Chapter 15: Eid and a Shocking Confession!
The morning of Syawal arrived with a different atmosphere. The Kampung Melayu area in Johor Bahru was lively with the echoes of takbir from the nearby mosque, but for Aiman and his friends, this year’s Eid felt strangely different.
They gathered at Aiman’s house after performing the Eid prayer, their faces filled with anticipation. Although the case of the missing kuih raya had finally been solved—revealing that the true mastermind was an outsider supplier trying to sabotage the local market—something still lingered in their minds.
"Do you think Faizal will come?" Johan finally asked, breaking the silence.
Badrul shrugged. "No idea. After what happened that night, he’s been quiet. Maybe he’s too embarrassed to face us."
On the last night of Ramadan, the large-scale police operation at the JB bazaar had not only caught the kuih thief but also uncovered a bigger scandal—the sale of counterfeit kuih made with stolen recipes and sold at high prices. The shocking part? It was Faizal who had given them the final tip-off.
"We have to give him some credit," Din said while adjusting his blue Baju Melayu. "If he hadn’t exposed the big boss behind it, we might still be in the dark even on Eid."
Aiman sighed. Though they had never gotten along with Faizal, the truth was that he had helped them. Now, they faced a dilemma—should they forgive and accept him into their group?
The Last Memory of Ramadan
As they talked, the sound of kids playing with firecrackers echoed outside. The festive atmosphere was strong, with M. Nasir’s Satu Hari Di Hari Raya playing on the radio. The aroma of rendang and ketupat from the kitchen added to the warmth of the day.
Suddenly, the familiar sound of a Honda EX5 motorbike revved up in front of Aiman’s house. Everyone turned. Faizal.
He got off his bike, looking hesitant. Dressed in a grey Baju Melayu, he held something in his hands—a container of tart nanas.
"I bet you guys are still badmouthing me, huh?" Faizal said, trying to sound casual.
Aiman stepped forward. "No one’s badmouthing you, Faizal. We just want to know… why did you help us that night?"
Faizal was silent. He looked down before taking a deep breath. "I didn’t like the way that big boss did business. I know I’ve always been a nuisance to you guys, but I’m not stupid. I know what’s right and what’s wrong."
Everyone fell silent. It was the first time they had heard Faizal speak in such a serious tone.
"I also wanted to apologize for always annoying you guys. The truth is… I wanted to be part of your group. I don’t really have any other friends."
A long pause followed. Finally, Johan let out a small laugh. "I knew it. You’re just like a villain in those TV3 dramas who suddenly redeems himself in the last episode."
Everyone burst into laughter. Even Faizal smiled.
"So, does this mean you want to join our gang?" Din asked, raising an eyebrow.
Faizal nodded. "If you guys would accept me…"
Aiman smiled. "Eid is a time for forgiveness. Besides, we need to strengthen our detective squad. Who knows? Maybe we’ll have another case next year!"
They all laughed again, this time more genuinely.
In the background, Sudirman’s Balik Kampung started playing on the radio. For Aiman and his friends, this had been the most unforgettable Ramadan and Eid ever.