The Marrying Bet

Vara's Fretfulness

Vara immediately took the groceries from the courier who delivered the order. He was tempted when his office friends were shopping online at an online store that sold a variety of frozen foods. Vara didn't have much time to cook dinner. Viceroy never sued Vara, the man ate whatever Vara cooked. 

"A lot of your groceries, Vara, you want to throw a party?" ask Alya.

"It looks like you're very diligent in cooking, when I saw you go to the market with Ms. Rani," Imel chimed in.

"Hmm, yes, just realized, Vara also rarely went home until far away at night," continued Dinda.

"Cooking for your boyfriend who's a motorcycle taxi driver, huh?" imel Syndicate.

Vara just chuckled and smiled. Silence is a wise choice.

Alya invites Vara to the living room to speak with four eyes.

"Oh yes, Vara, have you received a decree for the appointment of permanent employees?" whispered Alya. "Mbak Noer has got it, you know," Alya started to turn on the stove.

"Yes, I know," replied Vara.

"Vara, aren't you thinking of working somewhere else? Too bad, you've got a high diploma" said Alya. "Mumpung is single, already have experience, look for another job with a bigger salary, there is a good career level, I am here talking as a motivational HRD staff," said Alya again.

"Thank you, Alya, you're so considerate, I went back to my room first" Vara said goodbye.

Vara was suddenly upset, to this day, he had not yet received the appointment letter. Though Mr. Bram has given Vara a performance assessment sheet as an annual report card for Vara. The assessment aims to evaluate the performance of employees for one year, as a consideration to renew the employment contract.

Vara tried not to bother, but still, he thought, because this was about the thing he wanted the most.

...*****...

Arriving at home, Vara immediately started cooking dinner. He also washed and dried clothes in the laundry room, while waiting for the cooking to be finished. He also took time to clean the house.

Viceroy was already sitting at the dining table, waiting for Vara to finish serving her dishes. Viceroy really likes to see Vara so busy in the kitchen. 

"Vara, you don't have to do laundry and clean the house, I'll do it myself" Viceroy said.

"It's okay," Vara replied with a carefree smile.

They'll have dinner soon. During their time at home, Viceroy often ate dinner, usually he only drank protein milk as his dinner.

"Vara, you can take a shower first, let me do the dishes" Viceroy said.

'Vara, don't be, '" said Viceroy feeling bad.

He doesn't even give a penny to Vara, but every day Vara prepares food for her. Viceroy felt like he was squeezing Vara's sweat. But Vara was so adamant, even Vara paid the minibar debt while they were still staying at the hotel. 

...*****...

Viceroy woke up in the middle of the night, Vara was not by his side. Viceroy did see something different from Vara. Vara is still cheerful, but her smile is not as usual. Vara seemed to hide the unrest from the look in her eyes. Apparently Viceroy's suspicions are evident, Vara sits in a gazebo overlooking the fish pond. The woman sat pensively with a lit cigarette in her hand. Just remember that Vara stopped at the minimarket, he bought a box of cigarettes and a gas match. Vara seemed to enjoy the steaming smoke coming out of her mouth. Viceroy sat down beside Vara, making Vara gasp in shock.

"You're here" said Viceroy.

Vara was silent.

"When did you smoke?" viceroy asked to pick up Vara's cigarette box.

"Tuition time, stress due to thesis," Vara replied smilingly.

"You smoke a lot?" ask Viceroy.

"No, I smoked just to calm my mind" replied Vara.

"Is there a problem?" ask Viceroy.

"Sorry Viceroy, I don't want to burden you with my problems" replied Vara immediately turning off her cigarette.

"You really don't want a story, what's stressful for you?" ask Viceroy.

Vara simply replied with a smile.

"Vara, I really don't think that you are a burden, your presence is a gift to me" Viceroy said.

Vara felt her face heat up, even though the air felt so cold. Viceroy clasped Vara's hand.

"Vara, I'm really sorry to accuse you of being a thief for what you didn't do, do you know, I'm really sorry for Vara" Viceroy said. 

"I'm sorry to you too, Viceroy, I was so stupid, telling everyone that you accused me of stealing your lip balm! If I were wiser, I wouldn't have to spread it, and it would be a secret to both of us, even though you've been kind enough not to accuse me in public" Vara said.

"You're right Vara, you didn't steal my lip balm, but you stole my heart" Viceroy said.