Chapter 3 CONSENT GRANTED

Hearing Isha's answer, Rosminah was surprised. How could her daughter, known to be stubborn, accept the marriage offered by Malik? Even though this was probably to avoid the obvious embarrassment if it failed, Rosminah didn't expect Isha to agree so easily.

Rosminah looked at Malik, who also seemed shocked by Isha's answer. Nevertheless, Malik nodded slightly at Rosminah to confirm that they had agreed to marry. Although, I don't agree because it's clear that Isha was forced to go through with this marriage.

Rosminah smiled in relief. She immediately burst into tears seeing Isha's ability to marry Malik, even though Rosminah knew that Isha didn't like Malik. At least Isha saved this family from embarrassment because of the failure of the wedding which was about to be held.

"Get ready, boy. The prince has waited too long," Rosminah said in a voice full of tears. Between relieved and also doubtful about the direction of their marriage later.

Isha nodded. Rosminah returned to the living room while Isha turned her body to face Malik.

"We're getting married soon. But I'm not sure that this marriage will last forever. It's just that I thank you because you helped me, helped this family from embarrassment," said Isha, lowering her cloudy face.

"Yes, I know. You don't need to thank me. I'm just doing what I can do," Malik replied in a low tone.

Malik then walked towards the door, about to leave because there was a knock on the door again. And when he opened the door, Ridwan, Aiman, and Aminah were already there, looking at Malik worriedly.

"Mal? Is... is it true that you two are getting married?" asked Rodwan, tremblingly holding back the various flavors piled up at once. Between being angry because he feels he is being played with by Murad, and at the same time full of hope for Malik and Isha's approval.

Malik looked at the three parents who hoped for the answer and nodded firmly.

"Yes, Uncle. Isha has agreed to marry me," Malik answered politely.

Ridwan was greatly relieved, but not so for Aiman and Aminah. Malik's parents were still doubtful.

"Are you sure about the step you are taking, Mal?" asked Aiman seriously while Aminah waited for Malik's answer.

"I'm sure, Dad. For that, I ask for your prayers and blessings," said Malik, who knelt before Aiman and Aminah.

Aminah could not help but feel moved by Malik's firmness when making this decision. Aiman immediately grabbed Malik's shoulder and pulled him up.

"Stand up. I'm sure you've thought it through. Whatever it is, Mom and Dad will bless and pray for the best for you," said Aiman, who then hugged Malik.

In Aiman's arms, Malik nodded.

"Thank you for the prayers and blessings, Dad," said Malik in a low voice.

The handsome man then turned to Aminah then hugged the crying woman.

"Malik asks for his blessing, Ma'am," Malik said softly when his mother's arms embraced him warmly.

Amina nodded. "Certain! Mother will approve of whatever steps you take, Mal. Mother's prayers will always be with you, son," Aminah said with tears flowing.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Malik said with his chest floating with emotion, then broke their embrace.

Suddenly, one of their neighbors came from outside.

"How about this, Mr. Ridwan? Hasn't the groom come yet? The chief is waiting." Dadang, one of Ridwan's neighbors, asked frantically.

Ridwan smiled, but tears remained that had been overflowing at Malik's sincerity.

"Don't worry, Dang. The wedding will still take place," Ridwan said, soothing Dadang.

"Well, where is the groom, Pak Ridwan?" asked Dadang, surprised.

"I will be the groom, Pak Dadang," interjected Malik firmly.

"Oh? Teacher Malik will replace the groom?" Dadang asked, half in disbelief.

However, the nods of everyone before him made Dadang not hesitate anymore. Although, of course, there was a lot of astonishment in his heart.

'Well, Dadang, now you tell the prince and all the marriage registrars that the wedding will occur soon. We are currently preparing," Ridwan ordered Dadang.

"Okay, sir. I will come forward then," said Dadang, who withdrew and rushed forward.

"Malik, Pak Aiman, and Ibu Aminah... I am still figuring out what else to say about everything you plan to do this time. But I thank you sincerely because you saved my family from the embarrassment caused by the absence of my future son-in-law. Thank you again," Ridwan said with teary eyes and an awkward smile.

Aiman nodded.

"This is all purely Malik's wish, Pak Ridwan. And we, as parents, can only support whatever decision Malik makes. Let's pray together that everything will go smoothly," said Aiman.

Ridwan nodded.

"Get ready, Mal. It's not good to let the prince wait any longer," said Ridwan to Malik, who was answered by the handsome man with glasses nodding.

Ridwan then looked into the room when Malik and his family entered the living room to prepare. The man then approached Isha, who had been standing watching the drama in front of her bedroom door with a straight face.

"I'm sorry if you were rude to me earlier, Sha. You panic because this is unexpected. I hope you won't be stubborn about what Malik has done for our family this time." Ridwan said in a low tone.

Isha could only nod because this was all he could do. He had no weapon to stand up straight and put forward her will. Because Murad has destroyed everything, destroying her struggle for Murad to be accepted into this family. The struggle that glorifies love above all.

Suddenly Rosminah came in.

"Sir? Isha? How? The program will start soon," said Rosminah.

Ridwan nodded, looking at Isha and Rosminah in turn.

***

Everyone has gathered here, in front of the aisle, which is so beautiful. The guests and relatives present had also gathered impatiently. Some of them need to be more coherent about this change of bridegroom. Most of them understand and salute the steps taken by Malik to save this family. However, few mocked Malik for being stupid for being willing to replace the groom.

Regardless of the many pros and cons that arose among the guests, Dadang was able to provide information to the chief about the complications that occurred. Dadang asked that correspondence be followed up later because the most important thing was that the marriage took place. The prince finally understood and agreed with this unexpected situation.

And now, everything is ready to be implemented. Isha was already sitting with her head down behind Ridwan, facing Malik and the prince. Aiman and Aminah sat behind Malik, as did Rosminah, who sat beside Isha and Dewi as maid of honor. When the headmaster opened the program, Malik occasionally looked at Isha, who looked down and occasionally wiped her tears.

Malik's heart pinched at the sight. Malik knows this is not the marriage Isha wants. However, Malik also would not let Isha be humiliated in this way. Until finally, it was time for the qabul consent, and Malik had made up his mind. It's not about him secretly loving Isha, but it's about saving the person Malik loves from becoming the object of ridicule for canceling their marriage.

"I will marry you, and I will marry you, Ananda Arash Al-Malik bin Aiman Alaydrus, with my son, Syalaisha Ghazali, with a dowry in the form of a Mushaf of the Qur'an, in cash." Ridwan, who shook Malik's hand, said the words of consent for his daughter.

"I accept the marriage and the marriage of Syalaisha Ghazali bint Ridwan Ghazali with the dowry in cash." Malik shook Ridwan's hand and answered the consent qabul in one breath.

"How about the witness? Legitimate?" the chief asked the two witnesses on Malik's left and right.

"Legitimate!" The two witnesses answered together.

"Alhamdulillah." There were words of relief from everyone present at the venue.

However, at the same time, Isha could no longer hold back her deteriorating mood. No matter how hard she tries to be strong, her emotions are more powerful, and she can no longer hold them in, so finally, darkness approaches her.

Bruh!! Isha fainted right after the witnesses uttered the valid word.

"Isha?!" Malik rushed to his feet to help his wife and several people who were near Isha.

***