That day the sun shone brightly over the small village where Amara lived. The blue sky without clouds, stretched wide over the green mountains that surrounded the village. The sound of birds chirping and the gurgling of the clear flowing river added to the peaceful atmosphere that morning. Life in the village went on as usual, with farmers busy in the fields, children playing around the houses, and mothers gathering at the market to shop for daily necessities. But for Amara, that day was a turning point in her life.
As morning turned to afternoon, the hot sunlight began to be felt on her skin. The village roads covered in small gravel looked dusty because of the hot weather. Suddenly, the flying dust decreased slightly when a luxury car stopped in front of the simple house of the Aryanti family. The car looked in contrast to the simple atmosphere of the village. The children who were playing nearby stopped for a moment, observing the car with curiosity.
From inside the car came a middle-aged man with neat clothes and a face that looked full of authority. His steps were steady as he approached the door of the Aryanti family's house. He was Mr. Rahman, an envoy from the Pratama family, one of the most respected families in the city. With a firm but friendly gaze, Mr. Rahman knocked on the door of the simple wooden house. Mr. Dedi opened the door, slightly surprised to see the guest who had come.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Dedi. I am Mr. Rahman from the Pratama family. May I come in?" asked Mr. Rahman in a soft but authoritative voice. Mr. Dedi greeted him politely, although there was doubt in his eyes. "Please come in, Mr. Rahman. How can we help you?" replied Mr. Dedi while inviting Mr. Rahman to sit in the simple living room.
In the warm living room, a serious conversation began. Mr. Rahman explained the purpose of his visit, offering a contract marriage between the son of the Pratama family, Raka, and Amara. Amara, who was listening from the next room, felt her heart beating fast. How could her quiet life in this village change drastically because of this unexpected offer? That bright day suddenly turned into the beginning of a long journey full of challenges and difficult decisions for Amara.
Mr. Rahman was greeted by Mr. Dedi and Mrs. Sari in a friendly manner. After some small talk, Mr. Rahman began to explain the purpose of his visit. "Mr. Dedi, Mrs. Sari, I came here on behalf of the Pratama family with an offer that may be unexpected for all of you," said Mr. Rahman in a serious but polite tone.
Mr. Dedi and Mrs. Sari looked at each other, feeling curious and a little anxious. "How can we help you, Mr. Rahman?" asked Mr. Dedi carefully. Mr. Rahman continued, "We would like to propose a contract marriage between our son, Raka Pratama, and your daughter, Amara. This offer may be surprising, but I am sure you will consider it wisely."
Amara, who was listening from behind the door, immediately entered the living room with an expression of surprise and disbelief. "Contract marriage? What do you mean?" asked Amara in a trembling voice. The room that was previously silent became filled with tension. Mr. Rahman turned his head, looking at Amara with a serious but understanding face.
"Amara, let me explain. Our family, the Pratama family, is currently facing serious problems regarding the company's image in the eyes of the public and investors. We believe that a marriage between our son, Raka Pratama, and you can help improve that image," said Mr. Rahman, his tone calm and steady. He continued, "In return, your family will receive significant financial assistance, which I am sure can overcome the difficulties you are currently facing." Amara's initial reaction to the offer was rejection. "This is crazy! Marriage should be based on love, not business transactions!" Amara exclaimed, her eyes filled with tears. Her hands were shaking and her face was red with anger and confusion. Mrs. Sari tried to calm her daughter, gently taking Amara's hand. "Amara, listen to their explanation first. Maybe this is our chance to get out of this predicament," said Mrs. Sari, her voice full of doubt but also hope.
Mr. Dedi, who was sitting next to Mrs. Sari, added calmly, "We have to consider all possibilities, Amara. This is for the sake of our future." He held Amara's hand gently, providing support amidst the uncertainty that gripped their daughter. Amara looked at her father, seeing the deep worry in his eyes. She knew that this decision would not only affect her life, but also the future of her family.
Amara was silent for a moment, trying to calm her chaotic thoughts. "How can we ensure that this marriage will go according to plan? What if everything falls apart?" Amara asked in a hoarse voice, trying to find certainty amidst the chaos she felt. Mr. Rahman nodded slowly, realizing how great a burden the Aryanti family now had to bear. "We will make a written agreement that regulates everything, Amara. You don't need to worry. The Pratama family will make sure everything goes well," he answered reassuringly.
Amara, although still hesitant, began to realize that perhaps this was the only way out of the crisis her family was facing. She took a deep breath, realizing that this decision was not just about her, but about the future of the people she loved. With a heart that was still hesitant but slowly starting to find courage, Amara said, "Okay, I will consider this offer."
That night, after Mr. Rahman left, Amara could not sleep. Her inner turmoil was getting more intense. Silently, she pondered, considering all the possibilities and consequences of this big decision. "Should I sacrifice my principles and freedom for my family? Can I live in a marriage that is not based on love?" Amara thought, her heart thundering with various questions. However, the image of her parents' tired and hopeful faces continued to haunt her mind. She knew that they had sacrificed so much for her, and now, it was her turn to make a difficult decision.
With a heart that was still hesitant but slowly starting to find courage, Amara said to herself, "If this is the only way to save my family, then I have to do it." She stood on the edge of her bed, pondering silently. Her mind was spinning, thinking about all the possibilities that could happen. Amara knew that her life was about to change drastically, and this decision would determine the future of her family. Although she felt afraid and doubtful, her love and sense of responsibility towards her family pushed her to take this step.
In uncertainty, Amara began to make plans to accept the contract marriage offer. She sat at her study table, writing a list of questions she wanted to ask Pratama's family and also some conditions she wanted to include in the agreement. Amara did not want to enter into this marriage without thorough preparation. She wanted to make sure that everything was clear and that she and her family would be safe and secure. She felt a little calm as she made this plan, as if she was back in control of her life that seemed to be going off track.
She knew that this journey would be full of challenges, but with love and responsibility for her family, Amara was ready to face whatever came. Every day that passed before the wedding day was spent preparing herself mentally and emotionally. She talked to her closest friends, seeking support and advice. "Amara, this is hard, but we know you are strong. We believe you can get through this," said her best friend, Nisa, as she hugged her. The words and support from her friends gave her the strength to keep going.
The days leading up to the wedding were also filled with deep conversations with her family. Pak Dedi and Bu Sari were always there to support her. "We are so proud of you, Amara. Your courage is amazing," Pak Dedi said one night as they sat on the porch, enjoying the evening breeze. "Remember, no matter what happens, we are always by your side," Bu Sari added softly. Amara felt the warmth of her family's love and support, which made her even more convinced that she had made the right decision.
Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. The morning sun shone brightly, illuminating the village with its warmth and soft rays. Amara wore a simple yet elegant wedding dress, a white dress with delicate embroidery on the edges that added a graceful impression to her appearance. Her hair was neatly tied up with flower decorations that added to her natural beauty. When she saw her reflection in the mirror, she felt a mixture of feelings between tension and hope. "I'm ready," she whispered to herself, trying to cheer up her heart that was still filled with doubt.
In the living room, the guests began to gather. Family and close friends filled the room with their smiles and hopes. Even though this was a contract marriage, they still hoped for the best for Amara. Stepping out of the room, Amara felt every eye on her. With steady steps, she walked towards the altar where Raka was waiting for her. There, amidst the crowd and tension, they stood side by side, ready to say the wedding vows that would bind them in the agreement.
When the ceremony began, Amara and Raka looked at each other. Even though they didn't know each other well, there was a glimmer of understanding between them. Raka calmly recited his vows, his voice steady and confident. "I, Raka Pratama, accept Amara Aryanti as my wife," he said clearly. Amara absorbed every word Raka said, trying to find the sincerity behind those words. Then, with a pounding heart, Amara recited her vows, "I, Amara Aryanti, accept Raka Pratama as my husband."
As they put the rings on each other's fingers, Amara felt a strange vibration flowing inside her. She knew that this was the beginning of a new journey full of uncertainty, but she also felt a new strength growing within her. In front of the guests who watched with emotion, Amara and Raka completed the ceremony briefly and with full formality. However, behind it, Amara found a glimmer of hope that perhaps, one day, true love would grow between them.
As the ceremony ended and they stepped out of the church, Amara felt a cool breeze brush her face. She looked at Raka walking beside her, a man who was now her husband, if only in a contractual relationship. They smiled at each other, a smile that contained many things that had not been said. With a heart that was still uncertain but full of hope, Amara was ready to face an uncertain future, with the belief that this journey, no matter how difficult, would give new meaning to her life.