Solemn Promise

Maybe it's not the right time. However, the woman felt a tightness in her heart. It was tight because Hamdan did not know about his feelings and also had the same feelings. It's never too late for everything. Kanaya could have left the house today and called off the wedding. However, Kanaya still respects her parents who have taken the time, energy, and money to marry her to Bhishma. After Kanaya was tired of the thoughts that always haunted her, she decided to force herself to close her eyes.

'I have to forget everything, maybe this is the best thing for me. I believe, these are all ways that have been blessed by God.'

His mind was still confused, even though he had tried various ways. He rushed to the bathroom and performed ablution. He read the pages of the Qur'an. After that, he lay back down and fell asleep in his sweet dreams.

***

Kanaya is already 25 years old. However, his mind was still afraid of starting this marriage. The woman began to think strangely.

'What will I do later? Only half an hour until I will be a wife. Is it as fast as that?' thought Kanaya.

Kanaya looks at her face in the mirror while twirling in a wedding dress, her head is covered with a white veil.

"Wow... my best friend is very beautiful," said Ara who suddenly entered Kanaya's room.

"Finally you came, Ara. I'm now restless and nervous," said Kanaya.

Ara held Kanaya's hand, her hand was cold. Kanaya was nervous. Ara also helps Kanaya to calm down Kanaya. Although Ara has never felt married. Still, Kanaya is nervous and also thinking about what will happen after she becomes a wife.

"When I have a husband, I have to obey him. That's right, isn't it?" Kanaya asked.

"Yes."

"It seems, my life will be inversely proportional. Hopefully, Bhishma will not forbid me to teach. I hope he understands," said Kanaya hopefully.

"Kanaya!? It's time for the ceremony to begin!" call Sita.

"Yes, Mom."

Kanaya came out of her room and rushed into the living room. Beautiful and simple decorations adorn the room. Flowers have also decorated every corner of the room. The guests were already sitting on the red carpet that had been spread out on the floor. The headmaster is also waiting. The groom has also sat opposite Kanaya's father. The man is strong and strong, Kanaya said right, Bhishma is slang. No face indicates that Bhishma is like a cleric. Kanaya sat next to Bhishma with her hands still shaking.

"You don't have to be nervous, Kanaya. I'm sure you will be happy with Bhishma," whispered Ara who led Kanaya to sit.

The contract process begins.

"I accept the marriage and the marriage of Kanaya Aulia Rahman bint Abdul Rahman with a dowry of a set of prayer tools and ten grams of gold paid in cash," Bhishma said this sacred promise with one breath.

"How are the witnesses, legal?" asked the prince named Pardi.

"Sah...." The guests answered in unison.

Many good prayers were said for Kanaya and Bhishma. Now Kanaya is not alone anymore, she has a priest for this world and the hereafter. Kanaya held Bhishma's hand and kissed it. Bhishma kissed Kanaya's forehead. That happiness was not only felt by Kanaya and Bhishma. But, all guests. It was different with Hamdan who quietly came and watched from a distance. He didn't know what he was feeling this time. It seems his chest is starting to get tight seeing the woman he loves he can't have. However, he had to learn to put it all together, he had to be strong and couldn't show any sadness over the happiness that radiated from Kanaya's face.

"When it's gone, it's just felt. It turns out that I've lost the most valuable thing in my life," said Hamdan with feelings of emotion. He didn't feel the tears dripping slowly down his right cheek. The man had feelings of regret and guilt for what they had been through together.

"If I could turn back time, maybe I wouldn't feel this pain in my chest," he said again. Hamdan didn't dare to come closer, he didn't want to mess things up. After that, Hamdan went to his house.

"Congratulations, Kanaya." Ara hugs Kanaya.

"Thank you."

The wedding was finally over, the guests one by one returned to their respective homes after finishing taking photos and eating. The room was suddenly quiet, and Kanaya changed her clothes, she cleaned the remnants of her makeup. Bhishma also went into Kanaya's room, which had been made up like a bridal room.

'Why does it feel weird, huh?' Kanaya muttered.

Bhishma lay down on the bed.

"You don't have to worry, I won't touch you. I'm not ready to accept this arranged marriage," said Bhishma.

Kanaya was shocked by Bhishma's words. Kanaya thought she was the only one who had not been able to accept the matchmaking.

"If you can't accept it, why do you want to?" Kanaya asked.

"I just want to respect my parents."

Kanaya was silent, she thought that a man like Bhishma would not respect his parents.

"That's good then," said Kanaya.

The woman could breathe a sigh of relief now, she didn't have to bother to refuse her husband's invitation. Bhishma and Kanaya sleep with their backs to each other, because in Kanaya's room there is only one bed. In the middle, they have been given a barrier, a barrier in the form of a bolster. No one can cross the barrier, whatever the reason.

"Why do you want to be matched?" Bhishma asked.

"My reasons are the same as yours," answered Kanaya.

Kanaya and Bhishma were silent again, there was no further conversation between them. Kanaya can't wait for the morning, for her tonight is very long. Unconsciously, Kanaya's stomach rumbled, as did Bhishma.

"You are hungry?" Kanaya asked.

"Yeah, can we eat first? I think you're hungry too," said Bhishma.

Without much more to say, Kanaya finally prepared food for Bhishma. Kanaya understands that Bhishma is a stranger in his house. Kanaya had to make Bhishma feel more comfortable. The woman tried to be nice to Bhishma. Kanaya asked Bhishma to be patient and wait for a while. Bhishma did not object to it.