The first night ( 2 )

Dila's two sisters-in-law immediately withdrew from the room. Bara glanced left and right. It felt safe as Bara closed the bedroom door and locked it.

"What do you want to talk about?" asked Dila when Bara finished locking the door.

"Dila sorry if I will offend you. You know if we married because of arranged marriage."

"Then?" Dila asked, interrupting Bara's words.

"Dil. How to say it." Bara scratched his head, which was not itchy.

"Okay, Dila understands what do you mean. We got married because of an arranged marriage. Do you want us to be friends first and not become husband and wife as we should be?" Dila said enthusiastically.

Dila breathed a sigh of relief because Bara didn't ask for his rights as a husband. Dila can't do it because she didn't love Bara.

Bara breathed a sigh of relief because Dila was on the same mind as him.

"We are just friends while getting to know each other. There is no physical touch as long as we don't love each other. In front of our family, we have to act like a common partner. I will provide for you like a normal husband's obligation."

"You do not need to give me monthly money," Dila said, refusing.

"I do not accept Dila's refusal. You are my wife and it's my duty."

"But Dila has worked ...."

"Even though you work, I still need to provide for you and it's my duty."

"Alright. Thank you for making Dila comfortable. Hopefully, we are good friends. Sorry, I'm not what you expected. Sorry, but we will live here later according to our custom. How about that?"

"We'll share a room. Sleep in the same bed but calm down, I won't touch you."

Dila breathed a sigh of relief because Bara was not like what she thought that he would ask for his rights as a husband. Even though he was forced and arrogant, Bara was not as bad as she thought he was.

Bara and Dila's wedding reception had been completed. After sunset, Bara had been escorted by Dila's family to his house. In the Minangkabau tradition, after the reception, there was still a procession that they had to go through before living together. The day after the party, Bara will be picked up by the sumando.

Sumando was a title for a married man or better known as a son-in-law. Later, Bara will be picked up by the sumandos from Dila's side, including Iqbal, her older brother.

In the Minangkabau custom, a married man will live in the wife's house. Just like Bara, he will live at Dila's house and will be called sumando.

This did not apply to Iqbal because he had two wives so it was impossible for him to choose to live in the house of one of his wives. Let Naura and Ria lived in the house of Iqbal's family.

Following his promise to Egi, Bara followed Egi to the hotel to explain why he married Dila.

Meanwhile, Egi was cranky in the hotel room waiting for Bara's arrival. If Bara wouldn't come tonight then Egi will be desperate to follow Bara to his house.

Bara knocked on the door of Egi's room. Quickly the man opened the door for his lover. Egi pulled Bara's hand into the room and hugged his lover, releasing his longing.

"Finally you came, Bara. I thought you would not come," Egi said, spoiled.

"I always keep my promises, Egi. You're just impatient."

"I'm afraid you'll spend your first night with your wife. I'm jealous, Bara."

"There's no way I'll spend the first night with her. I'm not interested in her."

"Then why did you marry her, Bara? We should have married. We have to go to Holland so we can legalize our relationship," Egi held Bara's two hands.

Bara landed his forefinger on Egi's lips.

"It's not that easy Gi. I was forced to marry Dila. I'm 35 years old and my father suspects me to be gay."

"How come, Bara?"

"I think Papa has already spying us. We have to be careful from now on. I don't want Papa to do anything to you."

"I can take care of myself Bara, but I'm mad at you. Why didn't you tell me you were getting married? Why did I have to know from other people?"

"I'm sorry Gi. I'm afraid you will be angry and disappointed. I just don't want you to get involved. This wedding is carried out in the shortest possible time."

"Just like the proclamation of independence," said Egi, while staring at Bara flirtatiously.

Bara smiled amusedly and cross his hands in front of his chest. Even though Egi was very spoiled and sometimes childish, Bara liked his lover.

"You are nonsense." Bara pinched Egi's cheeks.

"Promise me Bara that you will always love and care for me. I don't want to lose you." Egi hugged Bara tightly.

The pair of unusual lovers hugged affectionately.

"Bara I miss you." Egi sulked spoiled to Bara.

Bara knew this was a code. Egi missed him. If they were together they will not miss their intimate moment.

Even though their deeds were cursed and hated by God, they still did it.

When they were about to make out, the door to the hotel room was knocked loudly. At first, Bara and Egi ignored it but gradually they were angry because the knocking on the door didn't stop. In fact, there was a banging sound from outside.

Annoyed, Egi and Bara headed for the door, swearing that they would pay to those who bothered them.

Egi shouted in annoyance when he saw a figure in front of the door.

"Surprise ...," said Dian excitedly.

Egi clenched his fists in annoyance while looking at Dian. That damn secretary had disturbed his love affair with Bara even though they were about to let go of their longing and love.

"Congratulations, Boss," said Dian happily while hugging Bara.

"Sassy girl, don't you dare to touch Bara," Egi said angrily.

"Why do you come here so late? You're bothering us," Bara said with an irritated glare.

"I can't wait to talk about this, boss. Congratulations boss. You are elected to the council. You won the election," Dian said hysterically.

Shortly thereafter, Bara volunteers arrived.

"Boss, let's celebrate boss's victory and boss's wedding celebration. It looks like boss's wedding brings blessings."

Bara's face turned cheerful. He won the election and he will sit in the seat of the provincial government.

Bara screamed euphoria with Dian and his volunteers. Bara left Egi alone at the hotel.

"I'll go to the winner post first Gi. Tomorrow we will communicate," said Bara as he left Egi.

Egi was furious because Dian messed up his plans. It felt like Egi wanted to choke Dian's neck so that the girl could not breathe anymore.

Dian looked at Egi with a sly and triumphant smile.

I will put some distance between you, Dian said to herself.