LOVE OF JUITA

Sarah's Big Day

"Miss Julia, this is a package for you …. " Miss Maya front office staff put the parcels on Julia's desk. 

"Thank you Miss," he cheerfully checks the package which turns out to be a goodie bag package from Sarah.

"You're welcome" said Miss Maya.

The package contains a special fabric material for bridesmaids on her wedding day.

The fabric is made from a kind of satin velvet in light cream, and there is a piece of French brocade in gold as a variation. It would be a beautiful combination. In the goodie bag there is a dress code. Sarah wanted bridesmaids to sew a syar'i robe complete with a long veil. 

I don't think Sarah's day is coming soon. Julia also felt the euphoria of preparation ahead of her best friend's wedding day.

***

Balai Dang Merdu building has been crowded with people. The atmosphere of Riau Malay is very felt. The guests invited women to wear kebaya labuh and brackets. While the invited guests wear men wearing bay belanga clothes and sunken weasel brackets complete with side cloth. 

Julia gathers with other bridesmaids in the women's room. Sarah Bridesmaids were close friends during High School and college. Julia is thrilled to meet her high school friends first. They rarely get together because they already have their own activities. Sarah's wedding is a reunion to let go of longing.

Sarah's done in makeup. His face is more charming with glowing colors from the kebaya songket embroidered with gold threads and Malay suntiang. Her carriage was graceful like a royal princess. Julia was amazed by the face of Sarah who was very manglingi. It is fortunate that Kak Hasan got Sarah who is not only beautiful in appearance but also beautiful in her bud.

Initially Sarah wanted to wear a simple syar'i robe for marriage. But Mama insisted on using indigenous elements to respect ancestral traditions. Sarah's parents are still strong hold customs.

In order for the drama ahead of the wedding day not to get more complicated, Sarah finally agreed to use Malay customs during the marriage contract but still maintain the boundaries of sharia at the wedding reception. He asked the bride and the groom to be separated and given the hijab. Practically, the bride does not sit together. Instead, they sit in the house accompanied by their parents.

Sarah also requested that the reception not use dance, band or live music as entertainment. But Sarah asked the children of MDA in her home environment to sing with the horn of a tambourine for an entertainment session. To keep the reception atmosphere festive, Sarah asked to play nasyid without music during the event.

While waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, Sarah still had time to joke with her friends before her face turned sad. 

"I did not expect, planning to open a boutique was canceled because it was first applied. One side I'm happy, but the other side I feel like something's missing. I will miss you guys very much. Missing doing silly things together," Sarah looked at her friends' faces one by one.

"We humans can only plan, but God's plan is certainly the best. God willing, if all is settled, you can still open a boutique, just calm down .… " Sahut Utami sage.

"We will also miss you, but we are happy because among us you are married first. Don't forget about us .… " Julie represents friends.

"No way I missed you, we'll still be able to chat at length in group chat. Come hug me first!" Sarah spread her hands wide.

They greeted Sarah with a warm, tight hug. Not to forget a female photographer captured this moment with her shots. The hugging event is connected with selfies photos of ria jamaah. 

Not without reason Sarah seems mellow, after the reception Sarah will honeymoon to Turkey which continued with the Umrah worship to Mecca-Madinah. After that he will be taken to another Province where Kak Hasan is assigned. Such is the fate of being the wife of PNS, must be ready to accompany the husband wherever he goes.

"Check ... check .. one two three," MC checks the sound from the mic.

"Please ask both families of the bride to enter the building, because the convoy of the groom has arrived and is preparing for the procession of the marriage contract," continued the MC.

Sarah suddenly looked tense. He asked MUA to check her makeup once again. He tidied up his customary clothes, making sure he looked appropriate. He then took a seat in the woman's lap, on the left right there was his mother and Mother Kak Hasan who accompanied.

On the screen appeared the motorcade of the arrival of the groom who enlivened with a composted horn. Kak Hasan and his father looked handsome with his belanga bay clothes and inclines. The groomsmen go hand in hand carrying trays containing offerings for the bride. 

"Before we start the marriage contract procession, let's listen to the marriage sermon first from Mr. Penghulu which is connected with the Quran recited by the groom," MC began to guide the event.

After Penghulu recited the sermon, a subtle sound was heard but in reading ta'awudz. Hasan recited the letter of Ar-Rahmah which describes the mercy of Allah Subhanahu wata'ala to His servant, namely by giving infinite favors both in the world and in the hereafter. Hasan recited the verses with tartil, touching the heart of anyone who heard them. The atmosphere is so quiet and sacred.

Then began the procession of transfer of responsibility between Kak Hasan and Papa Sarah. Mr. Penghulu led the marriage contract procession, accompanied by two witnesses. With the position of shaking hands with each other Papa Sarah began her Ijab memorization.

“Ananda Hasan Saputro bin Ali Khairan I marry and marry you to my son Sarah Fadhliati bint Ruslan with her mascarina of precious metal weighing 25 grams, cash!”

“I received the marriage and marriage of Sarah Fadhliati bint Ruslan with her mascawine in the form of precious metals weighing 25 grams, cash!” Hasan recited Kabul firmly in one breath.

"Barrakallahu .. legit!" the witnesses seemed pleased and relieved.

"Alhamdulillah, legit!"

"Barrakallahu lakamwa barraka 'alaina wa jama'a baina kuuma fii Khair."

Ladies and gentlemen say a prayer of blessing to the newlyweds.

Sarah says her hamdalah and hugs Mother Hasan and her mother. Mama Sarah repeatedly wiped the water that pooled in the corner of the eye. Sarah was drowned in her mother's arms. The audience dissolves in a haru and sacred atmosphere.

Julia also rubbed her dewy eyes with tissue, moved because her best friend had met a lifelong friend who God willing the best choice of God.

And, never had Julia witnessed this cacitral marriage contract event before. Where the bride and groom will really be found after the contract is held.

Hasan entered the pelamine area of women. For the first time Sarah and Kak Hasan shook hands. Sarah looks shy and misbehaved when reaching for Kak Hasan's hand to kiss. Ladies and gentlemen could not help but cheer, anxious with the awkwardness of two lovebirds.

Hasan put his hand on Sarah's crown and recited do'a,

"Allahumma inni as’aluka min khoirihaa wa khoirimaa jabaltaha ‘alaih. Wa a’udzubika min syarriha wa syarrimaa jabaltaha ‘alaih.”

Which means, O God, I ask You for the goodness of him and the good that You have set upon him. And I take refuge in Thee from his ugliness and the ugliness Thou hast set upon him. (CHR. Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah).

Photographers were unceasingly capturing this moment. Even the audience would not want to miss. Flashes of professional camera blitz and amateurs snatched each other, twinkling in view. Julia does not want to miss to capture this moment with her cellphone camera.

In the end, Julia prayed for Sarah as sincerely as her heart.

"Welcome through the new life, my best friend, May you love each other to heaven. I hope we get together again at a better time. I wish I could feel the sweetness of halal love like you, God willing .... "