Jealousy

Late into the night, the lights on the top floor of the office building remained illuminated, casting a glow that pierced through the darkness. The brisk wind carried with it a lazy drizzle, splattering against the large windows. Inside, four individuals wore serious expressions, their focus unwavering since the setting of the sun. They discussed various matters that needed immediate attention for the success of their project. Assistants scurried about, carrying papers, work devices, or even clean suits in preparation for their respective superiors. Aisha was among them, representing AR Durlach in the joint project with CorporatE and Dirdja. The second constellation package had to be arranged swiftly while everyone was preoccupied with negotiations to avoid wastefulness in the artificially constructed lands of the Northern territory.

The moon shone brightly over the sprawling estate, casting a mysterious glow upon the grand facade of the mansion. Inside, a meeting of strategic minds unfolded, as Dirdja, AR Durlach, and CorporatE convened to discuss their ambitious endeavor. This was not merely another residential project; it was a venture that aimed to reshape the landscape of Jagakarsa.

AR Durlach, ever the visionary, recognized the potential of the industrially zoned area in Jagakarsa. Negotiations with the formidable bureaucracy and the nine dragons-the nine prominent elders whose had created environment and put norms into underground business on grassroot levels, proved arduous, as they fiercely contested every inch of land. Yet, undeterred by the challenges, AR Durlach persisted, determined to secure a portion of the territory for a residential cluster, specifically catering to the working class. The employers of these Mega Project.

Such conservative thinking presented by the old dragons as the landowners, catering to an established market segment, seemed archaic and narrow-minded. But AR Durlach, in collaboration with CorporatE, had grander plans in mind. They proposed the development of a Waste Management Facility, a venture not without its risks and complexities. It was a bold move, challenging the conventional norms and pushing the boundaries of progress.

As the clock ticked, the room filled with intense discussions, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the occasional raised voice. The fate of the project hung in the balance, as each participant presented their arguments, fuelled by their determination to succeed against all odds.

In this world of power and influence, where fortunes could be made or lost in an instant, the stakes were high. AR Durlach's proposition was not merely about business or profit; it was a statement of their collective ambition to shape the future and leave a lasting legacy.

As the meeting drew to a close, the participants exchanged cautious glances, aware of the risks and challenges that lay ahead. The winds of change whispered through the room, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of those who dared to defy convention and forge a new path. The stage was set for a battle of wills, where success would require both cunning and resilience. The story of this ambitious project had only just begun, and the outcome remained uncertain. But one thing was clear: the journey would be filled with twists and turns, as the characters navigated the intricate web of power, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness.

This land still fumbles in the realm of vision and mission. One division that propelled Durlach to greatness was its Renewable Energy Resources division. They were involved in the Swedish Government's mega project, converting waste into electrical energy. They supplied the cutting-edge infrastructure for Norway's ultra-high-tech project, the Wind Farms planted in the North Atlantic. They even had a hand in the affairs of Samsøe Island in Denmark, harnessing Geothermal Energy. Jagakarsa would become their pilot project for large-scale industrial waste management in the Asian region.

Durlach had a vision and a mission, far beyond the lofty goal of making the Earth cleaner through their projects. Their guiding principle was an environmentally conscious industrial concept that remained profitable. Perhaps the conservative minds would sneer and mock, deeming it a suicidal mission in Indonesia, a land too steeped in its own customs and habits. It was a pity indeed that it was always outsiders who saw the profitable gaps. In essence, Durlach saw the potential in waste management as a lucrative business, weren't like those another conservative business players. They were -the greedy people, too greedy to part with their hefty investments for the sake of an idealistic venture. They were averse to its risks, lazy to take on the challenges it presented.

The distillation of water may indeed be costly, but it is the mercury that can be acquired which holds the promise of extraordinary gains. Crudely put, it involves mining from the refuse. This is one of AR's considerations, aiming to compel all waste-discharging factories to appoint Durlach as their environmental consultant. How would they accomplish such a feat? That is a reason Dirdja comes into the picture.

"Jaya has done a splendid job securing the site for our Installation. I will go over every detail with Madame; we will discuss it after lunch tomorrow. I hope Dirdja is prepared, Ay."

Aymard nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Ready, Ai. However, I thought it would better if it was just one of my uncles who would frame the President's perspective."

Jaya Emyr turned and replied, "Why settle for just one when we have two who can convincingly present the project's benefits to the President?"

Aymard grinned, "They'll start gossiping if our conditioning is too extensive."

Jaya Emyr smiled as well, "Yes, it makes sense, Aymard. Absolutely. Let's not give people an easy reason to gossip."

Aisha nodded, taking off her glasses and said, "Which of your uncles has more influence over the President?"

Alaric stretched his back. He had been silently listening and nodding along. Or massaging his temples when presented with the impressive calculation figures. No wonder Dharma dubbed this project the Super Structure.

"Uncle Jatmiko, I believe, would be more effective. He's incredibly persuasive and a little manipulative," Alaric said.

Aymard chuckled, "Yep, he's a sly one."

Aisha raised an eyebrow, "Manipulative? Hm, that's quite risky."

Jaya Emyr chuckled softly, "I know him, Ai. Don't worry. He doesn't casually employ his persuasive manipulative abilities."

Aymard nodded in agreement as Alaric scratched his neck. Jaya Emyr glanced at him and remarked, "Except when it comes to Alaric, Ai."

Alaric laughed dryly in response to Jaya Emyr's jest. They had once known each other well until that day. Jatmiko Dirdja always delighted in frustrating Alaric, whom he deemed too soft.

"You're the one meeting Uncle Jat," Aymard said.

Alaric stared at Aymard, slightly incredulous that he found himself entrusted with this important task instead of Aymard handling it himself. After all, Aymard knew well how difficult it was to engage in a discussion with Dharma's eldest brother. Jatmiko Dirdja only spoke to those he deemed competent, and throughout Alaric's life, he had never been regarded as such by Jatmiko. One could say that Jatmiko was one of the few unimpressed by Alaric's charm.

"Uncle Jat prefers to have breakfast while chatting. Meet him before seven o'clock. And make sure you've read the summary in the morning economy column of the Straits Times, considering the Gatra headline this time. He detests Forbes and Tatler, so don't mention them,"

Aymard explained with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Then he continued,

"Since there's rarely anyone to chat with during breakfast, you should be adept at not getting carried away by his ramblings. You know how it is with older folks—they tend to wander off in their conversations."

Alaric squinted at Aymard, who feigned seriousness in his speech. Jaya Emyr stifled a smile, while Aisha seemed to be trying to make sense of the situation.

"Why are you looking at me like I am the Old Man? I'm not asking you to face Uncle Jat as his nephew, you fool!" Jaya Emyr chuckled.

Alaric growled, "Why not you, Mardi? I have no idea how to start a conversation with Uncle Jat!"

Jaya Emyr laughed, "Oh, shit! Hasn't he learned how to deal with the fiercest uncle in your family? Pathetic, Alaric!"

Alaric glanced at Jaya Emyr, "Shut your mouth."

Aymard sighed, "I have a prior appointment for a meeting with the team. It's our inaugural meeting, and I don't want to risk asking you to lead it. The last time I asked you to lead a meeting, it turned into chaos. You abandoned it halfway because of Shafina's whining. You claimed it was a car accident on the toll road, but it turned out to be just a flat tire!"

Alaric remained silent. He remembered that incident, which infuriated Aymard and enraged Dharma. The two of them couldn't have a warm conversation for nearly a month. He also recalled Magdeléne's week-long silence towards Dharma for mistreating her Golden Child.

"Regardless, Om Jat is still a Dirdja. What's so difficult about convincing him?" scoffed Aymard.

Jaya Emyr burst into laughter, while Aymard failed to contain his authoritative expression, joining in with a wide grin as he glanced at Jaya Emyr.

"Damn it, Jaya!"

Jaya Emyr continued to laugh, "Sorry not to sorry. But Alaric's expression just now was too irresistible."

Aisha turned her head, "You seem to really enjoy it, Jaya."

Jaya Emyr nodded and turned to Aisha. Taking a deep breath, he leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on the table.

"You wouldn't believe it, Ai. He always makes me and Aymard laugh with his worrying expression like earlier."

Aisha let out a small laugh, "Oh? Did you two grow up together?"

Jaya Emyr fell silent for a moment, "Perhaps. We often spent summers together when we were kids."

Aymard didn't react, only holding back a smile. Aisha observed them alternately, sensing a sudden distance they had created.

"It sounds fun. I didn't have many childhood friends," Aisha murmured unintentionally.

Aymard turned to her, receiving an awkward smile from Aisha immediately.

"Well, let's wrap this up then. It's nearly midnight. I invite you to have lunch tomorrow, I'll wait for you all at Weathergrass. I hope there will be progress. As for Jatmiko Dirdja, I hope we'll have some certainty by tomorrow."

Alaric nodded at Aisha, who was gazing at him. He threw a faint, unconscious smile her way before Aisha shifted her attention to Jaya Emyr, who began to move.

"Alright. Are we done here? Rukman, organize all the documents. Put them in the wine-colored crocodile-skin briefcase. Remember, alright? So that we don't bring the wrong documents later."

Jaya Emyr's assistant nodded and swiftly started working. Danti and Dono followed suit. The difference was that this was the Dirdja building, so they could finish faster. Aisha, who was alone, was busy organizing everything when Jaya Emyr called out,

"Aish..."

"Uhm?"

"Aish."

"Yes?"

"Oh, Aisha!"

Aisha raised her face to look at Jaya Emyr.

"Could you go home with me? I want to talk."

A restrained smile appeared on Aisha's face, "Okay," she said.

Instantly, Aymard froze. Alaric tilted his head, realizing the comfortable closeness between them. Weathergrass, Aisha's residence, was in the opposite direction of Jaya Emyr's home, which was less than 10 minutes away from the Dirdja building.

"By the way, is Rahman feeling better?" asked Jaya Emyr.

Aymard sat up straight, "Rahman is sick?"

Alaric held his breath for a moment before sighing, realizing how everything related to Aisha always became a matter of family.

Aisha nodded, her face now slightly clouded. Jaya Emyr turned to look at Aymard for a moment,

"Don't you know? He's had chickenpox for a week now."

Aymard widened his eyes spontaneously, "Seriously? Why am I just finding out?"

Aisha looked at Aymard, offering a forced smile. Aymard's exhaled breath sounded almost like a snort,

"He must be so bored being cooped up at home," he muttered, masking his annoyance.

"That's right," replied Jaya Emyr.

Alaric scratched his neck again, realizing that Jaya Emyr seemed like Aisha's spokesperson.

"Have you visited him, Jaya?"

Jaya Emyr nodded, "Yes, two days ago. While took a trip to the East as well."

"Why do I feel excluded now, Ai?" grumbled Aymard.

Aisha forced a smile, "Ouch! Don't be like that, Ay."

A small laughter escaped from Jaya Emyr's lips, "It's trivial, Mad. It just so happened that I've been with Aisha for the past two weeks."

Aymard muttered under his breath, squinting in annoyance, while Alaric felt increasingly alienated. Estranged. He cleared his throat,

"I'll head home first. I'll report on any progress during tomorrow's lunch meeting." He said.

Aisha nodded, "Yes, I'll be waiting. Oh, Aymard. Make sure the inaugural meeting tomorrow succeeds in opening up locked minds."

Aymard nodded, "Of course, Ai. I promise."

Jaya Emyr stood up, without further ado, and walked out ahead of Alaric. The phone in his hand kept buzzing repeatedly. Aisha glanced over, noticing him speaking at a distance with someone on the other end. Aymard caught a glimpse of Aisha attentively observing Jaya Emyr.

Alaric, who had been standing as an observer all this time, felt an indistinct mix of emotions upon realizing how close Jaya Emyr was to Aisha. He also didn't want to delve further into the simmering anger he felt every time he realized how effortlessly Aymard could converse with Aisha without any burdens. At the end of this evening, Alaric genuinely felt estranged. He repeatedly defied the whispers of his own heart, contemplating that Jaya Emyr's closeness to Aisha might be more than what meets the eye.

Now Alaric walked hastily without permission towards the elevator, displeased to find Aymard and Aisha engaged in a low conversation. His loosely tied necktie still felt constricting as his mind revealed the reality that he was a complete stranger to Aisha.

"Dono..." Alaric whispered softly, loosening his collar.

"Yes?"

"Who is Jaya Emyr dating now?"

"No one, Boss."

Silence followed, broken by the sound of the elevator's chime reaching the lobby, followed by the opening doors. Alaric walked across while Dono continued, making his way to the basement to retrieve the car.

The deserted lobby echoed with Alaric's footsteps. The security guard on duty raised his head but quickly lowered it after giving a slight nod of respect, which went completely unnoticed by Alaric. The vibration in his trouser pocket didn't halt his stride. Just as he reached the top of the stairs outside the lobby, the car glided from the basement and came to a stop. Without waiting for Dono to open the door, Alaric got in immediately. This situation made Dono alert, as he understood that it was only when Alaric had a lot on his mind that he behaved in such a manner. The side effects were often negative, resulting in endless anger and discrediting outbursts. Before driving off, Dono opened the tablet that was mounted on the steering column. There was a notification from RSVP.

Today, AM 00:09______The legalization of liquor by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Planting people within the government is indeed in vogue. A brilliant tactic, proven to be beneficial for the Kumala's! Who will be the next to follow suit? Saratoga? Opsie Daisie!________________________________

Oh! Who would have thought that the old dragons could awaken from their long slumber. Well, times have changed, and we must adapt, whether we like it or not. Who isn't concerned about the extension of the SCBD contract today? Land use rights approaching expiration.______________________

The competitive race for the reclaimed land sites is less enticing for the old names. There are rumors that a high-level business agreement will emerge on the mainland. Hmm, let's sharpen our eyes and ears.___________________________________________________________________________________________

And one more thing, tomorrow we start throwing off whoever is threatened off the market. Next year will be a year filled with too many parties, Folks!__________________________________________________

Dono glanced, his eyes directed towards the phone screen held in Alaric's hand.

"Dono."

"Yes, Boss?"

"If this super construction project leaks to RSVP, I'll erase you."

Dono frowned, looking at Alaric through the rearview mirror. Alaric was still focused on his phone, but he briefly glanced and flashed a threatening smile. Dono cursed under his breath, even though he wasn't an accomplice of RSVP at all, Alaric must be thinking so. It must be because of Alaric's bad mood. It's indeed difficult when you have a boss who relies heavily on emotions.

*****