LOVE YOU, UNCLE

In Indonesia, the wedding ceremony is indeed quite extensive, especially when it comes to the customs and cultures of specific ethnic groups. From the engagement process to the wedding day, each step has its own unique procedures.

Among the many ethnic groups in Indonesia, the Chinese ethnic group is one that has unique customs, both in the engagement process, known in Chinese as Tingjing, and in the dowry ceremony, also known as Sangjit. These two processes are exactly what Randy did when he was about to marry Ghea.

This morning, for example, around ten in the morning, Randy’s extended family arrived at Ghea’s residence. According to the initial agreement, they would conduct the Tingjing or engagement process, followed by a lunch together with both extended families.

It was evident how enthusiastic the Denovan family was in welcoming the arrival of the Walters family, who brought many gifts that morning. After the reception, Randy’s extended family immediately conveyed the purpose of their visit, which was none other than to propose and seek Ghea’s hand in marriage in the near future.

“Because as parents, we already know the purpose of this morning’s meeting. We, from the Walters family, don’t want to waste time with small talk. We hope that the Denovan family agrees and accepts our son’s good intentions to propose and marry Ghea Mariana Denovan soon, making her a wife, a part of the family, a daughter-in-law, and a potential mother of our descendants.”

Adrian appeared serious in expressing the purpose and goal of his family’s visit. After receiving the green light from the bride’s extended family, it was time for the moment of sealing the relationship.

In this process, Verona Wood, the biological mother of the prospective groom, handed over a gold necklace and directly put it on Ghea. The wearing of this necklace symbolized that Randy and Ghea were now bound to each other.

“Oh my goodness, Mama’s future daughter-in-law looks so beautiful,” Verona said after putting the necklace around Ghea’s neck. “Mama prays for everything to go smoothly until the big day. May Ghea and Randy unite and stay together until death do them part.”

Ghea nodded and smiled warmly. Whether to affirm or dismiss the prayer just offered by her future mother-in-law, she wondered again at this crucial moment: would her marriage to Randy be successful?

“Hey, daydreaming again, huh?” Randy teased deliberately.

As both extended families finished their lunch and proceeded with the process of determining an auspicious date for the wedding ceremony, Randy approached Ghea, who was sitting quietly eating cake with an absent-minded look. It was unclear what his future wife was thinking.

“Wrong!” Ghea responded a bit curtly. “More precisely, I’m thinking about what will happen to my fate and this empty heart of mine after I marry Uncle.”

Indeed, Ghea was still preoccupied. Oh my, she’s getting married! Really marrying a man she didn’t know at all before. Then suddenly, she’ll be expected to have many offspring soon.

Meanwhile, hearing Ghea’s mumbling, Randy immediately glanced over. Smiling broadly, he playfully commented, “An empty drum makes the most noise. That’s an empty heart; can I fill it up?”

“I do want to open my heart to Uncle. But, unfortunately, I forgot the password.”

Randy chuckled. There he goes again. Ghea was indeed different from others. He had never met such an absurd woman.

“Oh, come on. It’s not a big deal. Besides, asking what will happen and all that, obviously, you’re going to be the princess, right. I already told you, you’re lucky to marry me, the only child. Your life is guaranteed to be comfortable and secure.”

Ghea sighed. Rolling her eyes, she responded casually. Visually, it seemed nice to be the wife of a tycoon. But, Ghea didn’t really know Randy’s true nature and character. Not to mention the playboy label firmly attached to her future husband. It’s possible that after marriage, Randy might still be charming. Worse yet, he might intentionally be good now to melt Ghea’s heart. Who knows, after marriage, he might change. That’s why Ghea didn’t want to expect too much. Afraid of disappointment!

“Don’t hesitate. I’m serious, Ghea. Out of all the contenders, you’ve been selected through a special path,” Randy said once again, convincing. Basically, he sounded like a salesman promoting a product to a customer.

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“Seriously,” Randy replied, laughing. Why did this turn into a rhyme competition?

“Just so you know, Sis, you’ll be loved by both my parents, especially Mom. She’s always wanted a daughter. Too bad God didn’t give her one.”

“I’m sure about that. Aunt Vero and Uncle Adrian seem nice from now. It’s just Uncle who hasn’t convinced me yet,” she said, then threw a scrutinizing look, genuinely wondering if Randy would maintain that kindness after marriage.

“Just relax, I’m a good person. How could I be mean to a little girl like you?”

“Moreover, even if Uncle turns out to be really mean, I won’t hesitate to fight back. I won’t just sit there. We’re not acting in an Indosiar soap opera, right? If the husband is mean, and the wife cries.”

This time, Randy laughed again. He became more convinced that he made the right choice in choosing the girl beside him as his future wife. At least, instead of getting a headache from listening to his partner flaunting wealth or chatting about trending expensive bags and shoes, he’d rather listen to the random banter that Ghea often threw at him.

As the friendly gathering and date selection were over, it was time for the bride’s family to give gifts or souvenirs to the prospective bride and groom. The dates for the Sangjit (dowry ceremony) and the wedding reception had already been decided.