Umm Sibyan
Chapters 16. The Keeper

Aruna stared at the mound of land in front of him that was still wet, a sign that the mound had not been made long ago. On the side of the earth mound was given a wooden board that had been inscribed with the name 'Gayatri Ningtyas' below which was also written the year of birth until the year of death.

Ever since he gathered in front of his mother's grave, Aruna's tears seemed reluctant to stop dripping with her chest condition that felt so tight. She still can't believe that her mother has left Aruna forever.

"Mom... Aruna longs, Mother," raved Aruna in between her whimsical cries. It made Kala immediately hold Aruna into a hug and try to calm her down.

"Na? We go home first, right? It's already afternoon. We're here again tomorrow, right?" bejuk Kala who patiently gave time to Aruna crying over the departure of her mother. Kala understood if the sense of loss that Aruna experienced must be so great. What's more, the figure of Bu Gayatri in everyday life really gives a lot of help and love that is so sincere. It seems, Kala still does not believe if her mother-in-law is gone.

"But, Mas—"

"You remember mom's message, right? I have to take good care of you, even without you asking me to do it anyway. And taking you home this time is only because I'm willing to take care of you, Yang. However, there is a life that you must keep in your womb," persuaded Kala again did not want to give up.

In the end, Aruna nodded her head in accordance with her husband's request which was true. He is grieving, but the child he is now carrying also needs to be cared for. "All right, Mum."

Eventually, the two left the funeral along with the sun that began to return to the contest.

While still on the way, the azan Magrib was heard echoing and it made Kala decide to stop for a moment at a mosque that happened to be passed by him. Seeing the car turning towards the place of worship, Aruna was just silent and understood if her husband wanted her to worship first.

"We pray first, Yang," said Kala who immediately got a nod of the head from Aruna. Both of them got out of the car and went into their respective foyers. Before actually entering, Kala uttered a message for Aruna to wait for him in front of the mosque alone which happened to be so crowded because of the people.

Aruna just nodded and immediately walked towards the ablution place. After that, he immediately established prayers for his inner peace and wanted to pray for the Mother to be given the best place in the Lord's side.

...----------------...

"What do you want to eat, Yang?" ask Kala when the car is preparing to go back.

"I'm not feeling well, Mas" replied Aruna softly.

"You have to eat and keep your health. Maybe you do not want to eat, but our child who is still in your womb certainly needs food intake" explained Kala at length.

"Yes already. I'm coming, Mas. It is up to where you eat. After all, I did not avoid any food during pregnancy," replied Aruna so resignedly.

Hearing that, Kala exhaled slowly and nodded her head. He'll pick food for Aruna.

"Eat here will you, Yang?" tawar Kala when almost passing a Sundanese restaurant. Aruna stared out where the restaurant was and when she looked outside, her eyes instantly widened.

"Mas.." great-granddaughter Aruna with eyes still staring in the same direction.

"Why? Which is! You why?" kala asked in a panic as she turned her head and found Aruna looking terrified. Kala hugged Aruna and tried to calm her down.

"Why? What was? Calm yes," said Kala although in fact, he also felt confusion.

"Mas.. That's.. The old woman was there," pointed at Aruna with her already quivering body.

Suddenly it made Kala immediately look in the direction that Aruna had pointed and unfortunately found nothing at the entrance to the restaurant. "Who? What old lady?"

"That's. That always comes in my dreams, Mas. He always said he wanted to take my son," muttered Aruna who was powerless to hold back her tears. He immediately hid his face on the chest of Kala's field so as not to see the creepy old woman again.

"Silent. I'm here" said Kala again wanted to calm Aruna because he could not see what Aruna saw.

"We just go home, okay? How is delivery?" tawar Kala who immediately made Aruna's head nod in agreement.

"We're going home, Mom. I was afraid that she would follow me again" said Aruna still covering her face with her palm. Finally, Kala also returned to drive his car with Aruna position still in his arms. There was a bit of trouble when he was driving with only one hand. However, it did not matter to him because most importantly Aruna could feel calm.

When Aruna tried to glance in the same direction where the figure of the old woman was, the figure was no longer visible. It made Aruna re-enforce the body and look around to make sure if the figure was gone.

However, Aruna's guess was wrong because the figure turned out to have moved on the side of the road right on the side of Aruna to sit down. The figure smiled so much that the fire inside his mouth poked out. Aruna instantly shuddered in horror as her car passed through the figure. He closed his eyes and immediately looked away from seeing the figure again.

While in another place, Sinta had just arrived at the residence of Mbah Sumanto with her lips that had not stopped to comment on a smile. "Change?" call Sinta while carrying a small jug where there is an ari-ari that he just stole.

"Lake in!" the decree of Mbah Sumanto who was sitting cross-legged in front of a table that is now full will be presented with various types.

"I've got the ari-ariya, Mbah," said Sinta while lifting the jug high which made Mbah Sumanto nodded his head in understanding.

"What else do I have, Mbah? The guard from Aruna is now dead. Surely the way to take his son would be easier, wouldn't you, Mbah?" ask Sinta with her expectant face.

It made Mbah Sumanto laugh widely, satisfied with his own performance. "of course. One more week is right on Friday kliwon night and it is the best night according to the book of primbon. If you want that night too the fetus is moved, then you have to perform even more strenuous rituals."

Sinta nodded her head enthusiastically. Of course, he will welcome it with pleasure and whatever path he will pass even though steep, winding, and rocky. "What do I do, Mbah? Whatever I will do to immediately have children," asked Sinta with a bright glowing look on her face.