Welcoming the Future

And finally, Indra also went to the city where he picked up his bright future. With passion and determination, and strong will, he has convinced himself to be brave enough to face every difficulty that will come his way. And even though he had to leave without anyone to accompany him, it turned out that there was no visible trace of sadness on his face.

Riding a ride in a tattered pickup belonging to an acquaintance who became a loyal customer at the workshop where he worked, the young man departed filled with sincere prayers and blessings from his mother. Even though he had to sit in the backseat, Indra had no idea how happy he was. Because by getting help from such a good person, he has taken steps to save money by not needing to spend a penny on transportation costs.

A medium-sized bag containing his best clothes, some money, and a jengki bicycle given by Mr. Kosim, are possessions he brings to prepare for studying at the best state university.

The jengki bike he brought along has a story of its own that is no less unique. The object was forcefully given to him to be used as a means of transportation in the city.

Mr. Kosim is an old man seen as strange by the local people. The man who lived alone in his old age was an idiot who never spoke to anyone. Even to Indra, who diligently visited him, that person had never been heard of a word.

So a little surprising; his mother said that he was born and raised in the village; Mr. Kosim was once a dashing man who was famous for being a champion when he was young. But who knows what caused it? Now he has turned into a person who can't talk to anyone.

"Ah, uh, uh, o…."

That's the only syllable that is always heard whenever he wants to say something. And it seems that the human who cares and can be close to the man is only Indra Perkasa.

The villagers are already afraid of the old man who used to be famous for always being in a dark and violent world. So in his advanced age, the title has only made all his guts shrink when faced with him.

But strangely, Indra didn't think so. Because for some reason, he looks close and comfortable accompanying Mr. Kosim's old age. Although Mr. Kosim had to be ridiculed by some cynical lips, the young man was still determined to establish a unique relationship. After many years during his arrival move to the village, never once in a day did he forget to just stop by and do something for the lonely old man.

Maybe that's what made Mr. Kosim's treatment different from the young man's. When with other people, he wore a more unfriendly expression. With Indra, he even showed gentle and affectionate eyes. Until no one knew, the old man taught the young man a lot about how he should cultivate his body to be agile and robust.

It just happened without any words or expressions. Because one day, the old man just needed to show off how hard the punches and kicks he made when he beat a wooden mechanical doll he had made himself.

Of course, a teenager still at the peak of his curiosity immediately became interested in trying to imitate. And by imitating the movements and wordless instructions for three years, Indra didn't realize that his body had become more robust, tenacious, and agile compared to ordinary humans.

After three years of togetherness had passed, it was time for Indra to tell his plan to go to study abroad. At that moment, the young man saw an emotional cry and was sad because he was about to be abandoned. Maybe it's because Indra is considered Mr. Kosim's grandson who wants to go abroad. So, of course, it made the old man feel hard to let it go.

However, to show his support for what the young man wanted, the old man immediately invited Indra to enter a room. And there, he forced Indra to accept the gift of an old jengki bicycle that still looked shiny because it was well-maintained.

***

"It's arrived… this is Jogjakarta, Le… you get off here because we won't be crossing in front of the campus where you are studying," innocently and straightforwardly, the old pickup truck driver said to Indra.

"Wow, have you arrived? Thanks for the ride, Sir." Thus said Indra while tidying up his meager things.

"You're welcome, Le. Do you know the road that leads to your campus?"

"Not yet, Sir. But it's easy. I can ask the policeman who is guarding there. He will definitely show you the right direction." Thus replied the young man again with a face that didn't look the least bit afraid, while showing his hand towards a police post.

"Wow, you're smart… well, that's where we met first. I wish you success in your studies. Study hard, be tenacious and never give up… in the future. I want to see you become a big person. We hope so, right, Le?" Thus the old man who drove the pickup truck gave his advice and prayers.

"I hope so, Sir. Thank you for the ride, and even more so for the heartfelt prayers for me…."

"You're welcome, Le… be careful in the city of people. It's fine to carry yourself."

***

After asking many times, an hour later, Indra had arrived at a crossroads that had a garden roundabout and a fountain in the middle. And right on the left side, where he was standing while holding his bicycle, he found a giant inscription showing the name of the campus where he would study.

'Wow… the campus is so big. The entrance alone can make a car race like that. Well, I've found the location of the campus but don't know where to go, thought the young man who did not think at all if the campus would be so grand and spacious.

But it isn't useless if it is said that Indra Perkasa deserves to be one of the chosen students invited to the place. Because as clever as a snake, he immediately found a very efficient way to find goals and carry out the day's mission.

After wiping his sweat with a small towel he had brought, Indra continued walking towards a small building, the campus' internal security post.

Yups, the security office… that's the point. Because he was sure that's where he would get whatever information he needed. And with good people educated to serve the community, he will get the help he needs.

---

"Good afternoon, Gentlemen ..." the young man greeted the security officer guarding the campus security post.

"Good afternoon, Boy. What do you need?" replied a young security guard who was tall and well-built.

"Introducing, my name is Indra Perkasa. I am a student here. May I ask some here?" replied the young man very politely but full of confidence.

"Oh, of course, you can. What do you want to ask?" said another older officer who had a thick mustache.

Hearing the haunted-looking person answer, Indra immediately turned his face to pay attention to the middle-aged man who had joined the conversation.

***