Ryanthi: Sweet Cake, Bitter Reality
● TWENTY-EIGHT : Special Request

Ryanthi stood on the bottom steps of the stairs, as Maya flashed before him grumbling in annoyance. I don't know what happened to that woman, because Ryanthi didn't dare to ask her.

A moment later, Surya appeared from the same direction. The face of the middle-aged man with a large high posture looked equally sour. It seems, he just had a fight with Maya.

"Dad," said Ryanthi.

Surya was stunned, then turned his head. "Hi, Son. Why are you standing there?"

Ryanthi smiles. He hurried over to the father, who took him to the living room. They then sat side by side, accompanied by a cup of warm tea that Mbok Mur just served at the table, right in front of Surya.

"I see Aunt Maya getting angry. Is he having a problem?" ryanthi asked open the conversation.

"Regular. The difference of opinion," replied Surya calmly. He doesn't want to worry Ryanthi.

"Maybe Aunt Maya was too stressed ahead of Vera's wedding" Ryanthi said.

Surya shook his head slowly. "All the matters relating to Vera's marriage are done. Anyway, the show's only two days left ...." Surya paused his words. He looked at Ryanthi. "You're okay, right?" ask the man suddenly.

Ryanthi knows that Surya is worried about her.

The girl smiled, shaking confidently.

"Dad really feels guilty, because he can't take good care of you" Surya said after sipping his tea. Disappointed hue was clearly visible on his face.

Ryanthi is tired and does not want to re-discuss the issue with Arshan. He was already determined to completely get rid of all the pain, as well as the disappointment in his heart towards the man.

"Can't you discuss this issue constantly? Vera's getting married the day after tomorrow. I've accepted it anyway, I have to move on. I don't want to waste energy on this kind of problem" Ryanthi said, imitating Adrian's words.

Surya looked back at his daughter. He smiled with great authority. "Dad proud of you. Your mother has given you a good education so you become a strong girl like this" he said. "Look what you're doing? I can't even do anything to bring you happiness." Surya again blames himself for what happened to Ryanthi.

"It's not all Dad's fault" Ryanthi gently denied.

Surya was silent for a moment. He seemed to be thinking of something. "Dad wants to buy you a car. You can choose any car, according to what you want," he said suddenly.

Ryanthi was in disbelief at his father's words. "I can't drive a car like Vera" he murmured softly.

"Just calm. I can find you a private driver. In the meantime, you can learn to drive. You are a smart girl. I'm sure you can learn fast," said Surya.

Ryanthi smiled gently. He was very happy, because Surya intended to buy him a car. However, Ryanthi wants something else, which has always been her dream since long ago. The girl directly told Surya.

"I'm sorry, Dad. Not to refuse the gift. However, for now I don't need that. I can still enjoy traveling by bus or other public transportation. I'm used to walking too. My mother taught me since childhood. There's no problem for me" Ryanthi said.

Surya frowned, not understanding what the girl was thinking.

When Vera continues to whine to buy a car immediately, Ryanthi refuses when he offers.

"Dad just wants to make you happier. It was just a small gift" Surya said.

"If I had asked for something else, would you have granted it?" Ryanthi asked somewhat doubtfully.

"Sure," replied Surya firmly.

Ryanthi corrected her sitting position to become more upright. He took a breath to neutralize the nervousness before expressing his desire. "Actually, I would like to continue my education to a higher level" Ryanthi said.

"Of course I can. I'm glad you intend to continue your education to a higher level." Surya looks enthusiastic about Ryanthi's wishes.

"However, I want to continue my education in culinary field," Ryanthi continued.

"Yes, sure. I must have supported you. Just tell me, where do you want to continue your education?" ask Surya.

"Paris," replied Ryanthi confidently.

Surya was stunned for a moment to hear Ryanthi reply. However, a moment later he smiled broadly. "Are you sure you want to continue your education there?"

Ryanthi nodded with complete confidence.

"I've been looking for information about the university there. The program offered is also very good. I'm very interested in studying there." Ryanthi seemed very excited to explain that to Surya, who listened intently.

"I had a dream of having a cake shop with my name. I've talked about it a lot with my mother, but at that time let alone continuing my education. Our lives are very difficult and ...." Ryanthi did not continue her words. There was bitterness, when he remembered the life he had lived with Farida.

Surya's face instantly changed. He shifted position to be closer to Ryanthi. "I'm sorry Dad, son," she asked with teary eyes.

Ryanthi looked at Surya from such a close distance. He is no longer young. There were a few wrinkles on his face. Although it looked very well-preserved, but still unable to hide the remnants of the great struggle in his life. Without feeling his tears dripped, although not too heavy. However, it was enough to prove that his heart felt extremely broken.

Surya clasped Ryanthi's fingers tightly. He kissed her deeply. Although he knew, that it could not treat the heart wound that Ryanthi felt. However, at least Surya wants to show that he is a father who loves his daughter very much.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to make you sad" Ryanthi said softly.

Ryanthi releases Surya's hand. He immediately hugged the big tall man. Surya also replied to him very tightly. For the first time, they could embrace like that after eighteen years had passed.

Ryanthi's tears kept on dripping. There was happiness and haru mixed into one in his tears. For the first time, he could actually shed all sorrow through crying. During this time, Ryanthi just harbored everything alone.

"Dad will give you whatever you want. Everything was. I don't care even if it has to be burned by the heat of the sun though, as long as it can meet everything you need. I promise I will always give you everything that is best for you and just want to keep you smiling. I promised you."

"I'm glad to finally be able to hug dad tightly like this. I miss you so much and need you by my side."

"Don't cry anymore. I wouldn't like to see you like this. You will always be my pride."

......................

The day before Vera and Arshan's wedding. All business has been resolved. It is proud, because Surya and Maya hire the services of the famous WO capital.

That afternoon, Ryanthi is stunned to see the white kebaya that Maya placed on her bed. Without a friendly smile or a warm greeting, Maya only glares at the girl.

"This is the shirt you have to wear tomorrow. We want to make your appearance look classier. Don't embarrass us at the party later," Maya said cynically.

Ryanthi grabbed the kebaya, then checked it out.

"Does it fit with me? I haven't tried it."

Maya glared sharply as she said, "Therefore, try now! So it can look. If the size is less fitting just a little it does not matter. After all, you're not the main character in tomorrow's party."

"Yes already. I'll try first. Thank ye. Please get out of my room." Ryanthi doesn't want to argue.

Maya immediately turned her body. He came out of Ryanthi's room with an annoyed face.

While Ryanthi just smiled a little.

Ryanthi stood in front of the mirror. He tried the kebaya that had been prepared for him. Kebaya is very beautiful and fits in Ryanthi's body.

Had Farida been around and could have seen her now, she would have been so proud of her beautiful daughter.

Ryanthi kept pecking herself in the mirror, until she felt a soft touch on her shoulder. "Mother" said Ryanthi slowly.

She's looking. Farida was standing behind him. Ryanthi immediately hugged the woman tightly.

"It's so pretty" said Farida as she stroked Ryanthi's cheek.

"How are you today?" farida asked while taking Ryanthi to sit on the edge of the bed.

Ryanthi rests her head on her mother's shoulders. He still wears the kebaya. However, his face had now turned sour.

"Besok Arshan is getting married, ma'am," he said slowly.

"Then? Didn't you let it go?"

Ryanthi did not answer. He was just pensively enjoying Farida's caress.

"Seekily. If you guys are a match, he'll come back to you. However, if you are not a match, then God must have prepared another one for you.

I just hope, whoever the lucky guy is your soul mate is a good guy."

"I don't know. I haven't thought about it yet" Ryanthi replied softly.

Farida said again. "Getting start your new life. Leave all the painful past behind. I want you to reimagine the future, as we often talk about. You told that to your father, right?"

Ryanthi nodded slowly. "Dad agrees." This time, his voice started to sound a little excited.

"Thank God. I'm glad to hear that. That way, you will soon be able to realize your ideals. Even though I can only see it from a distance, Mother's happiness can definitely be conveyed to you."

Ryanthi is further swept away in Farida's caress. Slowly, he began to close his eyes.

That is what always happens, whenever he enjoys the tender caress of the mother.

Farida grabs Ryanthi's hand. He put something in the girl's hand.

Instantly, Ryanthi regained his senses. He opened his fist. Ryanthi finds a butterfly-shaped siver brooch. The girl got up, and sat down.

"Wear it tomorrow. You'll look a lot prettier" Farida said.

Ryanthi smiled gently. He nodded, then returned to leaning his head on the mother's shoulder.