Accompany Me with Hijrah
THE WELCOME TO CAIRO
The cold atmosphere in the morning does not hinder the busyness at Juanda International Airport. The clock was still showing at six in the morning, but the airport was crowded with passengers who were about to travel. Zarra himself walked towards the passenger entrance while continuing to wrangle in Fahri's hands. Today they will leave for Cairo to complete the education of Fahri who lives a little more. No one took them to the airport. Mama and Papa Zarra are still in Banjarmasin. They were just video calls earlier during the trip from home to the airport.
Zarra felt a steady step Fahri. Maybe because Fahri was used to flying to Cairo. He heard from Fahri's story that they would fly about 15 hours from Indonesia to Cairo. There, uncle Fahri already provides one apartment for those close to the Fahri campus. Fahri looks calm, in contrast to Zarra who is a little tense. He never traveled abroad alone. Well, not even now. But not for a long time. He was afraid of having to be in his own apartment when Fahri was in college. He kept breathing to help his body relax. Fahri, who felt Zarra's hand feel cold, had expected that his wife would be tense. He held Zarra's hand, grasped it, making Zarra smile happily.
Even on the plane Zarra could not close his eyes. What shadow he was going to face there, made him feel tense. There was no one he knew. Ah, positive thinking and hoping he can get along with mediocre English.
"Bismillah" whispered Fahri breaking Zarra's tension. Zarra turned, looking at her husband. Apparently, Fahri noticed it. Zarra nodded with a smile. Fahri knew what Zarra had in mind. Moreover, Zarra learned that uncle Fahri lived a little far from their apartment. He understood Zarra's worries. But explaining it at this time will not reduce Zarra's tensions. It was better once he got to Cairo, he showed how amazing the city was.
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The atmosphere of Cairo was very different from what Zarra had in mind. The capital of Egypt looked like Jakarta to him. Along the way, Fahri recounts what they saw. They booked a taxi online after arriving at the airport to get to their apartment. Due to a slower time difference of 5 hours from Indonesia, they arrived in Cairo at 5 p.m. Fatigued after 15 hours of travel, Zarra could barely contain her sleepiness. Fortunately, they arrived in front of the apartment.
Fahri and Zarra said their greetings as they opened the apartment door. The apartment is not very big. There is only one bedroom, kitchen and living room that they can use as well to receive guests. Although not too big, Zarra is grateful, this apartment is very comfortable.
After the bath, Zarra fell asleep. He hasn't even cleaned his clothes. Fahri saw him just smiling. He saw that Zarra was completely exhausted. He did not have the heart to wake her up just to make coffee. He chose to make his own coffee and tidy up some of their stuff. He even cooks food in the refrigerator. The materials were provided by Uncle Fahri. Uncle Fahri is Fahri's adoptive brother. Even so, Fahri and Abah's father loved him as much as a sibling. Fahri is also like a real son to his uncle because he has no children.
Tong
The sound of the doorbell disperse the daydream of Fahri who was enjoying his coffee. He moved from where he stood and opened the door. There stood his uncle and aunt. They came to bring gifts for their daughter-in-law.
"Assalamu'alaikum," his uncle said happily.
"Wa'alaikumsalam" replied Fahri. They hugged the miss. Fahri invited them in.
"Where is this newlywed? Where's your wife?" asked Aunt Fahri.
"Frigured like it, Mi. Abis took a shower and went to sleep" Fahri replied.
"It's okay. Don't build. Pity. 15 hours is not a moment, let alone your wife just first went far," replied Aunt Fahri.
"Abi with Umi how are you?," Fahri asked. Some months don't see them, the longing feels. He was used to calling his uncle and aunt 'abi-umi'. They are parents to Fahri too.
"Thank God we're healthy, son," his uncle replied as he relaxed in their living room chair.
"Coffee?," Fahri offered coffee. Uncle Fahri probed. "Quiet, Bi. This Indonesian coffee, made by Mother," explained Fahri. Then they laughed. Fahri memorized once with the habits of his uncle who drank native Indonesian coffee. His uncle did not want to drink coffee from anywhere, must be original Indonesia and made by Ms. Fahri.
"For Umi, I've made rendang seasoning the same as some sambal," said Fahri again. His aunt's eyes looked bright. Aunt Fahri is a hot lover. He always ordered sambal and Indonesian condiments from Ibu Fahri. Their conversation continues with the topic of a meeting between Fahri and Zarra.
After his aunt and uncle died, Fahri's cell phone rang. It turned out to be from Firhan, one of Indonesia's friends on his campus. They just asked if Fahri had arrived. Because they'll bring something for Fahri and Zarra. Fahri agreed and they will come ba'da isya.
Fahri went back into his room. Zarra was still asleep. Slowly he approached his wife. It's so sleepy. Zarra sleep curled up exactly baby. Fahri tidied Zarra's hair. Zarra blinked her eyes. The day was almost dark.
"What time is it, Yang?" asked Zarra, waving quietly. He returned to his original position, curled up.
"Already maghrib, my dear. Come on get up!," said Fahri. Zarra opened her eyes again. It was so heavy that his eyes were open. So, he had not slept for an hour. "Oiya, Abi was here with Umi. They send greetings, next time they stop by you, Yang," said Fahri. Zarra's eyes were perfectly rounded.
"Cock wasn't built, Yang? Not good dong! They came here to see us" Zarra said. Fahri smiled
"The mother who does not want. It's a long journey" Fahri replied. Zarra just sighed. He looked at Fahri. 15 hours of travel like it did not feel to him. Or maybe you're used to it. Zarra got out of his bed and took ablution and prayed maghrib with Fahri.
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Cairo at night is like Jakarta. Crowded. The Zarra apartment area is in the urban area. From the balcony of his apartment he could see the beauty of Cairo night. This apartment is on the 3rd floor. According to Fahri, this apartment is quite good. Because Indonesian students usually live in rented or boarding houses or dormitories where one room is filled with 3-4 people to save on living costs. Fahri was among those very lucky to have an uncle and aunt who had enough income to give him a place to live. The apartment they used to live in belonged to Uncle Fahri. However, Fahri's uncle and aunt decided to move after buying a house.
"Welcome to Cairo, dear," whispered Fahri spoiled in Zarra's ear. Zarra smiled in response to Fahri's words. Fahri hugged Zarra from behind.
"Quiet down. There are many Indonesians here. Later I will know my friends, yes?" said Fahri. Zarra nodded again. A cold night wind blew towards them.
"Oiya, you don't go out here alone except for emergencies. Wait me. Or you can ask Umi to accompany you out. Anyway, do not be alone out let alone come home maghrib. If I'm not at home don't accept guests carelessly" Fahri warned. His tone sounded resolute as if he was worrying about something. Zarra nodded with a smile. She knew her husband must be worried he'd stray. After all, he wouldn't dare to go out without a mahram.
Tong
The sound of the bell broke the atmosphere between them. Zarra looked at her husband full of question marks. Who is visiting at the clock ba'da isya like this?, inner Zarra. Fahri smiled.
"Well, that's them coming" cried Fahri. Them? They who? Zarra still doesn't understand. Fortunately, he had used his khimar after praying earlier. As soon as the door opened, there was the sound of more than one person. It turns out they were Fahri's friends. Fahri introduced one by one his friends. There's Firhan, Hawari, Raka, Moza, Raina and Meisya. Everyone welcomed Zarra with pleasure. It turns out that Fahri's female friends live in the girls' dorm near their apartment. They are close to each other because they are participating in the Indonesian student association in Cairo. Among them, Meisya was very quiet. He constantly looked at Zarra with an unpredictable gaze. However, when Zarra invited him to chat, he looked very friendly even very kind. Zarra just tried positive thinking and kept entertaining them well.
They stopped not too long. About an hour later they came home. Moreover, the women did not dare to go home too late even though it was crowded. Zarra understood. It's not too late, it's still half 9. However, the three of them are women. As for the men's friends, they would deliver the women to the front of the dormitory.
After they died, Zarra cleaned the living room and kitchen. Fahri helps her clean the table and take out the trash.
"Yang, if you really want to go out with Moza or Raina. Their college schedule is now no longer crowded," said Fahri. Zarra confirmed her husband's words. Maybe he was too tired to ask why not Meisya. Fahri did not mention Meisya by name to be his friend. However, Zarra only wanted to continue her sleep. Her body hurts all. Zarra was completely asleep tonight.
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