Hearing Niko's promise made me so moved. I was sure that Niko would keep his promises. But, is it possible that Niko will still be my husband in the future? Is it possible that Niko and I will live a happy life even without love?
After the incident on campus, Niko and I immediately returned home. Arriving home, Niko washed his car to make it look cleaner. Seeing Niko washing the car, I took the initiative to make him some tea.
As I was making tea for Niko, I thought back to our wedding 1 year ago.
That day, I was very nervous. Even though I was marrying a man I didn't love, I was happy that my soul mate was my best friend.
On my wedding day, I wore a golden-colored kebaya. With Javanese-Sunda customs, my wedding with Niko was lively.
1 year ago. . .
"Am I beautiful?" I asked Niko on the aisle, half-whispering as we shook hands with the guests.
"Beautiful. Pretty like Rapunzel, your favorite Barbie character."
I smiled slightly, making my cheeks blush with embarrassment.
"Don't you regret marrying me?" I asked back.
Niko was instantly silent. He turned around and looked at my face intently. He held my shoulders and looked at me intently.
"If I had regrets, why would I be standing next to you in the aisle?"
"No matter what happens, you won't leave me, will you, Nik?"
"I can't promise that, Nad. But I promise I'll always be there for you in good times and bad. And, I will try to be a good husband for you."
"Niko . . . ."
"So, we're trying together, yeah?" I nodded slowly and smiled broadly at him.
Even though we were still very young. But, before getting married, there were many things that I discussed with Niko first. We made many pre-marital agreements.
We promised not to forbid each other's careers. Niko also wouldn't restrict me in my career. And, we both respected each other's decisions.
Since we are still in the process of studying, we will not demand each other in terms of finances. We also have to be independent and not burden our parents.
We would live off the land until both Niko and I had full-time jobs. Niko herself will also let me work later and will not demand that I become a full-time housewife.
Both of us will also not interfere with each other's privacy, will support each other in our studies until we graduate. And, of course, we will not disappoint our parents.
As for feelings, we won't demand much either. Let everything flow by itself. Therefore, our principle is that young marriage will not interfere with our learning and big dreams.
Who said that marriage is a lot of self-limitation? Who said that marriage interferes with our studies?
The proof is that Niko and I support each other. Therefore, I will dismiss the statement of those who say 'marriage makes us unable to dream'.
As long as we support each other, do not burden ourselves, believe me, people who marry young can achieve their big dreams, even if they have children later.
Because being married or already having children, is not a reason for us to stop pursuing our dreams. As long as we want to process, try as much as possible, believe me the dream is close in front of our eyes.
Even though we are married, we both now use different rooms. Until we're both ready, we'll sleep together in the same room. And, I'm very happy that Niko can respect my decision and understand me until now.
I'm lucky to be married to him. Because by marrying him, I've learned to be more responsible in making decisions and choices.
After making Niko some tea, I quickly delivered my tea to where Niko was. For a moment, I stared at the wedding photo of the two of us displayed in the living room.
Was it possible that I could experience a marriage full of love like any other couple? I myself was very grateful to Niko's parents, because they were very kind to me.
Niko's father gave us a car as a gift, and Niko's parents also gave us this house to live in. A minimalist house that will witness the life of our household.
"What are you doing?" asked Niko, breaking my reverie.
"Akh, no. Oh yeah, I made some sweet tea for you."
"Keep it on the table, I'm going to take a shower first."
"Okay. Oh yeah, what are you doing taking a shower? How come you're showering at this hour?" I asked confused.
"You forgot, didn't you? You said it yourself, papah invited us to dinner at his house. Did you forget?"
"Gosh, I forgot! I haven't gotten ready yet. Well, I'll get ready first."
After Niko reminded me, I hurried to get ready. I'd almost forgotten that I had a dinner date with Niko's family tonight. And, why did I suddenly become forgetful like this?
Arghhh, damn it!
45 minutes later, after everything was ready I rushed out of my room. When I came out of the room, I was stunned to see Niko's neat appearance. Wearing only a dongker blue shirt and blue shoes that matched his shirt, Niko looked very handsome. I was mesmerized by him.
"What's wrong with my appearance?" asked Niko, who realized that he had been watching me all this time.
"Oh, no. You look different tonight. A little more handsome."
"I am indeed handsome. You just realized?" he said narcissistically while wearing a watch given to him by me on his 17th birthday.
I looked at the watch I had bought for Niko three years ago. At that time, I bought the gift using the money I had worked so hard for.
It wasn't much, but I was very happy that it had become one of his favorite watches. And, I didn't expect it to still be there today.
"Let's go now." he asked, to which I nodded, "Wait?"
"Why?" I asked confused while turning my head to Niko.
Niko came closer to me, causing me to misbehave. Suddenly, he ducked down and made me so surprised because of his attitude.
"What are you doing?" I asked confused.
Niko didn't answer my question at all. All he was doing was adjusting the strap of my high heels that had come loose. Suddenly my heart was beating so fast. The sweet gesture that Niko was doing at the moment made me misbehave.