The Bujang Lapuk
Talking About Matchmaking

"That's what you're being betrothed to, Za? Take a step, still young, too" asked Fatma when she saw a man stop a motorcycle in the school yard and throw a smile at Za sitting next to him.

"No. That's my cousin's sister," replied Za taking her bag.

Today he was picked up by Bian. Because the bike was borrowed by his cousin's brother to visit his friend's house. So that when leaving Za was escorted by Bian.

Za leaves Fatma who is still waiting for her husband who has not come out of the principal's room.

"Be careful, Za," said Za's friend. Then he nodded while smiling at Bian who did the same.

Challenging the afternoon sun that is still quite stinging, coupled with the crowded streets, makes the atmosphere more sultry. Za deliberately didn't wear his jacket. Although Bian had brought the warm clothes for him.

People say they are a very nice couple. For those who do not know their blood relation, would definitely stare in envy if Za and Bian were halfway together. A handsome and pretty face at first glance looks similar. I would have thought they were lovers. But Za kept her heart. She has been comfortable with getting Bian's affection as an older sister. He didn't want to be more like his mother wanted him to be.

"Za! Don't want to buy ice first?" Bian's voice surprised Za who had been his mind glaring.

"What, Mas?" Za's voice was no less shrill.

"Will durian?"

"That's so!" sahut Za with pleasure. With Bian, it always makes the scales look to the right without being controlled. Za was actually surprised by her cousin's brother who actually got better body.

Bian stopped his motorbike under a trembesi tree in the city park. The place where durian ice traders often visit. He also ordered two special durian ice bowls with more durian fruit.

"Aren't you hungry, Za?" A veiled meal offer from Bian made Za sigh slowly. Of course he's hungry. This afternoon he did not have time to eat because he ran out of his favorite menu in the cafeteria.

But seeing the new portion of durian ice coming, Za rejected Bian's offer. Despite knowing the gimbal next to the durian ice as if waving wanted to also enter his stomach.

"The agent knows the gimbal is wrapped in two, Za." Bian's words again surprised him. The man seemed to be able to read what was in Za's mind.

"For whom, Mom? I'm full of this ice."

"Bulek. I wanted to know the gimbal" he said."

Za sighed softly. Why did his mother become spoiled with Bian. Last night bought martabak to finish while praising the goodness of Bian. And now the message knows the gimbal. I don't know what other compliments will be offered to his nephew.

But somehow Bian is very understanding. Paying proper attention to your own family. Maybe because Bian only has Za's family.

Two packs of tofu gimbal were completed just as their bowl was empty. They went home after Bian paid for it.

Arriving at the house of Za's mother who was sweeping the terrace smiling sumringah. Because of the plastic that hangs on the motor and is stretched by Bian.

"Bulek was just kidding, Yan. Why buy it too, anyway? Where's two packs, again."

Bian just smiled and went into the house followed by Za and Rahma. Step into the room. Likewise with Za who entered his room adjacent to Bian's room. Meanwhile, Ms. Rahma headed to the kitchen to put the package that Bian brought.

Because there was only one bathroom in the house, Za relented when she saw Bian enter first with his towel. He sat waiting at the dinner table accompanying his mother who had just opened the gimbal tofu package.

Abundant portions of course will not be eaten by one person. Madam Rahma took a spoon asking Za to help spend it. She knew for sure her daughter had not eaten because Bian told her.

"When I come home, Mom and Dad will talk about your matchmaking with her."

Za choked on hearing her mother's words. He should not be surprised. Because that thing was said a few days ago by his mother. Even the ring Bian bought until now is still a question mark. For whom Bian bought it. If you measure Za's fingers. For Za's mother of course it's impossible. Because the tubun is slightly larger than Za who is classified as thin.

Za suddenly returned worried. If the ring was bought for him. Nah! Nah! Za doesn't want to be too confident. It could be that Bian secretly already has a lover who will be proposed. Without telling Za even Za's parents.

"If Mas Bian has a girlfriend, what?" Za tried to shake her mother's mind.

"Mom knows Bian does not want to date," said Ms. Rahma.

Their conversation came to a halt when they heard the sound of the bathroom door. Bian came out already wearing shorts and a t-shirt while rubbing his wet hair with a towel. He did get used to changing clothes in the bathroom if he lived in Za's house.

Za changed into the bathroom that Bian had just left. A day of activities at school with full teaching hours make him tired and want to all flush his body with cold water.

Until Za finished her bath and changed, there was no sign of her father coming home. Za saw her mother agitated in front as if waiting for the arrival of a boyfriend.

"Why don't you call me, Mom," Za said.

"It has. He said he stopped by the house of his office friend's parents."

"Then why are you so nervous. Like people fail to be diapelin aja," said Za again while throwing themselves on the living room sofa.

The sound of the roar of the motor that entered the fence of their house made Bu Rahma's face change sumringah. Not with Za. He was even more restless if his mother would really talk about his match with Bian. Not because Bian is a bad guy, but Za just wants to stay Bian's sister forever.

Seeing his father who had just finished bathing and had taken his casual clothes, the sarong combined with Za's home shirt just entered the room. Along with Bian who came out of the room. The two men are now sitting in the living room. At the warm tea that has just been delivered by Ms. Rahma.

Faintly heard chatter that sneaked into Za's room. Sauar Bian was talking to his father.

"Paklek, Bulek, can Bian have a minute? There's something Bian wants to talk about." Bian's faint-sounding voice grew clearer as Za closed her ears to the door of the room.

"of course. What do you want to talk about?" sahut Za's father.

Bian cleared his throat for a moment. "Look, Paklek. Bian wants the blessing of Paklek and Bulek. Bian coming home this time had the goal of proposing to a girl."

Za's knees feel weak. He sat on the floor waiting for Bian to continue with his heart beating faster.