Ashes in the Dusk [CBS#4]

Chapter 37

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I was extremely shocked when I learned that Rahma donated such huge amount of money without hesitations. It's funny that a filthy rich farmer like him is here, working for me as a farm manager. Ni hindi ko nga kayang pantayan ng sahod niya ang kinikita niya sa kanilang sakahan. Rahma's expertise in farming is not beyond me. If he gives me his rate, I'm sure I won't be able to afford his services.

Willing to work--paid or unpaid.

Damn. That's ridiculous. Kung may ibang taong makakaalam nito, tiyak na maiinggit talaga sa akin para pagtrabahuin si Rahma sa katiting na suweldo.

Ilang araw na pagtatrabaho pa lang ay patapos na ang aking poultry house. Next week, sisimulan na niyang i-install ang mga kakailanganin doon kagaya ng mga nabanggit niya sa akin noong nakaraan.

It was five in the afternoon when I invited him again on a simple meal. Pag-uusapan ulit namin kung ano pa ang mga plano niya sa sakahan ko. I couldn't believe that I would come to this day when I'd feel so much passion in farming. My father didn't influence me, Rahma did, I know... and this place, El Camarico.

We settled on a simple table set outdoors, overlooking the farm. The setting sun casted a warm glow. I prepared a simple meal of grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad. I also put one bottle of wine on the table. I put some of the food on his plate, and he poured me a glass of wine.

"Uh, thank you nga pala sa pag-donate mo sa organization namin, Rahma. Our group was delighted, hindi na namin kailangang maghanap pa ulit ng sponsors next year. We promise you that we will use your money with honesty. Itutulong talaga namin iyon sa mga bata, Rahma. We might even choose our scholars until they finish tertiary."

Titig siya sa akin habang nagpapaliwanag ako, samantalang hindi ko siya matingnan nang maayos. Rahma looks so handsome. I could just imagine how fortunate I was for being able to approach him like this. He was every woman's dream wherever he goes.

"I know that the money will not be in vain. You're a member of the organization, after all." he said like he was so sure about it.

My cheeks heated at his faith in me.

"I really thought you weren't interested. You... uhm, rejected Bien."

Umangat ang sulok ng labi niya at ngumuso kalaunan. "Kung siya lang ang pumunta sa akin kahapon, kaunti lang ang ibibigay ko. You were with him, so..."

Sunog na yata ang pisngi ko! How could he say things like this without even choking? Gosh, Rahma.

"Rahma, dapat hindi ako ang naging dahilan mo! It should be the orphans!" inis kong saad dito.

Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi para pigilan ang ngisi. "Of course it's part of the reason. Sinabi ko na, kung si Bien lang ang pumunta sakin, magbibigay pa rin ako. I just got motivated to give more because... you were with him. And you were looking extremely beautiful."

Wala na, talo na ko sa argumentong ito. Rahma is the only one capable of messing with my sane thoughts.

"The poultry house is coming along nicely.  I appreciate the builders, they seem efficient. I'm also thankful for Brunetto who gave me high-quality materials. Sa'yo rin, Rahma. I'm pleased with the progress, this wouldn't be possible without you." I said to change the topic, but of course I was sincere.

"Yes, I made sure that the foundation is solid. We're on track for completion within the projected timeframe." he responded and took a bite of the grilled chicken.

Hindi ko napigilan ang saya. "That's good news! Pagkatapos ng poultry house, ano naman ang susunod na tatrabahuin, Rahma?"

"The next phase are the vegetable plots.  I'm still unsure about the best irrigation system."