THE ESCAPED BRIDE ESCAPED
6. The Ultimatum Eyang

The dinner was stressful. There was mami, papi, Eyang, Radit and his wife, also Gayatri.

The girl could have guessed that this was no ordinary dinner. The dining room door was instantly locked, as soon as he entered and sat down on the chair. Two security guards the door that is usually connected to the living room and the side garden.

The girl waited for the speech of Eyang kakung or papi. He will thicken his face and ears, listening to whatever is thrown later.

"It's late at night, let's eat" said Eyang Kakung. Hearing that, mami immediately spooned the rice and offered a side dish on the eyes, then papi got a turn served. Then I took food too.

Supposedly, after that it was Gayatri's turn to take the food. But Radit directly thrust the plate at his wife, who deftly filled it.

Gayatri is not hurt to get such treatment. Radit steps in to get married, he's willing. What else is just a matter of taking rice. He also did not want to eat much. But for the sake of respecting the family, then he also took part in his meal and enjoyed it slowly.

Bombs won't be detonated while eating. That's an unwritten rule in this house. So he better follow.

An hour later, the meal was over. The assistant walked into the room and straddled the dirty dishes. But no family member left, if Eyang had not risen from his seat, it was also another unwritten rule in this house.

Mami glanced fretfully towards the door that was wide open. But Gayatri had no desire to escape at this time. For some reason, the desire was extinguished. He was trying to believe in God. That the man was able to avenge her. So he waited and sat quietly.

After the door was closed again and Radit's wife came out because their daughter was crying, Eyang cleared his throat. That's a sign the main points of activity will begin soon. Everyone waited quietly.

"Gayatri, tomorrow is the official application. The God Family will come to propose and deliver all as they should. You no longer want to see irresponsibility from you. Don't use the excuse of not loving here. Because the previous one is your own choice. But you yourself are throwing a tantrum and running away from marriage. They don't give you any choice. You just have to accept what the family decides!"

He immediately spoke to the problem. Telling Gayatri that his efforts revolted and made a storm throughout the house, was in vain.

"After this, you will receive all the commands you say. Isn't that right, Nduk?" ask eyang.

All eyes looked towards the girl. And Aya flinching she did not nod, nor did she shake her head. His eyes stared straight at the flower decoration in the middle of the dining table.

"You're being stubborn as usual. As if shaming your family is what you want. If this marriage fails, he'll marry you to a married man!"

Papi and Mami were clearly shocked and looked at him with unspoken questions. But he didn't budge.

The old man stood up from his chair. It seems that he already knew Aya's answer from her silent attitude that was as hard as a rock. That's why the absurd ultimatum came out.

Papi threw the napkin he was holding onto the table violently.His red face held in anger. Then go after Eyang. While mami complained and looked at Aya with an unspeakable sad expression.

Aya awaits the temperamental reaction of Radit. And sure enough, his sister returned to speaking rudely.

"Couldn't Ma'am Aya occasionally think of family? That kid is old! Without a bad past, it's hard to find a good husband for you. What's more after being famous all over the city as a bride who carries away the money. Radit is sure no one will want to marry Mbak Aya, unless people are not sane! Or, a man who lives far away and knows nothing like a God!"

"Radrite! Don't be rude to you!" reprimand mommy with a choked voice. But Radit just left not caring.

Gayatri was still silent like a statue. His eyes stared straight at the flower pot in the middle of the table, as if it had only been seen for the first time.

"Already, do not take the heart of your sister's words. He loves you very much. He just can't express it properly. Let's take Mami to the room. You rest and calm your mind."

Aya knew that it was time for her to return to her prison in the room. So he stood up and followed the footsteps of the mother who was holding her arm tightly, as if afraid of Aya jumping and disappearing again.

After all her needs in the room were filled with mami, then the room door was locked again.

"Welcome back to prison" he murmured bitterly.

He laid his body on the bed that had returned. It must have been when she came out earlier, mami had ordered one of the arts to clean her room.

"Let's sleep Aya, hope tomorrow a miracle happens" he murmured again.

Hugging the bolts, her tears flowed silently. Silent, without any sound of a huff. That was the saddest cry she felt, when she was misunderstood by the entire family.

"What if he can't meet my requirements? Will the family force us to marry? Or will you find another candidate?" his mind kept drifting everywhere. Home-apparentice about everything.

"But one thing is clear, Eyang will not give up finding a husband for me."

His face was gloomy.His eyes slowly closed and fell asleep in agitation.

******