You were alone in the living room at your home. It was 1980 and your home the best home in the village. The walls were made of bricks instead of weaved bamboo. The roof was sturdy and free of leaks when rain came with its threats of excessive water. You are the head of the village, a little more prestigious position than the imam of the one and only mosque in that area. Your first wife went back to her parents house in tears because she couldn’t stand you got married again. She’s older, this first wife, ber body no longer shaped like a guitar like 3 years ago and you really want to have a son. But Asiyah, the first wife, had a dry womb. Dry like a desert where nothing can grow there. Of course there is nothing wrong with you. I mean, how could that even possible?

Imam has 4 wives, he understood your problem. When one wife is not enough, get another one. The law said so as long as we can take care of all of them fairly. Imam gave a small chuckle in your coffee time together after the sunset prayer.

Then you saw her, right there. A perfect guitar shaped figure wrapped with batik from waist down, and a modest dirt colored blouse, serving steaming fried banana. What’s your name sweet girl? You asked. Imam spoke for her even though she had mouth and vocal cords. Ah, she is my second wife’s cousin, Tini. Imam motioned Tini to leave them. She is 16. You like her? We have a few suitors asking for her. But if you want her you sure can. Is she a virgin? You asked. Of course. Nobody messes around with Imam’s family. They will go to hell! Both of you laughed, and your blood feels a little warm which maybe was from the friend banana or coffee.

They call it belah duren. Opening a sealed segment of this sharp skinned fruit would give a sweet smell for some people or an aroma of a very despicable thing that did not appeal to anybody. The fruit was creamy and sweet. Yes, not for everybody’s taste. They also called it belah duren when it’s the first night for married couple. Opening someone’s legs, and finding sweetness between them. You are about to find out how sweet is Siti’s duren.