THE CHOICE IN MY LIFE
SECTION 62
“You ready?” Rio was waiting for Tia on the first floor. The man was already wearing a neat suit, today Rio was wearing a batik top that was predominantly cream color and paired with black pants. His brown hair was styled in such a way, adding to the good looks that radiated on his face.
“Already.” Answer Tia. Rio clasped Tia's hand and invited her to go towards the excitement. “You are beautiful once today.” Praise Rio when he sees Tia using a white long-sleeved top and light brown trousers.
“Thanks.” Reply Tia. “Wait, Rio! I have one requirement. Can you promise me?” Tia stopped her steps.
“I'll give you everything you want, Tia.”
“You sure? You will not break your promise? You don't want to ask first what I want?”
“I make sure I will always keep my promise, whatever you want.”
“Alright, I keep your promise. So, let's now go.”
That morning, Rio and Tia went to meet a cleric who would marry the two of them religiously. Rio had made an appointment directly the moment Tia received her proposal, there was no one present from the Rio family because Rio had yet to inform his entire extended family. As for Tia, since she has no one, then her marriage guardian will be represented.
During the journey, Rio practiced mentioning the sentence he would say when in front of the ruler later. Rio seemed to be seriously memorizing the entire sentence that had been taught by Ustaz Ahmad, his acquaintance.
“What did you mumble from earlier, Rio?”
“Emm. . . I'm practicing. I want to succeed in one try.
“I can't believe that a Rio Erens Dewanto can be as nervous as that.”
“I'm also an ordinary human Tia, I'll always be nervous if it's related to you.”
“You are so sweet.” Olok Tia while holding her smile.
“Don't call me sweet, Tia. I'm a real man. Sweet word does not suit me.”
“All your fans in the office will be surprised to know your nature on this one.”
“I won't show them, because I'm only yours, dear.”
“Iiiihhhh . . how can you say such an embarrassing thing with such an ordinary attitude, goosebumps it.”
“So, I can't hold it anymore. After you approve my proposal, it feels like I want to immediately give you all the happiness in this world.”
“Don't be in a hurry, Rio. Our situation now is not in a position as a couple with loving feelings. Honestly I don't have any meaningful feelings for you yet, you know that too. I don't want you to get too sick if the worst is possible.”
Rio lost his smile, “I know if you accept me because I forced you to accept me, I know and am aware of it, but I also already said that I will make you fall in love with me. So I don't have to hold myself back anymore to get close to you.”
“Thanks, Rio.”
“For?” ask Rio.
“For everything. Even to protect me, you want to do something like this.”
“It's not just for you, Tia. But also for me. I'm grateful to be by your side.”
Tia fell silent again after a few conversations they had thrown in the car. Tia was afraid that she would hurt Rio with false hopes. Right now, although Rio had a special meaning for Tia, but that feeling was not a feeling of love. Tia had just a few months ago ended her marriage relationship, she was afraid if her feelings for Rio were due to the mere impingement.
Rio already parked his car in the house of Ustaz Ahmad who will marry the two of them. Rio and Tia were previously asked why they chose to marry religiously only and not legally. Rio explained his condition if they would live on the same roof and did not want the emergence of slander and sin if the situation was inevitable. Not to forget Rio also explained if he really loves Tia and will not make his marriage as a toy.
After getting an explanation, with the help of two witnesses and a marriage guardian, they married Rio and Tia. And of course, in one experiment, Rio managed to become Tia's husband, right in the eyes of religion.
“Come to drink, Nak.” Bu Lastri served warm tea to Tia and Rio. Bu Lastri was the wife of Ustaz Ahmad who married them both.
“Sit here for a moment, I have to pick up the phone outside.”
“Beat. I'll be here with Miss Lastri.”
Rio picked up the phone connected to the name of his loved one. The number is not from Indonesia, it is from America.
“Halo, Mother?” greet Rio.
“Honey? How are you?”
“Rio is fine, Nda.” Rio replied with great affection.
“What's the news you received from your father, hm?”
“Sorry, Nda. Rio yesterday couldn't take long to chat, so Rio only delivered the news as soon as possible through father.”
“No problem, the important thing is you have to be a responsible man. Mother wonder who is able to defeat this cold Mother's son?”
“Rio never gets cold with Mommy and Dad.”
“Betul, but Mommy remembers clearly if your nature is icy cold if interacting with others. Especially with women. Even though you have some lovers here, Mommy knows if you don't really love them, because you never show your affectionate expression.”
“This time is different, Nda. Rio was crazy about her. Mommy should see it directly, Rio make sure if Mommy will immediately like it.”
“Of course. If your father's work here can be left, Mother and Father will soon return to Indonesia. Mommy wants to see Mother's only daughter-in-law.”
“Don't first, Nda! Rio promised her that if she already loves Rio, then Rio will just introduce her to Mother and Father.”
“So your love is clapping one hand? Ckckckck . . . What do you force it? Why did she want to marry you?”
“The story is long, Nda.”
“Take it easy. Mother will help you get her heart. Don't worry.”
“Betulkah? Thanks, Mother. I love you.”
“Mother loves you a lot too, dear. Mommy needs to see your father first, it's night here. Good night dear son of Mother.”
“Bye, Nda.” Rio hung up his phone with a happy feeling.
“Come, Tia, we have to go now.” Take Rio as he returns home.
“Do not drink first, Nak Rio?” ask Miss Lastri.
“Thanks, Mom. But you have to leave soon, there's still a lot we need to work on.” Rio reasoned.
“Alright, be careful on the road.”
“Thank you very much for the help of Mom and Dad.” Tia Say.
“No problem, Son. Rio has also helped our pesantren a lot. It's nothing compared to its goodness.” Ustaz Ahmad.
“Bapak don't say that. My help is nothing compared to the kindness of Father and Mother. We'll take our leave, sir.” Pamit Rio's.
“Please, Son. Careful on the road.”