REDAMANCY - Love's Timeless Path

12th Note

"You remember Rara, don't you?"

Jagad gave me a puzzled look. "Rara, the one who is now in Singapore? Adara Brajamaya?"

I nodded in agreement with his question. The hospital canteen buzzed with activity as it navigated the lunchtime rush. Trays clattered, chairs scraped against the floor, and the smell of hospital-grade coffee wafted through the air.

Doctors in white coats, nurses in scrubs, and other hospital employees gathered for a short lunch in between rounds and chores. There was a shared respite in the unrelenting routine of hospital life, but there was also a sense of urgency and togetherness.

A cluster of residents gathered around a corner table, exchanging tales of difficult cases and the newest rumors. Their chuckles reverberated throughout the canteen, briefly dispelling the stress that frequently accompanies their risky employment. The sound of silverware clinking and the far-off conversations of medical staff soothed me as I took a brief break from the day's responsibilities.

As we bantered and attacked our meals with varying degrees of gusto, the conversation naturally gravitated towards our old accomplice in medical school shenanigans.

"I kind of forgot, but I really remember that you were quite close because you are in the same organization with her."

"Which one, Mas? Have I ever met her?"

Jagad nodded. "You know, the girl who is said to be the most beautiful in my class."

Wimar thought for a moment. "Yang dandannya menor banget?"

I hit his shoulder lightly. "Emang ya begini nih, kebanyakan main sama Agni, kalau ngomong nggak ada filternya."

Wimar groaned in pain before sending a look full of protest, not accepting that I hit him.

As we delved into more throwback stories, the canteen's hustle and bustle faded into the background. It felt like our medical school days had transported us to a time when the only concerns were exams, not surgeries.

"Just why do you want to meet her again, Jen?" Jagad cast a disapproving glance at me. I could tell that my friend was being cautious when he asked the question. I was sure he couldn't forget that Rara once felt something for me, even if it had been a while — to be honest, I was not interested in women other than Haira. Although it may sound cliche indeed, if you think about it, who would want to continue dating the same person for ten years without knowing if they would end up married? Yes, though even in this day and age, not getting married was an option too — but to persist for ten years? I felt like if that wasn't love and devotion, I didn't know what else to call it.

"Makan doang, Gad." I answered quietly while opening my canned drink. I took a small sip before looking at my two best friends. "So it's okay."

Jagad sighed, "Yeah, I'm fine; don't forget to tell Haira. Gue tahu kalian pasangan paling chill, tapi please jangan sampai nggak bilang apa-apa sama dia."

I nodded in agreement with his request. I also have no desire to lie to Haira.

"By the way, Gad, are you proposing to Giandra or not?" I teased my best friend; I heard that he bit the end of his girlfriend's ring finger at my engagement party to get the illusion of a ring with his bite mark. I didn't know what he just read, but I admitted the idea was quite cute for someone like him. "I did."

"Hah?" Wimar and I shouted together.

"It's not official yet; It was just a casual proposal." Jagad hastily corrected his words. "It happened when we were in Bali, during my birthday celebration."