Chapter 33
"Ms. Clara wants to propose to Mas Umam next week. But she's still confused, Pa," Cleo's report made me pout. Papa turned to me and asked, "Is that right, Clara?" I nodded in agreement, Papa stroked the top of my head. "Wonder why, you still like Umam. So what are you waiting for?" "I'm still afraid, Pa. Afraid that my household will end again like with Mas Azzam," I said. "As expected, you must still be traumatized by our previous marriage. But now the case is different, Ra. You used to marry because you had to, but now you marry because you love Umam. Isn't that right?" Papa was right, I smiled at him. Then hugged Papa while saying thank you. "Thank you, Pa. I'll tell Umam soon. Papa is getting ready, okay? Next week they will come to propose," I said. Papa stroked the top of my head again, then excused himself to his room. Cleo also went into her own room, Meanwhile I immediately contacted Umami to deliver this happy news. "Alhamdulillah, this is real, right, Ra. I'm so happy," cried Umami on the other end. "Yes, Umam. I'll be waiting for you next Sunday, okay," I said. "Yes, definitely Ra. Thank you, yes, Ra. You want to give me another chance." "Yes, you're welcome. Well, I'm sleepy, I want to sleep. Assalamualaikum," I greeted ending my call. "Waalaikumsalam, have a nice dream, Ra." I closed my phone and went to the room. Like Umami's prayer last night, it looks like I'm going to have a sweet dream tonight.
***
A week later, Umami actually came along with her family. Mama and Papa are very happy. Especially his mother who was immediately attached to Clara. Our wedding is set, in two weeks. At my request it will only be held in a simple way. Thankfully Umami and her parents agreed. Papa and Cleo were no less happy to see me happy. Especially Papa, who looked relieved when I agreed to a marriage plan that could be repeated very quickly, a distance from the time of the proposal. Two weeks is not a long time, even if it's just a simple wedding reception. However, Papa's and the deceased Mama's families must also be invited. I don't want anyone to protest because I know about my second marriage. Every day Papa and Cleo would walk around from one relative's house to another. I wasn't allowed to participate, only to take care of the catering and all the knick-knacks for the party. It was also hassle-free, as Umami helped by introducing experienced WOs to me. All the wedding reception matters and all the details of the workshop have been handled by them. I only have a few days left to get married. Everything is in order, invitations have also been sent out from both my side and Umami's side. My intention to have a simple party eventually turned into a big and luxurious party. This is because Umami will not be holding a party or what is commonly called 'Ngunduh Mantu'. So that all their relatives and acquaintances were invited to my place. I just gave up, remembering for the sake of time efficiency and party costs. That night, Cleo and I were wrapping up a party souvenir in the form of a small fan made of bamboo and cloth. There are only three days left for my wedding. Papa, who had just returned from the mosque, approached me. "Have we invited the Azzam family, Ra?" Papa asked making me gasp. "Astagfirullah haladzim. Not yet, Pa. I forgot," I shouted in surprise. Actually, a few days after the application event, I remembered to tell Mas Azzam's family directly. However, because of busy preparing everything made me forget my original plan. "How about this, Pa? I feel bad for them, there are only three days left after all," I complained to Papa. "In that case, tonight Papa will be there too. You don't have to come, let Papa go with your Uncle," Papa said. Like it or not, I had to agree. Than not being invited at all, I thought
***
Legit?" asked the Penghulu to the witnesses. "Legal! "Legitimate!" "Legitimate!" Resounding voices shouted the word legal in the living room which was transformed into the venue for my wedding vows. His voice reached the room where I waited alone. Not felt the tears dripping down both cheeks. At times like these I remember my late mother. If only he was still alive, surely he is the happiest person hugging me. "Mom, let's go out!" asked Cleo from the front door that was already open. Before standing up I wiped my tears with a handkerchief then went out. Cleo looked at me for a moment, then smiled and took my hand. He led me into the living room where everyone was waiting for me. Like Dejavu, I repeated the rituals after the ceremony as before. Sungkeman to parents who are now incomplete because Mama is gone. Then proceed by greeting all the guests who were there, followed by a photo of the two of them, with family and other friends who were present. Everything is exactly the same as my first marriage. Only this time my companion was Umam, a husband chosen without coercion. But the feeling that I feel now remains the same as before. If before I was sad because I had to go through a marriage for my mother, now I'm sad because I'm going through a marriage without Mom by my side anymore. "You're daydreaming again, hmm?" Umam's voice made me flinch. I immediately wiped the tears that were still wet on my cheeks. My smile widened because Umam kissed my forehead tenderly. Warmth flows in the recesses of my heart without being able to be prevented. Meanwhile my heart beat was getting faster. "Get some rest, it's quite an hour. I'll wake you up later," said Umam while stroking my hair. "Man?" I repeated in disbelief.
To be continued