Three

Husband?

Did someone say the word 'husband'?

Eshika exhaled slowly to suppress the emotion in her chest.

Yes, right. Husband.

This handsome, but annoying guy in front of me is my husband.

Wait!

Wasn't Eshika still in high school right? But, she already has a husband?

Okay .... So, this wass actually a secret huh.

Promise you won't tell anyone, right?

This all started about a week ago. It was about ten days right before Popi who was Eshika's mom had to go overseas. An offer of collaborative research between world universities forced him to leave Indonesia. Likewise with Eshika who is his only daughter without any family members who can take care of her.

Wahyudi, Eshika's father, had died when the girl was in the first grade of elementary school. Meanwhile, the rest of Eshika's family lives on separate islands and in a different time zone from hers who lives in Jakarta.

Popi could not refuse the research offer. Apart from being able to boost his career as a lecturer, it is also a matter of pride to be able to collaborate with world-class researchers. One chance that won't come twice. So Popi finally made a decision that made Eshika feel like she just wanted to die.

Yup.

Wedding.

Popi needs someone who she believes will take care of her daughter with all her heart. And there is no greater responsibility than the bond of marriage.

*

Two days ago...

Eshika Veraria stared in disbelief at the mirror in front of her.

She blinked and blinked many times, but what her eyes saw remained unchanged.

There, a face looks very different from usual. Only one word can describe it. Beautiful. And the beautiful face in the mirror's reflection looked back at her with the same look.

Her mouth opened. She couldn't believe what she saw. But, what to say? That was what it was.

The reflection of the mirror clearly shows her beautiful face that has been polished with flawless make-up. Not minor at all. In fact, it is exactly the same as her imagination all this time, who wants a natural look on her sacred day later. Looks simple, but still charming.

But?

"That's right!"

Eshika almost screamed loudly before finally a small pinch landed on her upper arm. Replaced that scream into a whimper in no time.

"Ouchdududuh," Eshika moaned as she rubbed her arm that had just been pinched. His arm suddenly felt hot.

"Do not try anything with me! Your make-up will be ruined!"

Eshika turned her seat, took a position opposite her arm pinch which was none other than her own mother.

"Mom! This is real?"

Popi looked at Eshika who had a disbelieving face, as if she was confused by Eshika's question.

"Yes indeed! What do you not see when you are dressed like this? Yes, this time it's not true. The guests have also arrived." Poppy shook his head. "Time to play around like this."

Eshika really felt like crying. But, the look in Popi's eyes made him swallow his words again.

" Mom," she said later, still trying. However, there was still time to persuade Popi. Who knows Popi will change her mind. There's no harm in trying right? Eshika was very determined. "Does Mommy not feel good looking at me? What did I do wrong to be punished like this? Mom, why are you so hard on me? Try it with your own biological child."

Popi took a deep breath. Repeatedly.

"We've discussed this many times, Esh. So, please. Don't talk about it anymore. Okay?"

"How can I not talk about it, Mom?" asked Eshika again. "This is what will run me. Once this happens, there's no way I can go back. This is the same as a life sentence, Mom. You has the heart to have her own child."

"There is no life sentence as good as this! If there is a life sentence like this, Mami will make sure that many people want to be sentenced to life!" said Popi. "This is not a life sentence. This is actually proof of Mami's love for you."

Eshika's eyeballs rolled dramatically. "Proof dear? You giving your own child to someone else is proof of love? That's right, Mom."

Another pinch landed on Eshika's arm. It made the girl wince again. This time Eshika rubbed his arm many times. Popi's pinch really gave Eshika goosebumps. The heat and pain was truly incomparable.

"Others?" asked Popi in disbelief. "Let's see. You've known this guy all your life. From when you were little, from when you were a toddler, you even knew him. You are in the same school. Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school are the same. How can you say he's someone else? In fact, he is the one who knows everything about you the most, my dear."

Eshika's mouth pouted. "But still, Mom. Me and him never got along. He's always bothering me."

Popi's hand waved several times in front of Eshika's face. "That's a sign you two are familiar."

Eshika's eyes widened. "F-f-familiar?" she asked in disbelief. "Oh no, Mom. Familiar what?"

"Esh! I can't just pick a guy for you. No matter what, I definitely wants the best for you. And he is the only guy that Mami can trust to take care of you. There's no other boy."

"Yes, if it's just guarding me, he can always patrol here, Mom. You see me every day. Well the point is not in this way, Mom." Eshika again tries to argue against Popi. "Just think, I'm still a kid, Mom. And isn't this outrageous?"

"It's precisely because you are still small, that I wants someone to take care of you while I is away."

"I can take care of myself, Mom. Don't worry, Mom. Yes yes yes, Mom? Pleaseee...."

Popi shook her head as she took several deep breaths. Staring at Eshika in disbelief. "Esh…, you don't even dare to go to the bathroom alone when the lights go out. Don't pretend you can take care of yourself. It is absolutely impossible."

Eshika pouted. What Popi said was true, but he certainly didn't want to admit it. " Mom, I'll be fine. Mom, you don't have to worry about this. Yeah, Mi?" Eshika whined again, trying to touch Mami's compassion one more time.

"Honey," Popi said softly as she stroked Eshika's hand. "Mommy can't leave you alone. Mami needs someone who can trust Mami that you will be fine while Mami is gone."

Eshika was silent. Realizing that Popi's soft voice will always be her weakness. The dragons, he lost again.

"Believe me. If there is another way, Mami can't possibly choose this way, honey."

Eshika was increasingly unable to say anything.

Then, Popi's hands went up and cupped Eshika's cheeks.

"There's no way Mami would want to let go of Mami's beautiful child like this so quickly if Mami has another way. This is the hardest way."

Eshika's eyes heated up.

"But, Mami needs someone I can trust to take care of you."

Eshika took a deep breath. Finally gave in to every gentle word Popi said.

The next second, Popi asked Eshika to stand up. Popi smoothed the white kebaya that wrapped around Eshika's body so charmingly.

"Shall we go down, honey?" asked Mami asking.

And like a warrior who lost a war, Eshika nodded. "Is my appearance enough?" she asked weakly. Either way, it looks like the wedding will still happen and Eshika has to make sure she looks beautiful. At least she doesn't want to look ugly in the photo later. A little consolation, she still has to look great in photos.

"You're beautiful. The most beautiful bride I've ever seen." Popi gently caressed Eshika's cheek. Feeling so impressed with his daughter.

For a moment, Eshika glanced back at the mirror before finally allowing Popi to lead her out of the room.

The buzzing noises downstairs instantly disappeared when Eshika and Popi arrived. It was as if some soundless instruction had stopped the commotion there.

The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. And that silence made Eshika nervous half to death. It felt like the kebaya he was wearing was getting tighter and tighter to hug his body. Trying hard, Eshika struggled to keep her breath. Take a deep breath and calm down. But, it was not easy. Especially when he accidentally met a guy who was waiting for him in the middle of the room.

Oh, God!

It feels like Eshika was no longer alive!

*

tbc ....