Childhood Match
Between Happiness and Grief

One by one the engagement events went very khikmad. Tibalah now at the core event that is the embedding of the engagement ring to the ring finger of the prospective bride. But earlier, Mr. Hari asked Gendhis about his readiness to accept his son's proposal.

"Ananda, Gendhis Manis Ayunindya.. are you willing to accept the proposal of our son named Manggala Krishna as his future wife?"

Gendhis was still speechless looking down, making everyone present drift away in a tense atmosphere, especially his father and mother.

The question made Gendhis's heart raging in an uncertain direction. He followed his heart to accept Gala's proposal a few days ago, even though he knew that he could not escape from his past memories. The trauma was so deep that upon hearing such a question, Gendhis recalled the events of five years ago when in front of all the people Lintang proposed to him on the day of his engagement.

"Gendhis.. Let's answer Honey, it's not good to think too long" said Miss Parti who at that time also sat to the left of Gendhis. The woman held onto Gendhis left arm as if she wanted to strengthen him. However, the fault of his son Lintang has made Gendhis too long slumped in grief. Therefore, he wanted the grief to end immediately from the life of Gendish.

"I repeat it again... Ananda, Gendhis Manis Ayunindya... are you willing to accept the proposal of our son Manggala Krishna to be his future wife?" Hari repeated his question.

Gendhis took a deep breath, and a moment later he said, "Bismil was bornrahmanirrahim.if Allah willed and predestined me to be the wife of Mr. Manggala Krishna, God willing." gendhis replied courteously and so respect the lecturer who will soon be officially her husband.

"Alhamdulilah.." Everyone present was relieved to hear the reply from Gendhis.

Moments later, Bu Fina grabbed Gendhis right hand and pinned the engagement ring to his ring finger as a symbol that Gendhis was now officially his family's son-in-law.

Do'a was also promised by the elder Kyai Merangi village who was specially invited by Mr. Ratno to lead the do'a in the engagement event of Gendhis. After the event is over, invited guests are welcome to enjoy a meal, then leave the venue.

Before returning home, Mr. Hari and Ms. Fina specifically met with Gendhis parents in the living room. They do this to find a date and a good day that they will choose as their daughter's wedding day. Mr. Hari asked that their marriage be carried out as soon as possible, which is next month. While Mr. Ratno handed over the decision was in the hands of Gendhis.

Gendhis did not think that after he had taken this step their marriage would be done as soon as possible. Gendhis wish was to finish his script which remained for a short while longer. But what to say, it seems that this time Gendhis request cannot be granted by Gala's parents who are impatient to bring the future son-in-law to their home. Finally, despite feeling not ready, Gendhis must undergo his marriage with Gala next month.

*****

...Flashback afternoon, at the Riko campus after the thesis hearing....

"Alhamdulillah ya Robb. My struggle so far has finally produced maximum results" said Riko shortly after exiting the courtroom script. He wanted to tell his family the good news and call Ms. Fina, but...

"Wait..wait, they must be busy preparing for Kak Gala's engagement" said Riko while looking at the luxury watch that was circular on his left arm showing at 13:00 WIB.

"I'd better get home now and hopefully it's not too late!" said Riko was getting ready to go back to Magelang.

When walking in front of the faculty, from a distance saw Miss Alena was walking to enter the lecturer room.

"Miss Alena? Why is he still here? Isn't she getting engaged to Gala's sister soon?" out of curiosity, Riko immediately ran to see his guidance counselor who a few minutes ago had participated in the courtroom.

"Miss... Miss Alena...wait!" call Riko and Alena stopped in front of the lecturer room after seeing Riko running towards him.

"Richo? Oh yes, congratulations yes. for the trial the script was amazing." said Alena.

"Thank you, Miss. It's all thanks to the guidance of Miss Alena" said Riko with a breath of gasping for running to meet Alena.

"What's Riko? You seem to be in a hurry?" ask Alena.

"Miss... congratulations?" said Riko.

"Congratulations? But for what?" Alena was wondering why Riko congratulated her.

"Yes Allah... Miss Alena, there is good news not to mention Riko. Congratulations. anyway..." Riko was very sure of his words.

"Yes..but for what? My birthday is still a long time ago." said Alena while furrowing her eyebrows.

"Miss Alena will be engaged this afternoon... Time forgot?" ahirnya Riko talked about his intention to meet Alena.

"Fiancee? Who's engaged to who? Miss Lena did not understand, Riko meant..." Alena is confused by Riko.

"Lhooo... isn't it noon when Miss Alena's sister Gala wants to get engaged?" riko's question simultaneously made Alena like being struck by lightning in broad daylight.

Because tired of talking while standing, finally they sit in a garden chair not far from the lecturer's room.

"Riko. Your sister wants to get engaged? Today then? Why didn't he give me the news? About to meet the girl of his tribe, he forgets the same thing." alena said happy but there was a bit of disappointment that emanated from her face and Riko also caught the disappointment clearly on Alena's face.

"No papa Riko. Just thank you, at least I can be happy for your sister" said Alena flat.

"Once again Riko apologizes, Miss... Riko didn't mean to make Miss Lena sad. Riko is wrong because Riko is too happy to hear the news that Kak Gala will be engaged, so Riko forgets to ask who exactly the girl whom Kak Gala is holding." Riko looks sorry.

"No papa Riko. seriously! I'm happy for them. And I'm pretty sure that your sister couldn't have chosen wrong. She is a good girl, almost perfect and really your big sister type really." said Alena while holding back tears that were about to fall from the corner of her eyes.

"So.... Miss Lena knows, who's the girl who's getting engaged to Gala???" Riko's surprised.

Alena nodded her head, confirming Riko's question.

"Astaghfirullah thing 'adzim... So Miss Lena know? Masya Allah's... What kind of sister am I, so I just don't know who will be my sister-in-law's candidate." Riko covered her face with her palm and then rubbed it slowly because she felt guilty.

"Then..Who is that girl? And... Where did Miss Lena know? Was he your college friend from Singapore?" riko continued curious.

"No!" alena answered briefly.

"Then?" ask Riko.

"The girl who managed to conquer the heart of a Gala, is a special girl. They're very compatible. Name is... Gendhis, Gala's favorite student. We met when some time ago Gala asked him to accompany our vacation at the top. Although I just knew her, but I'm sure she's the only girl that can make your sister happy. And.." Alena's not done talking yet, Riko's already cut her words.

"Wait... Wait, Miss... was Miss Lena saying that the girl's name was Gendhis???" Riko could not believe Alena's words.

"Yes... Gendhis, Gala student who lives in Merangi village, the charming village in Puncak Sumbing" explained Alena assured.

"There is only one Gendhis who lives in Merangi, and it can not be wrong again" said Riko with a chest of heavy bed.

How shocked Riko was to hear the answer from Alena. He felt that this was just a nightmare and when he woke up everything would be fine. But no! Today, his biological brother, his only brother, his beloved sister, will be engaged to the girl Riko has been in love for years. Even after Riko's hope was dashed because Gendhis was once engaged to Lintang. New hope arises when Riko hears Gendhis is void of marriage to Lintang. But now??? When the hope re-emerged, it turned out that without realizing his brother also apparently wanted the same girl as him. What's he gonna do? Should Riko bury her hopes a second time?

"Riko... Do you know Gendhis?" Alena was curious now.

"This can't be allowed, Miss. Gala's brother can't marry Gendhis!" said Riko with wide eyes and flushed face.

At the same time it makes Alena surprised also panicked, actually what is in the mind of the student.

"Riko...! Are you okay? What's the matter Riko? What do you mean by saying that Gala can't marry Gendhis? Say Riko...say!" urged Alena.

"Yes Miss Lena. Gala sister can't marry the girl I've loved for years...!" riko was sure.

"What?" Alena surprised.

"Miss Lena. Not long ago I proposed to her and she hasn't answered my question. Then how could the girl now accept someone else's proposal and the other person was Gala's sister? My own brother..." Riko explained in a fiery tone.

"Oh... My... God... So you two sisters love the same girl? And strangely enough, you don't know each other?" Alena shook her head in astonishment. He felt that the world was so narrow, that the brothers had to fight over the same girl. It turned out that Gendhis was more special than he had thought.

Riko was silent at Alena's question. Moments later he got up from his seat and wanted to leave Alena.

"Riko...! Where are you going?" ask Alena to worry.

"I have to go home now!" riko answered briefly while stepping her legs. Quite worrying too, considering all this time Riko does like to act reflexively and a little reckless.

"Wait Riko! You can't go in this emotional state. Calm your mind, just come home. Okay...?" Tell Alena to worry.

"Until when, Miss? Is it until Gala and Gendhis brother finish Ijab qobul new I go home? Sorry, Miss. I have to go now. Thank you for telling me such an important thing in my life. Assalamu'alaikum." replied Riko then passed away leaving Alena with concern.

"Waalaikum... Yep... Allah, may the two brothers be well." do'a Alena full of hope.

*****

...Thank you for waiting for my sister, God willing up every day. Can double up when othor there is free time 🤭...

...Don't forget to leave a trace and comment, thank you... 🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏...