It was getting late and lonely. Bik Inah and Pak Maman returned to their house. It's just the security guard at the front. After eating, Amelia went straight back to her room, she said she had a lot of school work to do. This big house looks very lonely.
I walked around the house, getting to know all the corners. Its Big responsibility, whatever it is, whatever happens it is my responsibility. Moreover, Mr. Kusuma is rarely at home, it has not even arrived at this time. Pity Amelia, she looked happy to see my arrival.
"Amelia has been waiting for your arrival, Mrs. Rani. That's why she is so happy. She doesn't have anyone to talk to. When she talks, I often don’t know what she talks about. I don’t understand what she's talking about," said Bik Inah this afternoon.
From the top floor, half of the top floor is open space. There is a fitness room and garden on the rooftop, inside a variety of equipment available, but rarely used. The garden above has a terrace where there are long chairs and table, there are several sunbeds facing east, perfect for sunbathing in the morning. Everything is kept clean, but feels empty. There are two rooms above, Mr Kusuma's main room and the first room that the Great Madame usually uses when visiting.
I opened Mr. Kusuma's room, masculine impression. It smells of wood-scented air freshener, light gray paint, teak wood furniture combined with minimalist metal with dark bed sheets and spotlights at several points. Modern taste of interior design. I tidied up some knick-knacks on the nightstand and I saw my application file there.
Ah, I'm just going around for a while, I'm tired, tomorrow we will continue again for the next room. I have to prepare what to do tomorrow.
Check the fridge, the schedule of what must be cooked tomorrow. There is a shopping list from Bik Inah, cleaning materials. Bik Inah said, a complete supermarket nearby.
Tap...tap...tap...
The sound of footsteps with shoes, I looked up and saw a man around forty years old, tall and thin, carrying a briefcase. Immediately I stood up to greet him, he must be the boss of this house.
"Good evening Mr. Kusuma, let me introduce myself, Maharani, a new employee."
He nodded slowly with a smile and handed over his briefcase.
"Please put it on the Desk. I want to have dinner, please prepare quickly. I'll take a shower first."
Oh, this is Mr. Kusuma. The appearance of a boss is indeed different. It looks neat and clean. Immediately I arrange the dining table like before. Plus, warm water and sweet tea on the side. I waited on a chair located a little far from the dining table.
"Mbak Rani. You just sit here, accompany me to eat while we chat," said Mr. Kusuma while pointing to the chair I had to sit on.
"Yes sir."
Maybe he will interview me like a boss if he accepts new employees.
"Did you cook these? It's nice. The rendang is tasty, what did you add to it? Then the pepes are delicious too," he asked while tasting all the food on the table. His mouth didn't stop chewing.
"I give coconut flour on the beef rendang, Sir. Roasted coconut which is finely ground. As for the spicy fish, it's typical of the Banyuwangi area. It has a sour, sweet and spicy taste. However, I reduced the spiciness. Is there something missing, sir?" I'm nervous too. Just like a cooking test. Hope he likes it.
"No, really. I like all of them. Anyway, don't call me sir. It's just like the colonial era," he said with a chuckle. He can be funny too.
"Call me Kusuma or Mr!"
"Okay Mr!"
I purposely called him Mr, not Kusuma. I want to remain professional, however he is a boss and I am just an employee.
"Rani! I'll call Rani, okay. Please Make me these pepes, but use prawns. For my lunch. Tomorrow the office driver will pick it up. Anyway, you change the menu that Anita arranged. It's up to you, I didn't have time to think. I'm sure you're good at cooking!" said Mr. Kusuma while continuing his dinner.
While eating, he asked me what I could do. Are you able to operate a computer, can use the internet and of course can cook anything? He also explained what had to be done.
"Little things at home, please arrange it. I don't have time."
"Okay, Mr. Kusuma. Is there anything else I should do?" I asked after dinner was finish.
"I still have a little bit of work to do. Can you make me a hot drink? My throat is a little sore."
"Okay ."
Rich people are pleasing to see from far away, but actually they are not. Morning to evening work set up the company. It's still working at night. He has a lot of responsibility; and many people hang their fate on his shoulders.
"Good Evening, Sir." I knocked on the office door before entering. I delivered warm ginger and biscuit snacks on the tray.
"Thank you. You sit for a moment. I want to talk."
"I'm asking for your help. Amelia, my daughter. She's grown up. Please pay attention to her, OK? I don't have enough time. Especially as she's a young woman now, sometimes I don't know what she wants. Don't let her go on the wrong path. Poor on her, I'm sure she feels lonely," he said with a sad look on his face.
"You have child, right?"
"My son has graduated from high school, Mr."
"Ok, good. Let's just say she's your daughter. If she’s naughty, just scold her. I'm fine if it's for kindness. Please look at her after this, OK?"
"Okay Mr."
"Uh, wait!" Mr. Kusuma shouted when I was about to close the door. I turned around to find his searching eyes looking at me from head to toe.
Am I wrong, huh?
"You will be accompanying Amelia a lot. So you have to look appropriate. Tomorrow, you go shopping for clothes with Amelia. Use cash. Not your money!"
"N-all right, pak. However, I already bought some clothes. It's not necessary. I think---"
"No need you think?! I don't want my Amelia to be embarrassed because of your appearance! Later she will be humiliated by her friends. Do you understand that? Don't compare it to being in the village! That's it," he said, cutting me off, while waving his hand telling me to leave immediately.
Huuffft....
Was good, now Rude, I feel annoyed, what's wrong with my appearance? It's clean and tidy.
Boss!
******
Bram, for a man named Bramantya Atmaja. He is my ex-husband. We were together from our college days, and made it official after getting our graduation. In my eyes, he's a special person. With a tall stature, a well body, although not too big, and slightly dark skin, it made him look cool at that time. He majored in Civil Engineering while I majored in Diploma Interior Design, was the perfect match. Had a knowledge and determination, we started to open a business in Bali. It's a place we've always dreamed of. We can work and vacation every day. Sweet dreams for a new couple. Gradually but surely, our business began to grow. The happiness at that time was complete with the birth of my son, Wisnu Atmaja. The hope of being a wise boy is implied there. Initially, our efforts still had no satisfactory income, to help financially I worked as a restaurant manager in this tourism centre. My experience in organizing really helped me. My career took off rapidly, within two years I had become th
Kriiing .... Kriiing ....The alarm clock rings.At 4 AM in the morning, when we were in the village we were awakened by the dawn call to prayer. Won't it be the same here.I immediately took a shower and got ready for the morning prayer. Yesterday Amelia asked to bring lunch to school. Ordered chicken on the menu, but not Kentucky chicken.Last night, I cooked galangal chicken. The chicken is seasoned and the galangal is grated. I made more seasoned chicken stew. So it fast to serve it, just fry it. Fried until dry, it's good eaten with white rice.This menu is Wisnu's favorite. If we cook this, the rice in the jar will be finished by him quickly. I smile when I remember that memories . How to eat at the boarding house? He has been studying at a state university in Malang for six months."Mama, don't worry. Wishnu is in the dormitory, I have lots of friends. I can arrange my meal. Don't worry, OK?" He calmed me down when I asked about his diet habit. He lives in a dormitory inside th
We are busy all day.An suddenly order of galangal chicken was immediately executed on that day. Pak. Maman until Security guys, was given the job of peeling galangal and other spices. Bik Inah grated the galangal. They cheered up in exchange for galangal chicken rice boxes."We can accept orders for rice box next time" said Bik Inah, laughing. I smiled at this busyness. This is a real tragedy!I bought equipment for rice boxes. Must be the good one, not to embarrass. I remembered if we wanted to have celebration in the village. And don't forget, in the afternoon, food packed for lunch for Mr. Kusuma. If I forget, he will scold me again. I prepare it in a special food pack, so the food stays warm when it arrives. There was already someone from the office who took it. For tomorrow, I fried the galangal serundeng first(roasted grated coconut), and stored in an airtight pack. and, just fry the chicken and cook white rice.Done!Tring .. tring … tring...Cell phone rangs. There was a
I’m so tired!After changing into pajamas, my body feels free. I rubbed my feet with medicated oil to relieve the aches. Cause age factor, walking a bit in the mall made me feel so tired. As usual before going to bed, I read my favorite story on the app. Thank God, I can rest early.Knock...knock...knock....There's a knock on my door, who is it? Is that Bik Inah. I opened the door, it was Amelia with a pitiful smile showing, she brought a bolster."What is it, honey?""Auntie, I'm sleeping here. Please," she pleaded with a pitiful look. This child is adorable, very spoiled."Yes, you can. But tomorrow you have to get up early!""Okay!"She immediately burst in and lay down hugging the bolster she had brought. She is so adorable. How were the days when I haven’t come? She must be so lonely."Want to straight to sleep? Or do you want to eat something?" I said while rubs her hair. She answered with a shake of his head."Yeah, just sleep."I lay beside her immediately."Aunt .... ""Hmm.
"Daddy, I love this one," my daughter Amelia said. She thrust the application into my hand.We have been looking for maid to take care of household needs for months. Hundreds of applications entered online, many were interested because of the large salary offered. Anita is Mom's employee, who sorts them out and there are fifteen candidates left. That pile of files has been on my desk for a week without me having chance to touch it. I don't have time.Actually, what I'm looking for isn't just a housekeeper. However, be a friend to my daughter, Amelia. At her unstable age, she needs someone who can accompany her. As her father, I don't have time and don't understand needs of the girls on her age. Often she stresses me out without me knowing what to do. It was my mother who finally intervened."Daddy! Look at it please. I want to have a friend here quickly," she whined spoiledly. It is her habit if there is something she wants it she will curl in my arms. And will not release it before
Almost two weeks, I have been working here. Bit by bit I start to understand the Character of Mr. Kusuma and Miss Amelia.I changed a bit spatial arrangement of the house So,it looked beautiful and more comfortable, of course with Mr. Kusuma's permission. He freed me to arrange what I want.I renovate inside of the house first. Inside at the front of main door, I put a console table as a foyer on top of it I put large pot for green leaves and tuberose flowers. So when we enter the house, we see views of green leaves and the smell of fragrant flowers. Hoping the negative aura from outside go away.In the inner room, I also put some live flowers at several points that I took from the back garden. Fresh and cozy feel, Pak Maman and security guard helped me.I also gave Mr. Kusuma's office a little touch. Every day I arrange small heliconia flowers that grow abundance in the back garden. Yellow and green accents can unravel cluttered thoughts. Perfect for this room.I tidy up the files
Sunny Sunday.The morning sun warms my bodyAlhamdulillah ....We, Amelia and I walked around the neighborhood area. Just a little jogging. Shady and nice gardens on each side. Quiet atmosphere, sometime we meet security guard who was patrolling around. It’s known, Sundays are usually world lazy days. Mr. Kusuma had not come out of from his bedroom yet.Along the way, Amelia kept talking about her school friends. She ran here and there without direction, as if this road belongs to her. Sometime she laughed uproariously, telling her friend's silliness.How cheerful she is.This child is very sweet, day by day I love her more and more. My motherly instincts were touched when she spoiled me. Clearly she had been lonely all this time."Get some rest, okay? Auntie is tired!" I shouted. I took a shaky breath."Tired, huh?! Age factor, huh ...!" She teased while laughing. "Just over there, Auntie. There's a park with swings. It's close, really!" She pointed ahead, toward a lush area full of
"Rani, please forgive her. Please understand at her age. Amelia thought is still unstable," said Mr. Kusuma.His voice sounded heavy. It’s like there was a weight in it. Maybe he realized how lonely Amelia had been. I feel the same thing too. Feel compassion.Amelia locked herself in her room. We are not allowed to enter. Mr. Kusuma said, usually, she would go out on her own after her pique over."That's okay, Sir. I understand. Amelia just needs a friend. Maybe she saw friends who have siblings, and that looks fun." I explained.I offer warm chamomile tea, this tea to calm down. Mr.Kusuma took a deep breath, like trying to unravel the burden he felt"I often don't understand, dealing with Amelia. It's very difficult. She has cousins who are the same age. However, they are overseas. It's only me, her grandparents, who she talks to. That's even rare," Mr. Kusuma explained in a whisper. "Rani, please take care and love her, okay.” He added with a sad smile."Of course, sir. Amelia
My day is getting busier. Pre historic's draft response was unexpected.Not only from buyers, but also received appreciation from furniture business organizations in this country. This design was awarded The Best Furniture Design this year.More and more galleries are visiting. Moreover, this product is published in their monthly tabloid which is spread all over the world. We didn't think this would happen either.Moreover, there are reviews from customers who turn out to be world-renowned designers. In fact, I didn't even know he that I met and bought a gallery display had such a big impact and on his recommendation, many new customers.Email with full of order requests, from asking to join the project or just fill in a private house. We are completely overwhelmed.Luckily there is Aitu who is always ready, Assisted by the production in Jogjakarta and Klaten. Aitu looks really excited. Even though he often has a serious and tense expression on his face, he rarely smiles, let alone la
"Mom... I miss my sister." I heard Amelia's voice as she snuggled into my arms.Her habit, barging into the room and immediately scattered between us. Especially sinceshe found out that she will soon have a younger sibling. Not infrequently she stroked my distended stomach while telling me about school events. The funny thing is, she talked about a lot of school work to a fierce teacher."Dear Amelia, later your sister will be afraid to go to school, you know. That story is scary," I said, laughing. She raised her head frowned, then returned to talk to my stomach. She stroked it gently."Don't worry little sister. Later Sis Amelia will take care of you at school. Accompany you to study, eat and play..." She paused for a moment then looked up again. "Mom, from now on, don't just call me Amelia. But add to being Amelia's sister, okay? I am already a sister.""Okay, Sister Amelia," I said in a small voice, talking about the baby in my stomach. I hugged her tightly and stroked her fragran
Instantly my eyes widened, and my smile widened perfectly."Dear My God!"Wisnu, still carrying his rucksack, had just entered the side yard of the gallery. In the parking lot, we can still see the travel car that drove him.My son is already looking grown up. His face is like a duplicate of Mas Bram, my ex-husband. Only his light skin inherited from me.I stretched out my arms to welcome him. He ran to me and hugged me."Kak Wisnu, why didn't you tell Mom when you were going home?" I asked after kissing both cheeks. he used to be chubby-cheeked, now her face is gaunt. Is he eating less?"On purpose, Wanted to surprise mommy."Then approached Mas Suma to kiss the hand Likewise, Amelia immediately snuggled spoiled in his arms. We ate together, told stories about Amelia's school, Wisnu's campus and lastly Mas Suma bragged about what I had achieved in this gallery.I smiled proudly. As a wife, happiness is priceless when the husband is proud of himself."Is it true that you have one week
“ I thought, Suma is normal or not," he said, looking at me and laughing. "Abah is joking. I'm normal, ABah. This is the proof, Abah will soon have grandchildren," said Mas Suma. "Alhamdulillah. That's called fortune. You must be grateful, as soon as possible to get a mandate from HIM. Sorry, when you’re wedding, Abah could not come. At that time, it coincided with Abah's umrah schedule," he explained. We talk about anything, Especially about life. Mas Suma is right, he is a wise man. It can be seen from the lectures about life that were conveyed to us. Then we toured the factory. I'm not allowed to enter the warehouse, said Abah in a very loud voice, sorry for the fetus in my stomach. Accompanied by Pak Salim, I took a walk in the back garden while waiting for Mas Suma. The land behind is very wide. Lots of piles of wood waste there. Some have large blocks piled up eaten by termites. Mr Salim! This wood is not used?" I asked pointing to a leftover log measuring about forty centi
We have been busy for one week with guests coming, Aitu works so hard, in one day countless times up and down the stairs. Even cafe employees are seconded to accompany gallery guests.Apparently this is because exclusive coverage about this gallery has been published. Not infrequently they want to meet me and ask for a photo together. I feel like an impromptu artist. It's funny something new in my age.Mas Suma kept reminding me not to go up to the top floor, Moreover, forcing myself that causes my body to be tired."Rani, remember that you have our baby in your belly! If you are stubborn, it's better not to go to the gallery!" he said during a video call with me.At that time, I immediately cried, Mas Suma looked confused by my exaggerated reaction.He also ordered Aitu to watch over me. Every lunch hour, must come to the gallery to check on me. Like right now.I, who had finished the new design, was surprised by its arrival. He came two hours early. In fact, according to the schedu
"How are you feeling right now?" asked Mas Suma.Now we are at the Club 21 restaurant located on the outskirts of town, The club that was founded by Mas Suma's school friends, numbering twenty one people. They are the majority of entrepreneurs who want a special place, where they can let go of the attributes that are in them. Being a leader or a public figure makes them feel tired, and this is where it belongs."How do I feel? It's extraordinary. There is a feeling that this heart has been separated from me. This feeling has started to grow since the beginning of the construction of the building and it has become more and more crowded. Now, that feeling is broken, separated and destroyed!" I said while taking a deep breath.Mas Suma stood up from his seat and approached my seat. He rubbed my shoulder and said, "Rani, how heavy is that?""It's very hard, Mas. The feeling of worrying that I will fail and not make Mas Suma proud. The gallery is my responsibility and hope. If I fail, it w
This is first time, a Kusuma-Big Boss opened the gate, Usually the security guard does it.I stared at him from the gallery terrace. The door opened by itself after he unlocked it.The door opened slowly, showing several people lined up behind the gate. There was Aitu and another employee there. Aitu, Mas Suma's trusted employee who was appointed to help me.Maybe they had come earlier, the proof is that Mas Suma opened the lock and they immediately opened it from the outside.It turned out that I wasn't the only one who was diligent on the first day. Luckily, Mas Suma set an alarm, otherwise they could dry up outside the fence. I smiled remembering our silliness earlier."Good morning Miss Rani!" they said taking turns nodding at me.They went straight to their posts. Gardener, sweep the yard and trim the leaves that look old. The Cafe section is busy preparing food and beverage ingredients. Aitu went back and forth checking the gallery and ended up in the office tidying up administr
I looked up at the towering building in front of me. This building is a wedding dowry, this is a monument to our love. The story between Maharani and Kusuma is imprinted here.He is a husband who understands me. Starting from my intention to make him proud, I received an international award. Maybe on that base, Mas Suma gave me the opportunity to work by giving me a dowry for a gallery unit complete with employees and all operations.Maharani Gallery and Cafe, the name is carved beautifully on a large rock. The gold color contrasts with the black of the river stone. Water gushes between these boulders, falling in a pool full of rocks and green plants beside it. Colorful fish running through the gurgling of spilled water."Are you happy Honey?" said Mas Suma, hugging me from behind. I deliberately asked to be delivered early in the morning, before the employees came. It's the first day of the gallery. I want to be satisfied enjoying just the two of us with Mas Suma, my husband.His han
"Mas Bram, live happily. Our story is the most beautiful part we have. And now it's over. Let go of the shadows of your mistakes. We have forgiven you. Be happy with Wulan and the children," I said trying to give understanding.My words were not comforting, instead they made Mas Bram cry even more. Dropped from his seat, his knees fell to the floor. He sat down and wept uncontrollably in front of us."Mas Bram!" I shouted.Wisnu immediately stood up and ran closer to his father. He immediately sat hugging Mas Bram. Son and father cry together.My chest suddenly tightened. This heart hurts again. Farewells always leave scars Not only us as parents even children will be scratched in their hearts.My tears rolled down uncontrollably. I was drawn to another world where there were only the three of us. And, we were nervous together there."I'm sorry! I was wrong! Forgive me Rani, Wisnu!" he said hugging Wisnu tightly."My son, every night I always think of you. Daddy is crying, can't imagi