Just a Bond

It's Not Possible to Back off, 'Kan?

“I received the marriage and marriage of Najwa Az-zahra bint Ahmad Sya’roni with the dowry, cash.” I, who was waiting restlessly in the room, slowly breathed a sigh of relief as soon as I heard Mas Farhan's words resolved from the sound system. Honestly, I was relieved that she was able to complete our marriage contract without a hitch. However, there was a feeling of sadness that was then present after that sigh of relief. Sad because now my status is different, and can not be both Dad and my two brothers and two sisters again.

“Dad,” muttered in a soft voice as I looked at the middle-aged man who had just entered the room where I was waiting for my husband's arrival. The tough guy who I lived for twenty-three years always took care of me smiled sweetly at me. Especially after my mother left, five years ago. He approached me while looking at me with a shady look. I don't know what's going on with me right now, when Dad was standing right in front of me, I immediately put my body in his arms. I held her so tightly, and let tears fall down her shirt.

“Why cry, Son?” ask Dad slowly while stroking his back. Not stopping crying, I was sobbing. It's sad because after today I'm going to live in a different place to Dad, as if it keeps making me not want to stop shedding tears. I'll stay at my husband's house, in Surabaya. I can't imagine living a long distance apart with Dad. Not so far away, anyway. Where I live in Bangkalan, it is already in the region rather near the border between Madura-Surabaya.

“Lo, Mas's beautiful sister, why cry, Yah?” I broke out a hug from Dad when I heard that voice. I then looked at the source of the voice. It turned out that there were already Mas Gibran and Mas Reza who were already standing side by side looking at me with a worried look that was clearly visible in the eyes of both of them. Especially with Reza. I gently rubbed the remaining tears on my cheeks, then moved closer to Mas Reza. The longer I looked at her, the more uncontrollable the tears were to drip. I immediately hugged my second brother's body tightly. I let these tears wet his shirt. On my back, I felt another hand rub, and I was sure it must be Mas Gibran.

Among my other four brothers, Mas Rezalah was the closest to me. He often hears my stories. He is the place to complain and consult. For Mas Gibran, I'm not too close. In addition to our age, which is quite far apart, five years, Mas Gibran is married. So, we can't just tell stories. As for Mas Reza, besides he is single and still living with me with Dad, our age gap is only two years.

“Mas often to Mas Farhan's house, yes, this out,” said quietly while sobbing. I'm really not willing to part with them. Mas Reza only responded to my words with a small ruckus followed by a swipe.

“Say it's ready? Whereabouts? How crying? Not willing to split with your handsome brother, yes?” mas Reza Goda. Reflex, I let go of our embrace, then hit the small arm of Mas Reza who always managed to make me smile. "Tuh, Mas Reza's sister is prettier if you smile,” he added. He hugged my shoulder as he continued to chuckle.

"Well, yeah, same Farhan, Dek. Don't be rude to your husband. Mas Gibran with Mpa Diva insyaallah play to your house when it's off work." I nodded to Mas Gibran, still in the embrace of Mas Reza. Getting here, the sense of not wanting to part as if it continued to fill the heart. There were tears that felt like they wanted to drip back. However, I deliberately restrained, for the sake of those who look happy over my marriage.

“Za, less-reduce swerving his sister carelessly. Now he already has, lo,” said Father who was greeted with laughter Mas Reza, Mas Gibran and. I was a little misbehaved as our eyes rubbed in for a moment. Mas Reza had also lowered his arm on my shoulder.

“Mas Farhan has been here a long time?” ask shy. Mas Farhan nodded then smiled.

O Allah, which favor shall I deny? Just seeing his smile just the thump of my heart is no longer bother. I don't think Dad chose me wrong.

“Udah, face-to-face later again,” ledek Mas Reza. I snorted hearing it. I ‘kan so misbehavior in front of Mas Farhan.

"The same salim as your husband, Dek," said Mas Reza suddenly. Oh God, I forgot to regret it. Immediately I put forward the body, then grabbed Mas Farhan's hand and dyed him full of reverence. After that, Dad recited a prayer for us, which my two brothers later said.

"Titip my sister, Han. He was whiny about it," said Mas Reza after Dad ended his prayer. I glared at Mas Reza, but the man chuckled instead. So did Dad and Mas Gibran.

"Mas Reza don't have to worry" said Mas Farhan. It makes me unable to hide my happy smile.

“See next surprise,” hiss someone beside me. I turned towards Mas Farhan as soon as I heard that little hiss.

“Mas said that?” I asked Mas Farhan. He was a little surprised, visible from his widened eyeballs. But he did not answer.

Then, if not Mas Farhan who muttered, who? The feeling here is only Mas Gibran, Mas Reza, Mas Farhan and Dad. It can't be my two brothers, ‘ right?

“What do you see, anyway, Dek? Creeper-clown kayak maling?”

“Eh, not Mas,” my quick reply to Mas Reza.

"How, Najwa? Like the surprise?"

My head that was originally bowed deeply while twisting the memories of a few hours ago, slowly looked up. I look fixed on the face of Mas Farhan who now shows an evil grin there. The look on his face that was soaked with drowsiness seemed to have disappeared, changing into a terrifying aura there. Or is he not asleep, but pretending to be asleep? I gulped at that expression.

So then?

I haven't had the chance to ask a question, even though these lips were already open to reply, Mas Farhan said, "I was the one who said it earlier."

My eyeballs are round. The head spontaneously moved, shook his head, not believing the reality that my husband had just revealed. Don't ask me again about my race, my heart. I don't even know if it's still shaped or not right now. How could the man who was groomed to take care of me by Dad even be like this? What's on his mind?

"Don't be happy just yet. It's not that easy to get into the life of a Farhan Fuadi, Najwa. You don't know who I am."

My lips slowly clenched, in unison. What the fuck? After he crushed hope, then turned to trample on me with coldness and indirect rejection earlier, then now ...? Is he going to kill me slowly? If so, what is my fault? We never knew each other before. When did I get it wrong?

Getting here, Mas Farhan's attitude was really unexpected. He was far different from the meek and loving Bu Rasti. How'this? I've been wet to accept this matchmaking, the marriage was done. There's no way I'm backing out right now, is there?

No, Najwa. You have to hold on. Don't surrender. At least for your father and family.

"What do I have to do to get into your life?" I dare to return his sharp gaze. This is my decision. I will fight for what I have to fight for.

"Are you sure of that question, Najwa?" The question sounds disdainful in the ear.

Apparently you were deliberately trying to test me, My husband? Alright.

"Why not?"

"alright. You may stay in this room, but on the condition that. If not, please choose one of the two empty rooms in this house. We'll prove how strong your defense is, Najwa."

...***...

Chapter 2 Is out. Please support, yes, friends.

Sweet greetings from the sweet author. Hehe.

Sumenep, Madura, East Java

Saturday, 12 June 2021