PLEASE BESIDE ME

Part 1: LDR (Long Distance Relationship) Revisited

Anindya got ready, making herself look as beautiful as possible. She didn't want to waste any time in accompanying her beloved back to his hometown of Bandung. She would see him off at the train station. This week, Arjuna was visiting his relatives in Jakarta, giving him the opportunity to meet Anindya. Their infrequent meetings, due to being in a long-distance relationship, made Anindya cherish every moment when her partner came to visit, even if it meant meeting on the road. After all, when you're in love, everything feels wonderful, no matter where you meet.

It wasn't that Juna, as Arjuna was fondly called, was a bad guy; he just felt he wasn't ready or worthy enough to visit Anindya's parents' home, as was the norm for her.

Juna had been delayed in his studies, and he was still finishing up his final semester of college. In contrast, Anindya had already graduated with a degree in Marketing and worked for a company that produced various plastic products.

Juna was the eldest of four siblings and had lost his father after he graduated high school. This led him to work first and help his mother support his three younger siblings. Only after saving up a bit did Juna start studying while working. His busy job and packed study schedule sometimes made communication difficult for them. Whenever Juna had some time, he would try to visit Jakarta.

Despite their rare meetings, Anindya always trusted Juna. Their relationship had already entered its second year. Their journey had been quite long for them, especially since Juna was the silent type. Anindya, on the other hand, was curious about Juna's quiet demeanor.

As Anindya was leaving her room, she crossed paths with her younger sister, Fany.

"Hmm, getting all dressed up to meet your sweetheart?" Fany teased, knowing that Anindya was meeting Juna.

"Just jealous. For once, I'd like to see you mosquito-watching with Ridho on the weekend," Anindya said, putting on her sneakers. She wore a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and a shoulder bag, her everyday attire when not working. It was a stark contrast to her two sisters, who always prioritized their appearance.

"Sister Wina is coming over this afternoon. Don't come back too late, okay?" Fany reminded her about the visit from their eldest sister. Wina had been married for four years and had an adorable daughter named Chacha.

Anindya didn't reply, she just waved her hand and hurried out because a motorcycle taxi was waiting.

That day was Sunday. Anindya's parents were attending an event in their local community. Her father was the head of the neighborhood, while her mother was a homemaker taking care of the household and her three daughters. Anindya had obtained permission from her mother beforehand, although she didn't reveal that she was meeting Juna. It was a secret between Anindya, Juna, and Fany.

After arriving at the destination, Gambir train station, Anindya looked around, searching for Juna. Fortunately, the station wasn't very crowded at that moment, so she wasn't struggling to find him.

Before long, she spotted Juna approaching. Anindya smiled with joy. Just meeting like this made her heart flutter with happiness.

"Sorry, I'm late," Juna said as he came over. Anindya smiled, unaffected by the delay.

"No worries, there's still plenty of time before the train. Let's sit over there!" Juna held Anindya's hand and led her to a seat in the waiting area.

They sat side by side, Juna's larger hand holding Anindya's smaller one. They watched a mother struggling with her young child. Juna smiled, and Anindya noticed.

"Why are you smiling to yourself?" Anindya asked, looking at her partner.

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just imagining that a few years from now, you'll probably be like her. Waiting for me to arrive from Bandung, sitting there with our child," Juna said, looking intently at Anindya. Anindya blushed and smiled, Juna had a way of making her feel shy.

But then Anindya looked up.

"No, I don't want to."

"What? Why? You don't want to have a child with me?" Juna's words made her heart race. Imagining getting married and having a child with features resembling their own made her dreams soar.

Anindya playfully pinched Juna's stomach. Juna winced and held Anindya's hand, afraid she would pinch him again.