7. Wedding Dream
"Are you serious about Lily?" asked Uncle Jamal after he finished patching the tires of the motorbikes that came to his workshop.
"Seriously, Uncle," replied Varun quickly.
Uncle Jamal looked at Varun sharply. This is what he often does now. "Lily is tough. Not an ordinary woman."
"I know, Uncle."
"You don't know. All you know is a little."
Varun frowned. Confused about where Uncle Jamal's conversation was going.
"You promise to always look after him? You will continue to be responsible for him no matter what?" demanded Uncle Jamal then took a screwdriver and turned the screw in the motorbike that Varun was holding.
"I promise to take care of Lily. I promise to soon marry her officially in the eyes of the law. I assure Uncle this marriage is not a joke. It's not just an accident. I do love Lily and intend to marry her," said Varun confidently.
"Even though it's not now, is it?" Uncle Jamal smiled.
Varun was silent.
"I believe in you," said Uncle Jamal. "You seem good."
Varun smiles having won Uncle Jamal's trust.
"But marriage isn't easy. Not a project like you or Lily used to do. Plus, Lily has something special. She's unique."
"I know Lily is stubborn, but I'll try to make up for it. I have flaws too. I won't demand anything from Lily, Uncle."
"Maybe the problem isn't with you." Uncle Jamal stopped turning the screw and sighed.
Varun is confused again. "Is there something about Lily that I don't know, Uncle?"
Uncle Jamal was silent then looked at Varun seriously. The old man looked doubtful and seemed to want to tell Varun something, but hesitated.
"Varun, Uncle, I've cooked. Let's eat first!" Lily shouted from the door of the house just as Uncle Jamal was about to open his mouth.
Varun's dazzling smile added to the handsome face of the man with thick eyebrows. He was pleased with Lily's demeanor, which was getting softer every day. I think he is starting to feel comfortable with this marriage. Varun feels he has a wife who loves him.
*
"You're crazy, Bro! I just left you for a while, suddenly just married!" Risky was surprised when he heard the news of Varun and Lily's marriage and then rushed to visit Uncle Jamal's house.
Varun smiled sadly. "That's it, Bro. I love Lily. I want to marry her. But seeing her sad like this, I can't bear it."
Risky looked at the fields in front of them. Some farmers are planting rice filling the holes that have been provided.
Two cups of coffee are served at the front table Varun and Risky. Such an atmosphere is very comfortable. A relaxing vacation just like Varun and Risky wanted. It's just that, the burden of thinking about the big events that happened then made both of them feel strange.
"Patience, Bro. Naturally, Lily is still in shock. She's a girl." Risky commented.
"Not because she's a girl. It's not that simple." Varun was stunned for a moment. "Her uncle says she's no ordinary girl. I'll admit Lily is unique. A writer and an adventurer. Despite her shyness, she likes a challenge."
"You guys love each other. Nothing will be wrong. Just like a newlywed couple. You just need an adjustment."
"I feel like Lily is burdened with all this. She still wants to pursue her career. Not the type of girl who wants to get married quickly."
Risky took a sip of his coffee. Then start talking again. "That won't be a problem either. Come on, man. You're not an authoritarian guy. You're an open-minded person.
Varun nodded. "It's true. I won't stop my wife from achieving her dreams. After all, writing is Lily's world." Varun was pensive again looking at the birds flying in the blue sky. "Besides not being ready for marriage, I caught something else from Lily. Sometimes she looks at me like she's scared. Sometimes she confuses herself. Very fragile and mood swings."
"Whatever it is, I pray that your marriage with Lily will last forever. Now you are married. Be patient. Over time Lily will accept it maturely. Give her time."
Varun was silent. I don't want to refute Risky's words at all. But Risky has not caught on to his meaning. It was difficult for Varun to explain the strangeness to Lily. The woman seemed to be keeping something from Varun. There are moments Lily is like everyone else. He turned cold, and emotional, and didn't even remember his memories with Varun. Even though they've only been dusting, they're very close.
Uncle Jamal's words the other day flashed in Varun's mind. There was something about Lily out of the ordinary. Could that be the reason Varun often gets the odd look in Lily's eyes? It was as if Varun was dealing with someone else. Not Alexa Edelia Dervish. Who knows. Varun is confused. He loves Lily. He used to love but now loves more after they meet in person and get married.
Risky has a suggestion for Varun to take Lily on a tour to Sabang, Banda Aceh. There are many beautiful tourist destinations such as islands and beaches. There is a very beautiful beach called Iboih Beach. Varun likes the idea. Indeed, he and Lily should be refreshing for a moment after all the commotion that happened. Other thoughts started to fill Varun's mind. Maybe the trip could make a honeymoon for them. After all, Varun and Lily were already married.
Varun leaves Risky for a while outside to meet Lily. He had to ask Lily's willingness. If the wife wanted, they would immediately book a bus ticket.
As soon as he stepped into the room, Varun was surprised to find Lily packing her things in the suitcase. Lily was not veiled so that her long brown hair and curls at the ends showed. Varun was flabbergasted. Although he had seen Lily's appearance without the hijab on social media, this was the first time he had seen Lily's hair in person.