Aksara Taste (For Flavors That Will Not Be Perfect)
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Have you ever heard of Petrichor?
The rain hit my naked feet. The water splash fell irregularly. Fulfill the waterhole by the road. Holding my steps to run. My intentions were clouded as a flash of light broke gray over the sky. Followed by the sound of thunder echoing in the air. It dawned on me that the rainy season was still lingering.
Slowly the office employees took turns to say goodbye. They left me alone. While I don't know what to do. Rayhan came home first because he had to take his mother back to Yogya. While Mas Rudi is still completing his financial statements which last week was delayed.
I haven't had time to reach into a cell phone to call a taxi, a Mercedes Benz from the 60s pulled over in front of me. From the slightly dewy windshield, I saw a young man wearing a white shirt looking at me.
“Ngapain is there? Cepetan login!” exclamation Satya.
I can't believe it. The young man apparently.
“You don't want Ristretto? If I don't want to stay, then! One. Two. Three. Four.“
I let Satya count as she pleased.
“Twenty-one. Twenty-two. Twenty-three.”
Until the count of thirty-three, my defense collapsed and I finally gave up as well. I opened the entrance beside the wheel. As soon as he relaxed his back beside him, Satya immediately gave me one paper cup Ristretto. The smoke is still billowing, still warm.
“Stay in, use think of all.” grunya when starting the car engine.
I took a sip of that Ristretto for a moment. Feel the sweetness. Enjoying her melt so fast. “I was thinking about it. Afraid you'll get rewarded.”
“You think free?” I almost spewed out that Ristretto in a paper cup.
I snorted in annoyance. I found a mocking smile behind her thin lips.
“I do not receive rupiah, yes.” he joked.
And I can only breathe. Moreover, Ristretto's offer turned out to lead to our agreement to work on Ardy's script at Satya's house.
Along the rainy road, Satya and I were struck by silence. We were just busy at the silence we each created. The young man focused on driving. While I throw my face towards the dewy car glass. Sometimes rubbing it for a moment. Then let it get wet again. Then rub it again. And I repeated that monotonous activity many times.
“Kayak never ride an antique car aja.” said Satya mockingly.
I don't care what he says. My gaze still leads to scattered dew. Look at the rain falling.
“You angry?” ask Satya slowly. Sounds careful.
And I didn't respond at all.
Seconds passed very slowly. I think Einstein's relativity is in effect right now. Everything feels slow. The room feels crowded. It was as if time wanted to be urgent, but it had nowhere to explode. Almost boredom made my conscious sleep. However, my heart was pounding incoherently as my body was pushed forward. Along with that the sound of car tire friction and road asphalt squeaking is not restrained.
I just opened my mouth to revile Satya's actions just now. But, he first took that chance.
“Must like this first so you talk?” gerutu Satya while looking at me in wonder.
I stared at him sharply. “Emang I have to answer all your questions?”
Satya exhaled a long breath while continuing the journey. Down the paved road leading to the residential complex. To the left of the road lined with shady trees. Iron fences covered the multi-storey buildings inside. At first glance, I found a chimney on the roof. Reminds me of the typical European residence. Similar. But, it was not entirely the same as what I now saw before my eyes.
The rain has gone. Along with that we arrived in front of a bright white house. Symmetrical shaped glass windows adorn the perimeter of the cream-colored walls. The terrace is small, but crowded by flower pots. Some are running freely around the bricks. Two lounge chairs were placed near the entrance. The path from the grounds leads to the house, interspersed with rosemary and sunflowers. Not just a compliment, but this house is really beautiful.
I let Satya out first. I saw the young man take a deep breath. He breathed deep air. Like enjoying something that rarely happens.
“Satya.” I said while standing in front of the car. I was surprised to see what he did.
Satya closed her eyes as she said, “You didn't know something?”
“Satya!” I cried for a second time. Forcing the young man to open his eyes.
He's clucking pissed. “You don't know what scent, so?”
“What?” my question does not understand.
Satya approaches. His steps stopped right in front of me. Hiding his hand in his pants pocket, he said, “Petrichor.”
**************
While waiting for Mas Rudi to come home, I tidied up the dining room that looked messy due to today's renovation. At first I thought our house would be remodeled, then rebuilt. But, it turns out Satya's plan is not so. Gita said, Satya will only add a classic touch without having to destroy the previous design. So, you could say the renovation is only a small renovation.
Ma'am Gita said, it might only take ten or at least two more weeks to complete. Only the rest of my patio, yard, back garden, and room have not been completed. The rest just put some additional properties to add the impression of Rustic to make it look more elegant.
Busy cleaning the kitchen pantry, my phone on the dining table vibrates.
“Hallo.” my handkerchief is warm as soon as answering a call from Arfian.
A second later my ears caught the sound waves. “Again?”
“Beres-beres abis renovasi.” said while relaxing the back on the back of the chair.
“Al, I don't think I can come to coffee with you guys. Sorry, yes.”
I swallowed it many times. Without even having to explain, I already knew the reason. Arfian certainly knows that I understand that.
“Yes, yes, it's okay, Fian. Anyway, right, you also have to practice make-“
“Sorry, yes, I fucked you.”
“Came on, not anymore. Just relax, Fian. I understand, really. In any case, PBSI has great expectations with you.”
“But I can't promise anything to them.”
“Why should I promise? Adjuvant. I'm sure you can.” I said as I cast my gaze toward the lonely night sky.
“I already know you will definitely say like that.” reply Arfian lightly.
I can assure you, he is smiling now.
“You should write my words on the wall of your dorm room.”
“Make my ngingetin to continue champion?”
“I can't always watch your matches. So, just remember those words.”
“I think I should sell my medal to buy you a flight ticket.”
“Idih don't sell, Fian. Partially if you are a champion, the medal, will make me.” my candle responds to his crazy idea.
I caught a laugh across there.“Because it's all gold, so just make our dowry. How?”
I laughed while shaking my head. For a long time I didn't hear a guy like that from an Arfian.
“Al, I close first, yes. The coach told me to hang out on the field. Greetings to Abas and Rayhan. Say I'll treat them sometime.”
I could only be silent as Arfian ended our conversation. He even closed the call before I could give an answer. And I don't want to lie that the news just now really let me down. Plus I already agreed to Rayhan and Abas' request to invite Arfian to have coffee together.
