45 Minutes at KA Cepat Jakarta - Bandung
Rama's Funny

When dinner was over and the speed train drove through a quiet night between the mountains, Siti, Ahmad, Maya, and Rama returned to their adjoining seats. The atmosphere was calm and vibrating with anticipation, like a piece of silk waiting to be woven into alluring life stories. They sat in the soft light of the carriage lights, which gave a mysterious feel inside the cabin.

Siti smiled kindly, her eyes sparkling as she began to speak, "Maybe now is the right time for us to share our life stories."

Ahmad nodded in agreement and replied, "I agree, Siti. Let's share something that can help us get to know each other better."

Maya, with a face full of enthusiasm, added, "Maybe we can start with the most memorable experiences in each other's lives?"

Rama, who was already sitting in the corner of the chair with a faint smile, replied in a cheerful tone, "Of course, I will start! This story happened when I was young, in a small village on a mountain slope. On a clear day, I decided to climb a nearby hill with my friends. We bring great supplies and a spirit of adventure."

In detail, Rama begins to depict the serene atmosphere of the village where birds chirp merrily and colorful flowers bloom all around. He also explained how he and his friends walked down the path that leads to the top of the hill. They had to go through the wilderness, through a small waterfall, and over a wobbly bamboo bridge.

While telling a story, Rama described the body movements and mimic the faces of his friends as they passed through the obstacles. He described how they helped each other while walking on narrow, slippery trails.

Maya is intrigued and asks, "What happens when you reach the top of the hill?"

Rama smiled, "When we reached the top of the hill, the scenery we saw made all the effort and obstacles we faced pay off. There, we could see our entire village from above, with green rice fields and mountains looming in the distance."

Ahmad was intrigued and said, "Sounds like an amazing experience, Rama. How did this story end?"

Rama replied, "The story ends with us taking off our backpack, sitting on a boulder, and enjoying our lunch while feeling the cool mountain breeze. It was a moment when I felt how beautiful this world was and how precious our friendship was."

Siti smiled and said, "It was an inspiring story, Rama. Thank you for sharing it."

They continue with the stories of their lives one by one, while feeling the journey of the fast train that crosses the beautiful mountains. Their story forms an increasingly strong bond between them, and as the night wears on, they feel like a family that has just been discovered. The beautiful natural atmosphere around them, the gentle light of the train, and the emotional life story make this moment feel very meaningful. That was the beginning of their incredible journey on the Jakarta-Bandung fast train.

Ahmad sat quietly in his chair, his face full of warmth as he began to tell the deepest part of his life. The light from the train lights exuded a beauty of its own, creating an almost magical atmosphere around them. He began, "My story begins in a small village in West Java, amid lush green mountains and vast fields of rice fields. That village is where I grew up, where I know the world."

They all listened carefully, their hearts open to hear Ahmad's experience. Siti asked enthusiastically, "How is the atmosphere of the village, Ahmad?"

Ahmad smiled, recalling his fond memories. "Our village is a peaceful place. Mornings are often filled with the chirping of birds and the scent of flowers blooming all around. In the late afternoon, we often gather under shady trees to listen to our grandparents tell ancestral stories. They share deep life values, such as courage, hard work, and unity."

Rama, with a slightly witty expression on his face, commented, "Really, Ahmad, sounds very different to life in a big city. I don't know what I've been missing all this time."

Maya laughed and replied, "But, Rama, we can always feel it inside this carriage. The nature around us is very beautiful, and Ahmad has brought a little magic from his village into our story."

Ahmad continued, "One of the most beautiful moments of my life was when my grandfather took me to a vast wilderness. The forest was full of towering old trees. We climbed a small mountain and arrived at a waterfall that exuded an indescribable beauty. I remember very well the smell of wet soil and the refreshing gurgling sound of water."

Ahmad replied with enthusiasm, "Grandfather taught me how to feel nature. We listened to the sounds of birds, looked for traces of wild animals, and down the small river that flowed there. Those were the times when I felt so close to nature and understood how important it was to take care of the environment."

Rama, who had originally spoken in a joking tone, began to ponder. "It turns out living in that village has its own beauty, huh?"

Ahmad smiled and responded, "Yes, Rama. I learned a lot about family values, friendship, and wisdom from that village. Although I now live in a big city and work as a writer, I always carry those values in my heart."

They all felt inspired by Ahmad's story about his small village. Although Ahmad has adapted to life in the big city, the cultural and natural roots he has known since childhood remain an important part of him. While the night deepens and the stars shine in the sky, they feel closer to each other on their incredible journey on the Jakarta-Bandung fast train.

Rama sat in his place with a lively, bright smile on his face, and it was as if he had been waiting for an opportunity to tell his story. The gentle light of the carriage illuminated his sparkling face as he began, "Alright, this story happened a few years ago, when I was young and eager to explore nature."

Siti, with an enthusiastic look in her eyes, asked, "Where do you start, Rama?"

Rama replied with a chuckle, "From my foolish decision to go camping alone in the forest. I thought it would be a fun experience, testing yourself and feeling nature."

Ahmad smiled and commented, "The experience of the outdoors can be very profound, right?"

Rama nodded, "Yes, that's right. But, unfortunately, I wasn't experienced enough at the time. I chose a remote forest, away from the crowds and civilization. The tent I was carrying was not big enough, and my cooking utensils were also simple."

Maya is intrigued and asks, "What happened next, Rama?"

Rama explained tremblingly, "When night comes, I try to cook satay on the bonfire. Unfortunately, the fire was too big, and my satay-sate was instantly on fire. I tried to extinguish it, but instead it kindled a bigger fire. And, again, I tried to put it out quickly, but instead, my tent was almost on fire. It was then that I realized that I did not have enough knowledge about camping."

Siti laughed loosely and commented, "Of course, it was a tickling experience, Rama."

Rama laughed as he shook his head, "Yes, the cuteness actually came later. I managed to put out the fire that harmed the tent, but my tent already smelled charred and hollow. I had to sleep with my head outside the tent to avoid the smoke. It was a very uncomfortable night."

They all laughed loudly, imagining Rama sleeping outside the tent with a confused facial expression. Even the little boy playing with the balloon laughed, as if he felt the silliness of the moment.

Rama continued, "The morning after that terrible night, I woke up and looked around. The forest was actually very beautiful, with a calm stream and the sound of melodious birds. Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy it completely because of the night before."

Ahmad smiled and said, "But, at least it was an unforgettable experience, wasn't it?"

Rama nodded, "True, Ahmad. Although it was a funny experience, it taught me a lot about the importance of good preparation before going camping and also respecting nature."

While Rama ends his story, they all still laugh and feel closer to each other. The hilarious incident has melted their initial tension and made them feel like old friends who have just reunited. Inside the speeding train, the beautiful natural atmosphere around it, and the laughter that echoes between them, they feel closer and closer in their unforgettable journey.