27

Just as I was about to take a little break from my smartphone last week, a message via one of the most popular messaging apps flashed on the screen. Initially, I was reluctant to read it. Upon changing my mind, reluctance turned into delight as I learnt that a pair I had known from my previous workplace is finally getting hitched. On the virtual invitation card that came with the message were words like ‘Bersanding’ that was enough to inform me that I can expect a Malay wedding. This got me reminiscing about the time when a former classmate invited me to her “Walimatul Urus”. Well, I don’t know about you, but it was certainly the first time I’ve ever received a wedding invite over social media. In fact, because there were only a couple of mutual friends attending, I wasn’t sure if I was going.  Eventually, I realised that it’s part of courtesy to attend a wedding, regardless of the type. So I responded accordingly.

I guess I didn’t mind the journey to her place, thinking that it would be quite straightforward to find her house, which was in a neighbourhood not too far away from where I used to live.

Lo and behold!

The entire row of houses was blocked by purple tents. Wow, so pretty! I wasn’t expecting this! Suddenly I felt a little lost.

There were so many unfamiliar faces, which I presumed to be her neighbours and relatives. All of them kept saying “Masuklah” (Come on in!).  There was much chatter going on amidst the eating.

I kept telling myself to take deep breaths and be calm.

Okay, all you need to do is call this one other friend to help you so that you could go inside, I went on in my head.

Gosh, she’d better be using the same mobile number!

She picked up the call and was very happy to see me, after years of screen-based communication. Yup, you could call it a mini reunion.

Then, she asked me whether I’ve been to a Malay wedding before, to which I replied politely. She told me that it’s typical for Malay weddings to be lively. It was my third Malay wedding in my entire lifetime. Even then, this one was nothing compared to the ones I’ve attended before.  Perhaps my friend read my mind because the next thing she said was [translated from Malay] “She’s the youngest in the family. That’s why her father decided to hold a grand wedding reception for her”.

If I remember correctly, I had too much yellow rice and curry. The bride and groom, who were clad in matching shades of green, were within sight. I managed to congratulate her, and she was thankful for my presence. Halfway through eating, my friend nudged me to take some photographs. I agreed, thinking that it was going to be just a quick and simple one.

Later, the bride added “Jomlah, duduk sini”. [Come, let’s sit here.] She was pointing towards the “pelamin”. Almost immediately, I reacted with a “Huh? Seganlah” to indicate that I was shy.

Somehow, she managed to persuade me to sit on it. We had a few shots together; a few more with my other friend; and the customary group shot that included all those she had invited from our school.

Soon, it was time to say goodbye. But as usual, who would leave any wedding without handing out a wedding gift? Sometimes, I still wonder if I bought her a suitable wedding gift.