The lives of Dinda and Satria had transformed ever since Dinda discovered the truth about her husband. Embracing the change, she modestly updated her look, much to her husband's request. Satria's wish was simple - to shower Dinda with the happiness and things he hadn't been able to provide before.
Satria remained true to his trade, selling his cendol through the streets, despite their recently stabilized finances. He chose to continue the humble life of a roving vendor.
"Is that a new gold bracelet you're wearing, Dinda?" asked the neighborhood women during a weekly social gathering at the head of the neighborhood committee's house.
"Alhamdulillah, my husband has been blessed with a bit more these days, so he could afford this for me. It's also a form of savings, it can be sold if we ever need the money," Dinda replied, downplaying her joy.
This time, Dinda wore only a single, inconspicuous bracelet, aimed not to stand out amongst the other women, especially with her sister also in attendance. She wanted to avoid any semblance of boastfulness.
"Psh, that's probably a fake anyway. How could a cendol seller afford jewelry? His earnings are meager, so don't buy into Dinda's tales. She's only pretending to have money," Rena chirped with her usual snide tone.
"Why would you say such things, Rena? Dinda is your sister; you should be happy for her and her husband's good fortune. Out of Father Karim's four children, only Dinda's family is less well-off. I didn't mean to speak of your life in this way, Dinda," added the neighborhood head, prefacing her remarks with an apology to avoid any misunderstanding.
"It's okay. Even though my husband is just a cendol vendor, we have always lived within our means and never relied on our parents or debts. Isn't that right?" Dinda asked, glancing towards the head of the neighborhood, who nodded with a knowing smile, her hand covering her mouth – aware that the behavior Dinda alluded to referred to none other than the self-absorbed Rena.
"Are you insinuating something about me?" Rena snapped, agitated.
"Who's insinuating? There are many women here; why do you feel targeted, unless you think it's about you?" Dinda's words silenced Rena.
Rena, however, was known for causing disturbances and discord wherever she went. Where Rena was, trouble followed.
"Enough of this disruption. Rena, it's always you. Be quiet for once," scolded yet another neighbor, Indah.
"Why fault me? It's Dinda you should be scolding for her mockery," Rena protested.
"Why would I blame Dinda? She hasn't mocked anyone; you are just being overdramatic," replied Indah.
With tensions flaring, the neighborhood head started the weekly lottery drawing to divert attention. Only about 25 women participated in this small-stakes money lottery, contributing 50,000 each week. Surprisingly, Dinda won the lottery this week.
"Alhamdulillah," exclaimed Dinda gratefully.
"Don't bother coming to Dinda's house next week; just send the money. Suppose we eat at her place; we'll probably only have cendol," Rena scoffed, deriding her own sister.
"Why do you always seem to have a problem with Dinda?" Dinda confronted Rena with unexpected boldness.
"Because your husband is poor! If he were rich, we would all treat you and your husband well. Do you get it? Being related to a cendol seller, and a poor one at that, is embarrassing," Rena countered abruptly.
The other women instinctively murmured prayers of forgiveness after hearing such blunt disdain from Rena towards her sister – no compassion, just enmity.
Dinda bowed her head in silent prayer, disheartened to hear her sister speak of her and Satria with such contempt in public. It revealed a sad truth – within their family, Dinda and Satria were treated without any respect.
"It's not about lavish meals; this gathering is to strengthen community bonds, which we don't often get to do. Rena, if you have issues with Dinda and Satria, discuss them at home, not here. It's as if you have no education," the neighborhood head admonished, noticeably miffed at Rena.
The group quieted down and engaged in snacks provided by the host. Rena, betraying her earlier pretensions to wealth, greedily consumed an entire plate of sweets.
Indah thought to herself wryly, Claiming to be well-off yet eating like one who never has enough.
****
The weekly family dinner at the home of Father Karim and Mother Rahayu was customary, but Dinda dreaded attending, particularly after Rena's spectacle that afternoon. Surely, Rena would have complained to their mother, and the issue would undoubtedly resurface after dinner.
"Why are you late? Did you come just for the meal? You really have it easy, don't you? You should've helped with the cooking since the afternoon, but look, it's this late and we only have soup and tempeh fry ready. The others will be here shortly," Mother Rahayu chided Dinda, who had arrived after evening prayers, deliberately late.
"I've been tired all day, Mother," Dinda replied curtly.
"Tired from what? Now how will your siblings eat dinner? Sarah wanted grilled chicken and fish—those ingredients are still in the fridge, untouched. It's pointless for you to come at this hour," her mother grumbled on.
With a heavy sigh, Dinda knew her mother's favoritism ran deep. It had only worsened after Dinda married Satria. Though she yearned for the days when her mother treated her fairly, Dinda would not protest—she refused to fight with her own mother.
Unpacking the three-tiered meal she brought, Dinda prepared them on the serving table. She had managed to buy luxurious items like beef rendang, shrimp capcay, and spicy chicken liver.
The family gathered for the meal, surprised by the feast Dinda had set. The usual spread was simple, and they neither expected nor had ever enjoyed beef rendang during their dinners.
"Look at this beef rendang," marveled Rudi.
"Make sure no one takes any home," Rena jested.
"Just eat and no need for commotion," Father Karim intervened.
Mother Rahayu was taken aback, not realizing Dinda brought such sumptuous food. She hadn't managed to prepare Sarah's request, but the table was graced with favorites that delighted them all.
"Sorry, Sarah. I couldn't cook your request today, but I'll make it next time," Mother Rahayu promised.
"Starting next week, if you want anything special cooked for dinner, you'll need to contribute. And remember to come early to help. Don't rely solely on me; I'm not your maid," Dinda retorted, fed up.
Satria gently touched Dinda's arm, a silent plea to keep calm amid the snide remarks of her siblings and in-laws.
"Of course you only help because you're freeloading here, so it's only fair you do the cooking. When have you ever given money to Mother?" Rena replied, her mouth full.
"I may not have given monthly money, but I cook every weekend meal, and often buy the groceries. Even today's meal was bought with my husband's earnings. Now, who really should be ashamed?" Dinda countered, exasperated.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the room.
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