45 Minutes at KA Cepat Jakarta - Bandung
Life Choices
The four of them sat down with deep curves, their gazes fixed out the window. The padded seats on this fast train provide extra comfort, but right now, that comfort is just an unnoticed background. They contemplate, reflecting on their life choices that have been the main topic of discussion throughout this journey.
Rama stared outside the window, his eyes focused on the sight of the towering mountains in the distance. "Is this what I really want?" he murmured softly inwardly, reflecting on his often time-consuming work in the tech office. He wanted to create revolutionary technology, but had he given up too much time with his family?
Maya sits next to Rama, her smile disappearing. He glanced at the art sketches in his notebook that he brought with him. "Have I reached my full potential?" ask Maya to herself. He wanted to become a famous artist, letting his work speak for itself. However, art is a difficult and stressful path.
Next to Maya, Ahmad shivered the pen in his hand, trying to pour his raging thoughts into the paper. "Will I ever finish my book?" he murmured, contemplating the blocking of his writing that had lasted too long. He wants to inspire others through words, but how can he do that when those words get stuck in his mind?
Siti sat on the opposite seat, throwing her gaze at the balloon she noticed throughout this trip. The little boy he used to see playing with balloons at the station reminded him of his humble and blissful childhood. "It's as simple as a balloon" he whispered to himself. The young doctor has lived a responsible life, but he begins to ponder about whether he ever had time for himself.
While the four were contemplating, their usually cheerful and joking conversation throughout this journey suddenly became silent. They contemplate how their life choices have shaped them into the person they are today. Rama, Maya, Ahmad, and Siti are all different people, yet today, they feel like brothers and sisters contemplating the meaning of life.
Within the distance, incredible natural scenery surrounds this fast train. The towering mountains on the left, dotted the sky with their splendor. On the right, a vast green valley stretched out beautifully, the trees celebrating their lives. Another passenger in the seat next to them sighed in admiration, "There is no place like Indonesia so beautiful."
Their eyes were fixed on the passenger, and they engaged in an unexpected conversation. "I've been an accountant for years" the passenger said. "But at the age of 60, I decided to follow my dream and become a writer. I wrote inspirational books, and now I'm happier than I ever imagined."
Rama, Maya, Ahmad, and Siti listened attentively, pervading the inspirational story. They know that this is an important moment in their lives, where they must reconsider their choices.
Siti, who had previously focused too much on her balloon, smiled deeply. He knows that he has a lot of responsibilities as a doctor, but that doesn't mean he can't pursue his personal dreams. This fast train bears witness to their deep consideration of life, and today, they feel closer to each other than ever before.
The four share a deep view, reflecting on how their decisions will shape their unwritten future. The silence that once made them restless is now a source of inspiration. In the fast train that slides towards Bandung, they continue their journey towards their final decision, with incredible natural scenery as silent witnesses to their deep contemplation.
The conversation on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train halted for a moment, and the atmosphere of the train became even quieter as passengers who had only been quietly listening to their conversation finally spoke. He was a man in his 60s, white-haired, with a keen eye full of experience. His voice was calm and soothing, as if he was a wise teacher ready to share his life lessons.
"I'm sorry if I listened to your conversation earlier" he said with a friendly smile. "However, listening to your talk about dreams and life choices makes me want to share my own story."
Rama, Maya, Ahmad, and Siti who had previously pondered with blank eyes, now turned their attention to the man sitting next to them curiously.
The man continued, "I used to be a hard-working accountant. I spent decades crunching the numbers and compiling financial statements. The job was pretty stable and gave me a pretty good income, but there was something missing in my life. I feel like I'm just living a monotonous routine."
Maya's face shows deep interest. "What made you change?" ask Maya in a soft voice.
The man smiled and replied, "One day, when I was 60 years old, I realized that I still had time to pursue my dreams. I've always wanted to be a writer, but all this time I've been procrastinating on it. I decided to take a big step and follow my heart."
Ahmad, who had previously experienced writer's block, began to feel a new spirit emerging in him. He looked for a pile of blank papers and began to note fresh ideas that arose during the listening to the man's story. His eyes sparkled and the look on his face showed incredible spirit.
"Have you ever regretted it?" asked Rama sincerely. "Repent that you've been procrastinating on your dreams for so long?"
The man nodded. "Of course, I feel sorry for delaying my dream for so long. But I also know that it's never too late to change our lives if we have a strong determination and passion."
Siti smiled and said, "You are living proof that we all have the potential to change, even at an older age. Thank you for sharing your story with us."
They all thanked the man and felt inspired by his heart-pounding story. The man became an inspiring book writer who now has many fans. As the fast train approaches Bandung, these four friends feel like they have found new enlightenment about their life choices.
As the sun slowly sinks behind the mountains of Bandung, their fast train glides towards the final destination of their journey. They reflect on what they have learned from this inspiring man and how they will change their own lives. In the mesmerizing twilight, they knew that this journey would leave a deep imprint in their respective lives.
After listening to the inspiring story of the male passenger, the four friends felt closer to each other. They feel like they have opened a window into themselves and shared the deepest parts of their lives. As the fast train continues on its way to Bandung, they decide to exchange questions and answers about their life choices.
Rama, who had been more secretive about his work at a major tech company, decided to open up more. "So, guys," he said with a smile, "I'm an engineer at a tech company. My job is very demanding and often I have to work late into the night to catch up to deadlines. I wanted to create a technology that could change the world, but sometimes I felt I had missed so many precious moments with my family. Have you ever felt a dilemma between your career and your personal life?"
Ahmad, trying to overcome his writing block, listened attentively. "I understand how you feel, Rama" he said. "I am a writer, or at least trying to be one. However, lately, words seem to be so difficult to express. I want to inspire others through my writing, but there are times when my emptiness of mind seems unfilled. Have you ever had a creative block in your life?"
Maya, who always appeared confident about her work, nodded. "I've felt it too, Ahmad" he said. "Art is an amazing world, but it is also very challenging. I want my art to influence others and make the world more beautiful with my works. But to achieve that, I have experienced many failures and rejections. How do you deal with fear and uncertainty in your pursuit of your dreams?"
Siti, who was always busy with her medical tasks, pondered for a moment before speaking. "I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor" he said in a soft voice. "I have devoted myself to this work and tried to help patients as best I could. However, I also feel that sometimes I get too hung up on this job and give less time to myself. How do you maintain a balance between work and personal life?"
That exchange of questions and answers evoked a deep and meaningful conversation between them. They talk about their failures, fears, ambitions, and dreams. The speed train drove between the majestic mountains, while they talked about life and the decisions they took.
However, in the middle of that serious conversation, Siti seemed to be unable to escape from the snacks on the table. He kept asking Rama to buy him a snack, and Rama patiently picked up a snack for him. "You're really excited, huh, Siti?" ahmad said with a laugh.
Siti smiled as she chewed on the snack. "What can be done, life is too short to miss a good meal" he said, chuckling.
As the fast train approaches Bandung, these four friends feel closer to each other than ever before. The exchange of questions and answers not only helps them understand their feelings and dreams, but also strengthens their bonds of friendship. In the twilight glow that radiates between the mountains of Bandung, they know that this trip has given them many valuable lessons about life and the decisions they make.