Chapter 19 - Kita Jatuh Cinta

Part 1.

Aku terjaga dan mencapai cellphone aku. Jam menunjukkan 8:30 a.m. So what's going to happen now? What am I gonna wear? Aku bingkas bangun untuk mandi dan setelah selesai aku mengenakan seluar jeans dan sweater saja. Aku duduk sambil menonton TV.

I called room service for breakfast and it arrived not long later. I pour myself coffee and walked around the room. Feeling nervous are we? Walked back to the breakfast cart, saw the crepe with raspberry but I don't have the appetite to eat. Should I call Hans? I don't want to sound overly excited but this waiting game is making me nuts.

It's almost 10 a.m. So far Hans has been silent. Then there was a knock on the door and it startled me. About time, Hans……I'm gonna to kill you.....

Erk...but it wasn't Hans. “Good morning Miss, we are from Dolce & Gabbana Boutique and I my name is Sonja. Mr Hans requested us to bring a few dresses for you to select for your wedding this afternoon. May we come in…..?”

I was obviously surprised. I can see Hans standing outside of his room giving hands signals. It’s a sign language…..I Love You! Jantung aku dah sampai ke perut. Terasa kosong dan sejuk……then he signaled, You Call Me with his hand.

Aku masuk bersama dengan tetamu yang tidak diundang.  Satu demi satu baju aku cuba. Ada saja yang tidak kena…..terdedahlah, besarlah, tak sesuailah.....tapi baju ke empat yang aku cuba sangat memikat hati aku. It's pearl white, soft, silky and nicely fitted except it's a bit long. I guess it is more suitable for a taller person. Sonja said not to worry as they can do alteration to the dress. I have decided that this will be the dress I wear to our nikah ceremony. Sonja took my measurements and once alteration is done the dress will be delivered directly to the Ambassador’s house. And they left soon after…..just like that…..

Ok. Semuanya ni memang plan Hans and I decided to give him a call…..

“Hi Hans….”

“Hi Babe, how did the fitting go?”

“It went well and I got my dress. Thank you. But I appreciate if you be the one sharing with me your plans for today. Don’t I get any say in all of this? Ini tiba-tiba unexpected guest came knocking on my door suruh I try baju."

“Ok…Ok….Ok…..I minta maaf banyak-banyak. It’s my fault." Hans apologized.

Knock……Knock……

“Hold on Hans, someone is knocking on my door. Another uninvited guess perhaps............” Aku terus membuka pintu. There he was the groom to-be. Smiling waving his cellphone.

“What? I am talking to you on the cellphone and now you’re here….how did you do….argh! forget I asked…” aku kalut and I hang up.

“Tika….., listen.....calm down okay and let me explain. Can I come in first?" and he just walked straight right in my room.

“I am calm Hans……no more surprises…….well…..at least until midnight. Okay?"

Hans tersengih dan meminta maaf….”I am so sorry babe. I nak you decide sendiri baju yang you suka untuk pakai at our nikah ceremony. When we decided last night to get married, I took the liberty to make all of the preparation since I have the resources and contacts. D&G was so happy and willing to extend their services to us. I didn't want to see the dress until the ceremony and I want you to surprise me. Kalau cara I offended you I will make it up to you."

“Bukannya I tak appreicate apa you buat untuk I but at least let me get involve in some of the decision making. It's my wedding too, you know." aku sedikit kecewa dengan sikapnya. "You selalu suka pre-planned things and tak share dengan I and ended up, I yang confused and malu sendiri."

 "Ok...Ok... silap I. Come and sit next to me. Jangan marah-marah nanti cepat tua...." aku menjelir lidah ke arah Hans. "Chill okay.....I have a question I nak tanya you." he asked.

"Okay,share with me now, how would you imagine your wedding would look like?" Pandai saja dia menyejukkan hati aku.

"My kind of wedding?..............Hmmmm, kenapa ya? Frankly speaking I never really gave it a serious thought before…” soalannya membuatku terfikir. Hans lift my hands dan mengusap-usap jari jemariku. He touched the engagement ring and looked at me. You are too good looking for me Hans. Kadang-kadang aku rasa seolah bermimpi dapat menjadi pujaan hatinya. Aku taklah secantik mana.....jauh sekali seperti seorang model yang mempunyai cutting badan yang sexy. Aku petite dan serba sederhana.

“Simple, I guess…” aku menyambung jawapanku.

“Why simple? Most women would die have a wedding by the beach…garden wedding theme, winter theme….but you…nak yang simple?” Hans seolah-olah berasa pelik.

“I don’t know….I guess I'm not like most women yang you kenal. Mungkin sebab kebanyakkan wedding yang I attend menampakan pembaziran tahap maksimum dan juga nak menunjuk that their wedding is the grandiest of all……Is there such word as grandiest? ” aku menjawab.

Hans tergelak. “You know what? I have to respect your opinion sebab memang ada kebenarannya. Jadi on your wedding day, tell me how it is going to be like?” Hans bertanya lagi.

“I am not comfortable with this. Why the 20 questions?” aku mempersoalkan tujuan Hans yang banyak bertanya. Aku berdiri dan mula berjalan ke arah coffee table lalu menuang secawan kopi. “Would you like some coffee, Hans?”

“No thanks. You still have not answered my question.” Hans was very persistent. Dia memerhatikan tingkah lakuku.

“Alright….. I imagine a simple akad with close family members. Lepas selesai ijab kabul, small makan-makan dan time to get to know both family members.  That’s it….”aku mengakhirkan cerita impian perkahwinanku. I sip my coffee.

“Hmmmm….okay. Way too simple but let's do it your way today. You want it simple then we will have a simple wedding but I have to warn you bila balik Malaysia we are going to have a grand reception. Not only for us but mostly to celebrate our joyous occasion with our relatives, friends and business associates. ” Hans said.

“Really? For sure? You do it my way?” aku rasa tak percaya Hans setuju dengan cara aku. "How big is our wedding reception in KL?"

“Yes for sure. I ada kerja sikit and will be gone for about an hour or two. The hotel limousine will drive you to the Ambassador’s residence at 3 p.m. Don’t be late. Your wedding dress will be waiting for you are there. I will arrive about the same time as you. Alright? Is that a done deal?” Hans update me with today’s itinerary.

"By the way the reception in KL is going to be the grandiest......!"Hans seperti memerli aku dan mengenyit mata.

I pinched him on the arm....“Thank you for making all the arrangements, Hans. In the meantime what should I do?” aku bertanya.

“Well……..,just look beautiful for me…..”Hans tersenyum.

“I am serious ya know…..and you main-main pulak….” I was getting upset by his response.

He came closer and held my hands tightly. “Tika, I want to make you the happiest woman in Budapest today….I tak punya harta berkarung-karung, hanya you dan anak-anak adalah harta I. Our family may not be with us today but kita sama-sama berdoa supaya the ceremony berjalan dengan lancar. I am the luckiest guy in the world to have you in my life. I wanna share everything with you and grow old with you. You complete me…”and he kissed me on my forehead.

“Hans, I am so touch by your words. I tak ada prepare apa-apa vows pun.....oh ya..didn't I tell you I tak pandai masak? Maybe after the nikah ceremony I share with you my short vow......” Hans cut in.....

“Don’t worry about it….I just felt like saying all out to you now. Pandai masak atau tak I still love you Tika………” Hans looks so happy and I should not spoil his mood.

“I love you too, Hans.” And we hugged.

Part 2.

Tepat pukul 3 petang aku turun ke lobby and was informed that my car is waiting for me. Aku masuk ke dalam kereta dan memulakan perjalanan ke rumah Duta Malaysia di Hungary. Nervous? Yes. Aku hanya membawa satu set persalinan, alat solekku, kasut dan juga beg tangan LV kesayanganku. Harap-harap ianya memadai untuk malam ini.

Aku terbayangkan Hans dengan berbaju melayu, samping dan songkoknya semasa upacara akad. I am sure he will look gorgeous...lagu 'Kita Jatuh Cinta' asyik bermain-main di fikiranku. I searched in Sportify and found the song. I closed my eyes enjoying the meaningful lyrics.......

Credit to Max Ben Adnan and You Tube

Pejamkan kedua matamu

Sambutlah hangat dalam pelukmu

Denganmu aku ingin

Memulai semua hasrat yang getarkan jiwa

Aku pun menginginkanmu

Berbagi semua rasa yang meraja

Tak perlu terucap kata biarkan mengalir apa adanya

Biarlah cinta membawa kita kesana

Didalam ruang ini hanya kita berdua

Untuk selamanya atau hanya sesaat

Yang kutahu kini kita jatuh cinta

Katakan semua maumu

Malam ini semua tentangmu

Bawalah ku jauh kealam khayalmu

Yang terindah yang pernah kau bayangkan

Ku tahu kau pun merasakan

Kita terbawa suasana

Terungkaplah semua rasa bila kita memang sedang jatuh cinta

Yang kutahu kini kita jatuh cinta

Yang kutahu kita kan kesana

Yang kutahu kini kita jatuh cinta

Yang kutahu kini kita jatuh cinta

Kita jatuh cinta [x3]

Sampai saja, aku disambut dengan mesra oleh isteri Duta Malaysia. Aku terus bersalaman dan dijemput masuk….

Melangkah masuk ke rumah Duta Malaysia, suasana sungguh tenang. Ada beberapa tetamu di ruang living room yang sedang duduk dan bersembang. Mereka menoleh ke arah aku ketika aku masuk. Ada yang mengangguk-anggukkan kepala.....mungkin rakyat Malaysia yang bekerja di Budapest fikirku. I proceed to the 1^st floor and entered a guest bedroom.

“Atikah, boleh berehat di sini ya. Baju nikah ada tergantung di dalam almari tepi katil tu. Aunty will bring some light refreshments nanti.” Kata isteri Duta Malaysia. She was so warm and welcoming.

“Terima kasih aunty. Maaf kan Tika dan Hans kerana menyusahkan aunty sekeluarga.” Aku meminta maaf.

“No, no, no,…don’t apologized. We welcome Malaysians to our house especially an happy occasion macam hari ni. Kami Malaysians dapat berkumpul, berkenalan dan makan bersama-sama. Tahniah from aunty on your marriage. It was a wise decision for both of you to get married now.” She hugged me. “Nanti aunty help you to get ready ya?”Aku mengangguk.

“Jangan segan-segan ya, buat macam rumah sendiri. Ayah Hans tu kawan sekolah dengan suami aunty. Hans parents are here…” she said.

Terbuntang mataku mendengar….”Apa aunty cakap? Hans parents are here? In this house?”

“Yes, they are….you rest dulu, ok.” she smiled and left me alone in the room.

Mengelabah aku bila mendapat tahu yang Hans’s parents are here. Cepatnya mereka sampai? Aku berjalan ke arah almari dan membuka pintu almari. There it is …..my baju nikah…..beautifully designed by D&G. Hans's favorite designer. There was a hand bouquet on the dressing table. I took out my make-up bag and apply some on my face. Then there was a knock on my door. “Come in.”I said.

“Atikah…”

“Yes, aunty? Come in....come in. I am just putting on make-up…..” I turned and saw aunty with MY MOMMM.............. I dropped everything and ran to my mom. I hugged her and cried.

“Mama….Tika minta maaf…..” I was sobbing.

“Shhhh….it’s ok Tika. It’s your big day today you wouldn’t want people to see your eyes swollen and puffy face from all the crying…..What happened in the past we leave in the past. Semuanya ketentuan Allah s.w.t. He gave you another chance to build a new life dengan Hans so don't let it go to waste. Sudah....sudah stop crying.....” mama tried to console me….I can't help it and I was still crying.

Then there was another knock on my door. “Tika…..” It's Hans…..

“Hans, my mom is here.....did you planned this all? I was told that your parents are here too.” aku bertanya apabila aku nampak Hans menjengguk ke dalam bilik. He walked in.....OMG...he look so handsome....hati aku berdebar-debar when I saw him smiled at me.

“You wanted a simple wedding and I try as much to recreate your dream wedding….”Hans explained and he had a big smile on his face. I went over and hugged him…..”Thanks Hans, thank you very much. You look......handsome Hans.”

“Anything for you babe, anything….and thank you for the compliment. You look beautiful Tika...” Hans was about to kiss me but something click......we instantly let go off each other…We forgot that we are not alone and we had company in the room….dengan perasaan malu we stepped back and I stood next to my mom….

“Amboi, belum apa-apa lagi dah peluk-peluk ya Tika….”mama berbisik menegur kelakuanku yang kurang sopan. Aku tertunduk. Mom, if you just knew ...................

“Sorry mama, Tika tak sengaja…..” aku menjawab.

“Maaf aunty. Salah saya. The reason I'm here is to inform you ladies the kadi has arrived. Perhaps we start with akad soon?” Hans informed us.

“Give me half an hour…and we will come down.”aku berkata.

“Ok. I will let the guests know….Tika, I love you…” aku tertunduk malu and looked up at him and did a shoo…shoo.... sign with my hand to Hans asking him to leave immediately. He smiled while walking out of the room.

Mama asked me if this is what I wanted. “Tika dah fikir masak-masak ke? Kahwin ni besar tanggung jawabnya. Hans tu ada dua anak lelaki. Boleh jagake anak orang ni?”

“Dah fikir masak-masak. Tika yang ajak Hans kahwin sebab we were very close and madly in love mama. Sebelum benda yang tak baik jadi, Tika rasa elok kami kahwin.” I explained.

“Ya la, Tika pun dah besar. Kalau daddy ada mesti dia happy baby girl dia nak kahwin. Mama pun nak minta maaf sebab dulu Tika banyak berkorban untuk family kita. Kita kena lebih berhati-hati dalam membuat pilihan. As long as you happy mama will be happy for you.” Mama said.

I love my dad. I’m always looking for a father figure as a substitute and I found it in Hans..... Daddy passed away 7 years ago from lung cancer and I really miss him. Then I found Hans just the right candidate to take my dad’s place. Daddy was my rock, my pillar of strength. I can go to him for any problems.He will solve them for me. Macamana nakal or degil I was, he still loves me and turut kemahuan aku. I dreamt of daddy last night. It was an honor to have him appear in my dream. Hilang rindu seketika. Tears rolled down my cheeks….

“Dah cukuplah jangan menangis lagi. I am sure daddy will be happy for you.”, mama said and I nodded.

I continued putting on my make-up. Yes, in half an hour I will be married to Hans. I am so happy. I took the dress out and put it on.

I looked myself in the mirror and whispered to myself….”Daddy, your baby girl is now a woman. I will make you proud.”

Part 3.

"Saksi semua, Sah?"

"SAH!!!!" perkataan di lafazkan oleh saksi serentak.

"Alhamdulillah......." rasa syukur lahir dari mulut kadi..Doa dibacakan semoga perkahwinan ini diberikan keberkatan .

Maka sahlah aku sekarang menjadi isteri kepada Hans. Bermulalah perjalanan baru dalam hidup aku. Gelihati juga bila difikirkan....isteri?.....aku?.....

Aku menandatangani surat nikah. Hans datang mendekati aku lalu menyarungkan sebentuk cincin di jariku. Aku salam lalu mencium tangannya. Hans lantas mengucup dahiku.I looked up at him and he had the broadest smile. I know he is very happy that everything went well. We got up and Hans introduced me to his mother.

"Tika, this is my mom. Mom this is Tika...." he smiled and his mom looked at me. Aku menghulur tangan untuk bersalam dan Puan Sri Kate menyambut dengan mesra. Sambil memelukku, Puan Sri berkata, "Hans you take care of Tika. You are a married man now and behave like one."

"Of course mom. I will." Hans berjanji pada Puan Sri dan memeluk ibunya.

"Tika, welcome to the family. You can always come to me or dad for anything ya. Jangan segan-segan you are part to this family now, kan Puan Munirah." Dia memandang mama. Mama mengangguk dan tersenyum.

Hans seterusnya memperkenalkanku kepada ayahnya dan tetamu yang lain. Kami menjamu selera dengan makanan tradisi malayu seperti nasi minyak, dalcha, ayam masak merah dan jelatah. Typical masakan kenduri kahwin. Aku perhatikan mama dan Puan Sri can get along. Mereka bercerita dan tergelak membuatku rasa senang sekali. Risau juga aku kalau mereka tak serasi maklumlah status keluarga Hans yang berkedudukan.

Hans memanggil aku dan mengajak aku keluar sebentar. Aku bangun dan minta diri untuk keluar sebentar. "Hans, what is it? Kan Tika baru lepas makan. Can't it wait?" Puan Sri menegur Hans.

"Sorry mom, it won't take long. Sekejap saja...." Hans berkata. Puan Sri Kate hanya mengelengkan kepalanya.

Hans menarik tanganku keluar rumah dan kami berhenti di tepi kolam renang. "Kenapa Hans....?" aku bertanya.

"Tak ada apa-apa. Saja I nak some time alone dengan you....dari tadi you asyik berkepit sebelah my mom and your mom." Hans explained.

"You ni....suspense tau....hmmm dah gatal la tu....." aku menampar manja dilengan Hans.Han menjawab, "Gatal? Mana ada....." he wanted to kiss me but I resist. "Hans not here....."

"Ok...ok....sorry. So this is the dress that you picked from D & G.......I like it....a lot. Memang cantik and sesuai untuk saiz you yang petite. Turn around for me...?" Aku pun spin around and stopped in front of him. He grabbed my waist. Hmmm.....I like what I see. Can't wait until this all over."

Aku faham maksud Hans but I played dumb....."I know, we have to pack and tomorrow morning we're leaving Budapest......remember?" aku cuba divert attention Hans. "I better go back in....nanti both moms kecoh tanya I buat apa lama dekat luar." But he is not letting me go.

"Come let's go in together. We'll sit next to each other and see what their reaction will be like."Hans suggested.

"You ni....tak baik tau....." but I agreed anyway.

We were surprised that Tan Sri was the fisrt to ask. "Hah....Hans what is so important that you had to steal Tika away from her mother......?"

"No nothing, we were just checking our schedule for tomorrow...."Hans lied. "Hans......" aku berbisik.

Half an hour later we wrapped up the feast and help to clean up. We insist to help out to show our appreciation for their hospitality. Soon we left the Ambassador residence and headed back to the hotel. Both parents are staying the same hotel as we were. Hans suggested that I moved in to his room and my mom can have my room. I agreed.

So that night I moved all my things to Hans room........