Asti Girl Carrying the Curse
Chapter 230. An Unfriendly Greeting
Asti was also less excited when asked to come to Pak Kerto's house. He knew how the man used to behave towards Mbah Harjo and Bude Ayu. The man pretended to be good in front of his grandfather but would be able to deceive him for various unreasonable reasons. Until his Grandfather Asti was forced to agree to part of his rice field work by Pak Kerto with an unbalanced profit sharing system.
The old man used to dare to curse - maki Bude Ayu, who was his sister's ex-wife in public. No matter if all the words that were thrown sounded very rude and dirty! Even though in front of the village office there are also many small children who see the commotion.
At that time Bude Ayu only reminded Pak Kerto, if the status of the rice fields he was working on still belonged to his family. Although the location of the rice field is bordering the rice fields of other villagers. The man did not accept it when Bude Ayu managed to show evidence of his father's land ownership. Also a profit sharing system agreement that was only handwritten and signed by several witnesses of local village leaders.
Because of his emotions with the speech of the man who did not know himself, Bude Ayu also sold some of the rice fields cultivated by the man. Of course many other villagers are interested in buying it. Because most of the rice fields in that location are very fertile and close to the water source. Up to half of the rice field was purchased by Mr. Samsuri, the brother of the Darmaji Hendardi. Relatives of his family who did not like the second act of Juwono who is still a citizen in his village.
The results of the sale of rice fields that Bude Ayu used to buy Asti a shop in the District market. Asti opened the store that sells various types of women's clothing. After his desire to continue college or work in Yogyakarta was banned by his late father's brother.
There are many reasons that Bude Ayu did after he returned to the Joglo house. After 40 days of the death of Mr. Kushari, her husband. First, he was uncomfortable with the stepchildren of Pak Kushari's two wives. They always fuss about the division of inheritance from his father's treasures that have been reduced a lot. Because it is not well managed by heirs or children.
Though in the time of mourning and mourning they should pray more for the late father. To be forgiven all sins and mistakes committed by Mr. Kushari while living in the world.
Second, Pakde Kerto did not want to release the land of rice fields that he had brought back to the Winangun family... Just because the rice field is a lot of benefits. Even though with the death of Mr. Kushari, automatically the death of all the agreements. The agreement between Bude Ayu, her ex-husband and Pakde Kerto benefited a lot from the situation.
Third, he also still has the responsibility of taking care of his nephew who lives in the Joglo house, alone after Pak Harjo died almost two years ago. During this time all the affairs of the house, rice fields and gardens were handed over to Sarno and Ratih. They are part of his family too.
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Akbar prefers to spend time playing with his new bike but is as quick as that. So that the child prefers to stay at home with the Princess Mother. Instead of following his parents to the village, to Mbah No's house. So then
Bu Jum just put some of Qani's goods into a special baby bag.
Asti just saw how much Akbar loved playing with his bike. Before leaving, Asti asked Mbak Ning to watch over Akbar who this time played his bike in the shop yard. It just so happened that it was still morning, so the shophouse was a bit empty because there were not many visitors who came there.
Leon is still fiddling with the Inova car engine commonly used by his wife. After starting the car engine, the man began to believe that the car engine was still in top condition. Because Dimas also diligently brought the car to a trusted service workshop in the next city, periodically.
Qani looked calm when taken traveling with his father this time. The baby was soaring happily in his car seat, when Leon set music for him. In addition to collecting various Islamic children's songs, in the car audio it is often played English children's songs.
Asti smiled to see Leon quickly master this car that is rarely used. He asked Joko to take his Pajero to Madiun. Because the land they will survey is located in the hilly area. Of course, it needs a car whose engine is strong and agile on the road uneven.
In less than twenty minutes, Inova had entered the front yard of the Joglo house. Asti saw that there were several men sitting quietly on the front porch chair. They chat while drinking coffee and eating various typical village foods... There are boiled cassava, boiled banana and various fried foods.
" Qani!" call Bulek Ratih when he sees the baby being carried by Bu Jum down from the car. Leon opened the door for his wife.
Leon and Asti immediately greeted the people who were chatting with Lek No and Pakde Muin. One by one Leon and Asti greet them. Even though Asti just cupped both hands in the chest.
" Just go ahead, Pakde!" bulek Ratih.
" Mom Jum, pick Qani up, yeah!" asti whispered because he was going to leave the boy at Joglo's house alone. The baby almost whined and cried because he wanted to come along. Fortunately at home there is Mbak Mar and Mbak Asni who can quickly distract the beautiful baby.
Asti pensively sat beside Leon who led Inova to the next village. The man followed the Fortuner in front of him, taken by Pakde Muin with his wife and one village elder who will be a witness of Pakde Kerto's confession.
Their arrival was welcomed by Mrs Musdalifah, the young wife of Mr. Kerto. But the woman could not be called young anymore. She was not 40 years old, but her face was very old. Her pretty face became dull and tyrannical. Lost youth and beauty that once greatly influenced the faith and determination of Mr. Kerto will bond the marriage he was living with his first wife. The man married his maid after divorcing his first wife.
Now the face of Mother Musdalifah is full of strokes of pain and difficulty of life felt for almost twenty years married by Mr. Kerto. His life was in vain, indeed, because hoping to live a comfortable and prosperous life with the abundance of wealth and luxury of a rich old man who wants to marry her with many promises to make her life happy is born and inner.
The woman let her guests in. But the bench in the living room that is almost not worth sitting on, is not enough with the number of people present. So that Pakde Muin and Leon finally chose to stand.
Unbeknownst to them, Pak Kerto's eldest son came out of his room. The man walked out of the house without permission. Until Pakde Muin and Lek Sarno looked at each other.
" Let's go in! Inside is Miss Kades!" invite Miss Musdalifah to be friendly.
" There's Bule Ika, Ma'am ?" ask Asti in shock.
Mr. Kerto was bathed by a woman who was called to take care of him. He also changed into a clean shirt.
They passed through the empty room after room without many items decorating the house again. A large house that used to be the best and most luxurious house in this village... Now there is even more glory left. Except for spaces that are very worn out, dusty and a lot of damage to the walls, roofs and floors are consumed by time.
" Asti, here son!" call Ika Sawitri to see the group. In front of the room was a long wooden bench and several plastic chairs.
" Mr Mus, don't bother! We. just stopped by for a minute!" Prevent Bulek Ratih because he saw the woman would cook water from a gas stove at the end of the kitchen there.
" Yes, Mom. We had coffee and cake at Pak Sarno's house!" The village manager smiled.
" Where are Pakde Kerto's other sons and daughters-in-law?" Ask Mr. Muin.
" Tarjo was gone. Danang and his wife are still in the room! Sumi had gone to work at the front rice stall while taking her two children to school, ", Pakde Kerto's wife explained in a stammer.
Asti hesitated to step up. He was stunned as he stood before the door of that extremely gloomy room. Looking at the figure of the old man who was helpless... His face was thin and pale. His body was once high, fat and big so it looks mighty. Now only the figure of a skinny old man dry covered by a blanket. Only the pulse of the breath in the man's chest seemed to be so agonized with his pain that it signified he was alive and alive.