Flavour Bias

Not a Dream Marriage

I couldn't stop crying, even at night. I regret that I laughed and made this a joke. I don't want to be stuck with someone who has poor communication.

However, that night Aunt Ira kept persuading me to stop crying. The anger, resentment and arrogance that surrounded my heart could only be vented through tears, because I realized, there was no way I was going on a rampage here.

“At first Aunt also tired of persuading Iyash to marry you.” Suddenly I heard Aunt Ira say that.

Instantly I looked at him. “Certain why forced. It won't be good for us.”

“Sometimes good starts with what you think is bad,” says Aunt Ira. “Tante is sorry, Aunt does not want to see Iyash like this continue. She has to get up, Auntie doesn't want her whole life to be like this. He used to be a sweet kid, Cha, just like you. Only you can restore Iyash.”

“If indeed Sister Iyash is like this because of women from her past, why should Icha be involved?” I was wiping my tears.

Aunt Ira closed her eyes as she tapped the tip of her toes on the floor. I think he's holding back the anger because I keep arguing. “No harm.”

I quickly bowed while holding my own forehead. Everyone seems to have forgotten that I am a human, not a puppet.

“Everyone likes you, Cha,” says Aunt Ira. “You saw Grandpa with Grandma. He accepts you as Restu's son and their future daughter-in-law. Aunty doesn't want to choose another daughter-in-law, other than you.

Restu was lucky because of the many foster children Papa, he who Papa chose to be his adopted son, schooled to college, then worked in his company, even given shares. And now that you are more fortunate, by marrying Iyash all of Hasa's possessions will be yours and your children's. Will not run out, even up to seven derivatives.”

Heart's sniffing. Aunt Ira just insulted me and Papa. Never did I hope so. I admit her family played a big part in our lives, but is it appropriate, Auntie being arrogant?

“Icha listen, Auntie ever set him up? Why wasn't it forced like now Aunt forced it?”

“We do not force Iyash. She consciously accepted this matchmaking and tonight's event It's purely her own request.”

I wet my throat that felt so shaky. I finally understood what Iyash said when I accidentally eavesdropped on him.  “This has something to do with your divorce?” my guess.

Aunt Ira was stunned.

“Why, Aunt?”

“Cha, you better not ask why? Not everything you have to know. You just go.”

“Icha do not want,” reject me while getting up.

“You will make your Mama disappointed?”

Instantly I was moved.

“You won't regret marrying Iyash. What's wrong? Didn't you like Auntie's son too?”

“That was, Icha time didn't understand what it was like. Aunty heard the word like from the SD boy in High School? What did Auntie think back then?”

Aunt Ira took a breath, then patted and rubbed my shoulder. “Now you are an adult. Aunty will help you put on the wedding dress and Priska will decorate you, so stop crying and don't get angry. It's a special day for you and Iyash.”

My chest is getting more and more turbulent. I don't think Iyash's haughty nature can be changed because there's Aunt Ira's blood in it.

I can finally just stop. I take a bath, take a warm bath until I feel better. Aunt Ira and Mama called me from behind the door. Oh my God, is there no other choice?

“Cha, fast, everyone is waiting,” Mama said.

“Mama please, why it should be like this,” my mumble in front of the mirror.

“Cha.”

“Icha, fast. We don't have much time,” said Aunt Ira half-screaming, even she hit the door until I gasped.

“Quiet, Ra, Icha must be out kok,” Mama said.

“I'm afraid he's suicidal.” Aunty Ira's prejudices made me open the door.

“You see? Icha is not what you think,” bela Mama. But a second later Mama came out, I think before she heard Aunt Ira's spicy words again. Maybe it's the way I should know the real nature of the woman.

“Quick wear your clothes.” He put the white kebaya and other equipment on the bed. “Today there is only a contract event, we will do a reception in Jakarta. As fancy as you want. Make this your dream wedding.”

I took a breath and chose to silence my own mouth instead of having to silence that woman. I quickly put on the clothes he had prepared on the bed. Then came Priska. “Sorry, old, fussy Prince,” lamented.

“It won't take long. At least half an hour,” said Kak Priska while preparing makeup equipment.

“Now Prince where?” ask Aunt Ira.

“Sama Aunt Rahma.”

“Aduh why was given to Rahma, she was sick again.”

I turned my face away from the mirror. I see how scared and disgusting my mother is in Aunt Ira's eyes.

“I did not know that Aunt Rahma was sick again,” said Priska.

“Rahma can't be near a child, she has pulmonary TB. What if Prince is scared. You are this.”

Brother Priska grimaces worried. While I feel my head churn. Maybe my mom and I fell into the wrong hole. If you see the attitude of Aunt Ira, it is natural that Om Hasa wants to separate and end their household. I thought Aunt Ira was being so sincere, apparently not. I don't know what made that woman pull out her real fangs.

“You ready?” ask Priska.

“Mama heart disease, Brother. Not pulmonary TB,” I told Kak Priska.

“Oh, Mama like to exaggerate, ‘kan,” said Kak Priska while helping to comb my hair, then put on bando so that my hair child does not block the forehead when in makeup.

Sister Priska probably already knows her own mother-in-law very well. So lightly he said so.

“Since when did Aunt Rahma have a heart attack?” ask Kak Priska.

“About six months ago, he said he had swelling due to hypertension.”

“Oh. Brother is sorry, Cha.”

I nodded while looking at her face reflected in the mirror. Brother Priska is good at applying brushes and other objects to the surface of my face. Juggling my look that was plain to look more fresh with a touch of natural make up.

“You should not be surprised if you become his wife Iyash. Iyash is actually good, he is quite royal, even he is too loyal to the people he loves.”

I don't really want to listen to Kak Priska boast of Kak Iyash. Anyway I'm not sure Brother Iyash will be what Brother Priska said.

“If Mama maybe you already know.”

I quickly shook my head. Not that I don't know, but I choose not to know, just hearing Aunt Ira's raving tonight makes my ears buzz.

“The first year you may have trouble. I did too, but after Queensha was born, Mama slowly changed.”

I closed my eyes while taking a slow breath. My chest is hot not playing. I can't imagine what's going to happen in front of me. Is it true that Brother Iyash will be kind, sir, or will the man side with his mother one day thinking that I accept this matchmaking only to live well and enjoy the Om Hasa treasure that supposedly will not run out until seven derivatives?

I saw in the mirror Kak Priska was styling my long hair. I liked. It's simple enough, but looks fancy. However, when this makeup was fully finished, I was not impressed with the kebaya that wrapped up my curves. As beautiful as I am today, I am not impressed. I hate myself because for the first time I let someone else act on the decisions in my life.

“Aready?” ask Aunt Ira who just came holding Prince.  The boy who was only a year and a half wanted to get off his grandmother's lap. He wanted to hug his mother immediately. I think children know better which ones are sincere and which ones are insincere.

“Already, Ma.” Brother Priska tidied up his equipment. He then took over Prince from Aunt Ira's sling.

After Aunt Ira handed Prince over, he took my hand and took me to the living room, where the marriage contract was held.

There are already many people there, but my family here is just Mama. Even my Grandma and Grandpa in Bandung may not know about this sudden all-round marriage. Aunt Mila, I don't think she knows either.

I was asked to sit next to Brother Iyash. The man took off his arm. He was wearing a white shirt wrapped in a black suit. Even though he is a Javanese tribe and I am a Sundanese tribe in fact we do not carry any custom, then can Aunt Ira still call this my dream marriage?

Om Rudi smiled looking at us. I just remembered, the first person to accuse me and Iyash of a relationship was that guy. The man who will now be my guardian at my wedding.

“Father knows, ‘kan, consequences of siri marriage?” ask Mr. Penghulu. Instantly I raised my face. I thought my marriage would be legal according to religion and country. This is definitely not the marriage I dreamed of.

“It just so happens that our son's document is not ready yet. It can be ready next week. After everything is done, we will immediately register our child's marriage to the local KUA,” Om Hasa said.

“Good.” Penghulu then asked our readiness as a bride-to-be. Brother Iyash nodded, while I just silently stared. Of course why I said I was ready, if I had rebelled before.

Everyone started with bismillah and I heard Om Rudi handing me over, then Brother Iyash accepted by chanting his sacred promise. Not until twenty seconds, suddenly I heard everyone cheering “Sah”.