Not Just Love
Chapter 9. Replacement bride

A happy day for Maya and Zamar, held today. However, there is no happy face of the groom-to-be. He looked straight and silent, in front of the ruler. Supposedly, he will do kabul ijab with the owner of his heart. Who knows, though, about soul mate and destiny.

The invited guest has been present, taking the position already provided. Likewise, with reporters who want to cover. Witnesses and parents, the bride and groom were seated before the ruler.

"Brother Zamar Abidsayta, I marry you to my daughter, Sandra Laura Abram by _"

Zamar took his hand off, from Sandra's father. Can't, he can't pronounce Sandra's name. His eyes suddenly heated up with a thought fixed on Maya. It seems like he is not willing.

"Za" whispered the mother, but Zamar only shook his bowed head.

I can't, Ma. I can't. I love Maya, but I can't take it either.

"Zp. Please, Mama! Mama could die!" whispered the mother again, with a threat.

Zamar did not answer. He just wiped his tears and took a deep breath. There is no way, other than doing it.

Finally, the marriage contract resumed smoothly. Zamar shed tears, not out of happiness, but in tears of his destiny. Reporters and guests may have misunderstood her happy day.

Zamar never announced the cancellation of her engagement to Maya. But, for some reason, all the guests present and reporters, as if not questioning the bride, whose name is mentioned in kabul ijab.

Two brides, now sitting on a lap. Both are silent and unrepentant. They only smile potently at guests, who congratulate them.

A flash of camera light, capturing this happy moment. But only the parents, who are happy.

🍋🍋🍋

The wedding ceremony and the wedding reception were over this afternoon. Two brides, already in the hotel room that has been provided.

Looks beautiful, because it is decorated with a romantic atmosphere. Sprinkle rose petals everywhere and white sheets with a bouquet of roses.

Sandra still wears a wedding dress, as does Zamar. They sat with distance and remained silent.

Weird and awkward. They were originally, only friends because of Maya. However, their status changed suddenly.

"I will call the servant, to help you" said Zamar, who had left.

"Thank you." Sandra replied, without looking at it.

Since then, Sandra has been silent. The wedding dress was removed and her face was still cleaned.

"Miss. Big madam, tell you not to forget the warning."

"Where's my mom?"

"He's still with Madam Resti."

"You go."

"Good, Miss."

At the same time, Zamar is back. He changed his clothes and looked more fit.

"I'm gonna take a shower."

"Wait!" Zamar sits on a single sofa. "Sit. We need to talk."

"What's wrong?"

"As per our agreement. Please, pretend in front of my mom!"

"I know."

"This is for you!" Zamar put the black card on the table. "You're my wife now and it's my responsibility."

"I can ask you, about today?"

"Have you ever announced your engagement to Maya?"

"Never. I couldn't have done it, by the time the invitation had been spread out. Why?"

"I just feel weird, because no one is questioning it. Both your guests, your family and the media. Though, they clearly knew who your future wife was at that time."

"Maybe, my mother did. He's done a lot, to keep everyone's mouth shut."

"I'll take a shower first."

"Hm. I'm in the next room, just knock, if you need anything."

Sandra just nodded, then went inside the bathroom.

🍋🍋🍋

Somewhere, far from the urban hustle and bustle. The wind was blowing, quite hard in this place, making the coconut trees swinging. The sound of the roar of the waves and the blue of the sea, making this place, filled with visitors.

Not far from the beach. Many traders, who sell various foods, in places that have been provided. One of them is Maya. He rented one of the places, measuring 6x6 meters, to sell and at the same time be used as a place to live. It sells a variety of fruit juices and ice, as well as snacks.

This house, only has one room and living room, which has switched functions to storage of goods for sale. There is a bathroom and a kitchen.

The Mayan neighbors, too, traded, but did not live in this place. They will return to their homes, which is not far from the beach.

So, every night. Maya will be alone, but she is not afraid. Because this place is very safe. And many, fishermen who still pass by at night.

Weekends, like today. Usually, there will be many visitors and it will be used by Maya to sell. Today, however, it seems as if he is grieving. The door, it's sealed. He sat in front of the TV, in the room, dropping his tears.

He saw clearly who was sitting in the chair in his place. A friend who has been her mother all this time. The woman, wearing the wedding dress she chose, included jewelry. Holding Zamar, who was supposed to be her husband, today.

Maya's fists trembled, with her chest rumbling. Her tears fell, without a sound. He was silent with his eyes staring hard. Tightness, pain, disappointment, anger, everything mixed up. He who offers friendship hides a knife.

At Zamar, pledge ijab qabul. Maya tries to hold back her crying voice, which is already choking her throat. His breath was squeezed, by sadness and heartache.

The man he loved so much, actually did ijab qabul with his best friend.

"I_ hikss, hiks. I'll never forget this."

The crowded sound of visitors out there, does not affect the mood of Maya. He drowned in grief, befriending loneliness. She was crying, without a sound. Squeezing his chest, which is tight.

"Mother, hyx, hyx. I can't, hold it back anymore. I can't stand it. I'm like I'm gonna die."

The smiles of Zamar and Sandra on the TV screen, make Maya, like she does not want to live anymore. He was banished, he begged, but in vain.

"Sandra, Zamar. I hate you guys!"

Maya curls up with the TV screen, which is still on. He couldn't see it anymore, it was really torturous, like making him die slowly.

"Mom, Dad. Get me! Maya, can't do it, ma'am. It's too painful. Better, Maya lives hard as she used to. I suffered, but it didn't make me cry and want to die."

Maya spoke alone, teary-eyed. Two weeks ago, he was fine. Everything changed in an instant. His love, his dreams and ideals, were shattered simultaneously.

In the past, he could survive hard and work hard. Eating potluck, modest clothing, yet never making it, shed tears. But, the failure of love, like the sky collapsing on him. He was desperate, for he lost everything. Plus the presence, the little angel in her womb.

Now, his baby will be born without a father. How later? Maya is getting sicker, thinking about her future. The father who may, will be asked the child later. The father who would not admit and punish him, an illegitimate son.

"My child. Mom, I'll do my best. I promise."

That day, Maya just shut herself up and cried, until exhausted and asleep.

🍋 Connect.