The Marriage Order

Morning Meeting (2)

Kak Reza's figure was already standing firmly in front of us. He looked at the two of us with his cold face without any meaningful expression. I don't know what's on his mind right now.

"Sir, you're looking everywhere and you're with this man?"

"Sir Reza ...," I said.

"Your camera looks so special, doesn't it, Dek?" insinuations.

"It's not what you think. I just want to make sure of something."

"Sure what? I've been watching you guys since. As a man, I know he's approaching you!" he sat his body between us. "Don't go near Sheryl!" He looked sharply at Mr. Reynand.

Mr. Reynand then got up from his seat. He smiled knot. "Sheryl knows what I mean by coming here, dear brother," he said calmly.

"Cih ..lo style it makes me sick!" his lips then turned towards me. "Sheryl, you go in there! Brother wants to talk to this man."

"But Brother ...," I refused.

"You've dared to argue with Brother, huh! You want Big Brother to tell Baruna this is how his fiancee behaves behind her?!" angry Brother Reza.

"I didn't do anything!"

"You received a male guest, alone, and still say you didn't do anything?" reza said in disbelief as he rounded his eyes to look at me.

I took a deep breath, trying to regulate my emotions. Kak Reza's words have a point. He just reminded me not to get too close to Mr. Reynand. I almost forgot my original purpose of returning a gift from him.

I looked towards Mr. Reynand. He looked back at me. "Sir Rey, please accept this gift again" I said.

His face looked disappointed, but he still received the gift back. Reza just silently observed our attitude. But the look in his eyes remained cold, unforgiving.

"I beg you not to make a scene, Brother," I said to Reza.

Reza nodded. I then turned around and quickly left the two of them. I was wrong to let him come and talk to me. We have no business or relationship, even to be friends.

****

Reynand PoVs

The atmosphere became tense as the glare of his sharp eyes looked at me. He looks angry but can still control himself. She wasn't as emotional as Baruna when I challenged her. Reza, the sister of the woman I love. Now everyone is starting to oppose my choice.

Reza sat in front of me who was still standing. "Sit down! I'm not Baruna who will hit you right away if you see her fiance alone with another man." He was still staring coldly at me.

I also sat beside him. Stare straight at the quiet swimming pool. Reza then turned to look at me.

"Cigarettes?" Reza threw a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

I took a cigarette out of the package and lit it with a cart that Reza proffered. We started sucking it together. Enjoying a cigarette has its own effects. The tense atmosphere began to melt between us. Reza looked at me. His face looks serious.

"Rey, what do you like about my sister?" he asked suddenly while exhaling cigarette smoke from his mouth.

"Do I have an obligation to answer your questions?" I asked back. To me such a question need not be answered because everyone knows, the ruler of the universe who gives all the sense.

Reza laughed a little. I looked at him confused. There is nothing funny about my words. He came back to smoke his cigarette and exhaled it. So did I start needing these cigarettes.

I swallowed my saliva, silent. Reza's words were nothing wrong. Even if I were in Baruna's position, I would definitely not allow anyone to approach my fiancee. But what about my feelings now? Should I give up?

"Lo must be hard to answer my question. Because I know deep down, you still have a conscience."

"It's not my fault that I have feelings for Sheryl. Anyone can't resist the feeling of love, Za. Even though I knew they were getting married, I still had a chance in this very short time. In fact, if I had to die right then and there. I'm willing! This time my future is mine. For too long it felt like my life was taken by a feeling of resentment planted slowly by my own nyokap. But with Sheryl in attendance, a little gives me the view that happiness must be fought for."

Reza. He didn't reply to my words. He then took a long breath. I was a little disappointed with the answer I gave.

"Gue just wants to take care of that. Think everything out, Rey. Do not put forward your ego. All for happiness together. I'm sure you can find more women than anything else." Reza patted my shoulder. He then got up from his seat.

"Za, I want to say goodbye" I said.

"So soon, I'll call Sheryl first." Reza walked over leaving me inside the house.

Not long after, Sheryl came up to me, already dressed. His appearance always dazzled my eyes that looked at him. He looked at me flat.

"Sher, I'm home, yes," I said.

"Yes, sir."

We walked to his yard. Silence each other. The atmosphere became awkward. He kept his eyes straight ahead, silent. I tried to break that silence.

"Later in the afternoon, the Baruna family will come to the house."

"I know, he said it. I hope the meeting goes well" he said flatly.

"I also want everything to be fine" I replied. "This ...." I returned my gift to him.

"No, I can't take it," he refused.

I opened the box, took the beautiful pearl bracelet and grabbed her wrist.

"This bracelet will be more beautiful if it is worn on your wrist," I said as I lowered my head to wear the bracelet.

Sheryl looked at me silently. His face was red. He then turned his eyes away as I raised my head.

Sheryl, how are you feeling right now? Tell me the truth because I like you more.

"Don't be like this, sir. You made my situation difficult."

"I don't accept rejection. I bought the bracelet just for you" I said.

Sheryl did not answer my words, making me feel relieved that she received the jewelry.

I walked in the car, slowly driving my car. It felt so claustrophobic remembering Reza's words. I am not asking for this feeling either. I let it grow until it infiltrates my entire bloodstream.

The time had already shown twelve o'clock by the time I reached the courtyard of the house. The Asyraf family car was parked there. I stepped inside the house.

Chequek!

The living room was already full of the Asyraf family, and my mother was with Indira and Daniel, her husband. All of the stares were turned towards me who had just entered. It was a strange look that made me uncomfortable.