Dinda's eyes immediately widened.
"What!! Really, Aunt?! Yay!! Brother Baskara is home!" she exclaimed happily, then ran inside the house like a child who just received a gift.
"Broooother!"
When she reached the living room, her face was flushed trying to hold back her excitement, her eyes scanning the room left and right— but all she saw were Teguh and another man whose face vaguely resembled Tirta, with a mature build and long flowing hair.
"Huh? Where's Brother Baskara?" she asked, confused and pouting. "Aunt said he came home..."
"Hello, Dinda," Teguh greeted with a smile.
"Hello, Uncle. But… Uncle, where's Brother Baskara?" Dinda's enthusiasm started to fade.
Just as Teguh was about to answer, a voice quickly cut in from behind.
"Father, father… who's this brat?" said a clearly mischievous voice. "A girl who's not graceful, running around carelessly. Aish, aish, aish… who would want a guy like that?"
Dinda's eyes widened. Her face reddened, caught between anger and confusion.
Meanwhile, Teguh just shook his head slowly, resigned to his child's antics.
And indeed, it was no wonder Dinda didn't recognize Baskara. His body was far from the image of a fifteen-year-old boy. He looked more like a twenty-four-year-old man. His long hair, never cut during three years of meditation, gave his face a strange aura—on one side handsome, on the other a faint beauty that confused anyone. Dinda fell silent for a moment, looking at him with curiosity.
"Hmmm… so you don't remember your brother, huh?" Baskara teased as he slowly approached. "So engrossed with school life, huh? Having many friends, free from your handsome relatives. Aish, aish, surely your brother's not important, huh?"
"Hey! You… you…" Dinda started grinding her teeth. Torn between wanting to slap or hug him, she was confused herself.
Tirta came from the kitchen carrying a tray with spiritual drinks. "Enough, Baskara, don't tease Dinda all the time."
Hearing that, Dinda frowned even more. Her face was bright red, no longer from embarrassment, but because she felt the emotional reunion moment was being ruined.
"Hmmm… I was really missing Brother Baskara… now I'm annoyed!" she grumbled, turning her face away.
Baskara chuckled softly, then came closer and gently stroked his cousin's head. "Hahaha, sorry, sorry. It's been a while since I teased you."
Dinda held back a smile behind her pout.
"Well… you're still annoying!" she said, lightly hitting Baskara's arm.
Laughter broke out in the living room, melting all the stiffness. That day, the house felt much more alive.
"Alright, alright… I brought drinks for all of you," said Tirta as she placed the tray on the table.
"Wow, thank you, Aunt! Your drinks are always the best," Dinda said with a wide smile.
"Just say it's because it's free, so it tastes the best," Baskara joked with a grin.
Dinda just turned her face away, sipping her drink with a cute pout, as if avoiding the tease.
Some time passed in this simple warmth, until finally Dinda spoke again.
"Oh, Brother… you said before you wanted to go to school with me, but why didn't you? I never saw you at school," she said sadly, eyes lowered.
Baskara took a slow breath.
"Huhh... I've been under Grandpa's guidance. Even now I'm still not attending school," he replied in a heavy tone, hinting at a faint sadness. But in truth, in his heart, he felt more comfortable without school rules.
Hearing that, Dinda immediately smiled proudly and puffed out her chest like a little warrior who just received praise.
"Hehe... so Brother is one of those who don't have knowledge, huh? Hahaha!"
Then she stood up, taking a pose as if demonstrating a martial arts move.
"Look at this! I've reached Open Chakra, you know! Has Brother Baskara too? If not… hmm, just leave the future to me!" she said confidently.
Seeing this, Baskara, Tirta, and Teguh just smiled wryly. Dinda's cheerfulness was delightful but also full of innocent teenage naivety.
"Well, well, well… you're amazing," Baskara replied briefly with a blank face.
Not satisfied, Dinda sat back down and said,
"Oh! Later I'll take Brother for a walk, okay? I know some great places!"
"When?" Baskara asked casually.
"How about tomorrow? I'll bring my friends too, it'll be fun!"
"All right then... we'll leave tomorrow," Baskara nodded slowly.
And so, that night ended with light laughter and a warm atmosphere.
---
The sun was just shyly peeking over the hills as the scent of morning dew filled the Baskara family home. Little birds began to chirp, signaling the start of a new day.
In the living room, the sound of light footsteps could be heard.
"Good morning everyoneee!" Dinda called out energetically, dressed in casual clothes with a thin jacket and a small sling bag. "Come on, come on, Brother Baskara! Don't tell me you're not ready yet!"
From inside the room, a lazy grunt was heard.
"Hahhh... it's still so early, Dinda..."
"Morning? It's already bright! It's… anyway, it's time to go!" Dinda said, knocking on Baskara's door repeatedly.
The door slowly opened. Baskara came out with his long hair braided once, wearing a plain black shirt and dark gray pants. His gaze was still half sleepy, but his face remained cold and mysterious as usual.
"You look like you're going to war, Brother," Dinda teased. "At least wear something brighter!"
"This is my color... the color of silence," Baskara replied flatly.
"What kind of color is silence!?" Dinda laughed, then pulled Baskara's hand. "Come on, hurry up! My friends are waiting outside."
On the porch, Tirta and Teguh were sweeping and watering the plants. They turned and smiled at the sibling duo.
"Be careful, okay?" Tirta said while handing Baskara a small package. "Here's some light spiritual provisions, if you get tired just brew it."
"Thanks, Aunt," Baskara replied as he took the provisions.
"Don't embarrass your brother, Dinda," Teguh teased.
"Hey, who's going to be embarrassed? Brother should be proud to have a sister like me!" Dinda replied proudly, giving a thumbs up.
A few steps later, outside the gate, two of Dinda's friends were waiting— a girl with shoulder-length hair and a quiet-looking boy with glasses.
"Wow, those are my friends, Brother. Let's go!"
Baskara glanced at them briefly, then nodded calmly.