The Substitute Bride

Chapter 8 (The Substitute Bride)

Lightning snatched in the sky. The light scratches formed small branches as if they wanted to split the vastness of the sky blackened because it was not illuminated by sunlight. The rumbling sound of rolling thunder rang out the sound of the silence of the night followed by the rain of spatter that soaked the earth. Rain is the greatest mercy of Almighty God. People say, if it rains in an assembly, it means that Allah will bless the assembly. Does the rain that falls now signify that God is celebrating the marriage that will be carried out tomorrow? Tami who was on the balcony of his room smiled gamang.Tempias rain water soaked the front of his clothes. He just let it go, did not intend to just move places so as not to get wet.

The sound of the door being knocked down by a hasty step made Tami turn her head into the room. He knew it was going to happen, but he wasn't ready to face it. This was neither his wish, nor his dream, but what power if the destiny line outlined to him required him to do all this even though it was as hard as walking on the scattered cracks of glass. If he stepped up, only injuries and pain would he get. But he is more unwilling if his loved ones are injured.

"Tell me what your intention and purpose is to approve this marriage, huh?"

Alvin stood in front of Tami with fiery sharp eyes.His breathing was irregular and there were beads of sweat on his forehead. There was disappointment and hurt in his eyes. Tami also felt that, maybe even the most injured person here. Tami took a short breath, trying to gather as much oxygen supply as her lungs needed at this time. There feels tight squeezing. His heart skipped a beat and his blood flow seemed to flow slowly. The cold air that pierced into the joints made the feathers bristled. Tami tried to arrange the word in his mind so as not to say the wrong word later.

"Assalamu'alaikum" said Tami as calmly as possible. How can an educated man like Alvin not have manners. Entering a girl's room without permission. As far as Tami is known, Rafika's family is an honorable person, but it does not appear to Alvin because he is now filled with deep disappointment.

"Should I say hello to someone like you?" snapped Alvin. It is free to look for a gap of patience in him because his patience has been eroded away by anger. "Tell me now what your defense is even though I won't trust a crafty witch like you." she continued.

Oh, hoohs. With his disrespect he entered my room and now his heart is snapping at me? Ckckck, it turns out that all this time my assessment of him was correct. Tami whispered to her little heart.

"I could not possibly reject it Mas, because it is a request from our parents and is my consecrated form to the two people who have made me exist in this world."

"We?" alvin said with a cynical face. "Since when has there been a word between you and me? If you are dreaming, wake up. You alone will be hurt because whenever there is no word between you and me. This marriage will never happen, not even in your dreams."

Every word that came out of his mouth was like an arrow that scratched the wound in the heart and he anointed it with poison. It was as if he was the one who was the most hurt without thinking about the suffering of others. Though here they are both victims of Karina's childish attitude.

Is this the kind of man Karina chose to be her life partner?

Tami again gathered all her scattered strength to hear Alvin's humiliation that made her feel so humiliated! Even if he would no longer allow the man to corner him. He won't give up just because he's a girl. He had a self-esteem that should be respected instead of being trampled on like the man in front of him did. Both of Tami's eyeballs stared right into Alvin's eyeball as if challenging the man. Things he never once did to keep his eyes on her. O Allah, strengthen the servant.

"Why? Is it because we are the same? You can't accept the fact that Madam Karina chose to leave you? My sister was very lucky to leave a bad-tempered man like you.None of the women wants to marry you after knowing who you really are and unfortunately I am the most unlucky woman in the world because she has to be a substitute. And yes, if you feel that you least want this marriage, why not just convey your arguments and complaints directly to your parents and my parents, not even giving it to a helpless person like me. You're a man aren't you?"

I don't know where, Tami doesn't know. But those words seemed to just slip from his lips. Even the word mas as a form of respect for Alvin has changed into you. Maybe it was an expression of his heart that felt tight from earlier. Alvin was silent for a moment digesting all of Tami's innuendo to him. But he also spoke shortly.

"Are you challenging me? If yes, then fine. I'm gonna marry you. You really want to go home with me, don't you? I'll make sure only the wounds you'll get." cried Alvin belligerently. The man left Tami's room with growing anger piling up in her heart.

"Make sure you don't run away also on the wedding day like Madam Karina did." laungan Tami was only heard by him because Alvin was no longer in the room.

Tami was silent for quite a while in her standing position. After Alvin's footsteps were no longer heard, he immediately collapsed on the edge of the bed. Tears that had been trying desperately to hold it finally flowed so swiftly like a dike that was no longer able to withstand the discharge of water that was too high. His shoulders trembled violently because of the sobbing that did not want to stop flowing from his lips. Never once did he receive the wounds that Alvin inflicted on him. He grew up with a gentle touch of affection. He was crying like he could no longer breathe.

Oh God, what is this ordeal? Why should my soul mate be sent in this way?

Wh why?

That was the question he currently wanted to ask his older sister, Karina. Why choose to leave and get him stuck in this kind of situation? Didn't Karina promise to make her happy? But what's going on now? Once again he was disappointed by the man he loved so much. He should have cancelled the wedding in advance, not even run away three days before the wedding.Look at what is happening now? Everything went uncontrollably. So Tami is the one who has to take over everything at the request of her parents. He bore that heavy burden alone.

Keenan who passed through Tami's open room accidentally heard his sister's prank. The people in the house were busy serving relatives who had arrived from out of town. The marriage will continue as if nothing happened. Slowly Keenan opened the door and found his sister sitting while hugging her knees bent.His face looks swollen due to tears flowing down her cheeks. Keenan immediately approached Tami and hugged her. The girl was crying in Keenan's arms. Keenan rubbed Tami's trembling head and back.

"Don't arrest Tami. Cry, let go of all the burdens you feel you cannot bear alone. I'm here to be your back." Keenan still hugged his sister calmly despite the current anger peaking in his head. He should make his sister calm. He shouldn't have let Alvin into his sister's room. I don't know what the man said that made Tami so hurt.

About thirty minutes later there was a regular gasp of breath from Tami. Maybe because Tami's tired crying made the girl sleep. Keenan then lifted Tami up onto the bed. He placed Tami's head gently and slowly on a pillow and covered it exactly as he had done when he was a child. His sister was known as "the brother****" long ago. She rubbed Tami's face because she was crying too much. Sometimes it sounds like a hiccup. Closed the door slowly so as not to keep Tami awake even though he believes there is a bomb sound will not interfere soundly. Keenan went down the stairs to the garage and pulled out his car. He drives his car at high speed, there are things he has to finish right now.

.....

Alvin stared at the pool in front of him with a blank look. A cynical smile was imprinted on his face that looked crumpled. The tangling on his face was no worse than the tangling in his heart. He was disappointed and angry with Karina and her family. Also on the girl, the girl who had agreed to take the place of her bride. He thought a little bluff could change his decision, but he was wrong. The girl was more stubborn than she expected

That afternoon

"Ma, what does all this mean? Why did you unilaterally make your decision?"

Alvin stared in disbelief at all the members of his family. Just yesterday he got word that Karina ran away from home without explanation first. Then tonight? Tonight his family unilaterally asked Alvin to continue this marriage by marrying Tami as his bride. How can he marry someone he does not love, especially the girl is the sister of the woman he loves so much. The girl had only known him a few months ago. Who is married here he is not someone else, then why his family forced his will to marry another girl. Do they not understand that he is currently so hurt and disappointed?

"Abah wants this marriage to continue tomorrow." His brother gave the word break.

Alvin stood looking at his brother angrily. "Well, who wants to get married is Alvin but why take his decision unilaterally like this? Why doesn't anyone think Alvin first?"

" It's a matter of honor for our family and the Adhyastha family. Shame Abah, Vin if suddenly the marriage was just canceled. What people say later.What we invite is irang-important." Abah's voice grew higher, but Alvin remained steadfast in maintaining what he considered to be true.

"If replacing the bride is also the same shame, Bah."

"It's still better than canceling a wedding."

Alvin. He no longer knew how to refuse his family's request. He looked at each member of his family, but it seemed that none of them would support him. Alvin grunts violently.

"If it's your decision then Alvin will follow.But..."

All eyes were on him. They are waiting for the continuation of the sentence.

"But what is Vin?" ask Rafika's mother impatiently. Anxiety emanated clearly from the look on his face.

" But the next morning Alvin will divorce Tami."

Plaque!

All eyes were stunned to see what was happening in front of them, especially Rafika ma'am. A loud slap landed on Alvin's face. The slap of his brother for life he had never received. Alvin held onto his reddened face. He could not believe that his beloved father would do that.

"That never taught you to be this brash, Vin. You're all grown up. I know what is good, what is bad. Now it's up to you, Abah doesn't care. Abah is disappointed with Abah himself because he has failed to educate you to be a real man who is responsible for every decision taken. Abah is more proud of Tami because the boy is willing to take on responsibilities that are not his obligation." Abah left the living room with deep disappointment. Ms. Rafika stroked Alvin's shoulder before following her husband's steps towards the room. Arga did the same.

"Think carefully, Vin before making a decision, because it concerns the honor of two parties who should not be disappointed. Do not let the relationship of two families that are well established for so long have to break up just because of this problem." That's the only advice Arga can give Alvin because he knows very well how the pain of being loved disappoints us.

Alya stood up to his brother.He then hugged Alvin. "It feels better to follow this decision. Because it's the best way out right now, Bang" Alya left Alvin alone in the room.

Keenan stepped quickly into Alvin's house.It turns out Alvin's house is as crowded as it is at his house. His eyes wobbled to and fro looking for the existence of Alvin, but the trunk of his nose was not seen at all.

"Alya!" exciting Keenan. Alya who was at the end of the stairs turned around when she heard her name being called by someone from behind.

"Eh, Mas Keen. Why did you come here at night?"

"The alvin's there?"

"There, Mas. He's in the back garden, near the pool."

"Oh, thank you. Go there first."

"Yes. There's auru..." Alya did not continue his sentence because Keenan had already left. Alya hurriedly climbed upstairs to meet Arga.I was afraid that something bad would happen because Keenan came carrying an unusual wind.

Bugh!

One fist Keenan successfully landed on Alvin's cheek. The pain that was last afternoon because in the slap his brother had not gone, now more pain again because Keenan's fist landed in the same place. Keenan grabbed the T-shirt Alvin was wearing.

"You're tired of me getting to die nanges, huh? (What do you do to my sister until she cries, huh?)" snapped Keenan in a high tone. His voice could no longer be controlled. It was really emotional to remember Tami's sadness. He dragged Alvin to a wall overgrown with vines.

"You're saying ape to die until he's as sweet as that? (What did you say to him that much?)" keenan's tone of voice was getting higher. Alvin just shut up. He did not try to fight or answer Keenan's question because he knew he was wrong. He shouldn't have given Karina's fault to Tami.

Keenan's fist landed back on Alvin's cheek. This time it was louder because of the uncontrollable anger.

"Those are you, Vin. Tami is not wrong. He even wants to take on responsibilities that are not his obligation. You should thank him, not even hurt him."

Alvin rubbed the corner of his lips. Keenan's third fist missed and hit the edge of his lips.It was fortunate that his teeth did not shake or fall out. Fresh blood flowed from the corner of his slightly torn lips.

Arga came from behind and held Keenan's fist which almost landed on Alvin's cheek for the fourth time. He tried to separate the two.

"Kitak bedua nih bah already besak dah, but we fight like SD slaves (You both are adults, but your behavior is exactly SD boy only). Problems can be solved with a cold head, not even playing tons and tons like this." Arga exclaimed in annoyance. He then pulled the two to sit in a chair.

"What are you two having trouble with?" arga asked after the three of them were silent for quite a while.

A few minutes the question was made quiet. Neither Alvin nor Keenan, both of them are silent. Keenan stood up, still with his anger that did not subside.

"Tell this to your bastard sister so as not to be a coward. Not all women want to do things like Tami did." Keenan passed away leaving the two behind. He threw a smile as he looked at Alya who was standing in the doorway. It seems like the girl saw everything just now. But he doesn't care. He was satisfied enough to land his fist on Alvin's face in return for hurting his sister.

"What do you think Tami, Vin to Keenan is raging like that?" Arga glanced at Alvin. The man grimaced withholding the pain at the end of his lips.

"I just snapped him a little to stop this silly wedding" Alvin replied, holding the corner of his lips.

"Until he cries?"

"I didn't know he was crying. Though earlier he bravely even back nantangin me to marry him." Alvin smiled considering Tami's bravery when challenging him and compared it to the shadow as the girl cried just like Keenan said. It turns out he's not that strong.

"You should know that what women say often denies what they really feel. Women use the heart while we men use the mind."

Alvin stared at the moon in the sky. Rain does not prevent the moon from voicing its light to light up the darkness of the night.

"Are they that weak?"

"No. They can stand to be the strongest when someone else slashes their self-esteem."

"That's what he did." muttered Alvin. He breathed slowly and forced himself to smile.

"Ok, I'm getting married to that girl the day after tomorrow."

"You serious, Vin?" ask Arga not to believe it. "Don't let you do this just to hurt Tami or Karina. If I can make him happy. Don't make in have hope if you yourself can't let go of the past. Better not at all than to make him hurt later."

"Hm." Alvin just muttered listening to Arga's advice. They went back silent for quite a while, letting the cold air greet them.

"Get in and treat the corner of your lips, Vin. Where there is a bridegroom on his birthday with a bonyok face like that."

"Yes. Then can I ask you to help me?"

"Marijuana you, Vin. You're old, soon to be a man's husband, you can't do it yourself?" Arga slapped his sister's shoulder. Tomorrow his sister will lead a new life even though not with the person he loves. He hopes that both of them will end happily.

"But now my status is patient, not male. Come on, for the last time." ask Alvin with a face of compassion. Arga walked away from Alvin.

"Let's go in. It's cold outside. If you have a fever, it can be a long business. I may be the one appointed as the groom."

Arga embraces Alvin who is walking towards him. He's shuffling Alvin's hair.

"Well, Ly's interested? The sink screen has dispersed." exclaimed Arga as he passed the door.

"Ih, nasty. By the way, both doang. No frenetic when Lya from there until bitten by mosquitoes." protest Alya did not accept. He was pampered in Arga's arm.

"Mistake yourself a free spectator. Meningan you cure the wound of Alvin tuh."

They walked together into the house. Bu Rafika smiled at the familiarity of her daughter's son. Reminds her of her children's childhood.