The Plan

With the warmth of a hearty breakfast lingering in the air, Havi bid his parents farewell, his heart alight with a longing to rediscover Loban Village, the serene hamlet on the outskirts of Telaga City where his story had begun.

"I'd like to explore the village," he had announced over the meal, his tone tinged with an excitement that seemed almost foreign. "It's been far too long."

The sparkle of anticipation in his eyes was unmistakable, yet his words left both Mr. Ridho and Mrs. Saras momentarily perplexed. They exchanged uncertain glances, their thoughts swirling as they tried to grasp the sudden change in their son's demeanour.

To them, Havi seemed like a traveller returning from distant lands, eager to reconnect with the soil of his childhood. Yet, something about his behaviour felt oddly displaced, as though a subtle transformation had occurred within him. Their unease grew with each passing moment.

"Dear," Mrs. Saras murmured, her voice heavy with concern, "why is Havi acting so strangely? Or is it just my imagination?"

Her husband's brows furrowed as he considered her words. "You're not alone in thinking that," he replied thoughtfully. "Let's keep an eye on him for the next few days. If anything seems amiss, we'll take him to see a doctor."

Mrs. Saras nodded but couldn't shake her growing worry. "I can't help but fear we've put too much pressure on him. Perhaps he's stressed because of us," she confessed.

"Stressed?" Mr. Ridho's tone carried a mix of curiosity and concern. "What do you mean, love?"

"Well," she began hesitantly, "we've been so insistent on him studying harder, pushing him to secure a better future. Perhaps it's all been too much for him."

Her words gave Mr. Ridho pause. He leaned back, reflecting on her observation. She wasn't wrong, their aspirations for Havi to succeed where they had struggled were borne of love, yet they might have inadvertently burdened him.

"Perhaps you're right," he conceded at last. "Maybe we've been expecting too much from him. What do you say we ease off a little? Give him room to breathe?"

A soft smile played on Mrs. Saras's lips as she nodded. "I agree. He's already achieved so much, but he's still young. There's no need to rush him into the harsh realities of life."

"Exactly," her husband said with quiet resolve. "No more excessive worrying. By the way, Havi's birthday is in three days. Have you thought about how we might celebrate?"

"I have," she replied, her smile widening. "He's been wanting a bicycle for ages. Perhaps we could take him to downtown Telaga City and surprise him with one."

"A splendid idea," Mr. Ridho agreed warmly.

Their plans decided, the couple returned to their daily routines with a renewed sense of purpose.

For Mr. Ridho, this meant venturing into the outskirts of the forest, searching for fruits and other goods he could sell at the market to sustain their modest household. His diligent foraging was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his family.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Saras, with her usual cheerful demeanour, made her way through the winding paths of Loban Village, carrying her basket of fried snacks.

The villagers greeted her warmly, as they always did, for her honest dealings and kind heart had earned her a reputation of deep respect.

Amidst their simple yet earnest lives, both parents held a silent hope, that their decision to ease the weight of their expectations would allow Havi to flourish on his own terms, rediscovering the joy they feared he might have lost.

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With a heart brimming with joy, Havi strolled through the familiar paths of Loban Village, his steps light and purposeful. As he passed by, he greeted the villagers with a warmth that mirrored the golden glow of the morning sun.

Each face he encountered stirred cherished memories of his early life, memories that rushed back to him like a long-lost melody, sweet and stirring.

The villagers, recognising Havi instantly, returned his greetings with enthusiasm. To them, he was more than just a young man from their midst, he was a beacon of hope and pride, a prodigious student whose exceptional achievements had elevated their humble community to unforeseen heights.

Havi's remarkable success in securing a top-three provincial ranking had cast a spotlight on Loban Village. Once a forgotten hamlet tucked away in the shadow of Telaga City, it had gained newfound recognition and respect.

The village's name was now uttered with admiration, drawing the attention of wealthy investors who established factories and businesses, eager to tap into its potential.

The transformation was profound. Unemployment, once a persistent plague, diminished significantly as the new enterprises prioritised hiring local residents. For the first time in years, the people of Loban Village began to dream of a brighter future.

As Havi meandered through the village, exchanging pleasantries and basking in the villagers' warmth, his heart swelled with both pride and sorrow. The pride came from seeing his childhood home thrive, but the sorrow stemmed from knowing how far it had fallen during his darker days.

For Havi's transition from a celebrated scholar to a wayward youth had left its scars, not only on him but on the village itself.

The once-admired Loban Village had become the subject of scorn from neighbouring communities. Whispered remarks and cutting accusations tarnished its hard-won reputation.

"What's the point of such intelligence if it leads to crime?" some would sneer. "Loban Village might produce scholars, but it also breeds troublemakers."

These harsh words stung Havi deeply, as did their consequences. The factories and businesses that had breathed life into the village began to shutter their doors, unwilling to endure the scrutiny and disdain. Unemployment returned, casting a heavy shadow over the community.

Determined to restore the dignity of Loban Village, Havi resolved to use the lessons of his past life to chart a better course for its future.

He knew that redemption would not come easily, but the idea of giving back to the village that had shaped him ignited a fire within his soul.

His first vision centred on the village's natural gem, a majestic waterfall that cascaded through its pristine landscape. To Havi, this was not merely a picturesque feature; it was an untapped treasure, ripe for tourism development.

Yet another obstacle stood in his path : the lack of electricity in most village households.

Havi understood the necessity of electricity for progress. While the distant factories on the border with Wlahar Village had power, the heart of Loban Village remained in darkness, its potential stifled.

Wlahar Village, in contrast, flourished under the government-provided electricity that spurred its industrial growth.

But Havi was undeterred. He recalled an idea he had conceived during his school days, a vision of harnessing the power of water to generate electricity.

The village's waterfall, with its unyielding flow, seemed the perfect solution. If successful, a small hydroelectric power plant could provide electricity to at least forty households, including his own.

Determined to turn his vision into reality, Havi grappled with a pressing question: where would he find the funds to embark on such an ambitious project?

"Substantial funding is essential," he thought, his mind racing. "But where can I secure immediate financial support? Is there even such a thing as free assistance these days? Perhaps I'll need to sell the forest's bounty, its fruits, its timber, to raise the capital."

Havi clenched his fists, a spark of resolve glinting in his eyes. "No matter the obstacles, I must see this through. For the sake of Loban Village, for its people, and for my own redemption, I will not falter."

And so, with the gentle murmur of the waterfall in the distance, Havi began to sketch the blueprint of his grand endeavour, a plan to illuminate not just the homes of Loban Village, but its spirit, long dimmed by hardship and regret.

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