Wedding Day.
Inaya clutched her pounding chest. Her heart felt as if it wanted to leap right out of her body. Her hands were hot and cold as she fought the nervousness that had seized her. She recited dhikr over and over, but her heart still refused to settle down.
The dress her mother-in-law had chosen fit beautifully, draping over Inaya’s flawless fair skin. Inaya reached for her flat device lying on the bed. She searched for the contact labeled Mas Alfiq. She only wanted to make sure she really was getting married today. It felt like she was dreaming.
“I accept the marriage of Inaya Maheswari, daughter of Rudi Prasetyo, with the dowry stated, paid in full!”
Alfiq’s strong, fluent voice echoed throughout the mosque. The man recited the marriage vows firmly, without stumbling even once. Nervous? Of course. What man wouldn’t be nervous on his wedding day? Alfiq was simply good at hiding his pounding heart behind a casual expression, as if nothing were happening.
A beautiful girl with natural makeup and a traditional Javanese crown adorning her hijab walked gracefully down the mosque stairs.
A faint smile touched the lips of the stunning girl. Escorted by her father and mother, Inaya walked toward the man in a formal black suit who was waiting for her. He flashed his most charming smile to welcome his wife.
Alfiq extended his hand toward Inaya. The girl immediately took it joyfully.
“Can I kiss your forehead?” Alfiq asked with a forced smile.
Inaya blushed at the question from the man who was now officially her husband. She wasn’t used to being touched by men. Even without blush, Inaya was sure her cheeks had turned as red as tomatoes from embarrassment. Slowly, she nodded, signaling that she didn’t object to her husband’s first kiss. The cheers from the guests made Inaya blush all over again.
As for Alfiq, he could only go through the series of obligatory actions required of him as a formality of becoming the groom. In truth, he didn’t want to kiss the woman in front of him. But he didn’t want everyone to see how unwilling he was, forced as he had been into this arranged marriage.
“Alhamdulillah, you’re finally officially husband and wife.” Sari patted her son-in-law’s shoulder.
“Hehe, yes, Auntie,” Alfiq replied stiffly.
“Why Auntie? Call me Mom. You’re officially my son-in-law now!” Rudi protested, joining in.
Alfiq rubbed the back of his neck, which had suddenly begun to feel cold. He was sick of having to put on an act in public. He wanted to move into the apartment he had bought a few days ago as soon as possible. A life free from his parents’ restraints. Ah, just imagining it made him feel a little relieved.
“Congratulations, sweetheart. You’re officially Umi’s daughter-in-law now,” Salma said to Inaya.
“Thank you, Umi.”
“Fiq, now that you’ve got a wife, take good care of her!” Yusril called out, reminding his only son.
“Yes, Abah,” Alfiq replied with a polite smile.
Inaya and Alfiq had made it through the series of Javanese wedding traditions one by one. Inaya collapsed onto the long sofa. Her body felt battered after barely sitting down all day. She had to be displayed beautifully for photos and greet the guests who attended her wedding reception.
“Tired?” Alfiq looked impassively at Inaya as she held her back.
Inaya nodded. The photo session had worn her out.
“Who told you to agree to marry me?” Alfiq walked away, leaving Inaya stunned by her husband’s words.