Adhitama Aria Kharisma took a deep breath. His hands suddenly sweated heavily as time passed. Looking around, he could find that he couldn't back down now. Couldn't do it without causing confusion and embarrassment on his face.
Oh Lord. Of all the girls on this earth, why does it have to be her?
Tama wss angry.
From being angry with his bride-to-be to being angry because he couldn't avoid his parents' decision.
If only Tama could escape or at least refuse the marriage, of course Tama would. Who would want to get married at such a young age like him? While still a twelfth grade high school student? It doesn't exist.
Especially with the reason of marriage that makes his stomach feel like being tossed about. Taking care of the girl while her Mama needs to go abroad? Seriously.
There wouldn't be a criminal who would intend to harass a scary girl like her. There were even the criminals who ran away first.
But, this was where Tama is now.
At the girl's house. At Eshika's house. Together with a few of the invited guests. The only real ones are their closest family. No more than ten people came. Just to be a witness that their marriage has been carried out.
Tama growled. Really can't escape the bad reality. Especially when he saw his parents who looked happy while conversing with the family from Eshika's side.
Ah, there really was no hope for him.
Then, the commotion suddenly disappeared.
Everyone stopped their respective activities. Every eye immediately turned to the stairs and stared at the pair of humans who came down from the top floor.
Careful not to err on the side of her feet, Eshika just lowered her head to stare at each step she descended. Her steps are beautiful and graceful. Making both Tama's parents smile even more in their place.
And whether he wants to admit it or not, for an instant Tama seemed hypnotized to see Eshika who came down wearing the white kebaya. Tama didn't know that was because the kebaya was beautiful or it was Eshika who made the simple kebaya look beautiful with her. Tama didn't know.
The religious leader took the mic and said.
"Our bride is ready. Can we start now?"
*
Tama looked at the ring around her finger. It seems he can't believe that now his status has changed to being someone's husband. To be more precise, it was Eshika's husband. The girl he had avoided the most.
Ugh!
Their relationship is not in the category of friends. Even though their parents were friends, in fact it didn't decrease for Tama and Eshika. Since childhood, they always fight when they meet. And Tama has to admit, it must have been her who started the dispute.
Now, fate seemed to be punishing him. Causing him to be trapped in the girl in too tight a bond.
Wedding.
"Tam, can you smile? Even just a little."
The voice of Mawar –Mama Tama- suddenly sounded in Tama's ears. They were currently enjoying the food served. And Tama prefers to sit alone. Withdraw from the crowd.
"How can I smile, Mom? I just fell into the trap of a monster named Eshika."
Mawar suddenly pinched Tama's stomach. "Eshika is now Mama's daughter-in-law, Tam. You're talking about him being weird, don't worry, okay?"
Tama shrunk for a moment. "Dad! I'm yours son, right? Why did you defend Eshika more than me?"
Irawan took his place near Mawar and embraced his wife, chuckling. "Now you are in the same position. You two are our children."
"Oh, that's right." Tama groaned in annoyance. Then, feel the gentle tap of the Rose. "What else, Mom?"
Mawar pointed at Eshika who from a distance seemed to be talking to their family.
"Come over there your wife. Is the time for new marriage far away?"
Tama stares at Mawar in horror. "Really, Mom?"
Mawar glared.
Oh! After all, this Tama is indeed a child who is obedient to the words of her parents. Seeing Tama disobey the parents' orders, especially from Mawar, it's an impossible thing to happen. So it's not surprising that in the end, Tama's feet went to the place where Eshika was.
When Tama approached Eshika, the girl immediately turned her head. His eyes seemed to briefly rounded in a surprised look to find Tama who was already standing nearby. Seeing that, the Tama family who had been talking with Eshika immediately left.
Eshika irritatedly looked at Tama.
"Don't think I volunteered to come with you here," said Tama directly. "If Mama and Papa don't tell me, I'm really lazy to come with you."
Eshika pouted.
"As lazy as marrying you," Tama continued, grumbling.
Eshika couldn't hold it in for a long breath. He glanced at Tama sharply. "Do you think I want to marry you like that?"
"O oh…." Tama brought her face closer to Eshika. "You forgot? Who here is trying to force this marriage to happen?"
For a while, Eshika's mouth was tightly shut. Tama smirked triumphantly.
"Not me!" Eshika cursed.
"It's not," sneered Tama. "But, your Mom came up with this idea."
Eshika fell silent again. It was all Popi's idea. Eshika couldn't deny it.
"But, I can't stop thinking about it," continued Tama. "Why should I be asked to marry you." Tama's eyes sharpened. "Ah ..., don't tell me you asked Mami because it turns out that you secretly like me."
Eshika's eyes bulged. Suddenly the girl pinched Tama's stomach until the boy groaned in pain.
"It's reckless to say," said Eshika with goosebumps. "Thought you were so cute that I had a crush on you?"
"Your eyes are blind when you say I'm not pretty!" Tama said while stroking her stomach which was pinched by Eshika.
"But," said Eshika, suddenly getting an idea to reply to Tama's words. "Come to think of it, this is suspicious too."
"What?"
This time, Eshika raised her face, challenging Tama. "I wonder why you didn't try to stop this marriage."
Tama rolled her eyes.
"Aaah…." Eshika nodded her head. "Or maybe you are secretly grateful for this marriage," she accused. "You really want to marry me, don't you?"
"Stress!" said Tama. "Why should I marry you if I'm not in a hurry like this?"
"You don't want to like me anymore. Is not it? you like me right? Hey! Just be honest with me. As long as we're just talking together. You don't need to be embarrassed about that."
Tama looked at Eshika with a look of disbelief. He also felt dizzy with the series of Eshika's words that hit his senses of hearing.
"I'm not crazy enough to like you, Esh. Believe me. I'd rather be single for life than to like and marry you. I'd rather be extinct like a dinosaur than to marry you."
"Yes, what?" asked Eshika fiercely.
"Of course yes," answered Tama no less fiercely.
Eshika and Tama glared at each other and didn't want to budge.
"And you must remember, Tam," said Eshika later. "Don't let the news of our marriage spread. I don't want my good name to be ruined because of you."
Tama snorted. "It's you who should keep his mouth on guard, Esh. I don't want you all my fans at school to stay away from me."
"I can confirm that, Tam," said Eshika with confidence. "Believe me. The last thing I want to experience is for everyone to see that we both get married. My reputation as a super star student could be damaged instantly if I got close to a playboy like you."
Tama gaped at Eshika's words.
Playboy? She says I am a playboy?
He exhaled slowly. Don't want to argue about that one thing. Instead he nodded. "Good," replied Tama no less sure. "I also don't want people to know that I am a husband to a wife like you. A chatty girl that no boy likes."
Eshika's eyes widened.
What did he say?
No boy likes?
*
tbc ....