RED AND WHITE
It was August 17th, Indonesia's Independence Day. Jacob had received an invitation to attend the flag-raising ceremony at his alma mater, Padjadjaran University. The university intended to honor Jacob for his achievements through his thesis, recognized as a published academic work in the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. Thanks to the assistance of Ms. Connie, an expert adviser in the Ministry of Research and Jacob's presentation, he secured a spot there.
On that morning, Jacob wore a maroon red tie, chosen alongside a cream-green tie from the previous day. The maroon red color exuded masculinity, making Jacob appear gallant and authoritative. His crisp white shirt, meticulously ironed by his beloved mother, served as the backdrop to the vibrant red. He didn't forget to spray his favorite perfume, Davidoff. Lala, his younger sibling, placed a black cap with the Garuda emblem on the right side. She looked as though she was about to deliver a state speech, until Lala requested a photo together in front of their house, beside the Ketapang tree. Before long, a red car arrived, causing gravel to rustle beneath it, alongside the neighboring cat that, for some reason, hadn't tired of being there, perhaps beginning to enjoy the rhythm of its new neighbor's routine.
Najwa emerged from the car, handing the keys over to Jacob. But when she saw Jacob's mother, she immediately ran over to greet her and kiss her hand. Jacob's mother kissed Najwa's forehead and escorted them both to the car. Jacob hugged his mother and pinched Lala's cheek.
Jacob: Take care of Mom, okay? Help with cooking, don't just play games.
Lala: Well, now that my big brother is dating, I get lonely (she looked a bit sad).
Najwa: Next time, we'll all go together, Lala. Don't worry, your brother really cares about you. (Najwa, quick to respond)
Lala moved closer and hugged them both.
Lala: You promise, right?... Anyway, Jacob is my big brother forever.
Mother: Of course, you're both Mama's beloved children (her eyes welled up with tears, moved by the closeness between Lala and Jacob).
Briefly, they remembered their childhood when their mother and father had to work day and night to earn a living as employees in a private company.
Jacob: Alright, we're off then...
The two of them got into the red car. They both wore red ties and white shirts, looking remarkably coordinated and harmonious.
Twenty minutes later, they were already at the ceremony podium. Dust billowed from the flagpole thuds, causing some high-ranking officials to cough. Mrs. Connie, standing beside Jacob, merely cleared her throat to soothe it.
The ceremony proceeded solemnly and smoothly until Jacob's name was called. Jacob descended onto the field, accompanied by Najwa, to receive the university's award as a prideful student. A title that might have seemed overstated, but Jacob accepted it wholeheartedly out of respect for his alma mater.
Present at the ceremony were also some local graduates turned entrepreneurs and a few government officials who served as advisers or visiting lecturers at the university.
After the ceremony ended, Jacob was conversing with Ms. Connie when someone approximately in their 40s approached.
Mr. X: Excuse me, Jacob. (Extending his hand) My name is Yahya from FBF Media.
Jacob greeted the outstretched hand while observing the man's appearance. He was clad in a vibrant red suit with a matching red tie, creating a powerful impression. The scent of his Spalding cologne wafted over, reaching Jacob's senses.
Jacob: Oh, yes, Mr. Yahya, I'm Jacob. This is Ms. Connie, a staff member from the Ministry (introducing Ms. Connie to Mr. X).
Mr. X: Of course (shaking Ms. Connie's hand enthusiastically). I've already been acquainted with her through her previous research. However, it's a genuine honor to meet you in person.
Ms. Connie: Connie (shaking Mr. X's hand with a hint of reluctance).
Mr. Yahya: Our media is interested in inviting you, Jacob, for a talk show on your love for the homeland, particularly for the younger generation.
Jacob: Certainly, as long as I can bring a partner, and Ms. Connie can join as well.
Ms. Connie: Well, well, what's this? I'm not young anymore... hahaha (her laughter echoed amid the lunchtime buzz).
Mr. Yahya: We'd be delighted if Ms. Connie could join too. (Handing business cards to both Jacob and Ms. Connie).
Jacob read the card:
H. Yahya
Founder
For Better Future (FBF)
Mr. Yahya: Our team will contact you to arrange the schedule. We've obtained your contact from the university, but it would be more solid if I could personally request it for this event. (His smile widened as Jacob responded positively).
Jacob: Very well, Mr. Yahya, thank you for the opportunity to share thoughts and inspiration for the future. (Shaking Mr. Yahya's hand once again).
Mr. Yahya bid farewell to Ms. Connie and took his leave. Ms. Connie and Jacob exchanged glances while watching the broad-shouldered man in the red suit walk towards the parking lot.
Ms. Connie: What was that all about?
Jacob: I don't know, Bu. I'll just let the universe guide me...
Ms. Connie: Hahaha... May the universe support you, my child. You're just one among 100 million people, but I honestly hope you're one of those who will change the world. (Patting Jacob's back with hope).
Meanwhile, Najwa arrived carrying two glasses of young coconut with red syrup. In the spirit of independence, their drinks were red and white.
Najwa: What did I miss? (Her puzzled gaze fell upon Jacob and Ms. Connie laughing together).
Ms. Connie: Congratulations, Najwa, your hero has just become a celebrity.
Najwa looked at Jacob with wide-eyed amazement.
Jacob: I'll tell you all about it in the car. (Snatching the young coconut ice from Najwa's hand and giving it to Ms. Connie.
Arriving at Najwa's car, Jacob immediately questioned Jacob with questions.
Jacob also chimed in: wait, wait, wait....one by one please my darling (while kissing Najwa's lips who are still chattering)
Najwa : (silent and smiling) after you and buConnie were really fun talking, until I was confused looking for you
Jacob began to tell about his meeting with PakYahya and also said that he would invite a partner who was of course Najwa.
Najwa : (hugging Jacob deari on the side) how come you still remember me (while looking sulkingly)
Jacob : yes yes, my Najwa, my love my dear (while kissing Najwa's forehead)
YOU ARE READING
TIE STORY
Mystère / ThrillerJacob was born into a humble family, where his father worked as a carpenter. Every day, his father would collect discarded wood and metal scraps in their small town, trying to transform them into something useful before selling them. His upbringing...
