Episode 3

Mak Ratih was startled to hear Ainun's story that Sukma had died, her body dismembered inside a suitcase. The daughter of the most prominent landowner had been injured, raising a big question mark for all the residents of Bakti Reso village. A person who had never been known to have any problems, suddenly found themselves in trouble.

Mr. Tomo had never had any problems with the people in this village or the neighboring villages. Although he was rich, he was just like the other residents who were willing to work together on communal projects every Sunday. Almost all the residents had no complaints about his demeanor; everyone said he was a good person and had no problems. The same went for his helper, Mak Ratih, because she had been working at the landlord's house for a long time.

But suddenly, his daughter was hurt by someone they didn't even know. Who would dare to cause trouble? What heartache did the perpetrator harbor to have the heart to kill this poor girl? Sukma wasn't even troublesome; it was Melisa whose attitude was more arrogant.

"Who could have done this to Sukma? How could they be so cruel?!" Mak Ratih was saddened too.

For many years, Mak Ratih had worked as a maid at Mr. Tomo's house, and she had never received any ill-treatment from Sukma. The girl always invited her to eat at lunchtime. All of Sukma's kindness danced in Mak Ratih's mind.

"I just realized that the suitcase had Sukma's name written on it," Ainun said softly.

"Where, Nun?" Pendi was also startled to hear Ainun's words.

"Near the handle. The writing is red, and if I'm not mistaken, it could be blood!" Ainun explained, still trembling.

"Oh my God, how cruel this person is," Mak Ratih lamented, having been crying this whole time.

"The killer will surely be revealed soon, because there must be fingerprints," Pendi said confidently, also feeling sorry.

"Even if they are caught, they'll probably just go to jail! Meanwhile, the one who was killed can no longer live. Imagining the pain she felt when her body was cut into pieces," Mak Ratih lamented.

"You're right, Sukma must have been in so much pain because her whole body was cut up so finely," Ainun shuddered.

"Isn't that almost the same as Maharani's story, Bu Laras's child from the next village?" Pendi suddenly remembered it.

"That's right, but all that was left of her were bones," Mak Ratih nodded.

"But it's impossible that Mr. Tomo killed Sukma, right?" Ainun asked, looking at her mother.

"Of course not! Don't talk carelessly! Sukma is Mr. Tomo's beloved daughter," Mak Ratih scolded.

"Don't speak carelessly, we don't want others to hear and spread rumors, especially if it reaches Mr. Tomo's ears," Pendi said softly.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking that way because I remembered that the one who killed Maharani was her own father," Sukma apologized, a little apprehensive.

She was afraid that if others heard, rumors would spread and get out of hand. Mr. Tomo might not accept it and retaliate against the person who said that. Surely, Ainun would also get into trouble because it was her who started the conversation. Hence, Mak Ratih reminded them not to speak carelessly.

...****************...

The residents were abuzz, talking about Sukma's tragic death. Especially the group of gossiping mothers; it was a field day for them, as they had new material to chatter about while wondering what had really happened in the village.

What's more, the deceased was the child of the most famous person. Even the village head paled in comparison to Mr. Tomo. He was the one who was predicted to be the next village head. When the old village head retired, he would be asked to step up by all the residents because they believed Tomo could lead.

"Does anyone think this could be the doing of the village head?" As asked the other mothers.

"Why would you accuse the village head, As?" Eli wondered.

"That's a bit odd of you. How could it be the village head who killed Sukma!" Yani chimed in.

"See, your brains are shallow, you can't think that far!" As said seriously.

This made the other mothers start to wonder, but they still didn't understand why As could accuse the current village head of wrongdoing. Although the village head was not rich, he was very kind and always prioritized the well-being of his residents in every way.

"It's possible that the village head harbors resentment towards Tomo because all the residents are now inclined towards Tomo!" As explained.

"Hah! Could that be it?" Eli still couldn't believe As's words.

"But it's possible, right? Now the residents seem to dislike him," Yani nodded in agreement.

"Don't just make accusations, or we could be accused of defamation!" Eli snapped, a little scared.

"Are you stupid or what? This is just a suspicion, a suspicion!" As exclaimed in annoyance.

"We can suspect anyone, it doesn't mean we're accusing them of being the perpetrator!" Yani also agreed with As.

"Ehem!"

The mothers were startled by the arrival of Ustad Zayn after returning from the waste bank. They didn't realize that their gossiping was being overheard by this Ustad, so now they were ashamed. Ustad Zayn was quite respected here because his late father was the one who founded the large Islamic boarding school here, which was still running today.

"Oh, Ustad!" As smiled sheepishly, as the young widow had a crush on him.

"It's not good to gossip like that, that's called prejudice against others," Ustad Zayn advised.

"It was just a suspicion, Ustad," Yani said, also embarrassed.

"Suspicion is allowed, but what you were doing just now was accusing," Zayn replied.

"Sorry, Ustad!" As smiled sweetly, trying to impress Zayn.

The mothers who liked to gossip carelessly dispersed. Such behavior could lead to malicious accusations against innocent people. After all, it wasn't certain that the village head was the perpetrator.

Sorry guys, I can't update much today. The author has a wedding to attend quite far from here, actually out of town, because the journey alone takes an hour.

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