Episode 4

Pov. Dinda

Today, all four of my siblings and their spouses have gathered at my parents' house. Typically, our family reunions happen on either a Saturday or Sunday evening. However, here we were on a Thursday night, my parents having summoned us unexpectedly. Reluctantly, I agreed to attend despite knowing my husband would likely endure ridicule by my siblings.

Compelled by my insistence, we begrudgingly arrived.

"What's the urgency for this gathering, Father? Is there something pressing or perhaps a matter of inheritance distribution?" inquired my eldest brother Rudi, unabashedly.

I was puzzled at his brazen query. Our parents were hale and hearty—why would he bring up inheritance now? Moreover, what more could they possibly covet? As far as I knew, each of my siblings had already received their share—150 million each after they married. As the youngest, I had not received a monetary share but inherited the family home, which I chose not to live in due to the sharp tongues of my siblings.

"It's not about inheritance; we need to discuss a debt," Father revealed, introducing a topic that left us exchanging glances. I certainly had no outstanding debts with our parents, but I wasn't sure about my siblings. Opting for silence, I decided to listen carefully for my father's clarification.

"I've accrued a debt of 100 million and I need your assistance to repay it. I was swindled, you see. With four children, if each could spare 25 million…" Father's request left us dumbfounded, especially me—where would I find such an amount?

"What debt? What swindle?" Mother interrupted, visibly shocked.

"Why such a large sum, Father?" added my brother Reno, equally taken aback.

Father, maintaining a nonchalant demeanor, simply reiterated, "I won't delve into the details. What I need right now is 25 million from each child to resolve this debt."

Confusion was writ on mine and my husband Satria's faces as the possibility of procuring 25 million was beyond us—I'd never even held such an amount. My heart ached anticipating the further belittlement my husband would suffer at my siblings' hands.

"That's an unreasonable ask, Father. Do you realize how substantial a sum 25 million is? I have it, yes, but it's tied up in savings for a new car," grumbled my sister Rena.

"If anyone here refuses to contribute their share of 25 million, don't expect me to cover for them. Just because I am the eldest doesn't mean I should bear the brunt," Rudi interjected, visibly irritated.

Echoing Rudi's sentiment, Reno added, "I agree. My own family has financial needs—I can't simply take on Father's debt."

Eyes then fell upon Satria and me, some glaring with scorn. We had been silent spectators, voicing no opinion thus far. I knew Satria was perplexed about how to raise the requested amount.

"Satria will provide the 25 million tomorrow to assist Father with the debt," he announced confidently.

"Dear, from where will we summon such a substantial amount?" I asked, gravely serious.

Laughter erupted from my siblings and their spouses, save for Beni, who unlike the others, is not arrogant but simply reserved.

"Satria, where will you find so much money? Are you certain you can produce 25 million by tomorrow? Pretentious, yet always dreaming beyond his means," mocked Rudi with a laugh.

"Let him dream, perhaps he'll conjure up the money by morning," sneered Reno's wife, joining in the mockery.

I was exasperated with Satria—why did he feel compelled to make such a guarantee? This would only serve to intensify the mockery from my relatives.

"A pathetic son-in-law," my mother's jibe cut deep. As his wife, it's intolerable to witness my husband's humiliation, especially from my own family.

"I am poor, indeed, Mother, but I'll endeavor to have the money by tomorrow," Satria defended himself.

"We'll see what comes of it tomorrow. But if you fail to deliver, you must leave Dinda. I refuse to have a penniless, promise-breaking son-in-law," Mother declared thoughtlessly, regardless of my feelings.

"Mother!" Father's reproach was sharp, his disapproval of her insensitivity clear.

My mother, ever insistent on having her way, merely turned away refusing to acknowledge her fault. Thus is her nature—if Father voiced his opinion, a denial, retaliation, or a retreat to her room would follow. No conversation involving her could end without dispute. Exhaling deeply, I tried to find peace amidst the tension.

"Rena, it's best we leave. The children at home are unattended," she suggested to Beni, preparing to depart. He simply nodded, shook Father's hand, and exited.

Proudly, they left on their treasured Nemex motorcycle, a purchase Rena touted as cash-paid though doubt lingered.

Rudi and Reno also took leave with their spouses, without a word of farewell as they climbed into their own cars. Although I was pleased to see my siblings thrive, their arrogance was off-putting—there are always greater heights beyond one's own success.

"Satria, Dinda, you should head home and rest. You have your stall to tend to tomorrow," Father offered kindly.

"Yes, Father, we'll leave now," Satria replied respectfully.

After bidding our farewells, we departed from the family home, opting to walk as our residence was not far. Our old motorbike, though noisy, was often a subject of Mother's complaints, so we chose to spare her the disturbance this time.

Reaching our humble abode, a simple sanctuary devoid of luxury. The only notable item was a 14-inch CRT TV purchased second-hand for 250 thousand. Ridiculously, we were ice vendors without a refrigerator—an oddity that would surely amuse outsiders.