Married for Papa

New Bride

After saying the ijab qabul and in the "legitimate" right by the marriage guardian (Alexander) and some witnesses finally Aluna and Bryan officially became a couple. The marriage, which was supposed to be done in 3 weeks, is now in progress. The simple marriage was only attended by Reymond's nuclear family including Rudy and 2 hospital officials as marriage witnesses.

"Congratulations on your marriage. May you be a family of sakinah-mawaddah-warohmah."

Aluna and Bryan just nodded. They immediately got up from the chair greeting both Bryan and Alexander's parents.

Penghulu and both witnesses asked permission to resign first. The two hospital officers resumed their work while the penghulu in charge of marrying Aluna was escorted Rudy home.

Alexander's eyes glazed over when he saw his only daughter getting married. It felt like all the burden had been lifted along with the breath of relief that was released by Alexander.

"Eventually all the burdens of my life were gone and now I can rest in peace. I can leave Aluna in peace." Alexander's eyes were still focused on Aluna and Bryan.

"Pa, please do'a blessing." Aluna and Bryan. They both greeted Alexander in turn.

"Bryan, please take good care of Aluna. Papa knows you can't love him yet but I'm sure one day that love will come between you." Aluna just stared at the conversation between her husband and her papa.

That night it was very hard for Aluna to accept the fact that now she has become Miss. Bryan Smith even though a few hours ago, his status is still single but now he has a new responsibility that is serving the husband well.

"Well pa, Bryan will take good care of Aluna. Papa take it easy, as long as Bryan lives Aluna's safety will be a top priority." Bryan said seriously. I don't know why he dared to say those words in front of his father-in-law.

"Papa's sure you'll keep your promise, son."

Aluna leaned against the hospital wall, she could not help but hold back the tears that flowed through her cheeks. There is a sense of haru, sad and misgivings into one. A taste that really cannot be described.

In Aluna's mind, "is this going to be my last night with papa?"

Aluna's body trembled, tears kept flowing endlessly, now Aluna was really afraid of losing Alexander. Slowly he approached, looked closely at Alex's eyes and kissed both of his cheeks.

"Father, Aluna is a pity."

Reymond and Ayunda who witnessed the sight were also washed away in grief. Let's shed some tears and get closer to Aluna and Alexander.

"You don't have to worry, Aluna is now my son too so I'm going to take care of Aluna and love her as much as I love Shera."

Ayunda understood Alexander's concern. It is very difficult to let go of a girl who was treated alone. It is not an easy matter for a widower to care for and raise without the presence of a wife figure beside him.

Alexander just nodded in approval to Ayunda's words which are now officially made.

tok tok tok tok

"I'm sorry, sir-bu, I want to inform you that tomorrow morning at 8 am the operation for Mr. Alexander can be done."

From behind the entrance of a male nurse in a white uniform who was a witness to the wedding gave information about the schedule of the operation to be carried out Alexander.

"Okay, thank you."

"Aluna, you're going home with your husband tonight. Papa wants to sleep here alone."

"But pa, Aluna still wants to be here with papa. Aluna doesn't want to leave papa alone." Whine Aluna still hugging Alexander. The hug grew tighter and tighter as if Aluna was reluctant to break away from Alexander's embrace.

"Based on a spoiled child, are you not ashamed of your husband and your two in-laws?"

Ayunda and Reymond only smile at Aluna's spoiled attitude while Bryan is now busy playing the phone, checking out the work he left behind earlier this afternoon.

"Aluna, papa's right it's okay here alone. There are nurses who can take care of you. Don't you feel sorry for seeing your husband? He hasn't rested yet." Alexander glanced at Bryan.

"Pity is pa but......"

Alexander smiled at the hanging words Aluna said. She understands that her daughter is not ready to go home with Bryan.

"It's okay. Bryan won't bite you." Alexander's whisper gently eared Aluna.

Aluna's face reddened after hearing that sentence.

"Yes Alex, me and Ayunda say goodbye first. Tomorrow we'll come back here before you get surgery. Take good care of your health. Get enough rest. Aluna's business, you trust me and Bryan." Reymond said as he patted Alexander's arm gently.

"Pa, Bryan said yes. Papa's fine here. Tomorrow Bryan promises to accompany Aluna to see papa." Bryan kissed Alexander's back.

"Yes, you're carefully on your way." Alex said as he patted Bryan on the shoulder.

Aluna was still reluctant to let go of her embrace, she still hugged Alexander tightly like a sweet kitten who was reluctant to leave her master.

Bryan could not wait to see the childish behavior that Aluna did. He immediately pulled Aluna's hand gently and said "let your papa rest, tomorrow we come again. Your father needs enough rest to have surgery tomorrow."

Aluna was stunned by Bryan's gentle demeanor, a split second of Aluna flinching. Until finally Aluna realized and immediately released the embrace of Alexander.

"Yes, Aluna said so. I'll see you tomorrow, Pa. Papa rest yes. Aluna loves Papa."

Then they one by one exited the treatment room, down the deserted hallway of the hospital, walked towards the elevator and left the hospital building with their own thoughts.

On the way to the Smith family home, everyone had no voice at all. They are busy with their own minds.

Bryan who sat beside Aluna occasionally glanced towards the girl who was currently his wife's status. His subconscious seemed to instruct him to hug and hold the girl's hand just to channel energy. A strong push forced Bryan to move his hand and point it towards Aluna's hand which was on top of his thigh but he immediately pulled back. He quickly squeezed his fingers in annoyance and cursed his folly.

...****************...

Meanwhile in the VIP room of Melati Hospital, Alexander was looking at a photo of his marriage to his late wife Tiwi. Both of his eyes shed tears. He smelled the picture with love. His eyes closed for a while then he blinked and at the same time he looked......

to be continued