Nini's Rock: A Tale of Eternal Love and Devotion at the Shores of Ciamis
Legenda Pantai Karang Nini >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia
A Folktale from West Java
ONCE upon a time in a village in Ciamis, West Java, there lived an elderly couple named Aki and Nini. Aki was a gentle soul, wise and kind, while Nini was known for her warmth and laughter, which echoed through their cozy home. They had two sons who lived across the ocean and a daughter who resided far away. Each year, during Lebaran, their sons would return to visit, bringing joy and laughter, but their daughter had never made the journey back home.
As the festive season approached, Aki turned to Nini one evening, gazing at the stars that twinkled above them.
“Aki, do you think our daughter will ever visit us?” Nini asked, her voice tinged with longing.
“I wish she would, my love. But I know she has her own life to live,” Aki replied, his eyes filled with understanding. “Perhaps it’s time for me to see her. I can’t bear the thought of you waiting for her forever.”
Nini’s heart sank at the idea of Aki leaving, but she knew it was important.
“May I come with you?” she pleaded softly.
“No, Nini. You should stay here and wait for our sons. They will need you,” Aki said gently, taking her hands in his. “I promise I’ll return two days after Lebaran. Just be patient for a little while longer.”
With a heavy heart, Nini watched Aki depart on a small boat filled with other travelers. As the boat sailed away, she waved until it became a mere dot on the horizon. She imagined the joyful reunion with their daughter, dreaming of the laughter that would fill their home.
Days passed as Nini waited by the beach, her heart fluttering with hope. Each morning, she dressed in her finest clothes, hoping to catch a glimpse of Aki’s boat returning. “Where are you, Aki? You promised you would come back,” she whispered to the wind, her voice trembling with hope.
But as time wore on, her heart filled with despair. The villagers began to notice her absence from home and went to check on her. Rumors spread that the boat Aki had taken had sunk in the ocean, and concern grew for Nini.
One day, the villagers came together, their faces etched with worry. “We must find her!” one cried. They searched the beach, calling her name. “Nini! Nini!” But there was no answer. Hours turned to days, and just as despair settled in, they discovered a peculiar rock at the beach, shaped like an elderly woman sitting with her head bowed, gazing out to sea.
“Look! It’s as if she has turned to stone, forever watching the ocean,” a villager exclaimed, tears in their eyes.
The villagers believed it was Nini, eternally waiting for Aki’s return, her hope frozen in time. From that day on, the beach was named Pantai Karang Nini, meaning the beach of Nini’s rock—a symbol of unwavering love and faithfulness. It served as a reminder to all of the enduring bond between Aki and Nini, a love that transcended time and space. The villagers would often visit the beach, sharing tales of Nini’s devotion, and in their hearts, they kept her spirit alive.
Moral Message
The story of Nini’s Rock Beach teaches us about the sincerity of love and loyalty, values that are deeply cherished in our culture. However, we can also learn the importance of balancing love for others with self-care. In today’s world, a healthy love is not only about devotion but also the ability to accept reality and move forward, without losing love and respect for those we cherish. Let’s honor deep love while also prioritizing our own well-being.
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