Shortly after, three local security guards arrived, having received a report from the young man.
The author's hands were tightly restrained.
"I'm a student, sir," the author said, reaching into his pocket for his student ID.
Kang Djodjoh experienced the same thing. And Kang Djodjoh did the same as the author.
Finally, we were released due to lack of evidence.
Rumors spread that the Elzus students would seek revenge by disrupting the upcoming Taruna Karya anniversary celebration.
The author instructed his friends to escort the event to its conclusion. He would face the Elzus students alone.
His friends were concerned about such a decision.
The author assured him that nothing would happen to him. The Elzus students were already scared. So, it was just a bluff.
Finally, his friends relented and escorted the event to its conclusion, which ended successfully.
The author sat alone, reveling in the disappointment of not being able to introduce Aryati to his friends.
This scene is accompanied by a song titled "Aryati."
Aryati
Aryati, you are the rose nurtured by the moon
Aryati, you are the shining art of worship
Is it my sin to dream of making love with you? I kissed your fingertips passionately last night
Is it my sin to adore you in a dream?
Only in a dream
Aryati, you are the rose in my garden of dreams
Impossible for you to be picked by me
Even though this is my fate
But I am happy for a thousand and one nights
Is it my sin to adore you in a dream
Only in a dream
Aryati, you are the rose in my garden of dreams
Impossible for you to be picked by me
Even though this is my fate
But I am happy for a thousand and one nights
But I am happy for a thousand and one nights
One of the lyrics of the song is "Impossible for you to be picked by me."
Aryati cannot be picked by the author because her father does not approve of our relationship. The song's lyrics also state, "Even so, my fate is one of happiness for a thousand and one nights."
In reality, the author was heartbroken. He was overwhelmed. Anxious and miserable.
By the end of the event, none of the Elzus children had shown up.
The following Saturday night, the author returned to Aryati's house.
This time, the atmosphere was very different from usual. This time, a large variety of cakes were served. There was also a glass of coffee, whereas usually only a glass of water was served.
The author wasn't interested at all. After a while, he said goodbye.
Aryati gasped in surprise. She hugged his arm, pleading with him to eat even one cake and drink even one sip of coffee.
But he didn't budge. Gently but forcefully, he let go of Aryati's hand. He left without looking back.
This scene was accompanied by a song called "Forgive Me."
Forgive Me
I can't forget the beautiful moments with you
All the stories are now just memories
I have to go, leaving you in my solitude
I don't want to hurt your feelings
Forgive me for not being able to wait for your heart
I have to go, leaving you in my solitude
I don't want to hurt your feelings
Forgive me
Go to sleep, my dear, the sun is waiting
Greeting the morning with a smiling heart
Dream of love with all your feelings
Now the time has come for us to part
The author hopes that Aryati will quickly find a replacement for me, because I can't possibly build a beautiful palace on collapsed rubble.
Eid al-Fitr arrived. The author walked to the house of Dedeh, her boyfriend, Kang Bahrudin. Aryati's second brother, Kang Dadang, was the first.
Before the author arrived at Dedeh's house, the author passed Aryati's family group. The author greeted Kang Dadang, then Kang Bahrudin. After that, his younger siblings. Last but not least, Aryati.
Aryati looked like a living corpse. Her body was thin. Her eyes were sunken. Both of her eyelids were covered in dark circles. The author felt moved by the sight of it all. But his heart remained hard. He stood before Aryati.
Aryati was unaware of his presence.
Aryati's face was pale white, scarred by wounds in her heart. Her body was here, but her soul was not.
Aryati was unaware of Panulis standing before her.
In a low voice, so as not to startle her, the author called her name, "Ar," he said.
His voice inevitably startled her. Her head jerked back. Her mouth gaped open. Her trembling right hand tried to cover her mouth.
Seeing all this, the author felt pity, but his heart remained hard. After shaking her hand, he immediately said goodbye and continued on his way to meet Dedeh.
A month later, the author received information from Dedi Ochol that someone had come to Aryati. His name was Mumus. Mumus, like the author, was a student at the Faculty of Economics, Padjadjaran University.
The author suspected that Mumus was a junior.
Panulis wanted to reassure himself. Saturday night the author came to him.
The information turned out to be accurate.
Aryati shook hands with the author with trembling hands. Apparently, parting with the author was incredibly difficult for Aryati.
It turned out that Mumus was the one who understood Aryati. He was the one who flattered her enough to accompany her to dinner. So, not me. The author refused to eat even a single piece of cake and refused to drink even a sip of coffee.
The author didn't stay long, afraid of disturbing the two people who were just starting their relationship. The author left with a relieved heart.
This scene was accompanied by a song called "Not Myself."
Not Myself
Lyrics of the song Not Myself
Singer Samson
After I understand
I'm not the best
In your heart
I can't doubt
Turns out he's the one
Who understands you
Not me
Now forgive me
If I'm mute
To you
It's not my politeness to be silenced
It's just my heart that has limits
To understand you
Forgive me
Chorus:
Even though I still love you
I have to leave you
I have to forget you
Even though my heart loves you
My conscience needs you
I have to let you go