The air around Sigli Beach is very cool. Varun was waiting in the square near the beach with a pounding heart. He couldn't wait to meet Lily, the girl he had known online for a year. Now is the time for them to meet face to face.
Varun was alone. Risky did not want to disturb him and chose to spend time playing volleyball on the beach with Fauzy and several other local youths.
After fifteen minutes of waiting, finally the person Varun was waiting for arrived. Lily, a beautiful girl with round eyes with big petals, luscious red lips, and a small sharp nose, walked on the sand of the beach to the square.
Varun was impatient and immediately walked after Lily. He was even more amazed to see the online lover in person. Much prettier than the photos or videos that Varun had seen so far.
The ends of Lily's long hijab fluttered in the sea breeze. The girl held her hijab cloth so as not to fly.
Finally, they stood facing each other. The two of them were silent for a long time and stole glances of shame.
"Hi," said Varun first.
Lily smiled. Instantly his dimples became apparent. The girl's appearance is very good-looking. Not only Varun, but other men can also fall in love with him.
"Sorry. I'm late. Earlier from Uncle's house, there was a bit of a blockage. The usual road was closed. There was a ditch construction," said Lily.
"It's okay. I can't wait for you," said Varun.
Varun's words made Lily blush even more. His movements were gentle and elegant. He didn't say much if it wasn't Varun who started first. Quiet type of girl. Just as Varun had expected.
They sat on the beachside cafe bench. The place is outdoor and crowded with visitors. In Aceh, there should be no special place for dating in the indoor area. Even if you want to meet with the opposite sex, you have to be in a public place and at a certain time. The people of Aceh highly uphold religious teachings and moral values.
Two glasses of orange juice were served at the table where Varun and Lily were sitting.
"Let's drink." Varun welcomes Lily.
"Yeah," Lily said with her head down.
Varun felt warmth in his heart. Such a coy atmosphere is a very meaningful and beautiful moment.
"What do you want to eat?" asked Varun.
Lily shook her head. "No need. I already ate at Uncle's house," answered Lily.
Varun chuckled. "It turns out that a famous writer is really shy, isn't he?"
Lily returned Varun's smile. "Sorry to disappoint you," said Lily.
"Not at all. My feelings for you are getting bigger." Varun looked deeply at Lily.
Lily was nervous. Just like Varun, he had been pounding and seemed to be floating.
"Do you just like it?" Lily asked seriously.
"Lily, my feelings for you are difficult for me to explain. One year we have lived, I feel we are compatible and complement each other. I miss you all the time. And now, when I've looked at you directly in front of me...." Varun was silent for a moment lost in his feelings.
Lily waited impatiently.
"I'm falling in love with you even more." Varun continues his words.
Lily's eyes filled with tears. There was a pool of tears he was trying to hold back. Incredibly touched. The man she had known and spent a lot of time with within the Maya world was now right in front of her. Very handsome like a prince. His body is tall and stocky. Varun's thick black hair looks masculine with a neat haircut on the side and allowed to slightly lengthen the bangs. Truly Varun is like a movie or novel character that comes out and becomes real.
Varun and Lily's conversation continued to more personal matters. Varun is curious about Lily's family. However, Lily is not sure to invite Varun to visit her uncle.
"Uncle is sick. Kidney complications and diabetes. Currently, he is lying in bed a lot," explained Lily.
"I'm sorry," said Varun.
"Thanks," said Lily.
"If you will, let me visit your uncle. I want to get to know your family better." Varun is so sincere.
Doubt took hold of Lily again. "Maybe later. Not now, Varun. My uncle is like most people here. He doesn't like it when a man comes to the house."
"It means?" Varun looks confused.
Lily was embarrassed. His face was getting redder. "Uncle doesn't like it when I'm dating. Uncle said, if there is a serious man, it's better to come and propose immediately."
Varun was silent for a moment digesting Lily's words. Is this code? Instantly Lily turned pale, embarrassed.
"Sorry. That's not what I meant," Lily said.
Varun nodded. "I want to be serious too."
Lily froze. For a while, Varun and Lily looked at each other.
"But we just met right?" Lily asked doubtfully.
"We've known each other for a long time. We've got along well with each other," said Varun.
Lily smiled. Her heart is blossoming. Unexpectedly their conversation will lead very seriously at this first meeting.
"Have you been in Aceh long?" asked Varun.
"A week. I'm just waiting for all the references for my latest novel to be complete. The source is my uncle's friend," answered Lily.
Varun is mesmerized. "Wow! It's cool, a writer like you. If you want to write a novel, you have to go directly to the field to find references and sources."
"Take a visit to uncle too." Lily clasped her hands together, getting nervous.
Varun noticed Lily's bashful attitude. To him, Lily is very sweet, natural, and innocent.
"Are you wearing the hijab now? Before going to Aceh, weren't you?" asked Varun.
Lily shook her head. "Not yet. I wear a hijab because my Uncle doesn't like it when I don't wear a hijab. Here the rules are also strict for Muslim women. From time to time, sharia police can conduct raids. Lily.
Varun was taken aback by Lily's explanation.
"But you are very beautiful with this appearance. Keep it up," said Varun sincerely.
"Thank you. Pray for my heart to be strong," said Lily.
Their conversation continued. As time went on, Lily and Varun were no longer awkward.
Both of them admire each other. Varun, who works as an architect and has a private office with a design team in Jakarta, moved Lily's heart. Meanwhile, Lily also explained that she has family who lives in Jakarta.
Varun had already started planning to meet Lily's family once they returned to Jakarta. Lily agrees even though Varun notices something strange about the girl. Lily is not comfortable explaining in detail her home address and family.
Bad thoughts had crossed Varun's mind. However, it seems unlikely that famous writers like Alexa D or Lily were con artists or con artists who wanted to ensnare rich men. It's too bad to risk his good name and career for this type of cybercrime.
Varun feels more and more comfortable with Lily. Not only beautiful, but Lily also fits the criteria. Graceful, cool, smart, and fun to talk to. A truly insightful writer.
Varun had spent five days in Pidie with Lily. Their love for each other grew stronger.
"I love you," said Varun as he handed Lily a bouquet on the beach one afternoon.
Lily is very happy to receive flowers from Varun. "I love you too," Lily replied.
On the beach with the golden sun shining on the surface of the water, they looked at each other. The feeling of warm love between lovers grows and blooms like tendrils of roses that propagate in the garden.
***