Chapter 14: Threats from the Past
Saraswati was tidying up the books on the shelf in her living room when a knock at the door made her stop. The afternoon was already fading, and Amara was playing at the neighbor's house. With a hint of curiosity, she walked towards the door and slowly opened it. Standing before her was a man she hadn't seen in a long time—Bima, Arman's former colleague.
Saraswati froze. Bima's face was just as she remembered, with sharp eyes and a smile that was too friendly, almost suspicious. She recalled how Arman had mentioned this man several times. Bima was known as a cunning and manipulative person, someone who couldn't be trusted entirely. And beyond that, he had a reputation for flirting with women—especially widows.
"Saraswati," he greeted her in a falsely sweet tone. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?" He smiled in a way that made Saraswati feel disgusted. She instinctively stepped back, trying to avoid Bima as he attempted to inch closer.
Saraswati struggled to stay calm despite the sudden wave of fear creeping into her chest. She was alone in the house—her mother-in-law, Ratna, was attending a religious gathering. "Yes, it has been a while. What do you need, Mas Bima?" she asked, keeping her distance from him.
Bima leaned against the door frame, his body moving forward slightly—too close for Saraswati's comfort. "I just wanted to check on you. I heard you're managing everything on your own now. It must be tough. I can help if you'd like," he offered smoothly, though his words felt insincere.
Saraswati frowned. She knew exactly what Bima's true intentions were. "Thank you, but I'm fine," she said firmly, taking another step back.
"Oh, don't be like that. We're like family," Bima insisted in a soft voice, but Saraswati caught the hidden meaning in his words. "I was Arman's friend. I feel responsible for your happiness."
Saraswati gripped the door handle tightly. Something about Bima's demeanor sent chills down her spine. "I can take care of myself, Mas. If there's nothing else, I need to get back to work."
But before she could shut the door, Bima's hand shot out, stopping it.
"No need to rush, Saraswati. I just want to talk for a bit." His eyes roamed over her face in an indecent way. "I know life as a widow is difficult. People judge, and they're watching your every move. I can help you, so you don't have to feel lonely anymore."
Anger flared up in Saraswati. She wanted to scream at him, to kick him out of her home, but she knew men like Bima wouldn't back down easily.
"I don't need your help, Mas Bima," she stated with conviction. "And I am not alone. I have Amara, I have my job, and I can live my life without interference from others."
Bima smirked. "Ah, I've also heard about that man... Boase, right? The kindergarten teacher who often visits your house? Do you really think he cares about you? Or maybe he just pities you?"
Saraswati clenched her fists. "That's none of your business."
Bima chuckled. "You're quite stubborn. But that's what makes you interesting, Saraswati."
He moved even closer, but before he could go any further, the sound of heavy footsteps approached the house.
"Hey!" A deep, authoritative voice rang out.
Bima turned, his expression shifting when he saw who had arrived. Boase was walking up with a rigid posture, his face hard, and his eyes locked onto Bima with a piercing gaze. The air around them tensed immediately.
"Is there a problem here?" Boase asked, his deep voice leaving no room for negotiation.
Saraswati felt both relieved and nervous. She didn't want a confrontation, but she also knew Boase wouldn't stand by while someone harassed her.
Bima put on his sly smile. "Oh, no problem at all, Mr. Boase. I was just having a chat with Saraswati."
"It seems like she's not comfortable with this conversation," Boase said, stepping closer until he stood beside Saraswati. "If you have something to say, say it and leave."
Bima chuckled lightly, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. "You're quite bold, aren't you? I was simply reminding Saraswati that life isn't easy for a widow. I was only offering my help."
Boase remained unmoved by Bima's casual tone. "Saraswati can take care of herself. And if she ever needs help, she knows exactly who to ask."
Saraswati observed how Boase handled the situation. He was firm, but not reckless. His stance made it clear that he wouldn't allow anyone to trouble her.
Bima exhaled sharply, then took a step back. "Alright, I don't want to start a problem. But Saraswati, my offer still stands. You know where to find me if you need anything."
Without waiting for a reply, Bima turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the tension still thick in the air.
Saraswati let out a deep breath, realizing she had been holding it in. She looked at Boase, who was still standing beside her, his expression still somewhat tense.
"Thank you, Boase," she said softly.
Boase turned to her. "You don't need to thank me. I just don't like seeing people like him treating you that way."
Saraswati gave a small, grateful smile. "I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't come."
Boase sighed. "You need to be careful, Saraswati. People like Bima don't give up easily. If he comes back, don't hesitate to tell me."
Saraswati met Boase's eyes and saw sincerity in them. She knew that this man wasn't just saying empty words. Boase genuinely cared about her—not out of pity, but because he wanted to protect her.
She nodded slightly. "I'll remember that."
Boase offered a small smile. "Now, let's make sure your house is secure. I can check the doors and windows if you don't mind."
Saraswati chuckled lightly. "You're like my personal bodyguard."
Boase shrugged. "If that makes you feel safer, I don't mind."
A warmth spread through Saraswati's chest. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel completely alone. Boase was here—and she knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
But in the back of her mind, she knew this wasn't over. Bima wasn't the type to give up so easily. And Saraswati needed to be prepared for the possibility that the threat from her past had not truly disappeared.