Chapter 7

That night, the atmosphere in Ayu's family home felt tenser than usual. The oil lamps hanging in the bale dangin flickered softly, casting shadows on the faces of those seated across from each other. 

Among them sat a man in his early thirties, calm and composed. I Made Dewa Mahendra—the man arranged to marry Ayu. He had a handsome face with a strong jawline, a well-built posture, and eyes that were difficult to read. He wore a batik kamen with a gold-colored saput, and an udeng neatly tied around his head. 

His father, a man dressed in a white robe with a commanding voice, opened the conversation. "We have come to continue the discussion about Ayu and Mahendra's marriage. It is time to finalize this arrangement." 

Ayu lowered her gaze, clasping her hands tightly on her lap. Her breathing felt heavy. 

"We have heard... objections," Mahendra's father continued, glancing at Ayu and her family. "However, we must emphasize that this arrangement is not merely our wish—it is for the balance of this village. No matter what, tradition must be upheld, mustn't it?" 

Daniel, who sat slightly apart in the corner of the room, clenched his fists upon hearing Mahendra's father's statement. He had been given a chance to stay in the village and prove himself, but Mahendra's presence tonight was a stark reminder that his battle was far from over. 

"Ayu," Mahendra's voice was calm yet sharp. "I want to hear it from you directly. Is it true that you reject this marriage?" 

Ayu lifted her face with difficulty, meeting Mahendra's gaze with trembling eyes. She knew that whatever words left her lips tonight could change everything. 

The room fell silent. Everyone present was waiting for Ayu's answer. 

Meanwhile, Daniel felt his heart pounding. If Ayu said "yes," then it would all be over—his struggle would be in vain. But if she refused … would her family truly accept it? 

In the stillness of the night, illuminated by candlelight and the soft whisper of the wind, Ayu took a deep breath before finally speaking— 

"I ..." 

Ayu felt her heart beating faster. Before her, Mahendra awaited her answer with a piercing gaze, while his family sat with dignity, expecting words that aligned with what tradition had dictated. 

Daniel, sitting in the corner, watched her anxiously. He knew this moment would determine everything. 

Ayu clenched the fabric of her kamen on her lap, steadying herself before finally saying, "I ... still need time." 

Soft murmurs filled the room upon hearing Ayu's response. It was not a rejection, but neither was it acceptance. 

Ayu's uncle, who had supported the marriage from the beginning, leaned forward. "Ayu, what more is there to think about? The ancestors have determined your path well. You know that this arrangement is not just about you, but also about maintaining the village's harmony, don't you?" 

Mahendra's gaze deepened before he spoke again in a steady voice, "I understand if you still need time to decide. But Ayu, you must also realize that tradition cannot wait. Our family has been preparing for this for a long time. I don't want to force you, but I also cannot wait forever." 

Ayu exhaled slowly. She knew Mahendra was a good man. She knew her family would not choose a partner for her carelessly. Yet, her heart was still unsure about this marriage. 

"I just want to make sure that the decision I make is the best for everyone," Ayu said softly. 

Her mother looked at her with a gentle yet firm expression. "Ayu, we have given you plenty of time. You have gone to many temples, sought guidance from the ancestors. But have you truly found your answer?" 

Ayu lowered her head again. The answer was already in her heart, but voicing it in front of her family, in front of Mahendra, was much harder. She needed the mental strength to do it. 

Meanwhile, Daniel felt his chest tighten. He wanted to speak, to stand up and say that he was willing to fight for Ayu. But at that moment, he was just a guest allowed to stay in the village—nothing more. 

After a moment, Mahendra nodded slowly. "Alright, if that's what you need. I will wait for your decision, Ayu. But please, not for too long." 

As they bid farewell and left in their car, Ayu felt her body weaken. She had been given time, but it wasn't much. And now, she felt even more conflicted about what she had just said. 

Daniel approached her carefully. "Ayu … what will you do?" he asked softly. 

Ayu looked into Daniel's eyes, seeing the confusion reflected in them. 

"I don't know, Daniel … I truly don't know," she murmured, shaking her head in frustration. 

The night deepened as Ayu sat in the bale bengong of her home, gazing at the moon hanging in the sky. The village air grew cooler, yet her chest felt tight. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the turmoil within her. 

Each time she closed her eyes, Mahendra's face and his family's expectations resurfaced in her mind. They had come with respect, with great hope. Mahendra did not force her, but his words echoed in her head. 

"I will wait for your decision, Ayu. But not for too long." 

On the other hand, there was Daniel—the man from a different world, with no roots in this village, yet determined to stay by her side. 

"Ayu… what will you do?" 

Ayu rubbed her face in exhaustion. The longer she delayed, the heavier the guilt weighed on her heart. 

If she chose Mahendra, she would live according to tradition, honor her family, and ensure the village's balance remained intact. But would she be happy with that choice? 

If she chose Daniel, she knew a great storm awaited her—not just from her family, but from the entire village. Was she strong enough for that? Was Daniel strong enough to withstand it? 

The guilt grew heavier. It felt unfair to Mahendra, who had been prepared for her since long ago, who had always been respectful. It felt unfair to Daniel, who had come without certainty yet kept fighting for her. 

Ayu took a deep breath and slowly stood up. There was one place she needed to go before it was too late. 

That night, with determined steps, she walked to the family temple. Only the flickering candlelight and the faint scent of incense illuminated the sacred space. Ayu knelt before the ancestral shrine, pressing her hands together, and prayed. 

"Ancestors, show me the way. If I must choose, give me the strength to choose wisely." 

A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fragrance of incense into the air. In the silence of the night, Ayu waited … hoping for a sign. In the distance, the chirping of crickets and the soft trickling of temple fountains were the only sounds accompanying her anxiety. 

Suddenly, an owl flew overhead, its wings making a soft, fleeting sound before it perched on the branch of an ancient banyan tree at the corner of the temple. 

Ayu opened her eyes, her heart pounding. In village beliefs, an owl was often considered a messenger from the unseen world. 

"Is this a sign?"

In the silence of the night, the sound of footsteps approached. Ayu turned and saw her older sister, Luh Sri, standing near the temple gate. Her eyes were calm, yet filled with deep understanding. 

"Are you still searching for an answer?" Luh Sri asked gently before sitting beside her. 

Ayu nodded weakly. "I'm afraid, Sis … No matter what I choose, I will hurt someone." 

Luh Sri took a deep breath and clasped her sister's hand tightly. "Ayu, there is no choice that is truly easy for anyone. But if your heart is still uncertain, maybe there is something unfinished within you. What is it that you truly want right now?" 

Ayu lowered her head again, staring at her slightly trembling fingers. "I want to love without guilt. I want to choose without hurting anyone. But … is that even possible?" 

Her sister offered a small, knowing smile. "Sometimes, we have to hurt in order to be honest with ourselves. You can't live in the shadow of others' expectations forever, Ayu." 

The wind blew once more, and in that moment, Ayu felt something shift inside her. Her heart was still heavy, but little by little, a glimmer of light began to break through the darkness of her thoughts. 

Then, the sound of gamelan music from the village temple echoed in the distance. Tonight was not an ordinary night. Something was happening. 

Luh Sri also turned towards the sound. "Let's go home. I have a feeling something is waiting for us there." 

With emotions still in turmoil, Ayu rose to her feet and followed her sister. Tonight, she was not the only one facing her destiny. Perhaps, destiny was now making its way towards her.