Judulna           :     Kuya Ngagandong Imahna
    Bahasana          :     Kasar
    Palakuna           :     Sakadang Kuya jeung sakadang Monyet
    Watek palakuna     :   
    Sakadang Kuya   :
     Getol daek digawe, gampang putus asa an, te kuat kena
    musibah.
    Sakadang Monyet :    
    Daek babantu jeung mere saran
     Tempat/latar     :     Baheula dihiji kebon deket walungan
    Eusi/hikmah nu bisa di cokot :
Jadi jalma kudu getol kos sakadang Kuya tapi tong gampang putus asa jeung tong bodo. Jeung kudu daek babantu ka batur kos sakadang Monyet.

CAI LAUT ASIN

Kacatur jaman baheula aya dua jalma adi lancek. Nu cikal ngarana Jana, ari nu bungsu Jani. Ki Jana ka asup jelema benghar, lega sawah lega kebon. Tapi koret, tara barang bere jeung tutulung. Tapi Ki Jani mah bari jeung miskin oge ari boga rejeki teh sok mere kanu butuh. Hiji poe Ki Jani nginjem beas ka Ki Jana tapi manan dibere malah dicarekan. Untung pamajikan Ki Jana karunyaeun. Susulumputan ti salakina mere beas ka Ki Jani sacangkir jeung lauk asin. Bari nalangsa Ki Jani balik ditengah jalan aprok jeung aki-aki awakna begang lempangna rumanggieung atu karunyaeun diajakan ka imahna. Nepi imah beas dibubur saenggeus asak didalahar bareng.
Isuk-isuk keneh aki-aki teh geus pamitan. Memeh indit aki-akit eh mere jiman ka Ki Jani mangrupa lilisungan jeung haluna tina perak. “Naon wae anu dipikahyang ku ujang, sebutkeun wae bari nyebut Tutu! Tutu! Tutu!’tilu kali,” ca kaki-aki teh, engke tangtu haluna nutu sorangan, sarta anu dipikahayang kaluar tina jero lisung. Ngereunkeunana lisung kudu dibere taneuh saetik. Gancangna carita Ki Jani geus benghar, tapi tetep resep ngabantu jeung tutulung kanu susah.

Barang Ki Jana ngadenge adina beunghar manehna siri , bari boga niat jahat hayang miboga jimat eta. Hiji peuting Ki Jana datang Ka Jani, ku Ki Jani dicaritekeun kabeh ka Ki Jana carana make lisung. Terus dibawa minggat ku lanceukna ka alas pentas. Mangsa dina kapal geus eweuh uyah Ki Jana menta kalisung uyah kaluar uyah teh teu ereun-ereun, Ki Jana poho teu mawa taneuh. Nepi ka kapalna kelebuh teleum. Ti harita cai laut jadi asin.

Rincian Dongeng:
    Judulna            :     Cai Laut Asin
    Bahasana           :     Kasar
    Palakuna           :     Dua urang adi lanceuk: lanceukna Ki Jana, Adina Ki
        Jani.
    Watek palakuna     :    Ki Jana :
        Sarakar, koret, embung tutulung kanu susah.
        Ki Jani    :   
        Bageur, berehan, daek tutulung kanu susah.
    Tempat/latar     :     Jaman baheula di hiji lembur.
    Eusi/hikmah nu bisa di cokot :
Jadi jalma ulah koret jeung jahat, siga Ki Jana anu tung-tungna bakal cilaka. Kudu kos Ki Jani bageur sok daek nulungan batur, hirupna jadi senang tur tentrem.

SELAT SUNDA JEUNG GUNUNG KRAKATAU

Kacatur jaman baheula di Pulo Jawa Beulah kulon, aya hiji karajaan anu rajana Prabu Rakata. Sang Prabu gaduh dua putra. Anu cikal Raden Sundana anu bungsu Raden Topobrana. Haritamah Pulo Jawa sareung Sumatra teh ngahiji.
Kumargi Prabu Rakata parantos sepuh pisan, mangka karajaan teh di titipkeun ka putra-putrana, tur di bagi dua belah wetan ku Raden Sundana, belah kulon Raden Topobrana. Terus Sang Prabu teh indit ngabagawan anu tempatna dibates dua nagara nu dibagi dua tea, anjeunna teu nyandak nanaon tibang guci pusaka nu dicandak.
Hiji mangsa dina taun ka genep Sang Prabu teh ngadangu yen putrana parasea Raden Sundana ngarugrug karajaan raina Raden Topobrana. Sang Prabu teh ceg ka guci anu gtos dieusi cai laut tea, terus indit ka medan laga kasampak dua putrana keur perang campuh atu bendu pisan snjeunanana. Ningali ramana sumping reg weh perang liren, dua putrana langsung nyampeurkeun cedok weh nyareumbah ka Prabu Rakata kitu dei para parajuritna. Atuh dua putrana beak bersih diseukseukan pampangnaman Raden Sundana nu wani ngarug-gug nagara raina. Dua putrana anu tarungkul teh nyarek, atuh Sang Prabuteh langsung ngadeg, ceg kana guci pusaka tea. Terus cai laut anu dina guci dikucurkeun disapanjang wates dua nagara, teras guci anu tos teh kosong teh disimpen ditapal bates dua karajaan tea, anjeunanana indit deui ka tempat pang tapaanana. Teu lami eta bates anu tilas disiram ku cai laut teh ngajanggelek jadi selat. Nu kiwari disebut Selat Sunda. Nu mawi dinamian Selat Sunda lantaran Raden Sundana sarakah hoyong wilayah anu raina. Dugi ramana ngadamel wates nganggo guci pusaka anu caina dikucurkeun terus jadi selat. Tur guci anu disimpen dina wates teh ngajanggelek jadi gunung, nu katelah Gunung Rakata atanapi Gunung Krakatau. Tah kitu sasakala Selat Sunda sareng Gunung Krakatau teh.

Rincian Dongeng:
-    Judulna     : Selat Sunda Jeung Gunung Krakatau
-    Bahasana     : Lemes
-    Palakuna       : Prabu Rakata, sareng dua putrana: Raden Sundana sareng Raden Topobrana
-    Watek palakuna :
Prabu Rakata         = Arip, adil, tur bijaksana.
Raden Sundana        = Sarakah
Raden Topobrana      = Embung ditindes
-    Tempat/latar : Jaman baheula di Pulo Jawa belah kulon.
-    Eusi/hikmah nu bisa di cokot :
Jadi jalma kudu arif, jujur, adil tur bijak sana kawas Prabu Rakata, ulah Sarakah jiga Raden Sundana.

GAGAK JADI HIDEUNG

Kacariotakeun baheula dina hiji tempat aya oray naga keur nawu balong. Sungutna ngegel kana tangkal huni, buntutna dibrlitkeun kana pancuh tambakan beulah dieu. Awakna malang dina balong tea, tuluy di ayun keun goplak, goplak, goplak dipake nawu baloing tea.Teu kungsi lila balong teh saat laukna sing kocopok loba. Jol datang gagak kadinya haritamah gagak teh buluna bodas ngeplak. Ujug-ujug corokcok weh laukna dipacokan nepi beak lauk nu baradagnamah.
Ku oray sanca katempoen gagak maling lauk, geuwat digenggereuhkeun, tapi gagak ngalah beuki ngahajakeun. Atuh oray ambek sebrut bae diudag gagakteh. Gagak teh hiber kuorang diobrot, gagak teh bingung da diberik wae sieunen katewak. Kabeneran aya nu keur neleum, gebrus bae gagak teh asup ka jero pijanaan. Atuh ari muncul deui teh geus lestreng .Barang jol oray sanca teh panglingeun, da jadi hideung lestereng. Pok weh oray sanca nanya, “mahlik hideung maneh nempo sakadang gagak teu bieu liwat kadieu?”

Gagak teh sorana digedekeun, ngomongna oge basa Betawi, da sieunen katara, “Engga, gaaaa!”. Tah kitu sasakalana manuk gagak buluna hideung jeung sorana gaaa, gaaaak!

Rincian Dongeng:
-    Judulna      : Gagak Jadi Hideung
-    Bahasana     : Kasar
-    Palakuna     : Gagak jeung Oray Sanca
-    Watek palakuna :
Gagak      = Badeur, sok daek nyopet, te bisa digenggereuhkeun.
Oray Sanca = Getol, daek usaha, rajin.
-    Tempat/latar : Caritana jaman baheula di hiji balong nu loba laukan
-    Eusi/hikmah nu bisa di cokot :
Ari jadi jalma teh kudu getol daekan, ulet, usaha lamun hayang bog amah kos sakadang Oray Sanca. Ulah jiga Gagak baong, haying ngenah doing embung gawe.

HAYAM KONGKORONGOK SUBUH

Kacaritakeun jaman baheula aya oray naga geus lila ngalamun hayang nyaba ka kahiyangan. Unggal isuk eta oray teh osok dangdan mapantes maneh. Tapi keukeuh teu ngarasa ginding lantaran teu boga perhiasan, mangkaning arek ngadeheus ka dewa.
Sanggeus mikir manehna inget ka sobatna sakadang titinggi, maksudna arek nginjeum tanduk ka sakadang jago haritamah jago teh aya tandukan menta di anteur ka titinggi. Sanggeus aprok dicaritakeun sakabeh pamasalahan naga ka jago. Maksudnamah nginjeum tanduk ka jago, engke dianteurkeuna deui ku sakadang titinggi cak sakadang naga.
Hayam jago teu nembalan lantaran apal jahat jeung licikna naga. Lila-lila naga ngarayu, jago oge merekeun tandukna ka sakadang naga. Cak naga ka jago “engke tandukna dibalikeun deui dianteurkeun ku titinggi samemeh balebat, lamun balebat can balik wae bisi kaula poho ngawangkong jeung dewa, anjeun mere tanda weh kongkorongok sing tarik.” Geus kitumah jung weh naga jenug titinggi the arindit. Isukna samemeh balebat hayam jago kongkorongok satakerna. Sakali dua kali titinggi teu datang wae, terus jago teh kongkorongok sababaraha kali deui, tapi tetep titinggi teu dating keneh bae. Nepi ka brayna berang titinggi teu datang-datang.
“Keun sugan cenah peuting engke” pok hayam teh. Tapi weleh ditunggu nepi kasubuh titinggi teu dating keneh wae. Pohara ambekna hayam jago nepi ka nyancam lamun titinggi dating arek di pacok nepikeun ka paehna.
Ti harita hayam jago teh tiap-tiap subuh kongkorongok sarta mun papanggih jeung titinggi sok langsung dipacok nepi ka paehna, males pati dumeh kungsi ngabobodo.

Rincian Dongeng:
-    Judulna     : Hayam Kongkorongok Subuh
-    Bahasana     : Kasar
-    Palakuna     : Hayam Jago, Titinggi jeung Oray Naga
-    Watek palakuna :
Oray Naga  = jahat, sok nipu, teu sukur, sok hayang nu batur.
Titinggi   = Daek wae di titah sanajan salah, teboga  pamadegan.
Hayam Jago = Babari percaya, gampang dibobodo.
-    Tempat/latar : Hiji tempat jaman bahela nyaeta di leuweung
-    Eusi/hikmah nu bisa di cokot :
Ari hirup teh ulah sombong, adigung, ulah sok nipu, jiga Oray Naga. Ulah sok daek wae di titah lamun salah jiga Titinggi. Ulah gampang di bobodo bisi kaduhung, ulah gampang percaya ka jalma jiga sakadang Hayam Jago.

A Day in School

That day, In a school in my city, Makassar, I’d just finished my teaching in a class, went out, then the following teacher (my college friend) came in that class and continued teaching the students. This was what we had to do in two months to fulfill one of the requirements of our study in Campus, especially for those who are in Education Department – Doing A Teaching Practice.
When I was sitting some meters away from the class, starring at the Teacher teaching inside, I opened my book. I read what haven’t been read yet, imagining…
Suddenly a voice flew toward me, seemed to be whispering…
“Big brother…”
I turned my face, “Oh, hello… come..” I answered.
A girl came to me then sat beside me.
“Anyways, why don’t you come in to the class?” I was trying to make a talk.
“I’m kinda tired, big brother.” She answered.
“Oh, I see.”
A minute passed by, Silent… (I was in silent, and she was too… I didn’t know what kind of idea I was going to talk about… sort of speechless).
A minutes later, when I was trying to talk about something…
“Big brother, how long have you been in college?” she asked.
“Umm… about 3 years… 1 year left, I wish.”
“Oh… I see. And, do you wanna be a teacher after fininshing your study?”
“Mmm… I, I’m actually not giving much hope in my goal of being a teacher, I actually want to be more than that, you know… a lecture, could be, and find some additional jobs. Tacher is not a promising job, I mean in terms of earning money, salary. It’s still not equal of what the teachers do in class and their salary. Though they have that so-called “teacher certification”, I mean, to be a teacher, we still need more… We may need some additional jobs to raise fund…”
That time, I spoke like a sophisticated one, but above all, the way I think, was like capitalistic one.
“Big brother, do you think that by mastering English, being English teacher, or knowing English can provide us much space in looking for job?” she kept asking.
“Of course, little sister… ‘cause you know, English is needed everywhere. Beside teaching English in school, you can teach English in a course, private learning, etc. You can also use your English in serving tourists or being interpreter… and many more”.
“So, big brother, we will hardly find a job when we have no ability of English, right?”
“Could be, could be not…”
Then I went on…
“Little sister, actually, above all… if you have an interest of something, a hobby, just keep on developing it, give much attention to it. It will be your power one day, your future, to live your life…”
I went on…
“But, you know, in Indonesia, it’s still hard to develop such a thing. We have less place or space to develop or to improve our creativity, we have less friends or people to share our creativity or to compete with. It’s really different with what happened in the western countries.”
“That’s right big brother… By the way, I like drawing, big brother. I have many drawings of my own. I’m also good at dancing…”
(of course you are, ‘cause I saw you dancing in the class just now… ) I talked in mind.
She went on…
“Yes, so poor in Indonesia. Tira aggres. (She changed the “pronoun” of herself using her name, a sort of Jakarta dialect)
This girl was not originally from South Sulawesi. I could see it through the way she talked. And yepp, I knew it by our following talks ‘cause she told me about her experience, her story. She moved to Makassar because her father had a job here (kind of job mutation, perhaps).
Again, she went on…
“You know, big brother… In Indonesia, It’s so annoying, you know people here sometimes do not appreciate something we do. For example, you know sometimes when I’m dancing, people think that I’m just kind of crazy person, doing unimportant thing…”
“Yah, that’s it. That’s why I wanna go abroad, study there, and enjoy life there.”
“Hmm… by the way, don’t you wanna come in to your class. I think we’ve made a long talk here. I’m just afraid if… mmm… actually we shouldn’t do a talk like this ‘cause you’re supposed to be in class now but, the fact, you’re not in class now.” I went on, trying to give a little advice.
“It’s OK, big brother, it’s OK… Tira’s just kinda tired studying in class.”
“I see, but… mm… Oh ya, you said before that you like drawing. Anyways, you know, I also like drawing, painting, I used to have many drawings… and the way I draw is by imitating a picture… not so bad. I began to draw something when I was five.”
“That must be nice… Hmm, big brother do you wanna go abroad? By the way, Kira has relatives in Singapore, and Kira knows that it’s good to study there. When Kira was in Elementary School, Kira almost went there with Kira’s family and lived there, but unfortunately the plan was cancelled.” She told her experience.
“Nice…”
“Little Sister…!” I suddenly disrupted the talk.
“Let’s get in to the class… The class is almost over.”
We both came in to the class… the class would be over in five minutes. She then sat at her seat, took something from her bag…
“Big brother, this is my drawing, look..” She showed me a piece of paper.
“Wow… beautiful…” I said, looking at the Manga (anime picture from Japan) at the paper.
“Do you like drawing Manga?” I asked
“Yes, I do, big brother.”
“Just keep developing your drawing, little sister. If you have time, you can join groups of Manga lovers to share your drawings or something related to Manga. In facebook maybe you can find such those group, Manga Lovers Makassar maybe, etc. You can join them…”
The bell then rang… class was over.

Who Comes and Never Goes

This is the same night I have ever passed before. I’m lonely, without a friend or a boyfriend. I just stay at home. Play with my notebook, hand phone or radio. Nothing else, and nothing special. Actually, I just need a friend. Not for doing many thing, but just for accompanying me. Just it. “Huh, it sounds grieving!” I thought.
I start opening my notebook, turn it on. Waiting for a minute.
Just a moment, my notebook has been active. I turn on the winamp, use the headset, and enjoy some songs of Western. I choose Broken, the song of Amy Lee feat Seeter. It reminds me of two special persons in my life. Hufff. Broken… I want to yell that I’m broken…!!!
Then I check my e-mail. Nothing. Something that I’m waiting for there is no. I check my facebook. Still same. I feel disappointed. “Where’s my best friend?!!” I want to cry.
Suddenly, my phone that I put beside my notebook is ringing. There is a SMS. I read.
“Good evening… How’s everything Ay?”
That’s the message. I frown. Then I reply.
“Good evening… I’m fine. (^_^) I’m sorry; may I know who it is?”
“It’s Reza. Reza Anggana Satria.”
My heart suddenly gets pain after reading that message. I read again. I spell letter by letter. REZA. My heart increase pain. Then my phone is ringing again.
“Ay, do you still remember me well? I just want to know your condition now.”
There is an old pain that I feel again. I don’t want remember it again. But, I can’t flee. I must face the reality now. Then I reply his message.
“yes, of course. I have never tried to forget all of people that have ever existed in my life. And my life now is very well.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I hope we are still friend like long time ago.”
“I hope so. Za, I want to know Kiran’s condition. She has never replied all of my messages nowadays. I’m worried about her condition. Please tell her that I’m still waiting for her messages.”
I wait for Reza’s message. But he doesn’t reply my message again. Something happens. I don’t know.
9.00 p.m.
I turn off my notebook. I prepare for sleeping. Then I fall down my body in bed. I remember of Reza. I remember of Kiran. They are two meaningful persons in my life. And I feel that I’m losing them now.
I close my eyes and try to sleep. But their shadow is so strong in my marrow. I can’t stop not shedding tears. My heart is pain. Memories with them were so nice. Even those memories bring me meet them in the dream of my sleep. It’s felt so real.
—
“It will be a nice day.” I thought.
As usual, I experience my activity, go to campus. I take on public transportation, my motorcycle is repaired. I sit in front of two girls of Senior High School’s student. They are friend’s couple. I look at them, and pay attention for them two. They chat each other and look cheerful. They really remind me of Kiran. I look at them same as with I look myself and Kiran long time ago, where we are always together. Those days have gone. And now, I’m yearning of her. I don’t know the reason why Kiran have never sent me messages again since one month ago. I always try to guess it, but I still get nothing.
15 minutes later.
I take off from public transportation in front of my campus. I walk down the street towards my class slowly. Just three minutes, I arrive in my class. Still empty. I wait in front of class. And then, anymore I must look something that reminds me of someone, Reza. I see a couple is chatting and joking. Romantic but disgusted. That view really reminds me of memories with Reza. He is my friend at the same time my love. An amazing moment, even though just for a moment we’re together.
My heart suddenly gets pain again. I’m yearning of Reza. I’m feeling lapse now.
My phone is ringing. It realizes me from my fantasy.
A SMS. From Vina. I read.
“Aya, where are you now?”
“In front of class. Where are you? Our class is still empty.”
“I’m home. I’m sorry. I have not given you information yet. Our lecturer will not come in. So, we are free today.”
I get surprise. Oh my God. I am sad. “Why am I here? It’s vain.” I’m grumbling. This is not a nice day I think.
“Never mind. Thank you. I’ll go home now.” I replied sadly.
Then I leave the class. I feel sad, I feel disappointed. I walk down towards gate of campus. But I don’t know where I want to go. I walk with dilly-dally step. It feels vacuous. “Ooh I need a friend. Kiran, Reza… I want you two. I wanna hold you two.” I talk to my self. “I want to cry… I feel alone. All by my self.”
I want to know Kiran’s condition. I want to go to Jakarta to meet Kiran. But I’m afraid of meeting with Reza there. I think, I can’t meet them both in a same time. I’m confused. What should I do?
I sit on the chair beside the campus gate. I bend my face. My phone rings. A number that gave me messages last night is calling. REZA. I’m shocked. I receive that calling.
Just for a while, there isn’t voice. Silent.
“Hallo…” I spook slowly.
“Hallo… Aya…”
That voice vibrates my heart directly. As a long time I didn’t hear this voice which make me comfortable.
“Aya… Why do you bend your face? You look so gloomy.”
“Why do you know Za??” I’m confused.
“I know, because I am here.” Suddenly a voice is heard beside me, a bit whisper in my ear. I turn away.
“Reza??!!” I’m shocked. I wake up directly.
He smiles nicely. I’m still silent, without a word. All of my bodies become stiff.
“Ay…?” He looks at me.
“Emh.. Yes. Why are you here?” I try to speak, although it’s so difficult.
“I want to take you to one place. Come on!” He pulls my hand and takes me into his motorcycle. I can’t refuse. I’m just quiet. I don’t know where he will take me to.
20 minutes later. We arrive in one place where we used to meet, a place which is full of memory.
For a moment, we’re just quiet.
“Why are you here Za? Does Kiran know that you’re here?” I tried to open conversation. But he’s just silent.
“Why do you just keep silent? Is Kiran fine, Za?” My voice tone sounds hard. But Reza’s still silent. He closes his eyes. I look at him. Then I remember again our memory. “This face that always exists in my marrow. And the memories with you always exist in my heart. Forever.” I say with myself.
And unconsciously, I remember again the moment when we’re together. Very beautiful. He is the one that can make me feel happy. I can’t find the precise words to show my feel with him. Too meaningful. I like this feeling very much, because it’s very pleased fall in love with my best friend.
I look into his face in a long time. I float off in my memory with him, with all of my feeling for him.
After a while, he opens his eyes. It realizes me from my fantasy.
“Za, answer my question! Does something happen with Kiran? You didn’t tell Kiran what happen to us last time, did you? Answer me! Don’t make me worried!” I am quite angry.
“Something happens with Kiran. And that is why I am here now.” He answered dismally.
“Tell me, what happen? Please!” I hold his arm.
“I will not tell you here. I want you know by yourself what happen to Kiran. I will take you to her.”
“So, why do you take me to this place, if you won’t tell me the truth here.”
“I just want you remember all of your feeling to me and our memory here. I don’t want you forget it, even just a little.” He glances me deeply. Then he takes me into his motorcycle.
A half an hour we arrive in front of a house. I know that house very well, because that house is one place where Reza, Kiran and I used to spend our time together. That is Kiran’s house. I have never come to this house for long time. As I know that this house was empty since one year ago Karin continued her study in Jakarta.
Reza invites me to come in to this house. I’m still confused, but my heart starts vibrating. Then we are towards a room. We enter the room. I see a woman sit on the wheel chair. I approach her. Then she turns away.
“Kiran???” I’m very shocked. I hug her directly. I can’t stop shedding tears, neither can she. Feeling of longing mixed to sorrow.
After a moment, we discharge our embrace. I look at her seriously. Reza and I help her to sit on the chair, and then we sit beside her.
“What happen to you?” I asked slowly. She looks different now. Her body becomes thinner and weaker. Her face is pale.
She doesn’t answer my question. She just smiles. I see that she is still beautiful.
“Kiran has suffered liver cancer since several years ago. But she has never told it to anyone. She used to show that she is healthy. And I knew about her sickness one month ago, when her condition was very drop. And doctor told me that she has suffered liver cancer in stadium 4. I was very sad because she hid her pain by herself.” Reza explained sadly.
I’m crying sob while Reza is explaining. I feel that it’s not real.
“I’m sad. Why didn’t you tell me about your pain?” I hold Kiran’s arm strongly.
Kiran smiles again. Then she speaks smoothly. “We are same Aya. Do you feel that you used to tell me anything in your life?”
“What do you mean?” I asked astonished.
“I know about you and Reza, Ay. Did you think that you can hide your feeling both from me, your close friend? No Ay.”
“I have never intended to lie. I just felt that I betrayed our amity by having feeling with Reza. And I thought that you have same feeling with me to Reza. So, I’m willing if I give Reza to you. And I decided to continue my study here, in Tasik, in order to avoid you two. I have never intended hiding all this from you, because I have forgotten all now.”
“hmm, one more time you are lie. I know that you two are still in love. Reza and I were just friend, same with you. I love Reza same as Reza love me, as a best friend, just it. But I let you do what you wanted to do last year. I received your heart kindness giving Reza to me, for I couldn’t be alone and I needed a friend to accompany me passing my days with my pain.”
I gaze her deeply. She looks so weak, but she stick try to looks strong, even though she is getting pain. My heart gets pain for I see my best friend like this. I have never imagined it can happen to Kiran, a spoiled girl. Why does it not happen to me? I’m willing if I must change her painfulness.
“Don’t gaze me like that Ay? I am not as painful as what you imagine. I am strong, even stronger than you which always look obstinate though brittle.” Kiran said softly.
“Why did you not share your pain with me and Reza, Ran?” I asked disappointed.
“I didn’t want to increase your burden, because you two were broken. I have been very thankful for you two, since you two never let me feel alone.” Kiran’s voice is slower than before. I can’t stop crying sob, and Reza can’t either.
“Do you two still remember about the meaning of our friendship?” I asked to them.
“Friendship is not about who knows earlier, not about who knows more and not about whom more often together. But friend is who comes and never goes.” Reza answered directly.
“Ay, Za, you two are lucky, because you fall in love with your best friend.”
“I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend…” Reza and I are singing at the same time. Kiran smiles nicely. But my heart is sad. She looks such arrest her pain.
“Ay, don’t do what you did last year! A friend is someone who always remembers his friend in his pray. And that is what always Reza do. He always involved us two in his days. Although Reza has never met you for one year, you are always in his heart. And I know that you are same with Reza, Ay.”
“What did you say Kiran? Don’t talk anymore, you will be more painful.” I said.
“Keep silent Ran!” Reza said.
Kiran speaks little by little. “No, it’s time for me to go. I want to say what I want to say. I don’t intend to leave you two, but I can’t survive again. I’m happy, because I will go between you two.”
“I’m sad, why must we meet in situation like this.” I cursed.
“I hope you two will never be apart. I love you two.” Karin closes his eyes with saying God’s name. She breathes her last breath. She leans on Reza’s shoulder while she is holding my hand. Her face is so beaming. She has just gone peacefully.
I know, this is the way of God. He collects us in condition like this. My friend has gone, but I still have Reza, my best friend and my love.
I am very sad, and Reza is too. We have lost our best friend. But she will stay in our heart, now and forever after. Because friend is who comes and never goes.