Family Breakdown
Chapter 6
Between Love, Hope, and Secrets
The days after Rina left her family home were not easy. Even though her heart firmly chose Daniel, the world around her began to feel smaller and colder. Villagers started whispering when they saw Rina walking toward Daniel's house. Some shook their heads in disapproval, some pitied her, and some looked at her with judgment in their eyes.
But despite all of it, Rina was never truly alone. Daniel took full responsibility for her with love, and Vivian never stopped being her most loyal companion.
Family & Society's Pressure
One morning, news of Rina and Daniel spread even wider. Neighbors started visiting Rina's home, asking questions and gossiping. Her mother and stepfather were embarrassed and furious.
Pak Mat (sternly):
"She's willing to throw away the family's dignity for love. What will people think of us now?"
Rina's Mother (tearfully):
"This is not the daughter I raised… She's changed…"
Though angry, their nights were filled with worry and longing for Rina. But their pride was too high they refused to give in.
A Peaceful Moment With Daniel
One quiet afternoon, Rina and Daniel sat by the river where they often met secretly since childhood. The gentle flow of water brought a small sense of peace to Rina's restless heart.
Daniel (looking gently at Rina):
"Even if the whole world turns against us, I'll still choose you. Don't ever think you're alone."
Rina (softly, her fingers brushing his hand):
"I'm scared… But when I'm with you, that fear feels smaller."
They stayed silent, watching the reflection of the sun on the water's surface. For a while, life felt peaceful as though the world paused just for the two of them.
An Unexpected Twist But that peace didn't last long.
That night, while Rina and Daniel were talking about their future, someone suddenly knocked loudly on the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Daniel quickly opened the door and froze.
Standing outside was Mr. Mustaffa, the man who was supposed to be Rina's fiancé. His face didn't look angry just calm, too calm.
Mr. Mustaffa (in a low, sharp voice):
"I didn't come here to fight. But you both need to understand… you're playing with fire."
He handed Daniel a neatly folded letter.
Mr. Mustaffa:
"This isn't just about love. It's about your family's debt, Rina. The debt your stepfather made with your name on it."
Rina's heart pounded. Her hands trembled. Inside the letter was a legal agreement if Rina refused to marry Mr. Mustaffa, her family would have to repay a large sum of money. If they couldn't, their inherited family land would be taken away.
Daniel (angrily):
"So you're threatening us?"
Mr. Mustaffa (smirking):
"I'm simply giving you a choice… Marriage, or destruction."
Debt, Decisions, and a Shattered Hope
Rina stood motionless, her fingers clutching the letter Mr. Mustaffa left behind. The world around her felt like it had collapsed. The wind outside whispered through the windows, but inside, only silence and fear filled the air.
Daniel stared at the letter on the table, jaw clenched tightly. His heart was burning with anger and helplessness.
Rina's Guilt and Fear
Rina (voice trembling):
"Daniel… this is my fault. My family will lose everything because of me…"
Daniel turned to her and held her shoulders firmly.
Daniel (soft but firm):
"Don't say that. This isn't your fault. It's your stepfather's debt. You didn't choose this."
Rina lowered her head, tears forming in her eyes.
Rina:
"But because of me, they'll suffer. If I don't marry him, they'll lose the land… our home…"
Her voice cracked. The weight of being a daughter and a lover crushed her from both sides.
Daniel's Painful Choice
Daniel remained silent for a few seconds, then walked outside to breathe. The night sky was dark, filled with clouds, no stars in sight. Just like his heart right now.
Vivian quietly approached him.
Vivian:
"What are you going to do?"
Daniel (slowly):
"I don't know… But I can't let Rina sacrifice herself. And I can't let her family lose everything because of us."
Vivian sighed.
Vivian:
"Love is not just about holding on… Sometimes, it's about letting go so the person you love doesn't get hurt."
Daniel closed his eyes. Those words stabbed his heart like a knife.
Meanwhile at Rina's House
At the same time, Rina's mother sat on the floor, staring blankly.
Rina's Mother (whispering):
"Maybe I was wrong… Maybe I pushed her too hard…"
Pak Mat (stern, but guilty):
"What's done is done. But if we don't solve this debt everything will be gone."
For the first time, regret appeared in his eyes. But it was too late.
The Next Morning, Daniel Makes a Decision
The sun hadn't fully risen when Daniel returned to Rina's room. His face looked tired but determined.
He knelt in front of her.
Daniel (softly):
"Rina… I love you more than anything. But I can't let your family fall apart because of us."
Rina's eyes widened with fear.
Rina:
"What are you saying?"
Daniel swallowed hard.
Daniel:
"I will fix this. I will work harder, earn the money, pay the debt. But until then… you have to decide. Do you still want to fight this… or will you choose your family?"
Rina shook her head, tears flowing freely.
Rina:
"I don't want to leave you… I don't want to marry him!"
Daniel smiled sadly, wiping her tears.
Daniel:
"Then believe in me. Even if we are apart for a while… I will come back for you."
Rina's Breaking Point
Rina hugged him tightly, trembling.
Rina (whispering):
"If I lose you… I lose everything."
Daniel:
"You'll never lose me. Even if we're apart, my heart will still be with you."
Outside, the sky began to cry heavy rain pouring as if heaven itself felt their pain.
Their hands remained intertwined, holding on to love… even when the world tried to tear them apart.
Rain, Resolve, and a Promise to Return
The rain continued to fall heavily that night, drumming on the rooftops like a grieving heartbeat. Daniel sat alone under the mango tree where everything began where he first held Rina's letter, where hope once felt simple.
His shirt was soaked, but he didn't care. His mind was full of one question:
"How do I save her… without losing myself?"
Vivian Finds Daniel
Vivian appeared, holding an umbrella, her footsteps quiet in the wet soil.
Vivian:
"You're going to get sick sitting out here. Come inside."
Daniel didn't answer. He stared at the sky.
Daniel:
"Vivian… if you had to choose love or family what would you choose?"
Vivian sighed.
Vivian:
"Love without family is lonely. Family without love is empty. But sometimes… life forces us to pick one."
Daniel closed his eyes. The rain felt colder.
Daniel's Decision
The next morning, before the sun rose, Daniel packed a small bag. He looked at the rubber estate, the house, everything he grew up with.
His father, Mr. Thompson, stood by the door, arms folded.
Mr. Thompson (sternly):
"Going somewhere?"
Daniel took a deep breath.
Daniel:
"I'm leaving for the city. I want to work there. Earn money. Enough to pay off Rina's family's debt."
Mr. Thompson didn't reply. Mrs. Thompson stepped forward, tears in her eyes.
Mrs. Thompson (softly):
"Son… are you sure? This path will not be easy."
Daniel nodded.
Daniel:
"I'd rather suffer than watch her destroy her life."
Mr. Thompson finally spoke, voice steady.
Mr. Thompson:
"If this is your decision… then go. But remember don't come back empty handed."
Daniel bowed his head. Not in weakness, but in respect.
A Final Goodbye
He went to see Rina. She was waiting under the mango tree with eyes swollen from crying.
Rina (voice shaking):
"You're really going?"
Daniel held her hands gently.
Daniel:
"If I stay, I can't save you. If I go… I can fight for you."
Rina broke into tears.
Rina:
"What if you never return?"
Daniel cupped her face, his voice steady.
Daniel:
"I will return. Maybe not soon. But I promise… when I come back, I'll come to marry you."
Rina leaned into his embrace, her tears soaking his shirt.
The Red Ribbon
Before he left, Rina pulled a small red ribbon from her hair.
Rina:
"Here… keep this. So you won't forget me."
Daniel smiled faintly and tied it around his wrist.
Daniel:
"As long as this is with me… my heart is with you."
Departure
The sound of a distant train echoed.
Daniel walked away with heavy steps, Vivian silently beside him carrying his bag.
Rina remained under the mango tree, rain falling again soft and cold.
She whispered to herself:
"Please… don't let this be goodbye."
The village felt quieter after Daniel left as if even the wind moved more slowly. Rina woke up every morning hoping to hear his footsteps by the gate, but all she found was silence.
She kept her days busy helping her grandmother, sweeping the yard, sewing clothes but every time she passed the mango tree, her heart ached.
The red ribbon on Daniel's wrist was gone, but the one in her hair? Still there.
Still waiting.
The First Letter
One late afternoon, Mrs. Thompson arrived at Rina's house with an envelope.
Mrs. Thompson (softly): "Daniel asked me to give this to you when he reached the city."
Rina held the letter like it was made of glass.
She ran to her room, closed the door, and opened it with trembling fingers.
"Rina, the city is loud and cold. I sleep in a small room with two other workers. My hands are blistered, but I'm working. Every day is a battle, but every battle is for you. Don't give up on me."
Rina pressed the letter to her chest. For the first time in weeks she smiled.
Life in the City
Far away, Daniel was working at a construction site. Dust filled the air. His shoulders ached every night. Sometimes he fell asleep without dinner.
His roommate, Amir, noticed the ribbon tied on Daniel's wrist.
Amir (smirking): "Your girlfriend?"
Daniel (smiling faintly): "My future wife."
Amir raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.
Every payday, Daniel saved most of his wages. He wrote letters to Rina whenever he could pouring hope into every line.
Rina's Family Pressure
But things at home grew worse.
Rina's father, Encik Rahman, noticed a man from town visiting their house a businessman proposing a marriage arrangement.
Encik Rahman: "We cannot live in debt forever. This man is offering help."
Rina stepped back, heart pounding.
Rina: "I will not marry someone I don't love."
Her father's voice rose.
Encik Rahman: "Love won't feed us, Rina!"
Her grandmother, Fatimah, placed a gentle hand on his arm.
Nenek Fatimah: "Let the girl decide. A forced marriage brings no blessing."
The argument ended, but the tension stayed.
A Whispered Prayer
That night, under the mango tree, Rina prayed quietly.
Rina (whispering): "God… if his love is sincere, give him strength. And if I'm meant to wait… give me a strong heart."
The wind moved softly, as if answering her.
Time Passes But the Promise Remains
Weeks became months.
Sometimes letters came. Sometimes they didn't.
Sometimes she cried. Sometimes she laughed remembering Daniel's jokes.
But she kept the ribbon and his promise.
And somewhere in the city, under tired eyes and tired hands, Daniel whispered every night:
"I will come back. Even if I have to crawl."