Chapter 4 Dirga's Neighbor

Adara, I'm going to work today. I'm sorry for not waking you up this morning, I felt bad for you. For breakfast, I've prepared food at the dining table. I hope your illness has been cured.

That's what was written on a piece of paper on the table. The dust seems to be gone from this house, because Dirga is diligent in cleaning the house. Adara looked at the clock, it was nine in the morning. The girl had just woken up, and the house was already clean, plus the prepared food was neatly arranged on the dining table. What kind of girl was Adara?

"I just woke up at this hour." Adara also realized this. "But, isn't she tired after a one-day wedding, going straight to work? Not to mention Mr. Dirga cleaning the house and making breakfast for me. But whose fault is it that he wants to marry me? It's Mr. Dirga's fault!" Look at how Adara always blames Dirga, when in fact it's Adara herself who is a burden at home.

Adara went to take a shower and then had breakfast. She didn't know what else to do at home, apart from talking to the fishes, of course. Adara said that she had run out of topics to talk to the fishes about.

"Is it dangerous to walk in this compound? Afraid of bad people. It's okay, I'm a strong girl. The bad guys will run away if they see me unleash my power," she said confidently. Adara girded her loins, describing herself as a big, strong giant.

"Good morning, world." Adara spread her arms. She breathed in the bright morning air.

"Good morning, Dirga's wife!" someone chirped. Adara looked for the source of the voice. The voice came from the house next to hers. A girl about the same age as Adara was standing on the second floor of the house. The girl waved at Adara with a big smile.

"Come on, let's play together!" she said excitedly. Adara was equally excited. They looked like good friends.

Adara quickly ran to the gate and opened it. Adara and the girl met. They were like twins who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

"I'm Vania, with a v," the girl said, holding up her finger like a peace sign.

Adara smiled. "I'm Adara." She extended her hand to shake Vania's.

"Want to go for a walk together?" Vania asked. Adara's enthusiasm returned.

"Sure."

Adara and Vania walked around the house. "How did you get married to Brother Dirga?" Vania asked.

Adara didn't answer immediately. She thought that Dirga didn't deserve to be called brother, Dirga was more suitable to be called father.

"It's not cool. Mr. Dirga is so stiff."

"Mr. Dirga? You call your husband sir?" Vania giggled at Adara calling Dirga by his usual title. Adara's brow furrowed. She was confused as to where she had gone wrong.

"Is that the wrong nickname?"

"Very wrong, Adara. You should call him by a nickname. Like dear, beb, or call him darling like the moms around here." she chuckled.

Adara shuddered at Vania's words as she mentioned several nickname recommendations for Dirga. "Calling Mr. Dirga is more suitable. He's already old."

"How many years apart is brother Dirga from you? We look the same age, but you're already married."

"Eleven years apart." Adara was as surprised as Vania. "I'm so far apart in age from Mr. Dirga. I'm still only nineteen."

"We're the same age, Adara!"

"Don't talk about your husband's bad behavior to others, it will bring bad luck." Vania said, just to remind her. It seemed like Adara already hated Dirga.

"Let me guess, you must be angry with Dirga's brother more often, huh?" asked Vania suspiciously. Adara nodded, agreeing with Vania's question.

"Well, that's why you can't see Dirga's good attitude. You're supposed to be kind and serve your husband. You will definitely get a good reply from your husband." Vania explained. It looked like Vania was ready to get married, not a bratty child like Adara had modeled.

"How?"

"I don't know much about it either, just look it up on the internet. All I know is that when Brother Dirga came home, you welcomed him and made him a drink. I'm learning little by little so I can be devoted to my husband later." Vania grinned to herself. She had prepared everything, but her future husband was not coming.

"How can we be filial if we don't love each other?" muttered Adara.

"You don't love each other?! How can you get married?!" asked Vania until her voice pierced Adara's ears. Feel it, Adara; usually it's her voice that damages Dirga's ears, but now it's turned on herself.

"We're arranged marriages."

"Right now, there's still the matchmaking drama. But I won't refuse to be matched with a man who looks like Dirga's brother."

"Are you interested in my husband?"

"No! I also have my own ideal man. Besides, it's the mothers around here who are crazy about Brother Dirga. They often set him up with their daughters. But, in reality, Brother Dirga isn't interested. You should be happy to be his wife in the midst of all the mothers' clamor to have him as their son-in-law."

Adara chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with the behavior of mothers."

"Soon you'll be a mom too. Don't worry, I'm ready to take care of your child." Vania offered. Not yet talking about children, Vania didn't know that Adara actually wanted to pinch Vania's head.

"I'm not sure. I also always refuse when Mr. Dirga touches me," Adara muttered. Adara let out a long sigh. The marriage that Adara had never wanted was now just happening.

"Are you out of your mind?! You really are the strangest wife I've ever met." Vania shook her head after hearing Adara's words. Vania was confused. What was wrong with Adara? She was married but didn't want to be touched? Vania asked herself: What exactly does Adara mean by a harmonious family life?