Chereads / Love in Contract / Chapter 19 - Return to the Village

Chapter 19 - Return to the Village

As the leaves fell and the breeze carried the sweet scent of the yellowing fields, Amara felt the time was right to bring Raka to her village. "I think it's time for you to meet my family, Raka," Amara said with a warm smile. Raka, though a little nervous, welcomed the idea with enthusiasm. "I want to get to know your family better, Amara. They must be as amazing as you are."

The night before the trip, they sat together in the living room, planning every detail of their trip. "What are you most worried about?" Amara asked, wanting to make sure everything would go smoothly. Raka took a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself. "I just hope they'll accept me well. I don't want to make a bad impression," he said anxiously. Amara held Raka's hand tightly. "Raka, they'll like you. I'm sure of it," Amara said confidently.

They began to pack their belongings, making sure nothing was left behind. "Don't forget to bring your sweater. Nights in the village can be quite cold," Amara reminded him. Raka chuckled, trying to ease his nerves. "I'll bring it, don't worry." They also brought a small gift for Amara's family as a sign of respect. "I hope they like this," Raka said, holding the gift box carefully.

Early in the morning, they set off for Amara's village. The journey was pleasant, with views of expansive green rice fields and lush forests. Amara pointed out places that held special memories for her. "That's where I used to play when I was little," she said, pointing to a large tree. "And in that river I often fished with my father." Raka listened attentively, feeling closer to Amara through her story.

When they arrived at the village, the atmosphere felt so peaceful and cool. Dusty roads lined with shady trees and traditional houses made the scenery so calming. Amara's family greeted them warmly in front of the house. "Amara, it's been a long time since you've been home!" her mother shouted, hugging Amara tightly. "Mom, I miss you," Amara replied with teary eyes.

Raka felt a little nervous when meeting Amara's family for the first time. "This is Raka, mom. He's eager to meet you," Amara said, introducing Raka. Amara's father extended his hand with a big smile. "Welcome, Raka. We're glad to finally meet you," Amara's father said. Raka felt relieved by the warm welcome. "Thank you, sir. I'm glad to be here too," Raka replied politely.

Raka's first impression of the village and Amara's family was very positive. The peaceful atmosphere of the village, the beautiful traditional houses, and the friendliness of his family made Raka feel welcomed. "This village is beautiful, Amara. I feel at home," Raka said with a happy smile. Amara smiled, feeling Raka's happiness. "I'm glad you like it, Raka. This is a very special place for me."

Amara's family took Raka around the village, introducing him to Amara's neighbors and old friends. "This is Raka, Amara's fiancé," Amara's father said to their neighbors. Everyone greeted Raka with smiles and warm greetings. "Welcome to our village, Raka. I hope you enjoy your stay here," a neighbor said kindly. Raka felt more comfortable with the village atmosphere and the closeness shown by Amara's family.

In the evening, they gathered in the living room to eat together. Delicious village dishes were served on the table, making Raka's stomach growl. "Come on, please eat, Raka. We have prepared Amara's favorite food," said Amara's mother with a warm smile. "Thank you, Mom. Everything looks very delicious," replied Raka enthusiastically. They enjoyed the meal together, interspersed with stories and laughter that warmed the atmosphere.

Raka was increasingly impressed with Amara's family as he listened to their stories. "Amara has always been a cheerful and enthusiastic child," said her father. "She always brings happiness wherever she goes." Raka felt like he knew Amara better through her family's stories. "I can see how important family is to Amara," he thought.

That night, before going to bed, Amara and Raka sat on the veranda of the house, enjoying the stars shining in the sky. "I'm glad we could come here, Raka. I feel like we're getting closer," said Amara as she rested her head on Raka's shoulder. "Me too, Amara. Your family is very warm and friendly. I feel welcomed," replied Raka in a soft voice.

The trip to this village became an important moment in Amara and Raka's relationship. They felt deep warmth and closeness, and increasingly understood the meaning of family and commitment. With every story and moment they experienced in the village, their relationship became closer and more meaningful.

***

Raka felt warmth in his chest as he got to know Amara's family members one by one. Starting with Amara's mother, a friendly and loving middle-aged woman. "Nice to meet you, Raka. Amara often talks about you," said his mother as she served him warm tea. Raka smiled and replied, "Nice to meet you too, Mom. Amara means a lot to me."

Then, Raka met Amara's father, a man with a stern but wise face. "Welcome to our house, Raka. I hope you feel at home," he said while shaking Raka's hand tightly. Raka felt the warmth in the greeting and felt calmer. "Thank you, sir. I feel very welcome here," Raka replied sincerely.

Not to be left behind, Amara's enthusiastic younger brother also introduced himself. "I'm Dika, Amara's younger brother. I hope you can stand all the funny stories about my sister," he said with a laugh. Raka laughed along and felt that he had become part of this family. "Nice to meet you, Dika. I'm ready to hear all the funny stories," Raka replied with a big smile.

That afternoon, Amara's family invited Raka to sit in the simple but comfortable living room. They began to share stories and family memories filled with laughter and happiness. "Amara used to always make a scene in this house with her creative ideas," said Amara's mother with a laugh. Raka listened attentively, feeling closer to Amara and her family. "I can imagine little Amara full of energy and creativity," Raka said, smiling at Amara.

Story after story flowed, starting from Amara's childhood adventures to important moments in her life. "I remember when Amara won a drawing competition at school. She was so proud and showed the trophy to everyone," her father said proudly. Amara smiled shyly, while Raka felt like he was getting to know Amara better from her family's perspective. "I didn't know you ever won a drawing competition, Amara. You're really great," Raka said with admiration.

This moment of intimacy and warmth was even more pronounced when they had dinner together. Delicious village dishes were served on the table, tempting Raka's appetite. "Please eat, Raka. We prepared Amara's favorite food," Amara's mother said kindly. Raka felt very grateful. "Thank you, Mom. Everything looks really delicious," he said enthusiastically.

The dinner was filled with laughter and warm conversation. Amara and Raka shared stories about their lives in the city, while Amara's family told stories about their daily life in the village. "Here, we usually wake up early to go to the rice fields," said Amara's father. "That's right. Working in the rice fields is tiring, but we feel satisfied seeing the results," added her mother. The next day, Amara and Raka woke up early to join in the daily activities in the village. "Come on, Raka. You should try farming like us," said Amara's father enthusiastically. Raka smiled and nodded. "I'm ready, Sir. This will be a new experience for me," he said enthusiastically. They went to the rice fields, where Raka learned how to plant rice and care for the plants. "This turned out to be harder than I imagined," said Raka with a tired smile. "But I feel happy to be able to try something new."

In addition to farming, Raka also tried cooking traditional food with Mrs. Amara. "This is how we cook gudeg, a typical food from this village," said Mrs. Amara while inviting Raka to the kitchen. Raka watched carefully every step she showed. "I've never cooked food like this before. It feels good to learn from you," said Raka with a warm smile. Mrs. Amara smiled with satisfaction. "I'm glad you enjoyed this, Raka. Cooking together is our way of maintaining family traditions," she replied.

Throughout the day, Raka and Amara participated in various village activities. They helped in the fields, cooked together, and even participated in traditional ceremonies held by the villagers. "I feel very connected to this village, Amara. The atmosphere is very warm and full of togetherness," said Raka while enjoying the surrounding scenery. Amara smiled and felt proud to be able to introduce Raka to her village. "I'm glad you feel the same way, Raka. This village has always been an important part of my life," replied Amara.

That evening, they sat on the porch of the house, enjoying the beauty of the clear night sky. "Amara, thank you for bringing me here. I feel closer to you and your family," Raka said in a soft voice. Amara held Raka's hand tightly. "I feel the same way, Raka. My family is a part of me, and I want you to be a part of it too," Amara replied lovingly.

The trip to the village not only strengthened Amara and Raka's relationship, but also made them understand the importance of family and tradition. They learned to appreciate every moment together and feel the warmth that can only be found in the place they call home. With every activity and conversation they had with Amara's family, their relationship grew closer and more meaningful.

***

That night was one of the most memorable moments for Raka during his visit to Amara's village. Amara's family held a special dinner in their yard lit by small lights hanging from the trees. The cool night breeze and the sound of crickets chirping created the perfect atmosphere to gather and share stories. "This is a very special moment for us. Thank you for coming, Raka," said Amara's mother while serving delicious dishes on the table.

Raka felt the warmth radiating from each member of Amara's family. He sat among them, listening to stories about Amara's childhood and daily life in the village. "Amara has always been cheerful and full of energy since she was little," her father proudly said. "She was never afraid to try new things." Raka smiled, feeling like he was getting to know Amara better through these stories. "I can see that in Amara now. She's always full of spirit and courage," Raka said in awe.

This special moment was also filled with laughter and jokes. Dika, Amara's younger brother, told a story about their adventures in the river when they were little. "Amara almost fell into the river because she wanted to catch fish with her own hands," Dika said with a laugh. "But luckily, Dad immediately pulled her back." Everyone laughed at the story, and Raka felt truly accepted as part of the family. "You're brave, Amara. I don't know if I could do that," Raka said, smiling at Amara.

After dinner, they sat around a small campfire lit in the yard. The sound of burning wood and the sparks of fire created a magical atmosphere. "This is a very beautiful moment," said Amara's mother while looking at the bonfire. "We always do this every time there is a special event." Raka felt the warmth of the bonfire and the familiarity that was formed between them. "Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this. I feel very lucky to be able to know all of you," said Raka in a soft voice.

As the night deepens, Amara and Raka walk around the village, accompanied only by the dim light of the moon. They talk about the meaning of family and their commitment to the future. "I feel very connected to you and your family, Amara. Your family is an important part of your life, and I want to be a part of it," Raka says earnestly. Amara smiles and takes Raka's hand. "My family is a part of me, Raka. And now, you are also a part of my life. We will build our own family based on the love and warmth we feel here," Amara replies lovingly.

They reflect on their journey together, from the beginning of their meeting to this moment. "I feel that this journey has strengthened our relationship," Amara says. "I feel the same way, Amara. I feel closer to you every day," Raka replies with a warm smile. They both feel that this journey is an important step in their relationship, bringing them closer together and giving them a deeper understanding of the meaning of family and commitment.

The next morning, it is time to say goodbye to Amara's family. The moment of parting is full of emotion. "Thank you for coming, Raka. We are glad to have met you," said Amara's father, hugging Raka tightly. "I am glad to be here too. Thank you for your hospitality and warmth," replied Raka in a voice full of gratitude. Amara's mother gave Raka a warm hug. "Take good care of yourself, and don't forget to visit often," she said with tears in her eyes. "We will definitely come back again. Thank you for everything," said Amara, hugging her mother.

They promised to maintain their relationship with Amara's family and visit often in the future. "We will come here often, Raka. I want you to feel the warmth and familiarity of this village whenever we have the chance," said Amara enthusiastically. Raka nodded in agreement. "I want to come back here often too, Amara. This village has a special place in my heart now," he replied with confidence.

The journey back to the city was filled with feelings of happiness and satisfaction. "I feel that this journey has taught us a lot about the meaning of family and love," said Raka as they drove along the quiet streets. Amara nodded, agreeing with Raka's feelings. "I feel the same way. I am sure we can face the future better after this experience," she said with hope.

Back in the city, Amara and Raka brought back beautiful memories and valuable lessons from the village. They felt stronger and more connected as a couple. They both believed that with each other's love and support, they could achieve all their dreams. Their relationship grew stronger and more meaningful, based on a sincere commitment and a deep understanding of the meaning of family.

They knew that their journey was still long, but they were ready to face all the challenges with the love and warmth they felt in the village. Amara and Raka promised to always maintain their relationship with their family and continue to build a future full of love and happiness.