That afternoon, Bara had just finished a phone call with his Mom when he heard muffled sobbing from inside the room. He opened the unlocked door and found Alma in tears.
"I don't want to go home, Bar," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.
"Did your father call?" Bara approached her, his heart heavy with unease.
Alma shook her head. "It was Mom. Papa is still abroad, but Mom said he’s demanding I come home, or he’ll send people to find me."
"Does your Mom know I'm with you?"
"I told her I went alone. I said I’d only return if they gave us their blessing." Alma looked at Bara in desperation. "Mom supports me. She’s asking me to come home first so she can try to persuade Papa. But I’m not sure, Bar. If I go back, we’ll never see each other again. I don't want to be forced into that marriage." Her voice trembled, her eyes glassing over.
"Calm down. We’ll figure a way out." Bara gently rubbed her shoulder, trying to soothe her.
However, Bara couldn't hide his own anxiety. He was terrified Alma’s parents would track down his home in Jakarta and put pressure on his Mom.
***
Bara had just accompanied Alma for a morning stroll around his Grandpa’s yard when he noticed three missed calls on his phone, which he'd left on the bedside table. His heart hammered against his ribs when he realized they were all from Mom. He quickly dialed her back.
"What happened, Mom?" he asked frantically as soon as she picked up.
"Bara, I just got a report from Pak Adi, our neighbor. He said someone was watching the house yesterday afternoon."
"Who was it, Mom?" Bara’s voice rose, panic beginning to crawl up his throat.
"I don't know. When Pak Adi confronted him, he just said he was looking for an address and then left."
"And then? Where are you now, Mom?"
"I’m still at home. But this afternoon I’m going to stay at Aunt Nurul’s for a few days. My office is closer from there anyway."
"It’s better if you take some time off, Mom. I’m afraid they might follow you to the office."
His Mom gave a small laugh, trying to reassure him. "I’m actually safer at the office. There are plenty of people there, and security too. You know I can't take leave on such short notice, right?"
"Mom..." Bara’s voice cracked. "I’m scared something will happen to you."
"I can take care of myself. It’s you two I’m worried about. Is anyone watching you over there?" Her tone turned more serious.
"No, Mom," Bara replied, though his heart felt hollow. He then explained Alma’s condition. From the other end of the line, he heard a long, heavy sigh.
"Wait it out for a day or two. If Alma’s father hasn't changed his mind, we’ll think of the next step. Keep in touch, okay?" The call ended after Mom said goodbye to head to work.
"Was that from your Mom?" Alma’s soft voice startled him. She was standing behind him, her face pale.
Bara nodded. "Did you hear everything?"
Alma’s eyes widened. "What should I do, Bar? I’ve made your Mom live in fear."
Bara tried to force a smile, despite his nerves. "Mom isn't afraid. She’s just being cautious."
"I’m going to call Mom!" Alma said suddenly.
"For what?" Bara quickly caught her hand.
"So she stops bothering your Mom!" Her voice rose, her lips trembling.
"No, Al. We don't even know for sure if that person was sent by your father. Let’s just follow my Mom's advice for now." Bara tried to sound composed.
Suddenly, Grandpa’s voice from the porch broke the tension. "Bara! Bring your wife out for breakfast!"
They went outside. Sigit had already prepared hot coffee, Javanese tea, fried bananas, and a plate of getuk. Grandpa smiled brightly at the sight of Alma.
"Have you had breakfast, Grandpa?" Alma asked gently.
Grandpa nodded. "I haven't slept since dawn. I was looking for the bird thief, he said," Sigit remarked with a wry smile.
"Thief?" Bara raised an eyebrow.
Grandpa nodded seriously. "Last night, there was a man in black. He was watching this house. I went out with my cane. I showed him I wasn't afraid. That man immediately called his friend."
Bara swallowed hard, glancing at Sigit, who only shrugged in confusion. Bara tried to smile. "Wow, he must have been terrified seeing how tough you are, Grandpa."
Grandpa chuckled. But Alma stared at Bara, her face turning ashen. She pushed a small plate toward the old man. "Eat some more breakfast, okay, Grandpa? Later, Alma will help you look for the thief."
"No need. You're a woman. He was tall and big, like a soldier. He was even wearing soldier boots," Grandpa said with absolute earnestness.
Alma’s face tightened; her lips were quivering. "Excuse me, Grandpa," she said in a trembling voice, then hurried back into the bedroom. Bara followed her.
"How did they know we were here, Bar?" Alma hugged herself, her body shaking violently.
Bara remained silent.
"I’m calling Mom!"
"Don't!" Bara quickly grabbed her hand, staring at her phone. He then switched it off. "They’re definitely tracking you through your phone. I’ll send a message to my Mom, then I’m turning mine off too. We need to leave, now."
"To where, Bar?"
Bara didn't answer. He called for Sigit. The young man led them to the back building, where a vintage black-and-yellow Jeep was parked. The paint was dull, but the frame looked solid.
"Does it still run, Git?" Bara asked.
Sigit nodded. "I’ve been taking care of it, Mas. It’s still used quite often."
Bara gave a thin smile. "Good. We’re going on a tour, Al," he said lightly, though his eyes betrayed his anxiety.
They quickly packed their belongings. As they said their goodbyes, Grandpa was still standing on the porch with his cane. Bara kissed his hand. "If that man comes back, don't talk to him, Grandpa. Just shout."
Grandpa gave a thumbs up, innocent and full of confidence. Alma looked down, shaking his hand before giving him a tight hug. "I’m leaving now, Grandpa," she said, her voice breaking.
"Don't be home too late!" Grandpa shouted cheerfully, unaware that his grandson wouldn't be returning that night.
The car slowly pulled away from the house. Through the open window, Alma kept her eyes on the figure of Grandpa until he faded into the distance and finally disappeared. A tear fell. "I’m going to miss him..." she whispered.
Bara reached for her shoulder, patting it gently. "We’ll see him again."
The old Jeep sped off, cutting through the streets of Sleman, leaving behind a home full of memories as it carried them toward Semarang—somewhere between hope and a fear that was becoming all too real.
YOU ARE READING
Kidnapping the General's Daughter
Romance"He thought he was rescuing their love. He didn't know he was just driving her escape." Barra is a brilliant law student, a high-achiever who built his future on a prestigious scholarship. He plays by the rules and carries the weight of his mother's...
