Love After the Lantern

Mahesa Dirgantara, was busy tidying up his work tools-more precisely, his architectural tools. The twenty-eight-year-old man was an architect, following in his father's footsteps. The man was smart enough for his job; it was fitting that many companies wanted to cooperate with his company.

The man, who was familiarly called Dirga, smoothed his hair in front of the mirror. Soon he would go with his parents to Dirga's restaurant, which had been inaugurated some time ago. They were preparing to meet Brian's family to discuss the cooperation contract and several other things.

Meanwhile, Brian's family is in the middle of a fuss with his daughter, who is still busy being polished by her mother. The girl named Adara Wanadya Padma is the only child in Brian's family. She was still very much a girl; she was only nineteen years old.

"Mom, who are we meeting? Why am I dressed up like a clown?"Adara asked Yola-her mother.

"Clown, clown. That mouth of yours, it's so limp."Yola poked her daughter's head a little. Adara was indeed a good talker.

"Mom, it's ready yet! Mr. Aslan is on his way!" shouted Brian from outside Adara's room.

"Yes, dad. It's done!" replied Yola.

"Come on, I'm waiting out front."

"But who is Mr. Chandra?"

"Dad's friend."Yola quickly pulled Adara's hand away before the girl could ask more questions. Yola would never forget Adara's fussy mouth.

"Duh, Mama, the ribbon came off," said Adara. Brian's car had just pulled out of their compound, but Adara was already having problems.

"Put it back on."

"I can't, Mom. Where are we going to dress me up like this anyway? Why don't you just wear normal clothes? Like sleepwear, it's already nighttime; why are you leaving the house? I really want to find a disease," muttered Adara who sat alone in the back seat. Yola just rotated her eyeballs, feeling annoyed with Adara's behavior.

"Dad, where are we going? Please answer me, dad. I've been curious for half my life," she whined repeatedly.

"To see the president." Brian answered simply. Brian was also fed up with the same questions that Adara kept asking.

"Meet the president?!" Adara's eyes lit up. Adara really wanted to meet the president. She was going to declare all her wishes in front of the president.

"I have to be pretty, so I don't look like a hobo in front of the president."Adara was already a hobo by nature. However, Adara's hobbling was covered by her wealthy family.

"Why here? Not to the state palace."Adara knitted her eyebrows, a sign of confusion.

Adara stared at the luxurious restaurant with its all-brown building. The restaurant in front of her looked classic, with a mix of modern styles that created a beautiful atmosphere as it blended in with its surroundings.

"Why is it quiet? This restaurant isn't selling well."Adara said it carelessly.

"Adara, don't speak so bluntly. Be careful what you say."Yola warned.

"Good evening, Mr. Chandra," greeted Brian warmly to the man wearing a black suit, matching Brian.

"Good evening, and welcome too, Mr. Brian." Chandra also warmly welcomed Brian, Yola and, not to forget, Adara.

"Shake hands first, son."Yola ordered.

"They are not my teachers, Ma. Why should I shake hands with them?" chirped Adara in a loud voice.

"Adara..." Yola growled at herself. She felt embarrassed to invite Adara this time.

"Oh, yes. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." Adara greeted Chandra and Dania-Chandra's wife.

"Let me introduce you: This is my son, Adara. His name is Dirga," Chandra introduced his son.

Adara shook Dirga's hand. "Hello, Mr. Dirga. Why is he almost the same age as Mr. Chandra? I thought you were twins." Again Adara embarrassed Brian and Yola with her mouth.

"Adara, watch your mouth," Yola whispered angrily. Adara would rather keep quiet than talk, but she was tongue-tied.

"Sorry, sir. My daughter is very outspoken," said Brian, who was already embarrassed to death.

"No problem, sir. Please have a seat." Chandra invited Brian's family to sit down. They sat at a large round table. Only that table was large, the rest were medium-sized.

"This is Dirga's restaurant, sir?" Brian asked Chandra. Dirga smiled at the question, agreeing.

"Yes, because Dirga himself designed the design of this restaurant." Chandra replied kindly.

"Oh, this is Mr. Dirga's restaurant? Sir, try putting a big flower in the corner. It's scary when it's empty, I'm afraid there are ghosts roaming around." Adara said again. Yola immediately nudged Adara's leg to get her daughter to shut up.

Dirga only replied with a smile and a nod. This made Adara whisper to Yola, "Mom, he can't talk, can he? How come he just smiles and nods?" Luckily, she only whispered.

"No, I'm not. You'd rather stay quiet than be kidnapped by the ghosts that are here," Yola replied curtly.

"There are ghosts here! Mom, let's go home." Adara suddenly stood up and pulled Yola's arm. Suddenly everyone turned to Adara. Adara was indeed a troublemaker.

"Adara, already." Yola said in a half-whisper to Adara. Adara's parents were quite tired of what Adara was doing. Finally they decided to separate Adara at another table. In front of Adara there was already a small aquarium containing several fish. Adara was starting to calm down with her crazy thoughts.

It had been more than an hour since Adara was separated from them. Not even the sound of laughter from the two families disturbed Adara's attention. Adara was still busy talking to the small fish in the aquarium.

"Do you want to take the fish home?" Dirga asked Adara. The conversation was over, and Adara didn't realize it.

"Is it okay?"

"It's okay. I'll wrap the fish, okay? It'll be safe on the way home."

Adara's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Dirga!"

Adara looked at the fish she had just gotten from Mr. Dirga's restaurant. She was happy that her fish collection had finally increased. There were already two aquariums in Adara's house, and this was the third one.

Adara placed the third aquarium near the other aquariums. She poured the fish she had just gotten into the aquarium. The little fishes swam happily, running to and fro.

"Adara, come here. Papa wants to talk to you."

The girl immediately turned around, and with her carefree attitude, she half ran to her parents. "What's wrong, Daddy?"

"Earlier, while we were talking, we decided to plan for you and Dirga's wedding. It will be next week." Brian said.

"What?! I'm getting married to Mr. Dirge?! I don't want to!" Adara refused. Adara didn't know Dirga at all; there was no way she would want to marry that man.

"Dirga is a responsible, well-established man who doesn't just blurt it out like you," Yola said with a sardonic look at Adara. Apparently, Yola was too annoyed with her daughter.

"We will get a lot of benefits if you marry Dirga. First, Papa and Mr. Chandra's company will become more advanced. Secondly, you will be well looked after by Dirga because he is a mature man. Your future will be bright if you marry Dirga." Brian explained some important points.

"What mature man? He's an old man," said Adara.

"You know that mouth of yours, Adara. Watch it a little."Yola opened her mouth again.

"Guarded why, he's an old man. I don't like him. I don't want to marry Mr. Dirga anyway!"

Brian became angry. "Agree or disagree, you still have to marry Dirge!" Brian snapped. He walked out of Adara's presence as soon as that piercing gaze landed in Adara's eyes.

Adara could only bow in resignation, as Brian was firm on his decision. Everything happened again because of his own business interests. Brian was willing to give his daughter to a man Adara didn't know at all.