Ariana For Rangga

Episode Seventeen

"Today you know a lot about me. That's because I already assumed you were my little sister, and I believed in you. I hope, Arin is so with me."

Yoshie said as they were on their way back to the apartment after studying at the Osaka mosque.

"Yes brother.. Now sister is not only Arin's sister-in-law, but it's Arin's sister."

Answer Arin.

"Do you believe me?"

Ask Yoshie.

"Sure Arin believes in brother."

Reply Arin with a smile.

"Arin, you know.. Now in spring, there is a beautiful place to visit. I'm sure you'll like it a lot. Wanna there?"

Ask Yoshie.

"Come, let's go there, brother.."

Arin replied excitedly.

Finally they arrived at Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Because it was the first spring, the garden looked pink filled with cherry blossoms in bloom.

"Masyaa Allah.. The place is so pretty, brother. It turns out that seeing cherry blossoms in person is much more beautiful than in photos or on tv.."

Arin looked very amazed to see the beauty of the park.

"Rin, this is where I used to be alone when I was just starting to get to know Islam. I think and reflect a lot. And in this garden too, the first time I met Sakura's sister.

I was so flattered when he greeted me. You know, in this country it's very rare for someone to say hello to someone he doesn't know. But Sakura did, and she was sitting next to me, offering her the provisions she was carrying. He said it was Indonesian food, souvenirs from one of his friends."

Yoshie smiled, recalling the beginning of his meeting with the woman named Sakura.

"Let me guess, after that brother also started to be friends with him?"

"More than that Arin, because I know she is a devout Muslim woman. I felt that God had predestined my meeting with Sakura, to open my way of becoming a convert. Long story short, since being friends with Sakura I actually know more about the side of a Muslim who I never knew. How is his lifestyle, and the one I saw Sakura's sister also looks very peaceful. He is the same as me, a convert. It's just the difference, Kak Sakura's family thought more openly and accepted her decision even though they were also shocked and angry at first. And you know, thanks to Sakura's brother I also knew Ardan's brother and ended up marrying him."

Arin looked at Yoshie in great astonishment.

"Arin really salutes you, including the determination and patience of your brother. Despite facing a tough test, but big brother still did not give up. Now Arin is absolutely sure, brother is not wrong to choose a brother as a companion. True what brother said, Brother Yoshie is beautiful inside and out."

Arin said with a smile.

"God tests us because God knows we are capable. Whatever happens in our lives, everything is by God's will too. Good and bad, joy and sorrow, those are all scenarios of Him, the Most Perfect Sovereign.

But to accept or reject it, it is our choice. If we can accept everything with a big heart, give all that happens and surrender only to God on the effort we do, then our lives will be calm. Because we are sure, God has held all the things of our lives in the world. But if we refuse, if we run away from the reality of life, we cannot accept what God has set for us, our hearts will feel narrow. As if a lot of burden. Our lives will be a mess."

Arin looked amazed.

What Yoshie said was indeed true, and that was the answer. That was the solution to the problem he was facing right now. He can't run, he can't escape. He only needs to accept with a spacious heart, and surrender to the destiny of God. Believing wholeheartedly that what God has ordained must be best for him.

"Sister, thank you."

Said Arin sincerely.

"Thank you for what?"

Yoshie asked looked confused.

"For sister's advice. Now Arin understands, that sometimes things happen and not according to what we expect. But if we can accept it with a big heart and surrender to God, our heart will be much calmer."

Yoshie looked at Arin, then smiled as she clasped his hand.

"It's late afternoon, let's go home. Brother Ardan must have been worried waiting for us since morning."

Yoshie.

"Wait a minute, brother, Arin wants to take some photos. Rarely did Arin come here, let alone the time of spring like this, dear if missed so aja."

Arin reached into his sling bag, grabbed a cell phone and took some photos as memories before finally returning to the apartment with Yoshie.

Ardan asked shortly after Arin and Yoshie returned.

"Idih, brother kepo. It's a woman's business."

Arin answered, running straight to his room.

Ardan shook his head while laughing at the behavior of his only puppet sister.

"Dragon, sorry to be home late."

Yoshie said as she slapped her husband's hand.

"Yes, it's okay. Thanks baby, you took Arin on the road today."

Ardan replied with a smile.

Yoshie asked Ardan for permission to take Arin away, and maybe they'll be home late.

"So how many things are you talking about today? Don't you guys also talk about the brother behind ya.."

Search Ardan.

"Don't su'udzon.. I was just telling you about my experience when I started to know Islam, because Arin asked."

Answer Yoshie.

"Then what about Arin, did she tell you something?"

Ardan seemed curious.

Yoshie shook her head steadily.

"Arin didn't tell me anything, but I think she's got an answer to her problem."

Ardan frowned looking astonished.

"Abang, if Arin doesn't say anything about the problem it means he's confident in his own abilities, and I'm sure of that too."

Yoshie.

"Yes, I hope so. Arin never said anything about her problems, but I was her brother who since childhood guarded and protected her. You know exactly how Arin fights."

Yoshie rubbed her husband's shoulder gently.

"At least Arin said one thing, he had a brother who loved him very much and was very overprotective. And it turns out that's true."

Yoshie said with a sincere smile.

The next morning Arin came out of the room carrying his suitcase.

Ardan and Yoshie who were enjoying breakfast looked astonished.

"Well deck, where are you going to take the suitcase?"

Ask Ardan.

"home."

Reply Arin steady.

"Didn't Arin say he wanted to stay here for a week? Why rush home?"

Yoshie was no less surprised.

"Sister, brother, sorry. Arin just remembered Arin a lot of work this week. Besides, Arin's been truant too much."

Answer Arin.

Ardan patted the eel while shaking his head looking at his sister's impulsive attitude, but finally he could not resist as well.