Ayumi smiled sweetly seeing Aida who was so enthusiastic about her grandmother's love story. He resumed his story.
--- Ayumi's story ---
Batavia, January 12, 1940
Edward's career is getting better. His rank rose to Sergeant. Moreover, at that time he managed to catch a fighter. But the problems started from his brilliant success. Edward doesn't realize that the fighter he captured is the neighbor of his father Kinarsih, the woman he loves and wants to marry.
Buintezorg, Dutch East Indies
January 15, 1940
One night, Edward conveyed his intention to propose to Kinarsih. They were talking in a tavern in the middle of town. While eating the food at the tavern, Edward opened a conversation with Kinarsih.
He said, "Asih, our relationship is getting closer. I know, we haven't known each other long. However, since the first time I saw you. I love you so much. I love you, Kinarsih."
Kinarsih blushed. He nearly choked on the soto he was devouring in surprise. Kinarsih was silent for a moment. After drinking water, and breathing a sigh of relief, Kinarsih replied, "Uhm, I love you too, Edward. I loved you long before we met."
Edward was surprised. "Before we met at the bookstore?"
Kinarsih smiled and nodded. "Yes, Ed. I started to love you when I saw you leading a new army. At that time, I was assigned to check the health of prospective military members."
Kinarsih explained the incident. Edward listened intently. After hearing Kinarsih's explanation, Edward gently held Kinarsih's hand, and knelt before her.
He said, "Asih, I love you too. I want us to get married as soon as possible. Will you marry me before I am assigned to Holland?"
Kinarsih was surprised. "What?"
Edward said worriedly, "Yes, honey. Europe is in turmoil. There is news that I will be assigned to Europe against Nazi Germany."
Kinarsih looked at Edward with teary eyes, "But... we just met each other, Ed."
Edward looked at Kinarsih, "Yes, Asih. I didn't expect this news. Therefore, I would like to propose to you now."
Kinarsih looked at Edward sadly. She smiled sweetly. "Okay, Ed. I'll tell my mom and dad."
Edward smiled sweetly, and kissed Kinarsih's hand. "Thank you, Asih."
A week later, in the afternoon Edward took Kinarsih to the square. They sat together under a shady tree. Affectionately, Kinarsih rested her head on Edward's shoulder, while her hand held Edward's hand.
While enjoying the intimacy, Kinarsih said, "Honey, I've talked to my mom and dad about our relationship."
He asked hopefully., "Then, what do your father and mother think?"
Kinarsih was silent. His face was sad, and his eyes were filled with tears. However, he mustered up the courage to deliver the news. He sighed. Kinarsih began to say in a heavy tone.
With a sad face, Kinarsih said, "Ed, they don't approve of our relationship. However, I really love you. My father did not approve because I am the son of a native."
Edward was surprised. "I don't care if you're a native or not. We are both born of a woman. What is Indigenous? How important is the Indigenous predicate for a bond of love?"
"Yes, Ed. I understand. I still want to be with you. My heart is only for you, Ed." Kinarsih's sobs sounded soft.
Edward took a deep breath. His face was sad, but he still managed to smile. With affection, he gently stroked Kinarsih's hair.
"Honey, I believe in your sincerity. I will stay with you, even though we may be apart in the corner of the world."
Kinarsih wept when she heard Edward's words. His love is getting stronger. "Ed, … Please, don't leave me,"
Edward replied softly, "Yes, Asih. I will always be in your heart forever."
Edward kissed Kinarsih's forehead. She hugged Edward tightly, and said in a low voice. "Thank you, Ed. I promise, until whenever this love is only for you."
---Ayumi's Story---
Ayumi smiled sadly, and said, "That's it, Dear. They love each other despite their different social status. Indeed, love sometimes does not look at social status."
Aida was moved to hear the story of her grandmother's youth. "Grandpa Chow loves grandma so much."
Ayumi smiled. "Yes, son. Grandma loves Grandpa Chow so much." However, her face suddenly became sad again.
She sighed again, then said again, "Until her death in 1957, Grandma still had time to look for grandfather."
Aida was so amazed by her grandmother's struggle. She said, "Ohh, so touching. Then how about it, Mom?"
Ayumi replied, "Your grandmother died at a young age. Masaru's grandfather was barren, but he was a good man. He married your grandmother so that your grandmother would not be raped by the Japanese soldiers when the Japanese colonized Indonesia. If Grandpa Masaru didn't marry grandma, mama and you wouldn't exist, Aida. Even though mama is not the child of Grandpa Masaru, he loves mama so much, son,"
Aida was moved to hear the story her mother told. Her mother resumed her story.
Ayumi continued, "Son, Grandpa Masaru also helped Grandma look for Grandpa Chow,"
Aida then asked, "So, I'm still Grandpa Chow's biological grandson?"
Ayumi answered him curtly, "Yes, son,"
Aida nodded. His mother again told the story of Kinarsih. This time, his mother told about Kinarsih's first meeting with Grandpa Masaru, the grandfather Aida had known all along.
---Ayumi's Story---
Buintezorg, March 25, 1942
After more than a week of the Kalijati agreement which marked the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, many Indonesian women were brought by the Japanese army to be used as an outlet for their lust.
The Japanese soldiers entered the villages to bring the women to the Japanese army barracks to satisfy lust. Kinarsih, who at that time was three months pregnant with Edward, was also taken by several Japanese soldiers. Arriving at the barracks, Kinarsih was almost naked. His clothes were torn by the little samurai.
"NO!! PLEASE STOP IT!!!" she cried, weeping in fear.
They did not want to listen and continued to approach Kinarsih. Suddenly. BANG!! There was a gunshot from behind. They suddenly stopped what they were doing after seeing the leader coming. Not long after, this person appeared. The frightened Kinarsih continued to cry.
Kinarsih knelt down, and hugged the officer's feet. "Please don't rape me. I'm pregnant, Sir."
The officer looked at Kinarsih. He smiled. The officer crouched down, and he gently touched Kinarsih's chin.
In Indonesian, the officer said, "Don't be afraid. I will save you."
Kinarsih was surprised. She didn't expect the officer to speak in Indonesian. Kinarsih was silent, and looked at the officer with fear.
The officer was still smiling. "I am Lieutenant Masaru. I've been in the Netherlands Indies for several years. Come with me. I will marry you, and will take care of the child you are carrying."
Kinarsih was silent, and looked at Masaru with a frightened look. Her tears dripped. Masaru helps Kinarsih to get up.
He said softly, "Get up. Come with me. From now on, you live with me as my wife."
Kinarsih, who was frightened, just kept silent, obeying Masaru's wishes. He got up, and tried to cover the exposed parts of his body. Masaru took off his Blazer. He put the blazer on.
"Wear this to cover your exposed body because your clothes are torn," he said as he put the blazer on to cover Kinarsih's exposed body.
Kinarsih just silent. He didn't dare argue. Before leaving, Masaru who had the rank of Lieutenant said to the Japanese soldiers in Japanese.
"This woman is my wife. You touch it, I'll cut off your heads with my sword," his said as he pulled out his katana from his waist.
The soldiers were silent and no one dared to argue. Escorted by his aide, Masaru took Kinarsih out of the barracks and went straight to Lieutenant Masaru's house. There, Kinarsih was told to take a shower and change into proper clothes.
Since the first meeting with Lieutenant Masaru, Kinarsih lives with him. He treated Kinarsih well, but Kinarsih was still scared. She was so traumatized by what happened to him.
Masaru is quite patient with Kinarsih's attitude. Slowly, Kinarsih started to get up, and tried to be nice to Masaru. Masaru himself never told him to have a husband and wife relationship. He only taught Kinarsih Japanese traditions. One day, Kinarsih asked Masaru.
"Masaru, I have become your wife, even though I love another man. Why do you still want to marry me? Why don't you have the slightest bit of jealousy? Why are you different from the other Nippon soldiers?" her asked as if he couldn't believe how soft Masaru was.
Masaru smiled. "My family raised me with love, even though they are descendants of the Samurai Family."
Masaru sighed. "Kinarsih, I'm barren. I can't have a husband and wife relationship."
Masaru's face looked gloomy. He stared blankly ahead. Kinarsih who saw Masaru's sadness slowly began to feel pity. He gently touched Masaru's shoulder.
"I'm sorry to hear your story, Masaru. Don't be sad. Drink this tea to calm you down," her said in a soft tone.
Kinarsih gave Masaru a cup of green tea. Masaru smiled. He drank Kinarsih's green tea. Masaru resumed the conversation.
"Kinarsih, when I saw you pregnant, my affection came. I want to be a father."
Masaru fell silent again. He sighed. He was reminded of the disease disorder in which he suffered, so that he could be healthy, but impotent. His parents are still convinced that one day he will become a father, and his soul mate will come. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Kinarsih, I will not be jealous of your lover, or he who has filled your heart. I promise, when it's all over, I'll help you find it. But, please allow me to be the father of the child you are carrying, Kinarsih," his said as he gently stroked Kinarsih's growing belly.
Kinarsih gently held Masaru's hand that rubbed his stomach. "Okay, Masaru. I understand. I'll play your wife, even if it's hard."
Masaru looked at Kinarsih gently. "Thank you, Kinarsih."
--Ayumi's story-