Wedding Invitations

Nayra placed a navy colored invitation with beautifully engraved writing on her desk. Nayra tried to neutralize the suddenly chaotic mood after reading the invitation. Ardi's wedding invitation with his new girlfriend or often called the bridegroom by his good friend Alma. Four years of being in a relationship with Ardi and helping Ardi's career from the bottom to success in fact does not guarantee a relationship will continue to the marriage level.

Ardi's betrayal was clearly recorded in Nayra's memory when Nayra visited Ardi's house in the afternoon to teach. The unlocked front door and the sound of sighs from Ardi's room on the second floor could be heard very clearly in a very quiet house. Tears dripped down his cheeks seeing the man he loved making out with another woman on the bed. Ardi, who was surprised to see Nayra in the room, immediately picked up the clothes that were scattered on the floor and put them on and spoke to Nayra.

" We broke up. You already know everything, right?" Ardi said without guilt some time ago, still clearly recorded in Nayra's memory.

Nayra left Ardi's house firmly and wiped away the tears on her cheeks. I don't deserve to cry over that asshole. Too dear my tears to cry them. Nayra made up her mind about it.

Two weeks have passed since the affair was uncovered. An invitation was received by Nayra at the school where Nayra teaches.

"Are you okay Nay? "Alma, Nayra's friend since childhood, was worried to see Nayra who was daydreaming

"Nay" Alma gently shook Nayra's shoulder when she didn't get a reaction from Nayra

Alma's voice broke Nayra's thoughts about the past that Nayra had to forget soon.

"I'm okay Al"

"Are you sure Nay? "

"Absolutely sure. What's on your mind Al? You must think I'm hurt and broken hearted. Ah.. Sorry Al.. There's no point in breaking my heart. In fact, I'm grateful to know his rottenness before I married him."

" Ah.. Nay.. I salute you. great"

"Must be Al"

"Are you sure you're coming Nay? "

" Very confident. I'm fine Al. The day after tomorrow, Al

"Okay. I'm going to class first, Nay. there is a clock"

"Yes Al. I'm going to the canteen. Hungry "

Nayra went from sitting to the canteen while Alma entered the class to teach.

The weekend was spent by Nayra and Alma attending Ardi's wedding, Nayra's ex-boyfriend. Nayra stepped firmly up the aisle to congratulate Ardi followed by Alma behind Nayra.

"Happy On. May samawa " Nayra clasped her hands to her chest congratulating Ardi. Nayra deliberately didn't shake hands with Ardi because Nayra didn't want to touch Ardi's dirty hands.

Nayra shifted to congratulating the bride in the same way as she did to Ardi.

"Hope you don't suck Di. Letting go of diamonds by pebbles " Alma quipped and whispered in Ardi's ear. Ardi did not budge from Alma's words

After shaking hands with the bride and groom, Nayra and Alma immediately returned to their respective homes.

"Are you back Nay? " Rara asked Nayra's mother to see Nayra was busy watching TV in the living room

"Eh.. Mama.. When are you coming home? Doesn't mom have business with dad outside? Nayra kissed the back of Mama Rara's hand

"You have a habit when you are asked, you ask back"

"Hehehehe" Nayra's grin echoed in the living room

"Was Ardi's wedding? Are you okay Nay? "

"Uh... Mama is exaggerated like Alma. Calm down mom. Mama's daughter is a tough woman. It's not in the dictionary of life that Nay laments the fate of her ex-ma's marriage."

"Thank goodness then Nay. Mama is relieved to hear that"

"Where's daddy? "

"Papa is calling his best friend in Nay's room. Oh, Nay.. Later that night, Papa's best friend will come to the house to have dinner together. You are not going anywhere, Nay"

" Yes mom. Nayra wants to correct the children's assignments today, ma'am"

"Mama to the room first, Nay"

Nayra nodded her head in response to Mama's words that had passed into the room. Soon, Nayra walked into the room to correct her students' assignments.

The sun leaves its bed and changes the moon to illuminate the earth when darkness arrives. Papa's friends whose names Nayra just found out were Mr. Raka and Mrs. Tania had come to Nayra's house and were sitting in the living room with Nayra's mom and dad's best friends.

"Nay. Get to know Uncle Raka and Aunt Tania, Papa's friends from high school," said Paj Sigit, introducing his best friend

"Nayra" Nayra greeted politely shook hands and kissed the back of Papa's best friend's hand

"While all are gathered, let's get straight to the point, Raka"

"Yes Git. Can "

"Nay.. Actually, Om Raka's purpose here is to propose to you. We agreed to set you up with Devan, uncle and aunt's son."

Duaaar..

It was like being struck by lightning in broad daylight. Nayra rolled her eyes when she heard Papa's words. Remind Nayra what day it is today so there are many unexpected things that Nayra has to go through today. In the morning, Nayra came to her ex's wedding, while in the evening, Nayra heard the word matchmaking, which had never even crossed her mind.

"Matchmaking pa? Nayra was nervous asking papa

"Yes Nay. Devan agrees with this match "Papa answered Nayra's question

Nayra swallowed her saliva with difficulty hearing Papa's words. Nayra glanced at the man named Devan who was sitting across from Nayra

"Auntie hopes Nayra will accept this match and accept Devan as a package"

"A deal? Nayra was confused by Aunt Tania's statement

"Yes, Nay.. Aunt, I'm sorry before that Devan already has a daughter. His wife died of bleeding while giving birth to Kayra "

I don't know what Nayra felt after hearing the statement from Devan's mother. Married to a widower with 1 child? It was never on Nayra's mind. Moreover, this marriage is an arranged marriage of their parents.

Naira exhaled sharply. Trying to release the weight that is now on his shoulders.

"Sorry.. Can I talk to Devan first? "

"Yes Nay. Can "

"Thanks Aunt"

Nayra gave Devan the code to follow her to the garden behind the house. Devan walked behind Nayra. They sat on a wooden bench in the middle of the garden.

"Why did you agree to this matchmaking? ' asked Nayra without looking at Devan

"I don't want to hurt papa mama. I also want Kayra to have a mother. But if you want to refuse that's fine. Moreover, my status is a widower with one child "

Huh..

Naira exhaled slowly. Tonight's mind is messed up. If Nayra refused this match, it would be the same as Nayra hurting her parents who had hopes for this match like what Devan had said. If Nayra accepts this match then her life will change drastically to become a wife and mother for Devan's children.

Dilemma.

It was difficult for Nayra to determine the best decision so as not to hurt the hearts of many people who were at home tonight.

"Can I still teach if I'm married? The question came out of Nayra's thin red lips

"I will not curb kanu and I also will not forbid you to work"

" You are sure? "

"I'm not a person who likes to deny" i

Bismillah..

Nayra is determined to make the best decision for her parents who have great hopes. Nayra will be determined to live her destiny with a strong heart.

"I accept this arrangement"

Devan smiled faintly without Nayra knowing. Devan and Nayra stepped into the house to inform them of the decision Nayra had made tonight to accept an arranged marriage with Devan.

"Nayra accept this match ma"

"Alhamdulillah.. Seriously Nay? "

" Yes mom. Nayra accepted for the sake of papa and mama"

"Thank you dear" Mama Rara hugged their only child tightly

They continued their conversation about Devan and Nayra's wedding, which will be held in 1 week.

Startled..

Surely Nayra will feel that 1 week from now Nayra will be the wife of a Devan, a handsome, cold, flat man, 185 cm tall, with a sharp nose, white skin. Stature like a Greek god and don't forget the status of a widower with one child.

"Nay.. Why haven't you been focused lately? Alma stared intently at Nayra who was sipping a late mochacino in the school canteen

"I'm fine Al"

"Don't lie, Nay. Don't tell me you're still thinking about Ardi, okay?

'Ah.. If you knew this problem was more complicated than leaving Ardi married, you would definitely tease me Al' thought Nayra

" Nay .. Now daydreaming again right. What's wrong with you? Two days where are you not allowed to enter "

"Ah.. Eh.. Yes I was sick for two days"

"You're lying, right? You still don't want to talk to me, Nay? "

"I'm confused Al. Don't come home on Saturday. Later you'll know why I've been lately"

" Ah .. You are not fun playing puzzles Nay "

"Saturday I'm waiting for Al. I go to class first

Nayra left Alma, who was still eating meatballs in the cafeteria, headed to the office, took books and teaching supplies and then entered class

"Assalamu'alaikum.. Good morning, children of mothers who are pious, handsome, beautiful and smart" Nayra greeted her students with a little joke as usual

"Wa'alaikumsalam.. Good morning too Mrs Nay" replied the students in unison

"Today is the daily test right children? Nayra teased her students

"Uh no ma'am Nay. Last week, Mrs. Nay didn't say anything," protested Doni the bad boy in class 11 IPS 3

" Really? But on the mother's agenda, there are 3 daily geography exams for class 11 social studies."

"No ma'am. We're not ready. We haven't learned yet "said Aldo

"Aldo learns every day. Not only if you want to repeat the study "

"That's for those who are nerds ma'am. Not for me." Aldo pointed at Mei Reta and Leo, students who were famous for being nerds with thick glasses

" Stop it. Don't like to bully other people. Ok. Today we will continue the subject of population dynamics or anthroposphere " Nayra began explaining the subject matter in front of the class accompanied by discussions and questions and answers from students

Nayra sipped the mochacino that was in front of her. Alma watched Nayra's face, which had been looking disheveled for several days. They were in the usual cafe where they hang out to unwind after teaching.

"Why are you Nay? "

"I'm fine Al"

"Nay.. We've known each other for a long time. I know you lied to me. If you don't want to tell me, that's fine Nay"

"I'm betrothed to Al"

" Hah? Seriously Nay? With whom Nay? "

"Why would I lie Al. Do you want to tease me? "

"No Nay. That's not what it means. Who are you dating? "

"With my parents"

"Hufft.. That's not what I meant, Nay. Who is your future husband?"

"Widower with one child"

" What? "

"Can you not shout like that"

"Sorry Nay. I'm letting go. Then do you want that Nay? "

"What can I do Al? I don't want to disappoint papa mama"

"You are a good and dutiful child, Nay. If I were you I would definitely refuse Nay"

I know. You're a rebellious child"

"Damn you" Alma threw french fries at Nayra and was caught and then put in Nayra's mouth

"Don't waste Al's food"

"Sorry... you're annoying after all. When are you getting married? "

"the day after tomorrow"

" Are you serious? You got married the day after tomorrow but today it's still eligibility. Where is your future husband?"

"It was I who asked to be allowed to work and didn't meet him until the wedding day"

"Never mind. Even though I want to know my new best friend's husband-to-be"

"rece lo"

Nayra and Alma continued eating interspersed with small talk that could cheer Nayra up in the midst of the turmoil that was gripping her heart.

Nayra sat on the balcony of the room looking at the night sky studded with stars with beautiful light. In two days Nayra will marry the choice of her parents. There is no reason to reject parental choice. Nayra did not want to disappoint her parents who loved her very much. A widower with one child, a husband-to-be chosen by his parents, who his parents believed was the best choice for Nayra.

Hufft..

Naira exhaled slowly. Tired. That's what Nayra is feeling right now. If possible Nayra wants to run but Nayra is not a coward. Whatever God's destiny, Nayra will live and Nayra is determined to accept. Like what happened in almost a month. Left to marry her ex-boyfriend and betrothed to a boy of her parents' choice. Nayra must accept all God's ways that Nayra believes are the best for Nayra. Nayra only hopes that the child of her future husband can accept Nayra's presence.

The sun's rays enter through the gap in the window of Nayra's room piercing Nayra's netra which is still closed on the King Size bed of the spacious room. It was already seven o'clock in the morning but the owner of the room was still asleep wrapped in a very comfortable thick blanket.

"Nay.. You don't go to school? "Mama Nayra went into Nayra's room to wake up her only child who was lazing around today

" Hmm .. in a moment Ma "

"It's already 7 o'clock Nay"

"Nayra today there is noon ma"

"Why are you being lazy today Nay? "

"While still single mom. Tomorrow, Nayra will become someone else's wife and there's no way she can be lazy anymore, right, ma'am."

"Nay.. I'm sorry papa and mama have forced you to marry young by setting you up"

"Mom what the heck. It's okay mom. Nay will do anything for the happiness of papa mama"

Mama hugged Nayra tightly with great affection. Nayra returned her mother's loving hug. Nayra rushed to the bathroom because it was getting noon. Even though tomorrow is Nayra's wedding day, Nayra will still go to work and that is Nayra's special request to her parents and future husband, including not wanting to meet her future husband's child. Nayra said just make a surprise later.

"Are you still in Nay? Alma was surprised to see Nayra sitting relaxed at the desk in the teacher's room

"What if I'm still in? "

"You're crazy Nay. Tomorrow you're getting married. You should treat it today so that the first night is serene "Alma whispered in Nayra's ear while teasing her best friend

"It's noisy. There go to class. It's a busy time today"

"Good friends to memorize beyond the head of your beautiful friend's schedule"

" Tsk. You are really confident, ma'am." Nayra left Alma to class 12 IPS 4