Babysitter Cougar [COMPLETE]

Chapter 13 page 1 - Fourth Cub

2012

There's a superstitious saying passed down by my elder relatives that whoever becomes a bridesmaid will be a bride soon. That's total bullshit!

I don't want to leave this dressing room. It has become my zen space, protecting me from all the demons out there who try to shatter me with their cruelty. Staring at the mirror and telling myself that I still look beautiful in this almost melted Kardashian inspired makeup, my hair up to a messy bun, my pink lace satin modern kurung (Malay national dress). I shouldn't be crying on this big day.

But I'm not the bride, I'm just a 27-year-old spinster who just escorted my younger sister, Maheera to the wedding altar as her bridesmaid. I take a deep breath before unleashing all the stresses away while blocking out all incoming calls that try to reach me for going AWOL from my bridesmaid duty. The ceremony has already ended, what else do these people want from me?

The Akad Nikah (solemnisation) ceremony at our humble home this morning went through without any glitches. Maheera's new husband, Abdul Hadi (we call him Hardy) announced his vows in one breath before concluding the solemnisation with a customary handshake between the groom and the Kadi (the marriage officiator).

I witnessed the entire ceremony with a mixture of feelings nestled in my heart. I'm surely happy for Maheera, I'm proud of how she had grown up to be the woman Mom raised us to be. At the same time, a slight envy swirling in my guts for still not having the same opportunity as her. But most of all, I feel a heavy burden of sorrow gushing in me for watching my sister marrying the man I used to fall in love with.

The reception took place at the grand ballroom in Royale Ampang, one of KL's prestigious hotels with affluent guests from the groom side mingling with ours with much invigoration. I gathered all my strength and dignity to walk Maheera along the aisle without sparking any resentment.

Recalling every stage of the wedding process was a nightmare especially when I had to absorb her sudden paroxysm and attended to her very ridiculous, domineering demands. She treated me like I'm one of her low paid assistants just to make sure that the wedding is as perfect as she envisioned even if it means hurting my feelings. Not only had she been difficult to me for 26 years of her life, she was even being a total bitch on her wedding day.

And it doesn't get any worse, I got relatives flocking around me during reception, questioned (or more like pestered) me on my marital status and compared my success to Maheera's. Even some cousins gibing me that my future husband is still stuck at college waiting to graduate.

But Aleks, Hardy's Russian stepbrother cum his best man handled both the groom's welfare and my emotions like a pro. When he saw me on the edge of wrecking, he hauls me from the crowd like Hulk seizing Iron Man from freefalling out of the wormhole during The Avengers' end battle scene and salvaged me from being verbally harassed by my own blood kind.

"Thank you," I whispered to him. "You're truly my knight in pink baju Melayu (Malay men's traditional clothes)."

"Anything for a damsel in distress like you," he winks.

I look at my Seiko watch and it's already 10 to 11.00 pm. I assume a handful of guests still remains outside this room that I decided to exit for some fresh air.

"Are you okay? You've been in there for almost an hour already," Aleks' face genuinely looked concerned.

"Oh, I hadn't noticed," I say wearily. "If my annoying aunties are still out there, I need to get back in there."

"No, please," he swiftly holds my wrist from entering into my temporary sanctuary. "That doesn't solve your issues, it'll suppress your breathing even more."

"Well, at least it quells my pain," I frown and lift my chin at him. "How do you know I'm in there?"

"Well, it's just a hunch. I suspected you'd be here," he shrugs. "Like any typical introverts would."

My frown unfurls into a smile in relief. "Thank you, Aleks. You're a big help. I just need to end this so I don't have to put up with her anymore."

"I guess it's normal for people to be anxious on their wedding day," he justifies.

"Nope, she's like that by nature," I shake my head furiously. "Tormenting me is part of her life routine. It's incomplete without it."

Aleks laugh at my cynicism. "Hey, the royal couple have retreated into their chamber. Do you want to get something to drink? We need to celebrate tonight."

"Celebrate on what? Their consummation?" I ask in exasperation.

He laughs again. "You're cute. I like you better than Maheera."

"Well, who the hell does? She's difficult like Dad," I grumble. "In fact, it's a known fact that she picks up a lot from Dad while I'm more of Mom's character. That's why they two can get along."

"Okay, we should talk this over a nightcap," he recommends. "Why don't you come over to my room, freshen up and get change? I certainly don't want you to steal the limelight with what you're wearing right now and attract the guys. That'll make me feel inferior. You in that dress meant only for my eyes."

"Are you always this flirtatious?" I chuckle and follow him to his hotel room.

P/S - In case if you're curious how Malay weddings look like . This is one of my fav. 😉 🥰😍😘❤️

P/S - Share me how your wedding looks like in your country.

Photo source : www.masterfile.com