Materialistic

47-Try to Open the Heart

"My lips are used to calling him by name alone, and it would certainly sound strange if I add a greeting sentence in front of him."

the Adara Mikhayla Siregar

•••

It was a long and exhausting day. It turned out to be a pair of brides that were very not wearing at all. Standing for hours greeting the many invited guests. Not to mention some photographers whose work takes pictures of me and Arda from all angles. Heh! It's really annoying, isn't it? Physical contact even if only limited to holding each other's hands is inevitable. Arda and I have rejected their orders, but Mamah with her authoritarian attitude is not in line with me and Arda.

I who was reluctant and never came into contact with a man was very uncomfortable and awkward. While Arda who indeed upholds his religious sharia, that showing off intimacy in public is not allowed. But because of the actions of the elders, especially my beloved Mom we must be willing to accept it. I did not feel happiness in this event, a calmness I did not feel at all.

I immediately threw the body on the bed that had been decorated with heart-shaped roses, a pair of goose decorations that were made out of what I just got rid of. Why decorate the bed with such things? Just wasting money. I don't know what's going to happen to me tonight. I hope Arda doesn't do anything crazy that I don't really want. I'm not ready yet.

"Clean first, Dar. Want to sleep with that rich shirt?" That sentence I got from Arda who just came out of the bathroom. He was fully dressed, but both of his hands were busy holding the towel he rubbed on his head.

"Gue's tired, Arda. My body is in pain all this," said I who was very reluctant to follow the orders of the man.

I felt the bed sway a little, Arda was already sitting right beside me. "At least you change your clothes and clean your face, Dar," she said gently with a rug.

With a little annoyance I woke up from my lying position. "Lo come out first, I want to take a shower," I said, to which he responded with a nod. Shortly after, both of his legs walked out of the room.

I immediately got down from the bed, took the bathrobe and then walked helplessly towards the bathroom. The first thing I did was wash my face first, after I finished I immediately did my bathing ritual. I don't know how long I've been soaking, which is clear my body has been quite relaxed because of the warm water I use.

After my body was safe and fully clothed, I went straight out of the bathroom. Walk towards the dresser to wear all kinds of skincare that can maximize my beautiful face. Drying my hair then quickly back to cover it with khimar canal colored in line with the nightgown I wear.

"The dinner is ready. Let's hunt down, honey," cried Mamah from the ground floor. His habits have not changed. Still moaning with a shrill voice.

"Yes." Yeah." I also replied with a voice no less loud. Getting down one by one stairs, and after entering the dining area has been greeted with Mamah, Papah, Aunt Annisa, Om Arga, and also Arda. This family formation was very complete apparently.

I landed my ass in the empty seat next to Arda, because that was all that was available. It seemed like those elders were already very mature in preparing everything. Mamah took the rice and side dishes for Papah, then for himself. Aunt Annisa did the same thing. I snorted as my brain started working. They want to teach me how to treat my husband well and properly.

My hand spontaneously picked up the empty plate that was in front of Arda, taking out two rice pitchers along with the side dish as well. Exactly the same as what Mamah and Aunt Annisa did.

"Thank you, Dar," he said with a big smile. I'm just nodding.

There was no casual conversation going on at the dinner table. All were quiet and busy with their own meals. I also did not take a headache, and it is better to spend Mamah's cooking that I have not met for a very long time.

"Tonight you stayed here. Enough rest, Mamah knows you must be tired, right?" he was softly attentive. Without being told I already knew. But the bodo is very willing to sleep anywhere, which is important to be comfortable and both my eyes can be closed.

•••

I sat in front of the dresser. I don't know what I should do right now. My eyes are heavy to rest, but my heart is turbulent to stay awake. Both are out of sync and make a dizzy head. The door of the room screeched, Arda appeared behind it. I had no intention of welcoming or looking at him. The reflection from the mirror was enough for me.

"Why not sleep?" ask her with both legs running towards the bed. I just kept quiet and didn't want to comment, without me even telling you she should have known.

"Sleep Adara. It's night," he continued, casually laying down on my queen-size bed.

Not getting a response from me made a heavy sigh heard, accompanied by his body that returned to sitting upright. "If you're not ready to sleep in one room with me, don't papa. I could sleep in the guest room, or roll out a blanket on the rich floor that time."

I turned my seat so I could face him. "Let me have time to adapt. I'm friends with a lot of guys, but I-I-"

"I know, Adara. You don't have to worry, I know the limits," he cut like he didn't want to hear the continuation of the sentence I was going to say.

"The support of our parents do not think. With you accepting my existence I am grateful. You are not guilty because I am sincere, Adara," he cetusnya who actually managed to make me mute.

The burden of my life is like not knowing the word holiday and always comes at the wrong time. Just now I tried to open my heart and accept the fate given by the Almighty, but the next second I was again met with a new problem that so disturbed my brain work. How not to feel disturbed, Mamah and Papah openly lectured me all out, and more fatally it was done in front of Aunt Annisa and also Om Arga. I'm really embarrassed and I don't have any face to face with Arda's parents.

"Remember, Adara! There are no more ridiculous agreements with all kinds of articles that are beyond reasonable limits. You have been legally a couple, the rights and obligations between the two of you are very clearly regulated in religion. Do not violate His rules for the various reasons you have created." I got that sentence from Papah after dinner. If Mamah were to say it I would definitely consider it a wind then only, but this time it was another.

I suspect Mamah has dismantled the charade that I created, so they deliberately held a massive party. The goal is simple, so that I know myself and no longer play crazy back there. The people around me already knew that I was no longer a single woman who was free to wander around with just any man. And it was enough to fortify my movements so as not to go back to doing the act.

"Gue will try to play my role as a wife, but only to the extent--"

"I don't mean you, Adara. Let everything go according to the destiny that God has laid out. I know you need time to accept your current state and status, I know that, Adara." Arda cut my words again.

I took a breath many times and threw it away so violently. "OKs. I hope your words can be held," said I who replied with a nod of confidence.

"May I ask one thing for you?" tanyakanya. I snorted unconsciously. Just now I can breathe with relief, but now it has been made ketar-ketir again by him. Let's say I give it a short answer.

"You can call me not just a name. At least in front of both of our parents, I don't want you to be considered impolite. Maybe it's even better if you can use me-you, isn't that just a simple request that you can easily fulfill?"

"OK." That's the only thing I give. I don't know if I can or not. Obviously I'll try. My lips are used to calling him by name alone, and it would certainly sound strange if I add a greeting sentence in front of him. Not to mention I have to use me-you, this is what makes me doubt.

~TBC~