the Mystery of Caraka Family

 "Hamid, would you help me?"

 "Help what?" Hamid said as he pulled out the dagger he had hidden in his boot. He put that weapon in his backpack. After field service, he went straight to Rani's house without having time to change out of his military uniform. Rani was used to Hamid always carrying a weapon wherever he went. A long-barreled rifle, or even a dagger.

 "Pretend to be my boyfriend so my ex boyfriend won't bother me anymore. I'm embarrassed that Asep keeps waiting and blocking me at the school gate."

 "Let alone pretending, I also want you to be my real girlfriend."

 Rani was silent. "We just met."

 "Then, what's the problem? It seems like you don't like me because of my burnt black skin color, huh? Should I use some face cream?"

 Unable to bear Hamid's serious tone, Rani burst out laughing. "You're so funny. I don't mind your skin color. Besides, your skin is brown, not black. You're cute just the way you are."

 "You don't want to accept my love because you still doubt that I'm poor?"

 "It is not like that."

 "So?"

 "Give me some time."

 Hamid sighed. "It's always like that. You always deny it." He cupped Rani's face. His eyes sparkled passionately. Then, he sucked Rani's lips until they were both out of breath.

 Rani felt the kiss lasted so long that her world was spinning. She felt like her brain stopped working. Lost to Pluto planet because of a long kiss!

 "Why did you kiss me?" Rani whispered. Her cheeks were as red as ripe strawberries, making Hamid's hands eager to grab them.

 "Because you are teasing me. Your sweet lips, inviting me," Hamid said in a voice as hoarse as a crow. He found it hard to control himself when he met Rani. That was how much influence this melancholic girl had on himself. He kissed Rani again until she sighed. Then, he hugged her tightly. What else could he do to convince this stubborn girl that he was her soulmate, not Asep or any damn man. Who cares about them? Rani was only his.

 Hamid's body odor wafted. The smell of nicotine mixed with fresh sweat. Rani sighed as Hamid hugged her tightly while whispering sweet nothings. "Do you want to be my wife? But a soldier's wife must be prepared for a hard life. I can't afford your current high lifestyle."

 "What high lifestyle? Just ordinary."

 "The food at your family's house is delicious. How can I afford to give you luxurious food? At most, eggs, tofu, tempe, vegetables, and sometimes chicken. How about it? Do you want to have a serious relationship with me?"

 "Then, what about your mother? Didn't you say yourself that your mother has prepared a prospective daughter-in-law that she prefers?"

 Hamid grumbled. "You really need to remind me about that woman when we're being romantic like this. I don't really like her."

 "You are so sensitive …" Rani's lips pursed.

 "Poor people like me are more sensitive," Hamid said with a chuckle. He stroked Rani's hair. Then, his fingers traced the cheekbones of the girl who was starting to get shy.

 "So?" Rani asked, feeling her face heat up because Hamid was staring at her like that. It was really different to face the assertive Hamid, compared to the flamboyant Asep.

 "So what?"

 "What if your mother doesn't like me?"

 "What does it matter?"

 "You're her only child. Of course your mother expects a lot from you."

 "I only love you," Hamid said, closing the conversation. "You don't need to bring this term up again. If I insist on only wanting to be with you, what can my mother do?"

***

 Asep was miserable seeing the intimacy displayed by Rani and Hamid. It was all over. There was no hope of dating Rani again. His ex girlfriend deliberately visited his house. Then, the two of them stared at each other affectionately in front of him. How cruel!

 "I can't believe you two are dating. How could it be this fast? It's only been two weeks since I broke up with Neng Rani," Asep said angrily.

 Rani smiled very sweetly. Too sweet in Asep's eyes. But those eyes that used to look at him gently, never smiled again. "I don't care if you don't believe me. The most important thing is don't bother and chase me anymore because now I'm dating Hamid."

 Hamid held back a smile seeing Rani's behavior. This girl seemed so satisfied with Asep who was acting awkwardly. It was only right. No man had the right to treat his sweetheart like that.

***

 "Why your head is hurting so badly?" Rani asked. She shook her head as she stared at the stitches on the back of Hamid's head.

 Hamid laughed embarrassedly. "I heard you were engaged to Dani. I was daydreaming. Then, I hit the glass and got hurt."

 "From whom did you hear that news?"

 "Your mother told me."

 Rani was unmoved. She felt fed up with this awkward situation.

 "He is a man your family approves of, right?"

 Rani frowned. "You don't need to worry about that."

 "How could I not care? Why do you choose him over me who loves you?"

 "You won't understand. Dani is Mr. Sukma's choice. My family agrees the relationship with him."

 "So? How about your feeling?" Hamid asked. His eyes were round and round, looking disbelieving. Did he misjudge Rani?

 "I don't know," Rani muttered as she looked away. She couldn't face Hamid's anger. She knew she was in the wrong-side.

 "Rani, you're only 17th. Why are you tying yourself down in a relationship you don't really want?"

 "Who knows."

 Hamid sighed in disappointment. "How cruel of you to do this to me. Even though you know I love you so much."

 "Mr Sukma really loves me. He knows what's the best for me."

 "Don't regret it! You should have followed your heart. Not your family. Then, did Mrs. Caraka also agree to the arranged marriage?"

 "Mama followed Mr. Sukma's advice. But she said that true soul mate would go nowhere."

 Hamid's disappointed expression really made Rani's heart aching. She was confused. On the one hand, she didn't feel sure about Dani, whom Mr. Sukma liked. Even though Dani was much more mature, Rani felt uncomfortable with him. There was something that made him unbearable. But Rani was also confused about herself. She still didn't feel sure about Hamid even though Hamid seemed to really love her.

 Love can easily turn into hate. If one day that love is gone, will Hamid still be sweet and gentle to Rani? Seeing the characteristics of Mr. Caraka, Rani's father, to her mother, or even Asep to herself, makes Rani no longer feel sure about love. What is love? Just a mirage.

 Rani was indeed attracted to Hamid. But she was very afraid to take a step. Especially against her family's wishes. Mr. Sukma was not only her mother's best friend, but also her trusted relative who had taken care of her since she was little. Was Mr. Sukma's judgment that he preferred Dani to Hamid wrong? Confused. Rani was really confused.

 "Rani, I want to kiss and hug you one last time. Goodbye," Hamid said desperately. His eyes were full of tears. "I don't want to disturb your happiness. Goodbye, my love."

 _____

Note

Neng: a calling to a Sundanese noble girl.