had spoken. Her heart grew increasingly restless. Her sister's words echoed in her mind throughout

traditional village was still crisp, with a thin mist covering the trees.

often sought solace. She carried a canang sari, a small offering of flowers neatly arranged in a woven

quiet. Only a few elderly women were tidying up the offerings, wh

temple, then pressed her palms together in a prayer

t go through with this arranged marriage, grant me str

. Ayu slowly opened her eyes, but the answer she sought had not yet come. J

yu

a voice she kne

ing a slightly wrinkled white shirt and trousers. His e

" Daniel said, his voic

he knew this conversa

eplied, her voice steadier t

a frangipani tree in full bloom. Ayu's heart pounded-thi

nymore. I love you, and I know you love me too. So tell me ... are

She wanted to say what she had kept in her he

even a part of you wants to fight this... please, g

s, filled with hope. This was the moment to m

at stake-her family, the traditions she had upheld all her l

time to answer,"

able. There was hope, bu

n your heart for the arranged mar

ching her kebaya as the wi

seek the answer-not from anyone else, bu

hat this was not an excuse to avoid the issue. She was genuinely sea

ontinued. "I want to cleanse my heart and mind, asking for

et for a moment bef

hat you need

Luh Sri. They wore kamen and yellow sashes, the attire required for the melukat purification ritual. The

purification pool. Devotees had already lined up, patiently waiting for their turn

entered the pool, feeling the cool water embrace her skin. One by one,

tradition, strengthen my heart. If there is an

weighed on her chest. Yet, when she opened her eyes, the answer sti

voice gentle. "Ayu, have

eel lighter. I want to climb Pura Lempuy

"Alright. If that's what you

l didn't know where her heart would lead her

sp, with a thin mist hanging among the lush green tree

this?" Luh Sri asked, wat

ayed at many temples, but my heart is still uncertain. I hop

But this journey won't be easy. We hav

ng Luhur was not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one

ntar gate, which framed the majestic Mount Agung in the distance. The

e to take photos and admire the scenery with their loved ones, but for Ayu, this was mor

red. "What if the answer

u's hand, gentl

ll be the best one for you, Ayu. You

the stillness. She thought of her love for Daniel, her parents'

*

s and relatives who had gathered from across the village. The usually warm faces

uncle-the head of the family-stared at her with piercing eyes. The atmosphere

tant to accept this arranged marriage?"

This was the moment

a deep

ad to spea

the most. But she could no longer remain silent befo

y best to accept this arranged marriage, but my heart is still filled with doub

ongue in disapproval, while a

on since we were children. There is nothing for you to doubt about that. The

Pura Lempuyang. I have sought guidance from our ancestors because I do no

essure. "Ayu, what more are you looking for? We have chosen a good match for y

sion was not only about herself but also about the cont

voice broke the tension. "Ayu

the elderly man before her. "I have not found it yet, Grandpa. But what

if waiting for her to surrender to the family's decision. But before any

oug

ads tu

ntil now, finally spoke. She sat upright, her hands re

ife. Since when have we forgotten that a wedding ceremon

tatement. "Luh Sri, you know very well our position within the tradition. If Ayu re

g back to the family. "Then what is the meaning of our spiritual journey