THERE'S ALWAYS A LEANING PLACE
Behind the Mapati

The sun still looks timid on the eastern horizon. The leaves are still bathed in dew. Busyness has been seen in the largest house compared to the house around it.

A pick up car entered the yard. After stopping, some men dropped off the items in the car tub. Then, they deftly put up a tent in the yard that was quite spacious.

Not to mention the tent is finished installed, the turn of the taxi that stops in front of the gate. Three girls came down. With quick steps they entered the courtyard of the house.

“Mbak Mira, Salsa, Ratna, Thank God you guys have come. Yuk, into!” pekik Via was happy to see the arrival of three of his friends.

While walking, Mira and Salsa circulated the gaze to the corner of the room. They looked to admire the house of Via.

“Sini, sit! What do you want to drink?” Via made an offer.

“We are not guests. We came here early in the morning to help,” said Mira.

“Yes, new coming .…”

“Udah, ah. We're going to the kitchen, yuk! Definitely Mbok Marsih and Bu Inah are busy again,” Ratna said cutting Via.

Regardless of Via, Ratna moved into the kitchen. Ratna's move was followed by Mira and Salsa. Meanwhile, Via only shook his head while smiling.

It is true, in the kitchen Mbok Marsih and Bu Inah are busy making ketupat. They were helped by some neighbors.

“Bikin's busted for what, Mom? Want to make vegetable ketupat?” ask Salsa.

“Make saggy, Non. This is a mapati event, or ngapati, also called ngupati because there must be ketupat,” said one of Via's neighbors.

“Non's friend Mbak Via, yes?” ask the mother.

“Iya. I am Salsa, who wears a blue shirt, Ms. Mira, if the one who wears marun's robe is Ms. Ratna,” said Salsa explained.

Moments later, I came into the kitchen. He's not alone. A middle-aged woman with him. Who else if not Miss Aisyah. The adoptive mother as well as the in-laws of Via greeted everyone and sat down with them.

The women also dissolve in busy preparing dishes for the event. Via itself is not allowed to help. Her protective husband had already given a harsh ban. Farhan also advised ART to remind Via not to work.

Since there was nothing to do in the kitchen, Via returned to the courtyard. He's looking for Farhan.

“Hubbiy, here a minute!” Via pulled Farhan's hand which was watching people put up tents.

“What's up?” farhan asked while sitting on the terrace chair.

“Later so, right?” Via asked back.

“So what?” Farhan's confused.

“Soal Mas Rio's. Hubbiy later said about the work for Mas Rio,” said Via.

“Oh, about that. Yes, I will convey it to Rio. There are several alternatives, kok,” Farhan said. “Remember, Love does not need to help let alone lift heavy-heavy.”

“Iya, yes. Via still remember.”

After the prayer, people began to arrive. They set their eyes on the gate when a mini bus stopped there.

Dozens of children got off the bus. They are about 5 to 15 years old. Bu Aminah and Rio were among those children. They each held a toddler.

At 13:30 the event began. The people sitting in the courtyard of the house seemed to follow the event with wisdom. The kids sitting on the porch were not fussy. The afternoon study went well.

After the neighbors came home, Via distributed the parcels to the orphans. He was helped by his three best friends.

As Via was busy sharing the parcel, Farhan invited Rio to chat in the living room.

“Rio, I've heard stories about you from Dek Via. Now you live in a home and you haven't got a job. Right so?” Farhan asked for an explanation from Rio.

“True, Mas. Now it is not easy to find a job,” Rio replied while looking down.

“Iya, I know. I have an offer for you. What if you work on the farm? Yes, according to your educational background. There you will be with Azka. You are close friends.”

“In Medan, Mas?” ask Rio.

“Iya. It belongs to Dek Via's grandfather. I spoke to Azka and also to my wife.” Farhan explained.

“Indeed why?” ask Farhan.

“I'm not ready if I have to hear a sneer from them,” Rio replied while looking down.

Farhan. He recalled Via's story about Lia, Rio's adoptive sister. The man nodded his head in a sign of being able to understand the reason for Rio's refusal.

“If in Wijaya Kusuma or Kencana, would you not? But, there is nothing that suits your educational background,” said Farhan.

“Whatever it is, I have no problem. For me it is important to be halal and I am capable. I have also worked in printing, obviously not in accordance with my degree. So OB also wants, Mas,” said Rio with eyes sparkling with hope.

“I can't yet confirm where you were placed. Look, tomorrow I check again the blank. You call me around 11. This is my business card,” said Farhan as he handed over a small card he just took from his wallet.

“Iya, Mas. Insha Allah tomorrow I call Mas Farhan. Thank you for caring for me,” Rio said with teary eyes.

A few moments later, Via entered the living room. He seemed relieved to see the bright look on Rio's face.

“Mas Rio, this is for Mas. All the kids have got the parcels. Bu Aminah too,” said Via while handing over a small paper bag.

Rio accepted doubtfully. He looked at Farhan and Via alternately. He could already guess the contents of the paper bag. However, he kept opening and took out a small box inside. As expected. Only, he did not think that he was given a fairly expensive type.

“Mas, is this expensive? Sa—I don't deserve it,” Rio said.

“Receive. You can use it to call me tomorrow. You can also use it to call Azka later. There is already a starter card as well,” said Farhan friendly.

Rio has no power to hold haru. He hugged Farhan tightly.

After a brief meeting with the Via family, Ms. Aminah said goodbye. Rio again thanked Farhan and Via many times before entering the mini bus that Farhan had rented to shuttle the orphanage children.

Via's house is a little quiet back. Farhan who was about to enter the house was restrained by Edi who was standing in front of him with a hopeful face.

“What's up, Mas?” ask Farhan.

“Can I talk to Mas Farhan both?” edi Pinta.

Farhan invited Edi to sit in a chair near the pulpit. Edi's face looked a little tense.

“Sorry before, Mas Farhan. I want to ask for help Mas Farhan,” said Edi slowly.

“If I can, God willing I will help. What's the matter, Mas?”

“Eh, anu..begini. If I plan to get married, how?” ask Edi nervously.

“That's good intention, Mas. Who's the candidate?” whispered Farhan.

“Eh, that's Mas. I just had a look, but he wants nothing, I don't know,” replied Edi while looking down.

“Who? Mira?” ask Farhan again.

Edi looked surprised. Then, he nodded with a blushed face. No longer seem assertiveness let alone the usual carelessness that people see from the figure of Edi.

Farhan smiled looking at the personal assistant that the brother had already considered. He looks relieved.

“Insya my God and Dek Via will help. Our hope, if Mira wants, you guys get married soon,” said Farhan.

“Iya, Mas,” says Edi is relieved.

They return to activity. Edi helps clean the page that will be used for the nighttime sagging event.

***

Seriate

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