The days at the Big House had finally come to an end. It was time Aisha and Bela to return to the pesantren.
That night, rain fell in relentless sheets, drumming on the tin roof like thousands of restless fingers. The scent of wet earth drifted in through the slightly open window, cooling the damp air. A dim lamp cast a soft glow across the room, making the wooden walls come alive with dancing shadows.
Aisha sat comfortably on Nisa's bed, while Nisa leaned against the wall, hugging her knees. Their conversation was low and intimate, stories exchanged under the gentle soundtrack of falling rain.
When Aisha lifted her hand to adjust her hijab, a glint of black caught Nisa's eye. Her heart skipped a beat. It was unmistakable—Zaki's bracelet.
For a moment, Nisa tried to convince herself, "I have nothing to do with him. So why should I care?" Yet the irritation lingered, stubborn and relentless, like the rain outside. She forced a casual smile, pretending nothing had happened.
Aisha noticed her gaze and asked lightly, "Have you seen this bracelet before?"
Nisa froze, then let out a small laugh, hoping to mask her feelings. "Ah… It's sold everywhere. I'm sure I've seen it before."
"Oh…" Aisha's mind flickered to Zaki's words when he had given her the bracelet. Heh… I thought it would be more expensive than this, she mused silently. Then, smiling at Nisa, she said, "This is from Zaki, you know. I think he likes me."
The words struck like thunder amidst the patter of rain. Nisa fell silent, the air around her seeming to thin. She forced a small, awkward laugh. "Oh… really?"
Unaware of the tiny storm brewing in Nisa's heart, Aisha twirled the bracelet around her wrist. "Yeah. When he gave it to me, he tried to be all sweet. It was… kind of cute."
Nisa lowered her gaze, pretending to straighten the blanket on her lap. In her mind, she whispered, It's nothing. Just surprised, that's all. Nisa, you're not jealous. Keep it together.
She smiled faintly. "Of course, Ruqayyah. You're the darling of the school. Surely all the boys must like you."
Aisha paused, arching her eyebrows as though Nisa had just said something absurd. Then she chuckled, a soft, commanding laugh.
"Darling of the school?" she said, her tone gentle yet edged with mockery. "Dear Nisa, in my world… such compliments are just flattery tossed by poets to please young girls."
She leaned back against the bedpost, her movements graceful, markedly different from Ruqayyah's usual innocence. Slowly, she raised her hand, spinning Zaki's bracelet.
"As for… this bracelet," she said firmly, her tone cool and unyielding, "if a boy thinks a cheap trinket can win a girl's heart, then he is nothing more than a child playing with the shadow of his own affection."
She smiled faintly, like a queen delivering her final decree. Her words left a heavy silence. Nisa could only remain still.
Then, unexpectedly, Aisha raised her hands high, as if announcing something of monumental importance. Her eyes, once commanding, now sparkled with mischief.
"All right, Nisa," she declared dramatically, "if this cheap bracelet isn't worthy of me, then starting today… I will hold a grand contest!"
Nisa blinked, puzzled. "A contest?" she repeated.
Aisha nodded, her eyes gleaming like a general ready to lead her troops. "Yes! Whoever can cook the best fried rice in the pesantren… shall be—" She paused, adopting a solemn expression, emphasizing the final words, "—the royal wok bearer!"
For a moment, Nisa wasn't sure whether to laugh or take her seriously.
Aisha placed her hands on her hips, feigning offense. "Seriously, Nisa! You think I'd choose a boy just because of a bracelet or a glance from afar? No! Any boy who wants to win my favor must know how to sauté onions without burning them and fry eggs without causing a disaster!"
Nisa finally burst into laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh my, then all the boys in this school are doomed! They only know instant noodles and sweet tea."
Aisha laughed along, her voice bright and warm. Then she whispered dramatically, "Imagine, Nisa… every morning, being served fried rice made by the hands of a brave and valiant man. Ah, that is true love!"
Nisa nearly toppled sideways from laughing. "You… are insane!" she said between gasps.
I just remembered my guard, Haidar, Aisha thought to herself, smirking.
The rain outside kept its rhythm, now accompanying their laughter. Slowly, the irritation in Nisa's heart dissolved.
Hours passed. Finally, the morning sun peeked shyly from behind clouds, remnants of last night's storm. The pesantren courtyard gleamed like glass, reflecting golden light. The air was fresh, carrying the earthy scent of rain-washed soil.
Inside the dormitory, the sounds of students preparing for the day echoed from every corner—some hurriedly donning their uniforms, others still half-asleep.
Nisa folded her blanket as Aisha emerged, moving with the same grace that Ruqayyah never usually possessed. She lifted her chin high, walking as though she were gliding through a palace corridor, not a dorm hallway slick with rain.
Several passing students paused, staring in surprise. Nisa held back a laugh. "Ruqayyah, be careful! The floor is slippery—don't fall."
Aisha waved haughtily. "A princess does not fall because of puddles. If I stumble, it is the floor's fault, not mine," she said with authority, causing Nisa's eyes to widen.
Other students exchanged amused glances. One whispered, "Ruqayyah, what's up with her? She talks like… a princess."
Nisa shrugged casually. "Maybe she's been reading too many history books," she replied quickly.
Aisha leaned closer and whispered dramatically, "My dear handmaiden, today the grand contest begins. We must watch the boys in the kitchen… perhaps one will prove worthy to be the royal wok bearer."
Nisa pressed her hands over her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Ruqayyah! Ssst! Don't be so loud—they'll hear you!"
Aisha only smiled mysteriously, then walked away with as much elegance as she could muster. Nisa watched her retreat, smiling softly.
Ruqayyah… you've been acting so strangely lately. But somehow… I'm glad to see this side of you.
Outside, the morning sun dried the remnants of rain. A new day had begun, laughter lingering in the air.
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You've received a reward for building a close bond with Nisa. Reward: IDR 1,500,000. The amount has been sent to your account in the system. You can withdraw it anytime.]
Aisha nearly shrieked with delight. Money like this—so much for girls like her—was astonishing.