Asti Girl Carrying the Curse
Chapters 276. The Unspoken Word
The atmosphere in the room where Pakde Kerto was lying was quite gripping. There was only a busy voice from the hands of Doctor Ahmad Sofyan who worked deftly. But anxious faces were seen from some of the men who were waiting outside the room. They continued to pay attention to the way the doctor prepared the infusion equipment that would be used to help Pakde Kerto immediately.
Finally the hose from the infusion bottle hung on the bed began to work. The speck of infusion began to drip, entering the pulse on the old man's wrist.Seeing the hand was also like a bone wrapped in skin. So skinny. It should be a little difficult for the doctor to find a pulse to stick the infusion needle.
From another room in front, the two granddaughters of Pakde Kerto who began to cry restrained. Both were anxious and sad to see that Mbah Kung no longer reacted with everything that was happening around him. That situation lasted for almost a week.
They are the children of Tarjo, who always helped Mbah Musdalifah to take care of the grandfather, after they came home from school. While Mbah Putri is busy preparing lunch for his grandchildren. Because his wife Tarjo was working in a food stall located opposite the provincial highway, right in front of the entrance of Sendang Waru Village. With a small salary, Sumi tried to meet the needs of her children's food and school.
The girl who was already in 6th and 3rd grade of Elementary School was very scared and anxious. Grandfather could no longer speak. Even his old eyes were always looking at the ceiling of the house or sometimes looking at the window of the room. It was as if - there would be something awaited for his arrival by the old man.
" How is this, Mr. Kades ...Mr. Kerto is not just a stroke... He is also malnourished .." said Dr. Ahmad Sofyan restless.
Mr. Darmaji is stunned. While staring one by one the faces of the children of Pakde Kerto who gathered in the middle room... They can only be bowed down, a little embarrassed and also helpless. Because in addition to being less educated, they also lack empathy and do not take the initiative to help their own father. Always rely on the help of his neighbors. Especially to husband and wife Darmaji Hendardi. Incidentally he served as the Head of this Village since 5 years ago.
Even against his father's illness in this year, Tarjo and his sister were also indifferent. Afraid of being asked to incur even greater costs, to treat his pain. They themselves have no fixed income.
In fact, there is often little income received from non-permanent work that Tarjo and Danang do. As the saying goes, 'dig a hole and close a hole' because the money never meets the needs of the household. Eventually they had to go into debt again at another neighboring stall.
" Later I ask Sister Wati to come to replace the infusion, if the contents in this bottle run out." Said the man who became the leader at the Telomoyo Village health center.
He placed two plastic infusion bottles on the table, next to the bed where Mr. Kerto lay with his face without any more light of life
The doctor said goodbye home. He was again escorted by Rangga Pradipta to the puskesmas using his Nmax pride motorbike. The young man next door to Mr. Kades' house also studied in the city next door. The campus is a college with Ninuk, but different faculties. So they rarely meet
There was a neighbor who took the initiative to bring a box of mineral water in a glass with a certain brand. Soon the drink was distributed to the fathers who were still gathered in front of the house of Pak Kerto Juwono. But the women resigned one by one, returning to their homes.
" Come, if Nak Ardi wants to see Mr. Kerto, we go inside! " said Mr. Darmaji. Invite his guests to see the situation of Pakde Kerto.
The presence of the young man who was involved mannered and handsome face began to attract the attention of the other residents who were there. Finally Lek No tells Ardi's true identity, that he is the younger brother of Asti Winangun's mother, Emilia Jaffar.
Many of the men who were present there and were older than them started to comment softly. Some of them know the role of Pak Kushari and Pak Kerto with the departure of Emilia, Asti's mother. Even though it happened, it passed almost a quarter of a century ago.
There was even an elder in Sendang Waru village, who was good friends with Mr. Harjo Winangun. He always reminded, so that Asti's grandfather was careful with the mask of kindness shown by the Juwono brothers. It is not a mask of ascension. There seems to be a separate role from the two Juwono brothers behind the departure of Emilia. So that woman also had to leave her little baby here.
" It is not that Mr. Kerto had expelled his half-brother Emilia to leave Surabaya. Afraid of Pak Kushari's plan to master Winangun's legacy known to them. Because there is still Asti who is the sole heir of all the treasures of Winangun. Even though they had to marry Ayu's mother first, in order to launch their plan to control the widow's property and her family's vast legacy!"
Lek No was silent... Some people think so too. But Mr. Harjo Winangun in his lifetime was a man who was clear-minded and obedient to the teachings of his religion. Abstinence he accuses someone without any real evidence and facts.Fear the accusation will later become slander. So that makes him a person who dzolim against others.
Lek No gawking. This is really news that he just heard. In the past Lek No never wanted to interfere in the affairs of the personal life of Pak Harjo, Asti or Bude Ayu. Although not a single house, but their house is nearby. Especially there, Lek No only applies as a worker who lives and is hired for working on his rice field. Although the responsibility of Lek No becomes even greater .Because he is believed to manage rice fields, coconut plantations, and cattle in the tens. But Lek No gets enough rewards from his job, so as to provide a decent life for his family.
" You are, No. Just shush! Juwono brothers if you are kind, the same person there wants! Just want to make a profit, where will he lose! That's why Mr. Winangun is deceived... But Allah is All-Powerful and All-Knowing ..Just look, Mr. Kushari immediately suffered a heart attack, when all his merchandise was seized by the authorities! Because illegal. Even hunted to death before going to prison to account for his actions. Moreover, the seized goods that cost hundreds of millions of rupiah!"
Ardi stepped for sure, next to the village chief. The arrival of the two men was immediately welcomed by Bu Musdalifah, Pakde Kerto's wife. But the one who actually gave a reaction was Pakde Kerto itself.
The old man's eyes were wide. Apparently he also recognized Ardi's clean face. His face was similar to Emilia's. Stay closer to the face of Joseph. The young man who succeeded him intimidated with his men first in order to immediately leave the city of Surabaya!
There is guilt, and a great fear. The man was like he was going to scream, or say something! But what comes out of your mouth is just moans and murmurs.
" Sir, Mr. Kerto! Calm down.... This is Mr. Kades visiting! You should know, it has been a week Mr. Kades and Ika's mother who takes care of all the help for you. Where are the boys you are proud of? Not care at all...The only ones who care are the neighbors, sir!" Exclaim Bu Mus panicked
" Those who are often maki, you despise! Also, he took his property only in debt that can not be paid!" His wife said it was getting worse. "Their lives are better now than ours, sir!_
"Come, Sir! Apologize to them, still given age ...If this is the way, I will leave this house if you are no longer there! So break even, right!? My father has renovated my parents' house, and funded my sister's education... I have been devoting my life all this time! I lost my youth to take care of a sick and poor father."
The soft voice and cries of Bu Musdalifah were increasingly heard decimating... How tough a woman, finally she gave up also with this situation. His stepchildren were not concerned with all these circumstances.
Apparently the cries and complaints of Pak Kerto's young wife were also heard by some people in the house. A large empty house without soul. A house that no longer provides a sense of comfort and safety for its residents.
" Patience... Miss Mus!" whispered Mr. kades.
" It's okay, sir! I am always troubling all the fathers here. Every day I have to face death. I just beg you to forgive Mr. Kerto! If he had always been arrogant and oppressive towards the neighbors..."
Strange sounds came out from the old man's lips. Hurry up Ardi gets closer to the bed. He sat in the seat nearest to where Mr. Kerto lay.
Throw the man's thin hands. The man apparently recognized Ardi whose face was very similar to Joseph, Emilia's half-brother...
On the night before their return to Java, Asti's mother apparently heard an evil plan, when Pak Kushari held a secret meeting with Mr. Manaf beside the house. The man was an inmate and a repeat criminal in his village. It looks like they're talking about a co-operation in crime. They like to plan something, for their own interests and benefits.
"Come, sir, follow me!" whispered Ardi guiding the old man, to follow his words ." La Ila ha illa Lah!"
Slowly the man spoke that sentence. Hardly did he do it, after seeing there was solemnity on the handsome man's face.There was no grudge let alone hatred there on the face of Emilia Jaffar's sister.