Home For My Soul

60|Calon Wife

A woman walked up to the door and opened it for us. Seeing his head slightly bowed towards Theo, he must have known this young man was the son of his superior. We entered the room and I held my breath looking at the person inside.

All I thought would be in that room were Om Azarya, Aunt Ruth, and Matt. I never expected there would be Om and Aunt Winara, as well as Chika. Theo said only his family would have dinner with us. Why is there a Chika family too?

“Theo?” aunt Ruth asked after her surprise was gone. “What is this?”

“Gue who should have asked Mama. What is this?” reply Theo.

“We will be one family, there is nothing wrong with inviting the Chika family to dinner with us. The strange thing is that you brought Amarilis.” He looked at me confused.

“This is my event, then I am entitled to choose an invitation, not Mama.” He raised his hand when his mother wanted to refute. “We'd better start eating. Everyone must be hungry.” He invited me to approach a chair.

Matt immediately moved seats so that Theo and I could sit next to each other. Looking at the empty seat by Chika's side, they must have usually told her to sit there. I wondered what kind of attitude Theo had towards his fiancee when I was not around.

The waiter came in to deliver food for food and put it on the table. My saliva came out looking at all those delicious dishes. Husada restaurant is very famous and the taste of the food is like home cooking. They use quality materials, but they are affordable.

Katelia's family often ate at their restaurant in the Medan branch. I never knew that this family would be united with our family. Papa would like to work with them so that their menu and the services of trained chefs can be used in our hotel.

Guests will love it. The cuisine is delicious, but the price is light in the bag. Too bad, if he and Chika are officially married, then the Winara Family hotel will get the cooperation. It is fitting that they marry Theo to their daughter.

“Kat, ah, I mean, Amaryllis,” said Chika who I believe she did intentionally. “Where did you steal, ah, I mean, where did you buy that ring from?”

Everyone turned their gaze to my right hand which was holding the spoon. Theo's gift ring was there, sparkling when exposed to the light of the lamp on the ceiling of the room. Aunt Ruth took a surprised breath, then looked at Theo sharply.

“What do you do?” accuse her mother sharply. “That ring you said was missing. Why is it in the girl's hands??”

I am so glad to hear that question. It seems like no one heard the name Chika mentioned at the beginning she called me earlier. Mercifully. Because everyone in this place knew who he usually called by that name.

But my guts could not help but look at Aunt Ruth's sharp gaze towards her son, as I could also feel her anger directed at me. I'm used to nagging and hurting people. On the contrary, I am not used to being bullied by people who are older than me.

“Because Amarylis is my future wife, Ma. Grandma's gift ring is only for my own chosen future wife. That was Grandma's last message,” replied Theo straightforwardly.

All the women took surprised breaths. The men behaved more calmly, there was not even any expression. I was acting normal, but my heart was pounding. I put down the cutlery I was holding so that no one would see the vibration of my hand.

“What does your son mean, Ruth? Chika is his future wife. How could he give that legacy ring to another girl!?” loud protest Aunt Winara. Was he not wrong? Everyone was silent, it was audacious that he interrupted the conversation between Aunt Ruth and Theo.

“Quiet. His name is also the adult children. They like to do things that make their parents angry.” Aunt Ruth smiled wryly, then turned her head sharply towards Theo. “Remove the ring and give it to Chika.”

“Sorry, Mom. I prefer Amarylis to be my wife.” Theo held my left hand tightly. “Grandmother gave me full rights to choose the girl who deserves to wear it.”

“What did you say?” aunt Winara Protest. “What are you saying my daughter does not deserve to be your wife, but the fat girl—” The word is cut off as soon as she sees I am not fat anymore. “, and this poor one is more suitable?”

“More, Theo!” cheers Matt, the only person who was happy with the news delivered by his brother. “Gue agrees with Amarylis!”

“Basic child does not know manners. This is an adult conversation, you should not talk,” Aunt Winara's scolding, without hesitation.

I frowned hearing it. Who does she think she is so that she can scold Matt? He has the right to say anything to his brother. But before I could say anything, Theo tightened his grip on my hand. I close my lips.

After all, it was that woman who was being disrespectful. She had chimed in on the conversation between mother and son, with no one asking for her opinion. Om Azarya just silent do not interfere to see the wife debate with her son. Who is he to feel entitled to talk?

“You—” exciting Aunt Winara.

“We gathered for dinner,” said Om Azarya, mediate. “Food already served. So, let's eat quietly. Affairs with children we can discuss later.”

“Eat, you say? I've lost palate—” chuckle Aunt Winara. He stopped when Chika put her hand on his arm.

I spontaneously raised an eyebrow hearing the way he spoke to Om Azarya. In position and status, the Husada Family is above the Winara Family. Papa Theo could easily end his cooperation with Papa Chika, as he was the more influential.

But the attitude of Mama Chika including brave from earlier. He had been presumptuous to interrupt, then he was reckless to refute the polite advice of his candidate. It was as if he was the one holding the highest power in this room. Aunt Ruth also looked disinclined to him. It's a very strange sight.

“Om Husada is right, Ma. We eat quietly, then about my relationship with Theo, we can talk later,” said Chika gently.

Aunt Winara sighed loudly. “You've been hurt, but you're still defending them. Poor you, Son.” He caressed her daughter's hand and looked at her sadly.

If I didn't know their true nature, I would have been fooled by the charade. Yet I know they are both equally petty, so this attitude is just their way of attracting the mercy of Om and Aunt Husada. I'm gonna throw up to see it.

The pounding I felt had not diminished, but I was braver. At least Matt is on our side. Me and Theo were not entirely alone in fighting for our relationship, our errat, our rebellion. Papa and his mother will never approve of his choice, but I want to know where Theo will go against them.

After eating, Aunt Ruth escorts the Chika family out. The four of us remained in the room. Om Azarya just quietly finished the glass, while Matt smiled widely, teasing me and his brother. I don't know how to behave, so I'd rather be quiet.

The door is knocked before opening. Aunty went back in and sat in her original place next to Theo and Om Azarya. Everyone was silent, including me. It seems that in their family, women are highly respected, because even Om does not try to open the conversation.

“I'm very disappointed in you, Theo. What you're doing is so embarrassing. Fortunately, there is only our family and no journalists or anyone else,” Aunt Ruth said with annoyance.

“You could have chosen today to do this crazy thing. What's lacking in Chika until you have to choose another girl outside of our circle to be your wife? You didn't stop slandering so we broke off your engagement.

“Then now you use this lowly way to insult them? The Winara family are our best friends and have long been working together with your father. I told you, we've been watching Chika for a long time. She's the girl that suits you,” the woman concluded.

“If Mama and Papa have been watching him for a long time, there's no way you're going to match me up with him. I refused to get engaged to her, because her reputation in school would ruin our good name too, Ma,” Theo said calmly.

“Choosing Amaryllis won't ruin our reputation, so you mean?” challenge Aunt Ruth. “Do you think our family won't be the talk of people?”

“What's wrong with Amarylis? Mama herself said she was a nice, polite, and smart girl. Isn't that the quality that any mother-in-law craves? Mama praised him for teaching Matt so that he managed to improve his academics.” Theo turned towards Matt.

“Theo right, Ma,” says Matt agrees.

“Then why can't she be my wife later?” ask Theo.

“Nak, the criteria of a teacher with a wife are two different things. At that time you still have to teach me? Don't be stupid just because you're in love. Women like her there are many, but ones like Chika there is only one. She is beautiful, educated, polite, and comes from a good family,”, Aunt Ruth said defending Chika. “Wherever you go, people will respect you.”

“Once they pry the past, everyone will know he's a stonemason at school, Ma. He still does it on campus. The proof is already Mama see, but Mama does not believe,” reply Theo calmly.

“Do you think the reporters who watch it will defend Chika as much as Mama?” I looked at Theo. What does he mean by that word?

Aunt Ruth narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean? Do you intend to spread the video? You threatened your own mama for this poor woman!?”