The Colors That Unite

Helena opened a large book containing hundreds of fabric swatches, all neatly arranged.

“For the women, I recommend sage green satin velvet as the base fabric. We can pair it with Chantilly lace featuring delicate floral patterns to give it an elegant look without making it too heavy.”

Aruna ran her fingers over the lace swatch Helena handed her.

It felt soft.

“I like this one. It’s not itchy.”

“Excellent.”

Helena nodded.

“We can adjust the designs to suit each person’s age and body shape. The older women could wear loose-fitting tunics, while the younger cousins could opt for modern kebaya styles or more fitted dresses.”

“That sounds good,” Rianti chimed in. “What about the men?”

“For the men, I recommend premium champagne-colored Toyobo cotton. It’s breathable and comfortable for a wedding at home.”

Danar studied the fabric samples.

“Mbak, would it be possible for the men to wear batik instead?”

Helena looked up.

“Of course.”

Rianti immediately cut in.

“Mas, this is a bridal boutique. How often do you find batik here? If you want batik, we’d have to look for another boutique.”

“You never know.”

“Well, I don’t know either.”

Helena smiled at their little debate.

“Actually, we have a dedicated couture line for men.”

Rianti fell silent at once.

Helena signaled to her assistant.

The woman opened one of the drawers in a large wooden cabinet in the corner of the room. Inside were several rolls of batik fabric featuring contemporary patterns.

“We have a selection of silk and dobby batik fabrics that we’ve carefully curated to complement the wedding’s color scheme.”

One of the fabrics was spread across the table.

Light beige dominated the design, accented by delicate green leaf patterns.

Aruna and Rianti immediately stepped closer.

“This one is beautiful,” Aruna said.

“Gorgeous,” Rianti agreed.

Danar nodded.

“What if we just went with batik shirts?”

“That can certainly be done. Our tailoring team will make them to the individual measurements of each family member.”

Rianti looked satisfied.

“So we don’t have to switch boutiques after all.”

“Exactly.”

Helena smiled.

“For the family outfits, we also allow extra seam allowance on the inside. That way, if anyone’s measurements change slightly as the wedding approaches, we can still make adjustments.”

“Thank goodness,” Rianti said with relief.

Helena then glanced at her notes.

“Now that we’ve settled the colors and fabrics, we can move on to measurements.”

She looked at Aruna and Danar.

“We can take your measurements now, Mbak Aruna and Mas Danar. Mbak Rianti can have hers taken at the same time.”

The three of them followed Helena’s assistant to the fitting room.

The process didn’t take long.

Once Aruna’s, Danar’s, and Rianti’s measurements had been recorded, Helena handed them a form for the family members who weren’t present.

“You can send us the measurements for the ten people on Mbak Aruna’s side and the seven on Mas Danar’s side through WhatsApp.”

Helena tapped her tablet.

“I’ll also send you a measurement guide to help ensure accuracy. If possible, please include full-length photos taken from the front and side. That will help our team tailor each outfit to the individual’s posture and proportions.”

Aruna nodded.

“All right.”

After all the details had been recorded, Helena informed them of the initial payment amount.

They paid the fifty percent down payment using the card machine at the service desk.

Not long afterward, they were standing at the boutique entrance.

“We’ll wait to hear from you next month, Mbak Helena,” Aruna said as they prepared to leave.

“Of course. As soon as the initial designs are ready, you’ll be the first to know.”

Helena shook hands with each of them.

“I hope everything goes smoothly right up to the big day.”

“Amen. Thank you, Mbak.”

They stepped outside.

A few minutes later, the door of Danar’s black SUV shut with a heavy thud.

The sound seemed to seal off the noise of the traffic outside, leaving the cabin quiet.

Danar started driving toward home.

None of them spoke at first.

Rianti was busy with her phone in the back seat.

Aruna deliberately let the silence linger.

She stared straight ahead, but her thoughts were still in the consultation room at Helena House.

Seven people.

Until now, she had only known about Om Reza, his wife, and Danar’s two cousins in Bandung.

Now, suddenly, there were Tante Laras, Om Hendra, and Biyan.

Three names that had never once come up in any of Danar’s stories.

Aruna slowly turned toward him.

Danar remained focused on the road.

“Danar.”

“Hmm?”

“Why have I never met Tante Laras and Om Hendra?”

Danar didn’t answer immediately.

His hands remained steady on the steering wheel.

“They’re not particularly close to me.”

“Have they always been that way?”

“Yes.”

His answer was brief.

Too brief.

Aruna turned her gaze back to the road ahead.

For some reason, his answer did nothing to satisfy her curiosity this time.

If anything, it only made her more curious.

Why had Danar never introduced her to those relatives?

And why, after knowing Danar for years, was she only just finding out they existed?