Ryanthi: Sweet Cake, Bitter Reality
• FORTY-THREE : White Dress and Memories Photo

Ryanthi opened her eyes with an unusual feeling. The morning was beautiful, after last night Adrian came to bring a cake of peace accompanied by expressions of love.

After gathering all awareness, Ryanthi went to the bathroom. For a while he spent time there. Along with her coming out of the bathroom, Surya came to her room.

"Are you going?" ask Surya.

"Adrian said he'd come. But, whether it be or not. He's going to the factory first" Ryanthi replied.

"Oh, so." Surya sat on the edge of the bed. "It's funny. Dad just found out that Arshan's an employee at Adrian's factory."

"Isn't he? Do you know where it's coming from?"

"Arshan said it. All this time, we never spoke like a daughter-in-law with our in-laws. He was kind of hesitant to say hello and talk with Dad," said Surya.

"Why didn't Dad start it. Just like I used to," Ryanthi suggested accompanied by a gentle smile.

Surya smiled as he nodded. "There must always be a beginning for everything" he said.

"As for your education plan, I'll take care of it soon. However, I could not find any birth certificates or other documents. Maybe your mother kept it? I need to take care of everything that's necessary."

"I'll look for it in Mom's suitcase. What if Dad helps me?"

"Byeah" replied Surya. He follows Ryanthi to the dressing room, to open Farida's suitcase.

There was always pent-up pain, whenever I saw Farida's belongings. I think Ryanthi wants to cry. However, immediately arrested.

Ryanthi took out one by one Farida's clothes. She was stunned when she found a white dress with a long strap on her neck.

"It was a birthday present for your mother" Surya said.

"I've never seen my mom wear it. So, I didn't know you had a dress this beautiful" Ryanthi said.

"Dad bought her the dress one month before your mother decided to leave the house. He may not have had time to wear it yet" said Surya again.

Ryanthi put down the dress. He took Farida's suitcase back out. There, he found a piece of wedding photos that already looked worn.

"That's the only wedding photo left. The rest, scorched in the fire incident that hit our rented house," explained Surya.

"How did this photo survive?" ryanthi asked curiously.

"Your mother loved that photo. So, he keeps it in a bag that is usually taken anywhere," explained Surya.

"I didn't have much money then. So, we could only afford to hire a casual photographer and the results were ...." Surya smiled crazily reminiscing about his marriage first.

"At least there are still memories left," Ryanthi murmured softly. He also found another photo in the suitcase.

"That's you when you were born. Our greatest happiness. You cried so hard, that Dad was confused about what to do? Your mother just smiled. Your crying stopped immediately, when Father handed you over to her."

Ryanthi smiles. He rubbed the picture, before taking another photo.

"That's a picture of you when you were three, when we were on vacation. It seems you don't like the sea too much, because I have to keep carrying you" explained Surya.

Ryanthi smiled wryly. He returned to the picture. "Why don't you take a picture with us?" tanyakanya.

"Your mother took pictures. He took a lot of photos. However, I do not know where the other part is." said Surya.

Ryanthi. There is happiness and the feeling he has. He did not expect that not only did Vera have a childhood photo with Surya. But he also has it. That is, Ryanthi should not be envious of Vera anymore.

A moment later, Surya's phone rang. He immediately answered the incoming call. "Dad still has business. Just keep everything first. Later Dad came back," said Surya as he went out.

Ryanthi looked back at Farida's white dress. She imagined how beautiful the mother was in the dress.

"You like her?" ask a woman who is none other than Farida. The woman walked over to Ryanthi, then sat down nearby.

"Your father's right. I haven't had time to wear that dress. In fact, I really like it" said Farida again. For a moment, she noticed the white dress earlier, before turning to Ryanthi.

"Why don't you ever wear this dress?"

"Mom think you can wear that dress when you're engaged or ...." Farida smiled, then shook her head slowly. Her memory goes back to when Surya, first bought her the dress.

"So, I was gonna wear that dress on your dad's birthday. Coincidentally, our age was only a few months adrift. We are college friends. Your dad told me about it, didn't he?"

"Everything you want to know your father told me. I did not intentionally discuss it, because you will certainly ask a lot. However, I cannot bear the burden of feeling and guilt towards you. Actually I'm embarrassed, because you have to know all that." Slowly, Farida's smile faded from her face.

Ryanthi stared fixedly at Farida. He knows and can feel the great burden, felt by the mother. Maybe like Adrian who bears the dark story of the past.

Ryanthi can't judge them for what happened. He also has no idea what his life will be like.

"Mom's happy because you've started rearranging your life. What's the guy's name?"

"Adrian," Ryanthi answered briefly.

"Do you like it?"

"I became a different person when I was with him. I don't know. I think I like it."

"Did Adrian know about your plans to continue your education abroad?" farida asked as she stared fixedly at Ryanthi.

Ryanthi fell silent at Farida's question. "Yet. I'll tell you later if the time is right. I think Adrian has no problem with that. He must have supported me completely. Like my father's support to me," Ryanthi replied sounding reassuring, even though her heart was feeling uneasy. Adrian once said that he would not let Ryanthi stay away from him.

"Mom hope so. May he understand what is the purpose of your life and your goals. However, I think you should talk about it from now on. Don't let Adrian surprise you with your decision."

Ryanthi thought about it. He felt that what Farida said was indeed true. Ryanthi looked back at her mother. The girl nodded slowly.

Farida always gives reasonable advice. Therefore, Ryanthi always obeys whatever he says, even though Ryanthi must grow up to be someone who is not himself.

"I'm going to meet Adrian to talk to him about this." Ryanthi's face looked doubtful. There was fear in his heart. He was worried that Adrian would not let him go. However, Ryanthi had to keep talking about it.

Ryanthi returns to tidy up Farida's belongings. She also intends to re-insert her mother's white dress. Farida prevented it.

"Save that dress for you. It would be a shame if it had to be kept in a suitcase. I think the size fits you," said Farida.

Ryanthi. Of course she liked the dress, because the model was very beautiful. Ryanthi will wear it when she meets Adrian.

"Thank you, ma'am" Ryanthi said, hugging Farida tightly. "Thank you for always being there for me, even though ...." Ryanthi did not have time to continue his words, because the ringing call on the phone first rang.

"Shortly, Mom. Looks like Adrian called me." Ryanthi moved from her seat. He passed from the walk in closet, towards the bedroom. Ryanthi checked her phone. It's true that Adrian called.

"Hallo," said Ryanthi.

"Are you busy?" Adrian's voice came from there.

Instantly, a longing appeared in Ryanthi's heart. They only met last night. "Not really. Why why?" Ryanthi asked back.

"It's okay. I just want to bother you for a moment" Adrian replied with a soft laugh.

Ryanthi. It's weird, because he never felt that way while dating Arshan. But this time, everything felt different. He always felt there were millions of butterflies surrounding him, every time he heard the appeal of the handsome French man.

"Just tell me directly that you want to meet me!" Ryanthi.

Adrian laughed at hearing that. "I'm glad you're getting smarter after being close to me. That means, I have a positive influence on your life. It seems I have to get a reward that is worth it" replied Adrian confidently.

That's Adrian. He's not what he looks like on the outside. The handsome guy is often silly. However, it must be admitted that Adrian was so comforting to a stiff Ryanthi.

"So?" ryanthi asked a few moments later.

"Dine at my place. I bought a lot of food today. I want you to cook something nice, because my mood is good."

Adrian shopping for ingredients? Ryanthi smiles. Of course he's not sure about it. "Alright," he replied in agreement.

"Did you stop by today?" Ryanthi asked somewhat timidly, but expectantly.

"Looks not. Today I have to go to the head office first. That's why I changed our meeting schedule" Adrian replied. "We'll meet tonight. I hope you don't have a problem with it."

"Oh. Yeah, already. Its alright. By the way, it was a long time ago, yes. I'm cleaning up the belongings of the late mother" said Ryanthi.

"Yes, already. I'm on the road too. Ilove you. Bye." Adrian closes their conversation with words that make Ryanthi blush again. However, on the other hand, it makes the doubt even greater in the heart of the girl.

Ryanthi put her phone back on the bedside table . After that, he returned to the walk in closet, to meet Farida who must have been waiting for him while he was talking to Adrian.

"Sorry, mom. I'm ...." Ryanthi stood glued. There was no one there but a suitcase, and some items were still lying on the floor. Ryanthi bit her lips softly. As usual, Farida left without saying goodbye to him.