100 Days of Being a Widow

Section 52/Attending Marriage

***

Rania missed her night of sleep, thinking about how she struggled to this point. 100 Days have passed. The status of the widow is now accustomed to feeling. It turns out that living alone as a single parent is not so scary. It may be more sinister to live in a household, but the mind and soul are lost.

Now, how did he think of his status the next day. One side he did not want to think about life in the future. But on the other hand, he realized that his status was not good if it was maintained for a long time. Given he currently lives in a village with very thick customs and religion. He remembered once when he, Jean and accompanied by mbok Siti reported to the head of RT related to the presence as a newcomer, Jean, Mr. RT has reminded Rania and Jean of their status as non-husband and vulnerable to gossip, even though their intentions are limited to coworkers.

In turmoil. Rania called Malik's father again. Asking her opinion on Jean's good intentions to propose to Rania.

"Assalamualaikum..."

Greet Rania to the father who picked up the phone from her.

"Goddessalam, Rania..."

After talking about the news, Rania began to enter the main topic of conversation.

"Dad. Rania has completed the Iddah period. Thank God everything passed and Rania became a more calm person, well".

Rania said calmly.

"Alhamdulillah Rania my son. I'm so proud of you. You have passed every test in your life. I never even thought that my son would get such a tough test that if it happened to me, I wouldn't have been able to".

Said Malik's father in a rather heavy voice. Maybe hold back the crying.

"Yes dad. Thank you for all the advice and do'a-do'a father and mother. Without your do'a, Rania couldn't have been this strong".

Rania was silent for a moment. Take a deep breath to express his intentions.

"yeah. Jean expressed her intention to propose to Rania in the near future. What do you think, Dad?"

"Rania my son. You deserve to be happy. It's time to open a new chapter of your life".

Malik's father answered wisely.

"But, Rania is afraid of dad. What if household life is not as beautiful as coveted, afraid".

Rania's voice is getting heavy. His tears could no longer be shed.

"Rania. As long as the human being is still breathing. Then, the trials and trials must be there. Household trials are diverse Rania, whether it is from the economy, a sick spouse, a sick child, a partner who does not meet our expectations, or a difficult business. All of this must be lived and accepted with gratitude. After the test, there will be wisdom".

They were silent for a moment.

Then Malik's father continued his conversation.

"Son, tell Jean, I'm waiting for her proposal. I'm waiting in Aceh".

Said Malik's father while closing the conversation.

Rania's feelings between happy, moved, and nervous were mixed in her mind. How he conveys what his father entrusted. She was ashamed, but also happy. She's gonna find the right time to talk to Jean.

***

In the afternoon, when the atmosphere of the restaurant looks quiet. Rania tries to get to Jean who is trying to make a coffee machine that she just bought from her friend.

"Jean..."

Sapa Rania while standing nervously beside the coffee machine.

"Oh yes Rania..sini...sini...you want to try my concoction coffee?"

Rania smiled thinly.

"I want to say something".

Jean, who heard Rania's words, stopped her activities. Rania rarely spoke, if not the most important thing to her.

"Oh.ok. Let's sit down first".

Jean then gives a chair for Rania to sit on. Rania is sitting.

Jean sat in front of Rania. Staring into Rania's eyes, like trying to guess what Rania wants to talk about.

"Rania, you can talk now".

Jean gave an aba-aba.

"Jean. Malik's father salutes you".

Rania's lips felt stiff to speak. He was silent for a moment.

"emmmm.. I'm waiting for your betrothed, Jean".

Rania said while blushing in embarrassment.

"We are going to Aceh next week Rania. Prepare yourself".

Jean said excitedly.

***

From that day on, Rania became very special in front of Jean. Even Jean recruits new employees specifically to help with Rania's work.

"Rania, I want to take you somewhere. Get ready soon I'll pick you up".

Rania felt her heart beating fast. Why did Jean, whom he had known for a long time, now feel awkward.

A Honda Brio silver car was ready to pick him up. Rania sat in the back seat. He did not deserve to sit on the bench next to the driver.

The car drove leisurely, heading to a shopping mall. Rania followed Jean's steps. Without a word spoken.

Jean's footsteps stopped at a bridal showroom. Seen a row of typical bridal clothes lined up neatly pamper the eyes. A saleswoman comes to Rania and Jean.

"Good day, how can I help you?".

Said the salesperson kindly.

"Yes mba. I want to buy a wedding dress mba".

Jean said to the salesman.

"Jean..we buy, not rent?"

Rania Gumam.

Jean nodded.

"We're getting married in Aceh. So in order not to bother, then we will buy clothes from here. There we only prepare MUA, Rania".

Rania blushed to hear Jean's explanation. He walked around the Bridal boutique. She chose a white dress made of silk with brocade decoration that dangled under her feet. A hijab with white satin and broken white pearls adds an elegant accent. Rania tries on the clothes in the fitting room. Always walk out showing the dress she wore to Jean.

Rania's graceful appearance fascinated Jean.

"Do you like it, Jean?"

Rania asked while showing her the dress she was wearing.

"You look so graceful Rania"

muttered Jean. He also nodded in agreement.

"Is there anything else you want to wear at your wedding?"

Jean asked after paying for the broken white wedding dress.

"Yes".

Answer Rania briefly

"What?"

Ask Jean.

"Official clothing at the reception. Can you?"

Rania asked with a groovy accent like a child.

"certain Rania. I think so too. After the agreement, we will have a reception with a traditional Aceh dress".

Rania and Jean are like brides in general. Looks happy and excited. Arriving at home, they have been warmly welcomed by Azka and Zidan who have just returned home from the breach.

***

In the days leading up to the wedding, Jean measured a piece of land between the orchard and the goat stable. He wants to build a house for his family. The house was filled with fruit trees and behind the house was a goat pen. The house is simple, but it will be decorated with love and religion.

Be continuous..,