Asti Girl Carrying the Curse
Chapter 64. There's Grief News.
The original plan to make yellow rice in boxes to celebrate Akbar's first birthday became more widespread. Moreover, Lek No also has a little sustenance to buy his granddaughter's cakes so that it can be given to children his age in the Asti home environment.
At the home of Bulek Ratih in Sendang Mulyo, will be made yellow rice complete with side dishes, which will be put into boxes. Later this yellow rice will be distributed to neighbors at the home of Bulek Ratih. Some will be taken to Asti's house.
While at Asti's house, assisted by Bu Jum and Mbak Ning they made gifts in the form of snacks and drinks for children.
Each parcel is put into a plastic picture bag and given a ribbon. Also included is the writing done by Ninuk in the form of a cute cartoon print to show that the day is Akbar's first birthday.
Two days ago, Asti ordered thirty boxes of fried chicken. The merchant opened his fried chicken shop not far away with SPBU.
On the next day Akbar was very happy when taken by Asti walking to several neighboring houses. The twelve-year-old baby watched, Mother & Aunt Ninuk and her nanny gave the fried Chicken parcel and rice to the children around their home.
Especially when Akbar who was on his birthday was also greeted. Someone pinched the darling of her cheeks puffed. Bu Ani also to kiss the cheek like a bakpao owned by Akbar repeatedly because of anxiety.
In the celebration, there is no candle blow or cut cake. Moreover, inviting the neighbor's child to the house to celebrate his child's birthday. Yang Asti thought, Akbar also did not understand that he was one year old.
Enough variety of sustenance by giving buns and rice alone as a form of gratitude because Akbar grows healthier and smarter every day.
Mr. Roh and Mas Yanto have also helped distribute yellow rice in the box to several employees who work in shop houses as well as shop owners and traders who opened their businesses across the street.
According to Lek No, Bulek Ratih has also distributed 30 boxes of yellow rice to his neighbors in the village of Sendang Mulyo.
Now the rest of the rice box was distributed by Asti to some people who passed in front of the shophouse. Especially for traders who sell around, scavengers, and rickshawmen who pass in front of the shophouse.
Each rice box is put in a bag of crackles, also added with a bottle of mineral water.
Many people who get rice pray for health and well-being for Akbar, Asti's son.
Until Asti was surprised by the presence of Mr. Leon and Mbak Almira beside him. Suddenly they were already in the shophouse parking lot. Of course they are quite interested to see Asti and Akbar with the food-sharing event.
" Oh, now Akbar's birthday, yes!" Fr Almira is happy. The baby smiled as he showed his teeth - his teeth had only grown a few fruits.
" Wow, Om Leon also does not bring gifts, this is! Make Akbar! Tomorrow Om, just send it, yeah!" Said Mr. Leon happily.
Akbar screamed happily as he was carried and swung high. The man kissed her cheeks with affection.
" Let's get into my house, sir! Sister Almira. We still have yellow rice at home!"
Sure enough, on the dining room table Asti has presented complete yellow rice placed in a small slap. Tampah is a typical tray that is widely used by rural communities made from woven bamboo in a circular shape.
Mr. Leon seemed interested in trying all the side dishes on the yellow rice. There is anointing, sambel fried chicken liver potatoes, there is a parchment, tofu and tempe bacem until the pile of spiced fried chicken pieces.
Before long, Lek No, Joko and Mas Adam also came. Ninuk and Bu Jum prepare a cold drink in the form of ice with coconut with brown sugar.
Home is so festive. The adults had lunch together to enjoy this simple yet meaning-rich Akbar birthday event.
After the dinner, the men chatted on the right side porch of the house. The garden that has been arranged and cared for by Mr. Spirit has shown its beauty.
The next day a birthday present arrives at Asti's house for Akbar. From Mr. Leon is a small car toy that is run by remote control. From Mbak Almira in the form of a car-shaped doll. From Mas Adam a stack of yellow duck dolls for bath friends.
Not to mention there are bottles of drinks, t-shirts, to Akbar toiletries from shampoos, bath soaps and children's toothpaste.
"Rezeki Sholeh's son, yes. Akbar!" ninuk shouted as they received the parcel.
Akbar just soared happily from his Baby Walker that he was riding. He follows Om Joko who is engrossed in playing Akbar's remote car. Everyone laughed amusedly at the behavior of Lek No's eldest son. For such a toy did not exist in the days when he was a child.
Apparently, Akbar started to spoiled again the next day. He cried when Asti left for the market. Bu Jum's effort calmed the twelve-month-old baby. Who wants to go with his mother.
Fortunately when Asti came home during the day, the baby was already normal again. No fever or fuss. Occasionally Asti kissed Akbar's chubby cheeks that slept in his arms.
In the morning at 07:00, Asti's hape rang many times. Until Asti opened the Lek No number which was listed there.
" Ashalamu'alaikum, Lek. What's up?"
" Asty! Mbah Sanjaya There's no such thing!"
" Nothing, how? Lek No, what. Uh ?" asti asked confusedly.
" Mbah Sanjaya is dead, Asti. This news was sent from his son who lives in Sendang Ranti."
" Innalilahi wa innailaihi Raji'un" Asti said in surprise.
Of course, Bu Jum and Mbak Ning who were still bothered in the kitchen were also shocked to hear the news. Their eyes glanced at each other, guessing what kind of splashy news Asti received this morning.
" Mr Ning is done cooking?"
" At, Ma'am!"
" Please help Bu Jum nyiapin Akbar, yes! We want to go to Sendang Ranti village, Mbah Sanjaya died. He is the great-grandfather of Akbar."
All speechless. Fortunately Akbar was not fussy when Asti woke up. While the boy bathed Bu Jum. Asti heads to the garage to heat up his car engine.
"Sir, please take care of the house, yes. We want to go to Sendang Ranti!"
" Yes, Ma'am. Mas Joko also left earlier at dawn when called Mr. No."
The two women were already prepared - ready in front. Bu Jum was already holding Akbar with a baby bag. Ms. Ning helped put the stroller into the trunk as well as two large umbrellas that are usually stored near the shelf in the living room.
The red car was moving away from the house towards the East. The trip must be taken within thirty-five minutes. The vehicle driven by Asti turned back to the right, after reaching the subdistrict market.
The highway in front of him began to narrow. Divided into two currents, but without a barrier in the middle. Moreover, most of the streets are filled with school children in Junior High School and High School uniforms, with various types of motorcycles that they drive.
Something that used to be rarely done by rural children like this. They generally cycle to school even if they cover a very long distance . Sometimes up to six kilos away from home to school.