ALDERANDA

Sudden Rejection

"What, Nan? Fi-fiancé?"
"Yes. What's wrong? There's nothing wrong, right? You yourself said you wanted to give our relationship a chance."
"Nanda, I think it's still too soon. I know we've been together for a long time, but for a fiancé... Sorry, Nan, I still need time."
"How much longer?"
"I... I can't say for sure."
"Do you still wish you could get back together with Al?"
"Why are you bringing him up again? If I still have hopes for him, I can't possibly give our relationship a chance, Nan."
Dera was a bit annoyed because again there had to be a debate because Nanda brought up Al's name. Seeing Dera's expression that was starting to change, Nanda immediately took action. Nanda didn't want their romantic night to suddenly turn dramatic--to end tragically.
Nanda cupped Dera's face with both hands. He stared deep into Dera's eyes.
"Honey, okay, I'm sorry. I don't want you to be annoyed now. Hm, it doesn't matter. As for my earlier request, I can still wait. I'd prefer that when you say yes later, you're really sure . There is no more doubt in your heart."
"Thanks Nan. And... Sorry."
"It's okay. Don't apologize, OK? Now you rest, okay? I'll get better soon. Hopefully when you wake up tomorrow you can be more refreshed. Sleep well, I'll take care of you here."
"Are you sure you want to sleep on the couch?"
"Yeah. Why worry about that anyway? I told you I could be anywhere, right. Stop ! Good night Madam! Good night!"
Nanda lay Dera on her bed, neatly tucking the blanket so that Dera's body was well covered.

---

"Nat, what should we do? Our wedding preparations have even come this far, but nothing we try can't change our family's decision."
"Al, I don't understand either. Sometimes I feel that whatever we do against this arranged marriage will only be in vain. Maybe it's better for us to back off, I'll just give up, Al."
"Retreat? Surrender? Nat, come on ! What do you mean? You mean we have to just accept this? Don't you want to fight for your love?"
"Maybe it should be like this, Al."
"Why did you give up, Nat? You still remember our commitment from the beginning, right? I can't just give up. I still want to fight for my love. Dera... I can't just let her go."
"Are you still stubborn, Al? You yourself have shown me the photos of Dera's intimacy with that man, they have started a more serious relationship. Dera has chosen to forget you. Then, what do you want?"
"I'm sure Dera is not serious with Nanda. I know who Dera is. She is not someone who easily moves to another heart. Her heart is still for me."
"Maybe she's not your destiny, Al."
Al couldn't stop thinking why Natasya could give up so easily. It felt like now his struggle would be even more difficult, especially since Natasya was no longer on his side.
"Are you serious about saying that, Nat? But why? Then, how about your feelings? Is there anyone you love out there?"
"I don't really care about that. Because... Honestly Al, maybe because I'm used to you, I'm starting to feel comfortable with you."
"Jeez, Nat--"
"I don't mind this match anymore."
Finally, a new problem began. Natasya starts to feel comfortable with Al and she wants this match even more because she doesn't want to lose Al.
"Natasya, whatever it is... I can't just give up like that. I'm sorry Nat, but my love for her is not a joke. My love for Dera is not something that easily comes and goes and I just forget about it. She is everything for me ."
"The fact is she can be happy without you, she has chosen a new way of life. Why do you still have to be stuck with your feelings which may not be reciprocated, Al?"
"Okay. It's up to you Nat! If you want to forget about our commitment, go ahead. One thing is clear, don't ever interfere with my struggle. I will fight alone. I will return to my relationship, my happiness is with Dera."

---

Today Al and Natasya went to the family-owned boutique to do their wedding dress fitting . It is certain that Al is not very enthusiastic about this, it is different with Natasya who is starting to be enthusiastic about her wedding dress.
"What do you think, Al? The dress is beautiful, isn't it?" asked Natasya.
"Yes beauty."
"If I wear this you like it, right?"
"Why do you have to ask my opinion? You use it, right? Well, whatever you like, it's up to you, whatever you want."
Hearing a curt answer from Al, Natasya felt a little disappointed.
"I know why you are like this, Al. But this has to happen. You can't even do anything to reject your parents, can you?"
"..."
"Al?"
"..."
"Al, why are you quiet?"
"Then what should I say? You won't care what I think, right? I've explained to you many times that I'm not interested in this marriage, but you don't understand."
"I... Al--"
"You know, I'd prefer to see Dera wearing that dress for me. I'm done. I'll wait outside. Quickly solve your dress problem, I'm not interested in staying here too long."
Al came out of the boutique with a sense of emotion. While Natasya could only stare at the departure of her future husband. If for couples who are getting married in general, fitting a wedding dress is a fun thing, for this one couple it seems impossible to happen. Only Al's body is beside Natasya, but his heart is still far away with his Dera.
"Al, if you could forget her," Natasya sighed somewhat disappointed.