Married to my beloved uncle

Episode 1

Thunderous applause echoed through the auditorium of a prestigious university as a girl's name was announced, becoming the top graduate of the year.

The beautiful girl in a sage green kebaya beamed widely as a professor adorned her with a 'cum laude' sash.

"Congratulations, Archie. You truly are a bright student," praised the elderly professor, extending a hand.

Archie shook hands with her professor, modestly bowing her head. She was immensely grateful for her hard-earned sweet success.

"Thank you very much, ma'am," Archie said, reciprocated by a smile from the professor.

Archie looked towards her family, who had come bearing smiles. Tears of joy glistened in her eyes, for today she fulfilled her father's wishes.

Archiena, the girl who had devoted four years to earning her communication degree, approached her family.

Almost all the graduates' eyes were on her, but Archie's gaze was solely fixed on her parents.

Upon reaching them, Archie hugged her mother, crying with unmatched happiness in her embrace.

"Congratulations, my dear. Mom is so proud of you, truly proud," voiced mama Gita, Archiena's mother.

"Thanks, Ma. This is also because of papa and you," Archie responded with a beaming smile.

Then Archie embraced her father, expressing her gratitude to the man who was the hero in her life.

"You're papa's pride, Archie," said papa Dito, kissing his daughter's forehead.

Archie kept smiling, about to speak to her sister, but Adinda abruptly left without a word.

Archie remained positive, perhaps her sister had urgent matters, which is why she chose to leave the auditorium so suddenly.

After the graduation ceremony, Archie partook in a photo session with her family, where she reunited with her beloved, Aditya.

Like Archie, Aditya also graduated today, even though he had not earned the distinction of top graduate like Archie.

"Congratulations, darling. You're truly remarkable, and I'm proud of you," Aditya said, gently stroking his girlfriend's hand.

Archie smiled sweetly. "Congratulations to you too, Adit. I'm glad we graduated together," she replied softly.

Aditya grinned, inviting his girlfriend to pose with him for photos, each holding their graduation caps.

They experimented with various poses for lasting memories, unlikely to be recreated.

And why? Because Archie was going to marry and had decided to focus on taking care of her husband. Her Bachelor's degree was sufficient for job searching, so furthering her education, which could distract her from her wifely duties, was unnecessary.

"Archie, my goodness. I'm truly proud of you, congratulations," cooed Aunt Risa, hugging her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

"Thank you, Auntie. Adit's support has been invaluable," Archie replied, looking at her boyfriend.

"I can hardly wait to make you my daughter-in-law," Aunt Risa declared, causing Archie to blush shyly.

"Archie, congratulations. Here's a little something from your uncle," said Anto, Aditya's father.

Archie hesitated to accept, but upon Aunt Risa's insistence, she finally took the present and bouquet filled with chocolates.

After the congratulations, both Archie's and Aditya's families gathered for a group photo, their broad smiles reflecting pure joy.

Having finished with photographs, they all decided to head home, promising to meet that evening to discuss Archie and Aditya's wedding.

As her parents had promised, they planned to marry Archie off after her graduation.

***

That evening, Archie's and Aditya's families convened at a star-rated restaurant. They savored the food before them amidst lively conversation.

"I think we should hasten the wedding, Sir. They've been together for two years, and it's surely something they both eagerly await," proposed Anto.

Papa Dito nodded in agreement. "I'm essentially in favor; I'll leave the decision to Archie because I trust my daughter's choices," he responded.

Archie nodded, her eyes meeting Aditya's silent gaze. She was confident he was awaiting her say.

"Adit, what do you think?" Archie asked for her boyfriend's opinion.

Jolted by the sound of his name, he turned to Archie and nodded affirmatively.

"I'd like it to be soon, darling. You know how long I've wished for us to be married," Aditya replied calmly and with a smile.

Archie grasped Aditya's hand. He always radiated smiles toward her, though at times he might be harsh.

Indeed, Archie concealed aspects of Aditya's personality from her family. Aditya hated defeat, insisting on Archie's concession. A forceful nature meant Archie often had to acquiesce to his desires.

Yet Archie loved Aditya, not out of naivety but because she knew behind that temperament was a profound love for her.

"Why are you smiling? What's your answer?" teased mama Gita, playfully prodding her daughter.

Archie's smile returned sheepishly, her nod confirming her mother's inquiry.

"I want to marry Adit soon, Ma," confirmed Archie confidently.

Aunt Risa rose to embrace Archie, overtaken by joy at the prospect of the prompt wedding.

"I'm so happy, dear," Aunt Risa expressed, tightening her hug.

Aditya's smile strained; his gaze fixed ahead toward a girl giving him a piercing look.

The girl's hands tightened around the knife for cutting her steak. Eyes brimming with tears spoke of deep sorrow.

Adinda rose from her seat. "Excuse me for a moment; I need the restroom," she said, leaving the table.

Archie watched her sister leave, puzzled by Adinda's evident tearful wipe.

"Why does Dinda seem sad?" Archie thought to herself.

Aditya's ringing phone snapped Archie out of her reverie.

"Adit, your phone," she softly indicated.

"Yes, love. Excuse me, this is from Aldo," Aditya said as he stood with a 'hello' escaping his lips.

"The food's cooling, please help yourselves," Mama Gita remarked to her future in-laws.

"Archie, let's eat, dear," Risa encouraged her future daughter-in-law.

Archie nodded and proceeded to eat, convivial chatter accompanying her meal.

Meanwhile, outside the restroom, a heated, yet hushed confrontation drew bystanders' attention.

"You can't be angry, Dinda. From the start, I said I'd marry your sister, but I insisted on you as my mistress," Aditya told Adinda, the sister of his wife-to-be and his secret lover.