RSVP ceased to accept Platinum-class customers, even though many were willing to pay multiple times the subscription price. It had already happened; RSVP had become a channel for disseminating gossip, which, surprisingly, could be used as a predictive parameter. Moreover, exclusivity was another reason why RSVP was so sought after.
It is a fundamental human trait – curiosity. An excessive desire for knowledge, followed by a yearning to be accepted by one's surroundings. It leads to wanting to feel special, to be part of an elite group with knowledge that is hard to access. Once again, the craving to be important and distinguished within the best social circles. This closed exclusivity provides a sensation of being paramount. It may be an illusion, but what if that's really how the game is played? That's how humans are, trapped in social structures.
Admittedly, RSVP facilitates this ecosystem. It provides news on the financial and political markets, catering to those involved in such matters. Some even believe that those accessing the information are high-level policymakers in companies, even state-owned enterprises. Alaric always suspected that RSVP operated like a spy organization in action movies. On the other hand, Aymard, being realistic, believed that they obtained information from trusted employees of influential individuals. It was effortless to extract information while engaging in casual conversation over a large cup of coffee during lunch breaks.
Frustrated by RSVP's intense coverage of Super Kontruksi, which remained tightly closed, Aymard asked Jaya Emyr to uncover RSVP's performance. Aymard's request was granted, as Jaya Emyr himself was emotionally provoked by RSVP's revisiting of the less harmonious relationship between CorporatE and the Dirdja family, particularly Magdeléne and Dharma. It pertained to him as a child who did not inherit the Sumanagara bloodline, and he was often referred to as a bastard.
The rumors from two decades ago were first uttered by Magdeléne Dirdja in front of her socialites entourage.
It should never have become an issue. However, Magdeléne chose the wrong moment to make her remark. It was especially because she said so in response to Aymard's innocent chatter when he was only nine years old. Children's jests are always honest about their own feelings. But it was Magdeléne who was blamed. As a respected adult woman, she should have been wiser when Aymard, in his innocence, mentioned that Jaya Emyr was his most handsome friend due to having a bit of Middle Eastern blood.
Both Myanna and Daud were not of Middle Eastern descent, but Magdeléne knew Myanna's lover before she married Daud. Although they were not close, Magdeléne harbored jealousy towards Myanna. News of Myanna's brief marriage to the late Emyrrumi had reached her ears.
So, saying just one sentence that Jaya Emyr was not Daud Sumanagara's son at the ladies' gathering was akin to throwing bait for gossip to spread. There was certainly gossiping going on behind her back, but the consequences were unforeseen, even by Magdeléne herself. It turned out to be fatal.
One afternoon, little Jaya Emyr returned home early, unable to contain his tears. He was overwhelmed with sadness after being taunted by some schoolmates, who called him a fatherless and a rascal. Daud's anger was undeniable, and his command felt more like an order, requiring his men to search tirelessly for the source of this cruel gossip that had wounded Jaya Emyr's heart. And before midnight, they came back with the same result. Meanwhile, gossip spread about Jaya Emyr not resembling Daud, originating from the mouths of the ladies gathered in an event, pointing directly to Magdeléne Dirdja.
Even Daud did not tolerate Aymard as a little boy. He sternly told Dharma to cease all dealings with the Dirdjas. And Jaya Emyr's father always stood by his words. The next day, all collaborations with the Dirdjas were redirected elsewhere. Daud gave a slightly benevolent reason, citing Aymard's young age as a factor. Daud Sumanagara angrily exclaimed in front of Dharma, questioning why Magdeléne would slander Jaya Emyr when she herself had her own dark secrets about Aymard. Yes, even though Aymard was undeniably a Dirdja, Magdeléne held a little secret about him. This secret unknowingly caused her to not shower Aymard with the same love and affection as she did to Alaric.
So now, when this issue resurfaced, Jaya Emyr smirked cunningly, reluctant to side with Aymard. He quipped that perhaps forcing RSVP to shift the focus of the news was more effective than silencing them. In Jaya Emyr's view, RSVP's presence added its own pleasurable nuances to the situation.
"They can make me laugh wholeheartedly."
Aymard squinted at Jaya Emyr.
"Especially when reading their lived-chat about Burik or Andjani."
Aymard sighed, "You've always been a bit strange. But the unique kind of strange that's enjoyable!" he grumbled.
Jaya Emyr flashed a smile as he swirled his glass. The ice cubes cooling the scotch clinked against the glass walls. His legs rested straight on the table, crossing each other.
"I'm the son of Myanna Sumanagara, remember?" he teased.
Aymard sighed again, placing his hands on his hips, tilting his head to look at his childhood bestfriend that being a colleague at present -and possibly back to be bestfriend again. He wanted to say so much, but his mind was filled with too many thoughts. Jaya Emyr gazed back at him intently.
"Hey!" he called.
Aymard raised an eyebrow.
"What's going on between you and Burik?"
Aymard froze for a moment, then shook his head, "Nothing. Just some sibling and family matters."
Jaya Emyr clearly didn't believe him. He winced and continued, "Aisha?"
This time, Aymard froze a little longer. His acted just like confirming Jaya Emyr's suspicions. Jaya Emyr might not be a fortune-teller but his father always said he inherited his mother's sensitivity. He has the ability to observe people's behaviours. How subtle body language could align with hidden emotions. If one was accustomed to it, they could easily sense someone's true feelings, or at least predict their actions.
"You haven't been acting like siblings with Burik for the past two weeks. Yet, you've been very possessive of Aisha. Shit happened, didn't it?"
Aymard sighed in annoyance. He wasn't surprised, but he didn't want Jaya Emyr to know what had really happened. Alaric was a cowardly bastard, but it would be a disgrace for the entire Dirdja family if anyone found out about what Alaric did that night. And of course, Jaya Emyr would make his own calculations once he acknowledged Aisha as part of the family.
"Shit happened, yeah. So what? It's done. I can only keep my distance to forget about it," Aymard replied.
Jaya Emyr gazed at Aymard, curious about the dark matter that had occurred but refrained from prying. He was someone who tried to respect other people's affairs, not getting involved unless absolutely necessary. What mattered was that the prediction was right about Alaric falling for Aisha, his distant cousin from his late father's side.
"Since when did Burik have feelings for Aisha, Mad?" Jaya Emyr asked.
Aymard felt his throat suddenly dry. He shrugged and sighed. This was the frustration evident in Jaya Emyr's ears. Understandable. Jaya Emyr knew all too well how much Aymard genuinely cared for Alaric.
"Maybe it's because Burik is facing the arranged marriage issue with Andjani, so his behaviour is getting weirder. Aunt Magda has always been terrifying," Jaya Emyr joked.
Aymard forced a stiff smile, not wanting to be drawn into Jaya Emyr's teasing, which now made him chuckle.
"Aisha is indeed beautiful. But I hope it's not just that you've fallen for her. Aymard, I have to ask, are you serious about Aisha? I mean, Aunt Magda still wants to see you with Isabel, right? This won't be easy," Jaya Emyr inquired.
Aymard chuckled, "No. Mama wants me to be with Margueritte. Seriously! So, I told her Margueritte is liked by Aunt Mia. For you. Done." he teased, skillfully evading the subject.
Jaya Emyr smiled broadly, understanding that Aymard didn't want to discuss his relationship with Aisha. He knew it might not be the right time yet. So, Jaya Emyr chuckled lightly and asked,
"Why doesn't Aunt Magda pursue Margueritte for Alaric?"
"Too high up," Aymard muttered sourly.
Jaya Emyr couldn't contain his laughter and took a sip, finishing the scotch that only filled a third of the glass.
"It's no different with Andjani. Hasn't Aunt Magda heard that Andjani is incredibly smart?" Jaya Emyr asked.
"Andjani is indeed smart. But you know, sometimes she gets carried away with her intelligence. Causes a lot of chaos!" Aymard replied.
"Poor Burik," Jaya Emyr teased, amused.
"That's the price he has to pay," Aymard said.
"You seem to enjoy it, don't you? Your little brother with Andjani causing a ruckus," Jaya Emyr chuckled.
Aymard burst into laughter, "Karma."
"What about Shafina?"
"She's complicated too. Doesn't want to let go."
For a moment, Jaya Emyr fell silent, "Well, having a wife and a mistress at the same time. Tsk, Burik sure has style."
Aymard shook his head, "You're being annoying, Jaya!"
Jaya Emyr's laughter exploded, making Aymard ready to be annoyed. Fortunately, a notification came in, interrupting the banter.
Today, at 09:56 AM, competent auditors finally had to work under protection. The astounding results from Batam, the suspected wild rotations of the 3 T figures, were not in the interest of the country. Too many were disturbed to the point where a high-ranking official forced himself to create a chronology of his activities, uploaded every boarding pass, and took pictures in front of the plane. What a commotion._____________________
Then, should we mention someone with the initials Arcandra Thahar, who briefly sat down and immediately put Kissinger at ease? Freeport no longer had to continue its extraction in Papua discreetly.__________________________________
Deadly coffee cyanide and tax amnesty, enough to confuse the public. They seemed unrelated, except that both were triggered by individuals bearing the name Kumala.__________
The Super Struktural, suspected to be a regional pilot project in Asia. It was a prideful moment to witness a utopian concept turn into reality. What's intriguing was that they were privately owned but operated in the energy procurement domain. Shouldn't anything related to the public interest be the responsibility of the state? If this utopian project succeeded, the country would have to be ashamed because a closed corporation owned by a few individuals could provide modern energy solutions._____________________
Time to party. Mulia started to get busy. Around Dharmawangsa, take a closer look. Who knows if Alaric is wandering around with Andjani, or the flamboyant young Goh. He rejects arranged marriages, insisting on finding his own match. Any takers to be a con-artist, anyway? The condition, of course, is that they must endure the extensive Goh family, from Manado to Macau!_________________________
By the way, it's been nearly two years. Does anyone still remember that no one knows who AR Durlach really is? It's impossible for him to be the assistant because yesterday, AR Durlach completely bought the winter collection of Isabel Marant. We all know that Aisha Roestam was present at the Chamber of Commerce discussion yesterday.__________________
Jaya Emyr chuckled softly while Aymard furrowed his brow in confusion. It was the first time RSVP had thrown various rumors at once. He glanced at Jaya Emyr, who was now giggling. Aymard raised his phone.
"Yes. That's what I meant earlier."
"Did you press them?" Aymard asked, incredulous.
Jaya Emyr merely gave a lazy shrug, indicating he did something but didn't put much effort into it.
"Do you know who they are then?"
Jaya Emyr nodded, still appearing nonchalant.
"Who?"
This time, Jaya Emyr responded immediately, firmly shaking his head in reply to Aymard's question, which had an elevated tone.
"They serve a purpose, Mad. I agreed that they can continue operating as long as they don't disturb us too much. But I told them they are free to talk about anything related to Alaric."
Aymard shook his head in disbelief, "Why play with fire?"
"Why should we ignite the flames right away?" Jaya Emyr countered.
Aymard fell silent, understanding Jaya Emyr's point. If they immediately crushed RSVP, it would undoubtedly be detrimental. The personnel of RSVP were not ordinary people; they knew very well that communication lines were limited. Though they held power, causing trouble with independent journalists who acted like fire ant colonies wouldn't be wise.
"I assure you RSVP is actually filled with competent individuals. They don't discriminate, and they are not desperate writers seeking payment like buzzers. You'll be surprised," Jaya Emyr remarked with a smirk.
"People from CorporatE?" Aymard squinted.
Jaya Emyr shook his head and sneered, "No, not exactly. But we do know some of them."
Aymard loosened his tie a bit.
"That's why they were delighted when I said they could freely talk about Alaric," Jaya Emyr teased.
Aymard sighed, "Don't overdo it, Jaya. After all, he is still my brother."
"Of course, Mad! Relax. I'm just kidding," Jaya Emyr reassured.
Aymard strolled wearily to a recliner near the window. He slowly removed his tie and jacket before flopping onto the comfortable sofa. His eyes gazed out at the panoramic view before him. SCBD resembled ivory towers full of illusions, an imminent source of media-politicized turmoil. There were no land deeds here, only building usage rights. Anyone who understood the true nature of money circulation would not be easily fascinated by this place. In 20, 50, or maybe 100 years, everything would undoubtedly be vastly different. Aymard's mind grappled with these facts, encountering barriers ready to crush him. Alaric, Magdeléne, and even Mamie - their faces clouded his thoughts, and he let out a sigh that exasperated Jaya Emyr.
"Aisha is precious," Aymard murmured.
Jaya Emyr stayed silent.
"I know we'll face obstacles, and unfortunately, it's likely that it will be my side that complicates things," Aymard continued.
Jaya Emyr chuckled softly, "Who did say that? I'll also make things difficult for you."
Aymard turned to him, catching a glimpse of Jaya Emyr's unfriendly smile, "I already told you that she's a cousin from my late father's side, right?"
Aymard remained silent.
"Which means, there are rules from my extended family as we are the Middle Easterner. You kno its significantly different, Mad."
Aymard held his breath.
"Clearly, you have to consider it seriously. None of our family members will approve if you don't convert. Complicated, isn't it?" reiterated Jaya Emyr.
Aymard snorted, leaning back against the sofa's backrest, and laughed wryly.
"So, once again, how serious are you about Aisha? She might just be the most challenging test for you. You get what I mean?" Jaya Emyr reiterated.
Aymard glanced at Jaya Emyr, "Talking about conversion, I feel like you're indirectly mocking yourself with your mainstream hypocrisy, Jay!"
Jaya Emyr nodded, "Indeed," he said with a bitter smile, lifting the bottle of his drink.
After a moment, he continued, staring at the dark amber liquid filling half of the beautiful crystal bottle,
"But we'll still hold on to the first condition. Consider everything else as, ugh, our inability to resist the temptation of the cursed devil?" A wicked grin appeared at the end of Jaya Emyr's sentence.
Aymard sighed in frustration, "No matter what, you'll always be pulled between heaven and hell! All of us will."
Jaya Emyr chuckled, "You take it so seriously, Brudi! We're talking about Aisha, who can only marry someone who accepted by her patriarch families."
Aymard snorted again, and Jaya Emyr spoke hesitantly,
"Hypocrisy exists because of humans' excessive expectations. Expecting human behaviour to be a complete implementation of their beliefs. Damn, just one flaw and it becomes a subject of ridicule, labelled as a hypocrite. Their faith is deemed fake. When we have declared our faith, we weren't automatically be a holy person. People tend to be forgetting that humans actually go through a gradual process towards that faith to gain the highest point. That's why most human grown up from zero to a grand zero only!"
Aymard chuckled, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know that, and I believe it. No one starts out perfect. But we strive to become perfect. Just like you always used to emphasize."
Jaya Emyr smiled broadly.
"So, now you're playing a prank on me, right? Making me reconsider my seriousness with Aisha?"
Jaya Emyr sighed, "Think it over yourself. But clearly, I'll always support you more than Alaric."
Aymard smiled awkwardly for a moment. He felt melancholic. Under Jaya Emyr's probing gaze, he was sure that Jaya Emyr was eager to know what was going on between him and Alaric. It seemed that from now on, Aymard had to convince Jaya Emyr that his quarrels with Alaric related to Aisha were not complicated. Because if not, Jaya Emyr would undoubtedly find out. And if that happened, it would surely worsen their newly repaired friendship, even though it was Alaric who had caused the trouble in the first place.
Aymard tried to calm himself by closing his eyes briefly, "Jaya, I think I'm going to follow your idea," he muttered.
"Which one?" Jaya Emyr raised an eyebrow.
"The one about pushing Alaric to learn quickly. No longer backing him up."
Jaya Emyr raised an eyebrow, "Only because of Aisha, you finally decide to make things difficult for Alaric? So hypocritical," he quipped.
Aymard chuckled softly, "Call it what you want. For me, this is the right moment. He needs to solve his own problems from now on."
"Always like this. Pathetic! Listen to this, I'm still convinced it's because of Aisha!"
"Shut up!"
"You wish!"
Jaya Emyr chuckled again, confident that his prediction was correct. Aymard grumbled, not knowing for sure what was going on in Jaya Emyr's mind. That's the annoying thing about having a best friend; their conviction is undeniable. It never falters and eventually forces us to admit it, even though we may try to dodge and weave around it first. No need for many words, just a brief understanding, although, of course, there will always be secrets that cannot be shared. Like, for sure, Alaric's recent antics. Truly, sometimes Aymard just wanted to curl up and roar freely, expressing the weariness of his heart without overthinking. He could do it if he wanted to. Unfortunately, there was always something holding him back from behaving that way. He was someone very self-aware, which often made him think he had to endure the pain on his own. Indeed, it wasn't easy being Aymard.
*****