07. The Girl's Last Night

Airin totally disagreed with the idea that she would move into her future husband’s house earlier than she had predicted. Airin already knew that the day would surely come when she had to leave this house and live with her husband and his three wives whom Airin did not know.

What will my fate be? Airin thought. Even just thinking about it already made her giddy.

“It’s okay, Rin. After all, we are still in the same village. Later if something goes wrong, you can go back to this house,” said Yuniarti calmly while helping Airin tidy up the clothes which she put in the suitcase.

This afternoon, Galih had explained to her family that the day after tomorrow was Airin’s wedding day with Sakha. However, today Airin was ordered to come to her husband’s house because the traditional ceremony will be held there, the performance will be quite large because it is also an event to appreciate the villagers who have received Sakha here.

Airin did not agree, but also did not protest much because she felt it was useless. Likewise, Yuniarti and Jamal, seemed very happy to hear the news.

Which actually made Airin sad. 

Jamal, her father, must be quite worried because Airin is 23 years old, a mature enough age to get married, but Airin has never even been close to any man before. So Jamal and Yuniarti of course are happy now, because their adopted daughter who they love so much will get a proper wedding party.

But there is one thing they may forget, that is life after the lavish party.

“Yes, Kak. Later, Mawar and Melati will also visit you there often so you won’t be lonely,” said Mawar, who was also sitting on the floor while helping Airin tidy up the things she wanted to bring.

“Don’t!” said Airin quickly.

Yuniarti and Mawar suddenly raised their faces and looked at Airin confused.

“Well, why is it, Ririn? Wouldn’t it be good if your siblings came to visit? Mother also agrees, who knows later you won’t feel at home there,” Yuniarti reminded.

“It’s not like that, Mother. Ririn-”

“Yes, I know. It’s not gonna be easy to live there. You have to be strong and have a lot of patience. In such conditions, family support is needed.” Yuniarti advised her gently.

Airin looked down. It’s true what her mother said. However, Airin really hopes that she can face this problem alone. She didn’t want her family to interfere, because Airin was afraid that they would be affected if Airin made a mistake.

Melati entered Airin’s room with four large glasses of water filled with orange juice. “Even though it’s night, but the air is really hot. Here, I made ice tea!”

Airin looked at her sister while smiling. Melati’s cheerful attitude made the atmosphere between them melt.

That night, was Airin’s last night as a girl that she spent with her family. Because the day after tomorrow, she will have the status of a wife and no longer be the responsibility of her parents.

Airin was afraid. Feels like marriage is far away, but very close. That’s because all of this happened so suddenly and without any feelings other than rejection accompanied by resignation. She had never even spoken to Mr. Sakha, her future husband.

***

Early in the morning, Sakha arrived at the rest house in the fields. The man was sitting on a chair on the terrace with a laptop on the table, with a cup of coffee beside him.

“How about tomorrow’s event, Galih?” Sakha asked her assistant who was puffing smoke from the cigarette he was smoking.

Galih turned from his seat opposite Sakha, facing his master. “Everything is fine, Sir! Two days ago, the preparations had already started. Tomorrow is the wedding, then a series of traditional events, after that it’s over. Except, if you want to add a reception after that,” Galih replied.

“There is no need for a reception. Just like this they are already envious, I don’t want to make things worse between my fourth wife and my three other wives,” said Sakha, followed by a slow sigh.

Galih nodded in agreement. Maybe it was because this would be Sakha’s last wedding, so his master intended to throw a big party. Whereas previously, with his three wives at home, he didn’t even hold a reception. Making Galih even more convinced that it proves Sakha doesn’t really have feelings for his three wives.

Then, why is this one different? It was because Sakha married her in this village. Where Sakha is an immigrant who wants to get the benefits that exist from the fertile land here. To do that, Sakha needs support and the right approach with the villagers.

His strategy is just like an invader, Galih thought with amusement. But that’s not what Sakha is aiming for, Sakha just wants her business here to run smoothly, that’s all.

However, for Galih, without the need to marry someone in this village or celebrate a big party, Sakha has already received a positive response. That’s because of his kindness and the benefits that have been given to this Telaga Waru Village.

“You’d better pick up the woman now, there’s no point in delaying,” said Sakha, ordering Galih to pick up his future fourth wife.

“Yes, Sir!” said Galih as he stubbed out his cigarette butt. But just before walking away, he turned around again.

“Later … what if the madams of the house come over, Sir?” asked Galih carefully.

“They were out shopping in town. It took them a long time to get back home. Just take the girl directly to the room that I have prepared,” Sakha replied calmly while working on something on his laptop.

“Are you going to meet her tonight, Sir?” asked Galih without thinking.

Sakha immediately glared at him. “I’m not that kind of man!” he said firmly.

Galih immediately shrank and apologized.

“I will meet her tomorrow in front of the headman. Anyway, just take care of it!” Sakha waved her hand telling Galih to leave.

Obediently, Galih resigned himself to pick up Ririn. This inevitably reminded Galih of the woman’s graceful face.

Is he sure doesn’t want to meet his future wife first tonight? thought Galih.

Surprisingly, Sakha seems very unconcerned about this marriage, but at the same time, he considers this marriage important. Galih became confused himself.

But one thing was for sure, he felt sorry for Ririn.

The woman would be Sakha’s youngest wife. Her mentality might be mature enough for a marriage, but not with a marriage like this, where she would be the fourth wife and have to live with the other three wives.

Galih wonders, should he talk to Ririn about this first? So that the woman is ready for what she will face in the future.

***