3. FIRST NIGHT AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

The long-awaited day arrived.

The room had been decorated in such a way that it looked like a fairy tale in the real world. Under the pouring rain, it did not dampen the spirits of the two families and the invited guests who had filled the room.

Mahardika was sitting face to face with Teguh Saputra. Her father, as well as the person who acted as the marriage guardian on this happiest day.

"I marry and give in marriage, ananda Mahardika Wijaya bin Frans Adi Wijaya with my daughter, Eka Maheswari Saputra binti Tegus Saputra, with a cash dowry of 10 million, five grams of gold, as well as one unit of house and a set of prayer tools, paid in cash!"

"I accept the marriage and marriage of Eka Maheswari Saputra with the aforementioned dowry paid in cash!" said Mahardika with one breath.

"What about the witnesses? Is it legal?"

"Ya!" said the witnesses simultaneously. So did the guests who shouted in unison.

Then the headman led the prayer. Mahardika raised both hands, assuring every prayer that was said.

Not only him, but all the people who filled the room also agreed.

Occasionally Teguh Saputra was seen wiping his tears. His emotions were so high after completing his duty as a father.

"Please present the bride to sign the marriage book," said the wedding chairman, who was on duty today.

Mahardika felt relieved now. Like a disease, he was finally healthy. There was no longer anything holding him back. Finally he had officially become a husband to a girl who was only 21 years old.

Eka, accompanied by Annata and her two best friends, walked over to Mahardika there.

Today, Eka really became the center of everyone's attention. Dressed in a typical Sundanese wedding dress, Eka looks very beautiful and graceful. Mahardika gaped, looking at the woman who has now officially become his wife.

Eka smiled gently, as did Mahardika. She extended her right hand and Eka took it with mixed feelings. Happy, joyful, and emotional all at the same time.

The invited guests were busy taking pictures with their cell phone cameras. Didn't want to miss the moment of ring installation and others.

Mahardika put the ring on his wife's ring finger. Then Eka, who put the ring on the finger of the man who is now legally her husband.

Eka kissed the back of Mahardika's hand as a sign of respect. Now it was Mahardika's turn to kiss Eka's forehead, as a form of affection. The moment was recorded beautifully in everyone's memory.

Mahardika's warm touch created a great rush in Eka's heart, as if there was a high-voltage electric current striking her body now.

***

3:00 am. Such a beautiful day has passed, but the happy impression is still felt today.

Mahardika and Eka were already in the room, which had been decorated so beautifully, creating a romantic impression for the happy couple.

On the big bed, rose petals had been sprinkled. There are many candles scattered around the room, making the atmosphere even more romantic.

Eka had just come out of the bathroom. She has changed her clothes. While Mahardika sat on the sofa playing with his cell phone.

Eka walked slowly while feeling a great rush crashing through her body.

Yes. Tonight should be a beautiful moment for her and her husband. They say this night is called the first night.

"Are you done, honey?" asked Mahardika, who got up from the sofa.

Eka was surprised and nodded slightly, "yes. If Uncle Dika wants to go to the bathroom, go ahead."

Even though they are married, Eka's habit has not changed, namely calling Mahardika as 'Uncle'.

Mahardika eroded the distance, so that he and Eka were now only a few feet apart.

"Why, do you still call me 'Uncle'?" Mahardika asked softly.

Eka raised her head, now looking straight at the man, who never imagined before would become her husband.

"Because I like it," chirped Eka, looking adorable in Mahardika's eyes.

"Even though we are now officially husband and wife, I will still call Uncle Dika, 'Uncle'. I'm not comfortable calling him 'Sayang, Ayang, or anything else,' it's too serious for me."

Mahardika chuckled. He was so excited that he pulled his wife's nose.

"Ouch, Uncle... It hurts," Eka complained, pulling Mahardika's hand away quickly. She rubbed her nose then. "Why do you like to pull my nose so much? What will happen if I have a long nose like Pinocchio? People will definitely demonize me later."

Eka grumbled while puffing up her cheeks. Instead of being annoyed, Mahardika was even more annoyed by his little wife's innocent behavior.

Mahardika moved her face forward, so that the distance between her and Eka was really intimate. Then he said, "No one will dare to say anything bad to you. I will protect you and will not let you be insulted. This is my promise as a husband. Remember that."

Next she walked past Eka, towards the bathroom.

Eka was frozen like a stone statue there. Mahardika's words were like arrows that went straight through her heart and hit her right in the heart.

Eka did not understand why Mahardika treated her so gently and warmly. In fact, all she knew was that Mahardika was strict and indifferent to women. At least that's what Bambang Wijaya had told her.

Fifteen minutes later. Mahardika came out of the bathroom. Wearing a bathrobe that was only knee-length.

Eka closed her eyes and turned around. Ah, if I'm honest, this was the first time Eka saw another man, besides her father and brother under the same roof.

"What's wrong with you, dear?" asked Mahardika in surprise, walking towards the dressing table.

"I'm embarrassed, Uncle," Eka said, whining a little.

Mahardika chuckled, "What are you ashamed of, dear? I am your husband, dear. So why be embarrassed?"

After spraying perfume, Mahardika swung her legs over to Eka, who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I'm embarrassed anyway." Eka was still reluctant to turn around, even though Mahardika had persuaded her.

"Hadeuh... This is you, sweetheart. So innocent."

"Let it be. I've never been in a room with a boy. Besides, why are you still wearing that, instead of just putting on your clothes? I'm embarrassed to see it, Uncle."

Mahardika smiled slightly at that sentence. His heart felt relieved that the woman he married was truly capable of maintaining her honor.

Unlike most girls out there, who freely invited men into their rooms.

"Yes, you don't need to be ashamed, dear. I am your husband. We are officially husband and wife. So, whatever is inside me, you can see it."

Can you see?

Eka rounded her eyes. Her mind started to wander.