Family Breakdown
Chapter 4 - The Whisper Beneath the Rubber Trees
Life in the village often gave Rina the sense of freedom she longed for. Whenever the pressure from Mr. Mustaffa became unbearable, she sought peace in her family's rubber plantation. It was her secret refuge far from problems, far from expectations. Surrounded by the tall rubber trees and the gentle rustle of leaves, Rina found a kind of serenity she could never feel anywhere else.
One evening, after refusing Mr. Mustaffa's offer once again, Rina decided to escape to the plantation. With a heavy heart, she walked down the rocky village path toward the field not far from her house.
The air was cool and clean, easing her troubled mind. As she walked between the trees, she listened to the whispering leaves dancing in the wind. For a moment, it felt as if the world belonged to her alone no shouting, no demands, just peace.
At the far end of the plantation stood a tall, lush mango tree, heavy with ripe fruit. Rina smiled softly. That tree had always been her favorite, its fruit was sweet and golden, just like her childhood memories.
With practiced ease, she climbed the tree something she had done countless times before. But today, each step felt different, lighter. As someone who had spent most of her life taking care of her younger siblings, she rarely had a moment to herself. Here, among the branches, she felt free.
Rina (thinking): "This is my place. No one can disturb me here."
From the top, she could see the whole village simple wooden houses, green fields, and the horizon stretching endlessly. The wind played with her hair as she bit into a ripe mango, its sweetness dissolving her sadness for a moment.
But peace never lasted long. As she looked around, thoughts of her mother and siblings crept back in. They depended on her. Even if she wanted to run away, she couldn't.
Rina (softly): "I can't run from this… but do I really have to live like this forever?"
Her mind drifted to Mr. Mustaffa again the man her family wished her to marry. The guilt tugged at her chest. Her heart screamed, no, but her sense of duty whispered otherwise.
Rina (in silent prayer): "God… please, show me the way. I don't know what to do anymore."
The breeze brushed her cheeks gently, as if answering her plea. She closed her eyes and let the world fall silent.
After some time, Rina climbed down and began her walk home, feeling a little lighter. The problems were still there but her resolve had grown stronger.
Rina (thinking): "I'll stay strong. I'll find a way for my family… and for myself."
One peaceful afternoon, Rina once again went to the plantation seeking calm. But this time, she wasn't alone.
A young man tall, neat, and clearly educated was walking among the rubber trees. He looked fresh from finishing his studies, his steps confident yet gentle. His name was Daniel, the son of a wealthy landowner nearby.
Rina, unaccustomed to meeting young men like him, froze in surprise. But Daniel smiled warmly.
Daniel (smiling): "Hi, I'm Daniel. Just got back from studying in the city. What's your name?"
Rina (a bit shy): "I'm… Rina."
Daniel (grinning): "Rina. That's a beautiful name. Do you often come here? It's peaceful, isn't it?"
Rina (nodding softly): "Yes… I love it here. It's quiet. I usually come to rest… sometimes to tap rubber. This is our family's land."
Daniel nodded, intrigued by her simple but strong spirit. Their conversation flowed naturally. Rina learned that Daniel's family owned several plantations and that he was kind, well-educated, and humble despite his background.
As days passed, they met more often sometimes by chance, sometimes on purpose. Daniel would bring her fruits or small gifts, while Rina, though shy, began to open up to him.
But deep inside, she knew her fate had already been sealed an arranged marriage she never asked for. Her heart struggled between duty and the newfound feelings she couldn't deny.
One evening, Daniel slipped a folded letter into Rina's pocket.
Daniel (softly): "This is for you, Rina. I just want you to know how much you mean to me."
Rina (hesitant): "But… I'm already promised to someone."
Daniel (gently, yet firm): "I know. But feelings aren't something we can control. If there's even the slightest chance for us… I'll take it."
Rina lowered her gaze but kept the letter. That night, she read it under the dim light of a candle every word filled with sincerity and longing. Her heart ached, torn between love and obligation.
Unable to deliver her response in person, she turned to her little sister, Vivian, who was only ten but full of curiosity.
Rina (whispering): "Vivian, can you bring this letter to Daniel? Don't let anyone see it, okay?"
Vivian (eyes wide with excitement): "I will, Kak! But… I want candy later!"
Rina (smiling faintly): "Deal. You'll get your candy."
From that day, Vivian became their secret messenger. Each letter that passed between them was filled with hidden hopes and quiet desperation. The exchange continued a love story written in whispers and carried by the wind through the rubber trees.
They both knew the risks. But still, they hoped.
For sometimes, love blooms quietly even in places where it was never meant to grow.
Letters of the Heart
A Gentle Breeze and a Letter
That afternoon, a soft breeze carried the fresh, fragrant scent of the rubber plantation. Daniel sat under the large mango tree, opening the letter given to him by Siti. The letter looked ordinary, but as he unfolded the paper, a faint scent of powder and perfume touched his soul. Every word Rina wrote felt alive, filled with meaning. Daniel's heart raced as he read each line.
"Dear Daniel, my love,"
Forgive me if this letter disappoints you. I know what we feel is not easy, but I cannot deny that my heart grows heavier with these feelings. Yet I am bound by duty, and this arranged marriage… I cannot escape the destiny that has been set for me.
I hope, if you truly care, we will find a way together, despite any obstacles. My love, Rina.
Daniel exhaled deeply after reading the letter. His heart felt heavy, but in a corner of it, a spark of hope refused to fade. Rina, despite her family responsibilities, still held the same feelings. This was rare in a world constrained by rules and traditions.
Decisions and Reflections
Daniel carefully folded the letter and placed it in his pocket. His mind wandered, pondering a future full of uncertainty, yet he could not let go of Rina so easily. He knew he had to make a decision but what should he do?
That evening, after dinner, Daniel sat with his parents in the modest living room. His father, Mr. Thompson, was a distinguished man, renowned for his success in the rubber plantation business. His mother, Mrs. Thompson, was loving and always gave thoughtful advice. Both were enjoying a cup of tea when Daniel decided to speak about his heart.
Daniel (seriously): "Father, mother, there's something I need to discuss… about my future… and Rina."
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson exchanged glances. They knew Daniel wasn't the type to openly express his feelings, but something compelled him to speak that night.
Mr. Thompson (calmly): "About Rina? What is there to discuss? Isn't it obvious that we should focus on the family business first?"
Daniel nodded slowly. "Yes, father. But… this is more than business. I… I feel Rina is someone important in my life. I want to explain everything to her, and if necessary, I want to fight for her."
Mrs. Thompson looked at him gently, reading the seriousness in his expression.
"Daniel, we understand your feelings. But remember, life is more than love alone. There are greater responsibilities you must fulfill. Work hard first, and if afterward you're still sure of your choice, we will support you. But don't let your emotions cloud more important decisions."
Daniel paused, reflecting on his mother's words. He knew his parents only wanted what was best for him, yet his heart insisted. Love was not something that could simply be postponed. He also knew he needed to prepare himself fully to make the right decision.
Daniel (with determination): "I will work harder, father, mother. I know I need to succeed before I can take that step. But I also know I cannot forget Rina. She is very important to me."
Mrs. Thompson smiled and moved closer to him. "We understand, dear. Love is difficult to delay, but trust that with hard work and effort, the time will come."
Daniel nodded, feeling a sense of calm. Though his heart was turbulent, he knew this was not the time to rush. He had to work hard for his future, and if fate truly allowed, he would find a way to be with Rina.
The Letters Continue
The next day, Daniel began his work at the rubber plantation, still thinking of Rina's letter that was etched in his heart. Each step was filled with unforgettable emotions. Meanwhile, Rina faced the same dilemma torn between duty and love. Both tried to find a path, but their journey was full of challenges.
Daniel knew he needed more time to strengthen himself. If he truly wanted to be with Rina, he had to prepare everything not just for himself, but also for the families involved in this decision.
One morning, Daniel realized there was something very important he needed to do. He decided to send a letter to Rina, but this time, he would go through Vivian, the young daughter of a nearby plantation worker.
Vivian (smiling brightly): "Daniel, is this letter for Rina? Don't worry, I'll make sure it reaches her hands."
Daniel nodded and handed the letter to Vivian with full trust. "Please, Vivian. I just want Rina to know how I feel. I hope she will reply."
Vivian smiled and promised to take care of the delivery. She understood the depth of Daniel's feelings for Rina and vowed to keep this secret safe.
Day by day, the letters between Daniel and Rina were exchanged through Vivian. Each letter carried hope and deepening emotions, yet both remained trapped by responsibilities and traditional pressures that were hard to escape.
Confrontation and Duty
Rina sat in the corner of her room, reading the letter delivered by Vivian with utmost secrecy. The letter carried the same sweet fragrance as before, and every word from Daniel touched her deeply. She closed her eyes, savoring the heartfelt words.
*"Dearest Rina,
I know our situation isn't easy, and I understand that life isn't only about our feelings. But I cannot deceive my heart. Since the first time we met, I knew there was something different about you. You bring calm and happiness to my life, which had felt empty until now. I don't know what will happen next, but I want you to know that I am fighting for us. I will do anything, as long as you are happy."*
Rina caressed the letter gently, her heart heavy. She knew Daniel truly loved her, yet her situation made her hesitant to take any further steps. Her heart was torn between family duties, the arranged marriage, and her growing feelings for Daniel.
Suddenly, the door to her room opened. Her parents entered, their expressions tense. Rina quickly hid the letter under her pillow.
Her mother looked sharply at her.
"Rina, is there something we need to discuss?" Her voice was wary.
Rina hesitated, trying to hide her anxiety. "Nothing, mother. I was just resting."
Her stepfather, Pak Mat, who was usually calm, spoke up.
"We know something is wrong. This letter was found under your pillow."
He held up the almost crumpled letter, which had fallen accidentally during room cleaning.
Rina's blood ran cold. She never intended to hide anything from her parents, but the letter was a symbol of love she could not explain a forbidden love that had to be suppressed.
Mak Jah looked at her seriously. "Rina, we know something is happening between you and Daniel. But remember, you are already promised to Encik Mustaffa. We don't want you falling into something improper."
Rina felt her heart shatter. She knew her parents only wanted the best for her, but she could not deny that her heart raced whenever she thought of Daniel.
Rina (voice trembling): "Mother… father… I don't know what I should do. I know I have responsibilities to the family, but I also have a heart. I cannot lie to my feelings."
Pak Mat held her hand gently, yet firmly. "Rina, our lives are already determined. This arranged marriage is the best path for us. Encik Mustaffa is the wise choice. You cannot play with your feelings in this matter."
Her mother added, "Correct. We have worked hard to ensure your future is secure. We don't want you influenced by something that could ruin your life. Stop thinking about Daniel. He is not someone who can give you the happiness we hope for."
Rina lowered her head, holding back tears. Every word from her parents pierced her heart. She felt trapped in a world full of tradition, yet her heart still longed for the freedom she had always dreamed of.
Rina (thinking): "Why must my life be so difficult? Why can't I choose my own path?"
But she knew she could not defy destiny. Though her heart was filled with confusion and sadness, she also knew her life was not hers alone. Her family depended on her, and she had responsibilities to bear.
Slowly, Rina handed the letter to her mother. "I'm sorry, mother. I don't want to disappoint all of you."
Her mother took the letter gently, looking at her daughter's anxious face. "We don't want you to regret it. Just follow the path that has been set for you."
Rina could only nod, though her heart ached. She knew from now on, there would be no room for her to choose. Her love for Daniel would end here, and she must forget all her feelings. Though her little heart rebelled, she knew she could not go against the destiny her family had determined.
Staring at the letter, Rina prayed silently, hoping that one day, she would be given the strength to make the right choices not for herself, but for the family she loved deeply.