The Wedding

Alhamdulillah, the event went well, well, at least in general. The festivity began on saturday when we had our 'pengajian' and 'siraman'. And the day was ended with the 'lamaran' which is a formal proposal from the groom family. There was this little scenarion when the groom must look for the future bride. I must say that this was the ice-breaking part after that tense sequence of proposing and replying. My Dad did it beautifully.

Then early the next morning, we went to the auditorium and had our costumes fixed. At 8, the ceremony started. I could see how stressful the groom's face was. Red, slouching body on the sofa (perhaps because he couldn't stand the pressure on his shoulders), and his face seemed hidden from everybody's stare. Then, everything happened just like in the movie. My sis tried to look for peace and comfort by looking at my face from time to time. I could tell she's tense, too. After a while, the ceremony was over. The sounds of sighs were heard after both witnesses said "Syah." and the ustad began to chant prayers to thank Him for His blessings.

The reception was only for 2 hours and I had to stand next to my father to represent my mother. Initially, my Dad asked whether it would be too hard for me to stand there. Out of his three kids, my sis is the youngest and yet she's the one who got married first. In my culture, many still consider the situation as a disgrace, especially for the unmarried big sister or brother. But, I don't mind. So when I said 'yes' to my Dad, the hardest part is not about how to save my face, but it's more on representing someone who was supposed to be there.

Someone deserves to stand next to my Dad. The thought drives me into tears and I tried to restrain myself the best I could eventhough my eyes sometimes hurt from trying not to cry. But I finally could do everything well. I believe I had a little help from her though she's not with us then.

I wish everything will work out well for my sister in her new journey. She's not an easy-to-give-up person so I know she's going to be well.

Amen.