Dusk At the End Please

Otewe Halal

Akhtar promised not to contact Shanum while in Bali. He is busy with his project there. A luxury cafe owner asked him to handle interior design while complementing the furniture in the cafe he had just built. Akhtar was given two weeks to complete his work, the owner of the cafe wanted his grand opening cafe to coincide with his wife's birthday, exactly two weeks to come.

Akhtar was forced to accept the request of his customers to go directly to Bali. Customer satisfaction is the priority. Moreover, the customer was none other than his business partner so far. Akhtar has great respect for the wishes of his customers.

Akhtar works hard to complete his work with professionals to be completed on time with satisfactory results. His busyness slightly shifted his mind from Shanum. However the one day he went through without contacting Shanum felt very slow for Akhtar at the moment.

While in Garut, Shanum's activities have returned to normal. Today he looks more relaxed because he has given his main task to Indri. This afternoon Shanum promised to pick up his sister Fauzan to the station, Fauzan deliberately using the train to Garut. The bike he left in Bogor at the request of his brother.

Since the rice stall rame mother, Fauzan was asked to stop working in pharmacies and cafes owned by his friend. Shanum asked him to continue his education, after a year had paused because his desire was to be able to make money himself. Make Fauzan steady choose to work.

Seeing the spirit of his youngest brother, Shanum also requested that Fauzan continue his education according to his wishes in the field of health. Graduating from SMK Pharmacy in Bogor, Fauzan aspired to become a pharmacist and opened his own pharmacy. It is noble that his sister's ideals, which are paused by circumstances, as Shanum's brother has a desire to help his sister achieve her goals. He also asked Fauzan to resign from his place of work now and come to Garut.

"Teh, what time is A Fauzan coming?" Indri asked while checking some incoming messages from customers who order catering for tomorrow. Thirteen is the time for a close order.

"He said he finished ashar estimated he took to Garut station. Insya Alloh at two o'clock to leave, yes, In" said Shanum, he tidied some papers scattered on his desk.

"Okay, tea.be careful, calm down if the mah shop is safe under control" said Indri memgebu, his cousin who was always reliable. Despite his young age, his thoughts and actions are always calculating. He even became a mainstay in his family, the third of five children was sometimes a decision maker in the family.

Time still shows thirteen o'clock, the stall is rame-ramnya visitors. Lunch time is a busy time for everyone in the rice shop. Not infrequently Shanum also went down directly to serve buyers who came.

After making sure all the visitors had received food according to his order, Shanum looked for a mother to leave. He did not want the sister to wait long, especially considering if Fauzan departs before the dzuhur from Bogor, surely he has not had lunch today. He should be on time to pick up Fauzan, he thought.

"Bi Isah, where are you?" shanum asked as he looked in the kitchen there was only Bi Isah.

"Mother is in the neng toilet" said bi Isah to stop her activity while peeling potatoes. Lately orders fried potato sauce mustopa is a lot. Shanum stuns a few quintals of potatoes at home.

Shanum decided to wait for the mother at the dinner table, she grabbed the onion bean jar on the table. Suddenly in his memory flashed a shadow of Akhtar, he forgot to ask the hampers containing some snack jars he gave to the man during his grand opening furniture, whether he ate or not.

Speaking of Akhtar, it didn't feel like a week had the man not contacted him. He kept his promise to give Shanum time to think. There was a longing that slipped in Shanum's chest, their last togetherness making Shanum feel closer to Akhtar. Akhtar gave him two weeks to answer his personal application. It meant that there was only one week left for Shanum to think.

Liani almost daily reminds her to never waste a chance, open her heart and move on with another love. About Haqi, let him occupy his own place in Shanum's heart. Almost every day they communicate by phone. Liani who always tells what she experienced in the foundation including Ahsan who is increasingly attentive and possessive but has not yet given her certainty about their relationship. Shanum is open about his relationship with Akhtar.

"Teh, where are you going?" Mr. Imran came, he stopped by the factory because he had not had lunch. The rush at the factory made him postpone lunch.

"Mother haven't eaten yet?" Shanum ignored Mr Imran's question, he turned to look at his father who was sitting after taking the plate from the plate rack.

"Not tea, this is. Did the teteh eat? come together" replied Mr. Imran casually.

"Sir, why did you have lunch at this hour?" shanum asked frantically, he was the most chatty person about breakfast and lunch to everyone in his house, because it was very important according to Shanum. He always makes sure everyone has breakfast before starting his activities and rest, pray and lunch on time as lunch ammunition before returning to activities.

"The father had a conversation with Mr. Kades, he said he was your friend?" Shanum nodded.

"He wants cooperation to meet the needs of rice aid for the citizens who deserve it" explained Mr Imran.

"Keep you accept?" their conversation stopped when Ms. Hana came to bring warm tea water for her husband.

"Still you think, has not been discussed with Mang Ujang and Mang Dadi" replied Mr. Imran, he stopped for a moment his mouthful and grabbed the warm tea offered by his wife.

"Where are you going?" bu Hana's question returned the memory of Mr Imran who asked the same thing but had not received an answer from his daughter.

"You pick up Fauzan tea Bu, he will arrive ba'da ashar at Garut station he said" Shanum replied.

"Be careful with tea" said Mr. Imran after learning of Shanum's purpose and answered a nod of the head by Shanum, he put some onion nuts back in his mouth after answering his mother's question.

"Teh, Nak Akhtar how are you? kok never came here" Bu Hana lured her daughter to talk, actually she already knew if Akhtar was going to Bali. She was all very happy when she came home, Ms. Fatimah also told me about the purpose of her son's departure to Bali. The two of them are more intensely communicating, they are both happy if their mission is almost to the finish without having to much ammunition because Akhtar directly executed it himself.

Shanum breathed heavily, as if there would be a burden squeezing in his chest. He has not told about the proposal that Akhtar did personally to his parents.

"A Akhtar gave teteh two weeks to answer, Mom. When he was last here, he.he. proposed to you in person Mom" said Shanum hesitated, he looked embarrassed to tell me if it was too soon.

Mr. Imran and Ms. Hana looked at each other. Hearing his eldest daughter's words a smile also rose on the lips of the two.

"What do you want to answer?" asked Bu Hana trying to pry the contents of her daughter's heart.

"I don't know Mom, I'm confused" Shanum replied with a face.

"A week ago Nak Akhtar asked the same permission of Father and Mother to approach the teteh, he said he did not want to lose another opportunity, this time he did not want to lose the start" Mr. Imran finally said, saying, he also chuckled at the end of his words.

Shanum took a deep breath again, he closed the jar that had been in his lap and put it back on the dining table.

"Isn't it too soon, sir? the day after tomorrow is the departure of Abang exactly one year. Unkind to Mami and Hasna, at this time they may still be grieving" Shanum finally expressed his concern all along, he did not want what he did to offend those two people who loved him so much.

"Mothers believe that they love each other and want to be happy" Hana stood up from her seat and approached her daughter. He stroked the shoulder of Shanum who was still sitting by lowering his head.

Ms. Hana did have time to contact her daughter-in-law, she also said if there is currently a man who intends to propose Shanum. Ms. Ratna was very enthusiastic to respond, she had also reminded Shanum several times to open her heart to other men, Shanum was young to continue living with new people. But Shanum always responds coldly.

"There is no term too fast or slow tea, all has been arranged and happened at the right time. Do not reject feelings and reality, live as they are. Follow the flow and enjoy every process. Don't forget to include God in every step of our lives. As long as God is the goal, there will be no futile struggle. As long as God is hope, there will be no free do'a. Everything will be happy in time" Mr. Imran advised his eldest daughter with gentleness, feeling reassuring for Shanum. Do'a both parents always accompany it and give strength of heart to step more steadily.

Two weeks have passed....

Akhtar really kept his promise not to contact Shanum during his stay in Bali. Two weeks he used to finish his work, in addition to quickly finished he was trying to divert his mind and heart from thinking about Shanum who always shadowed him. Just armed with photos that he took secretly a little treat his longing for the woman of his heart.

Friday afternoon Akhtar finished all his work. One day earlier than scheduled, the cafe is ready to open on Sunday. Bram as the owner of the cafe is satisfied with the work of Akhtar. Asked for Akhtar to attend the grand opening cafe, Bram intended to introduce him to his wife and business partners. But Akhtar refused subtly, he reasoned that he already had an appointment that day.

Bram informed him and delivered Akhtar's return to the airport on Friday night. Seeing if there is still a flight schedule ba'da maghrib Bali-Jakarta, he decided to go home that night as well. Akhtar intends to stay at his uncle's house in Jakarta which is none other than Ahsan's parents, and continue the journey to Garut ba'da dawn.

Bali-Jakarta flight less than two hours Akhtar through sleep. During the two weeks of being in Bali he was very less rested because he was chasing his work deadline.

At nine o'clock Akhtar got off the plane, he was waiting for an invitation in the airport waiting seat, his uncle sent a message if his driver would pick up Akhtar at the airport.

Akhtar turned on his phone and there were many incoming messages, his little heart wished that there would be messages coming in from Shanum, two weeks of refraining from contacting the woman was really tormented. He almost broke his promise not to contact Shanum. However, Shanum never contacted him at all.

Akhtar who was cool with his salary while waiting for an invitation did not realize if someone was watching him since. The man approached Akhtar.

"Sir Akhtar?" the soft sap made Akhtar who looked at his gawai look up. He watched the beautiful pink-hijab woman before him.

"Yes, me?" akhtar asked confusedly, he felt that he did not recognize the woman.

"Right be Akhtar, right?" repeat the woman.

"Yes, I'm Akhtar. Sorry who are you?" akhtar asked back, she really did not remember who that woman was.

"I am Hasna Pak, a year ago our company cooperated, I am from PT. Two Brothers. My company that provides procurement of goods in the new hotel owned by the company Father" Hasna also thrust his hands to shake hands. Akhtar cupped his hands together in front of the chest to receive Hasna's hand.

"Ouh, sorry" Hasna pulled back her hand.

"I'm sorry, I'm not in that company anymore" Akhtar explained,

"Yes sir, I know. Now my assistant continues to work with my company. Lastly I got information if you had an accident and had to undergo treatment abroad. Now that you seem to be healthy and back on the move, thank God I'm happy" Hasna spoke at length, a friendly smile on the lips of the beautiful businessman.

"Thank you" Akhtar replied flatly, she did not return the smile Hasna showed her at all.

"Sorry, my invitation has arrived. I go first, Assalamu'alaikum" Akhtar chose to wait outside the waiting area, he dodged by saying if the invitation had come. He passed from Hasna's presence without waiting for her answer.

"Wa'alaikumsalam" replied Hasna slowly along with Akhtar who only saw his back getting away.

**

Shanum gets a message from Indri if this Sunday his cafe is booked by someone because there will be a family event held in his stall. Shanum gladly agreed. He also helped prepare everything after checking directly the request of his customers.

The stall will be used, right at lunchtime. Shanum kept his stall open from morning but he only served take away, the stall is being prepared by Yogi who every Saturday Sunday helps Shanum in his stall because his lecture is off. With the help of others, Yogi began to decorate the stalls with decorations according to the request of his customers.

At exactly twelve o'clock in the afternoon everything is ready, the stall has been transformed into a simple party room but very beautiful and comfortable. Food dishes are also available complete with rice tumpeng towering on the tray according to customer orders.

Shanum prepares fruit salad, vegetable salad and risol with various fillings as a menu appetizer . Tumpeng rice and liwet rice complete with side dishes typical of the two main menus as a choice of main course menu at the family event of its customers. While for dessert he prepared pudding, ice cream and fruit pie as a menu choice that is suitable to be enjoyed after lunch in a fairly sunny atmosphere today.

"Perpects!" he said after arranging fruit pies on a special dessert table placed at the very end, about two meters from the main course menu table.

Shanum had split the duties to serve his guests today, he asked Indri to welcome his guests as usual. Several times in his stall booking for an event, Shanum only appears to meet his customers when the event ends or when there are customers who ask to meet him. After making sure all the preparations were perfect, Shanum chose to play with Humairah in his room.

So even today, he brought Humairah who since morning with his cousin at his aunt's house, he took her to the room because Humairah looks sleepy. At this time it is usually the schedule Humairah nap, as usual when playing with Humairah Shanum always contact Rida the younger brother who is currently in Bogor. Rida's pregnancy has been four months. He also said he would come to Garut because he was no longer nauseous.

"Assalamu'alaikum, son of mamah" Rida said as she received a video call from her brother.

"Wa'alaikumcalam" Shanum replied, imitating the voice of Humairah who was even a henchman with a new toy that Shanum bought while going to Jakarta. Two days ago Shanum just returned from Jakarta, he was staying overnight at his in-laws' house. In the morning she was accompanied by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law to visit her late husband's grave.

The novelty of covering Shanum's heart when visiting Haqi's tomb, it is not felt that her husband's departure has passed a year. Many do'a that Shanum said in his heart, asking for eternal happiness for the husband by being placed in Jannatunna'im, a paradise full of pleasure.

Shanum went to Jakarta accompanied by Fauzan who had agreed to stay in Garut. He will help his brother develop his culinary business while studying at Garut. Several private universities in Garut provide options for continuing education, and the choice falls on the faculty of pharmacy at Garut University.

During the trip home from Jakarta they both told each other with their personal affairs. Fauzan who had started glancing at a girl he told his eldest brother, including about Akhtar who was still on good terms with him. They restarted communication when Akhtar decided to stay in Garut, when there was a meeting in Bogor with his client Akhtar stopped by Shanum's old house and met Fauzan.

Since then their communication has re-established and more intense when Akhtar said that he had proposed to Shanum. Akhtar was angry at Fauzan who did not tell him about Shanum's true situation, but Fauzan reasoned that it was not his right. She just wanted to appreciate what her brother's decision was, and Akhtar understood. Shanum did not expect that his younger brother had been so close to Akhtar all this time. Even for two weeks he did not contact her, but with Fauzan he actively communicated. It sucks, Inner Shanum.

"Lho ko mama hasn't changed clothes yet?" Rida is back on Shanum's screen. His call changed since Humairah lived with Shanum. He was surprised to see his brother who still wears a house shirt even fun playing with his daughter.

"Why indeed?" tanya Shanum who remains focused helps Humairah arrange his new toy on a small plastic table owned by Humairah.

"Said mom now her guest is a friend of mother, the time has not welcomed her?" clearly Rida who looks tidying up her hijab with a mirror on the screen of her device.

"No ah, now it's time we sleep, moy moy, mother's favorite moy.." Shanum's anxiety around his niece who was playing a henchman made Humairah scream, "nda.eli, nda....eli" he said in a still slurred voice as he said making Shanum even more anxious and continued his action tickling Humairah. The two of them were engrossed in laughter, while Rida was just smiling happily looking at her eldest daughter looking happy with her mother, the elder sister who had always been her mainstay and pride.

"Tea, may happiness soon approach teteh as soon as possible, I love you very much" Rida sat in silence when she noticed the familiarity of the two of them.

Tok.dok....

The knock on the door of Shanum's room stopped his act of teasing Humairah, his goal was still connected to the younger brother who was screaming calling his daughter who was even a henchman back to play with his new toy.

"Mom?" Shanum was surprised to find the mother who was standing in front of the door of his room with a dress that was still wrapped neatly in her hands, her own mother already looks neat wearing an official dress with a color that matches her hijab.

"Where are you going?" shanum asked in surprise, he helped bring the dress that the mother had difficulty carrying.

"Tea get ready now, change clothes with this" Bu Hana pointed to the dress she had handed to Shanum. "Down, the guest has come" continued Ms. Fatimah.

"Who's your mom? who will come?" shanum asked puzzledly, he had absolutely no idea if there would be any guests coming to his house.

"The one who rented our stall, he was a good friend of mother. He asked all of you to meet with all of our family members, so please change your clothes quickly. This is a special dress for our family, the show has begun" sayup-sayup is indeed heard if under someone who is thought to be the host of the event has begun to talk opening the event, Shanum doesn't know anything he's just following.

Ms. Hana also took Humairah away from Shanum's room, she told Shanum to quickly prepare and go downstairs to meet the guests.

With little reluctance Shanum cleaned himself and changed his clothes, a very beautiful sky blue dress attached fitting on Shanum's body, the hijab with matching colors was prepared complete with the dress. He also polished his thin face with powder and applied lip-colored lipstick that had previously been natural pink.

Shanum came out of his room down the stairs, carrying a device in his right hand he climbed each step of the stairs slowly unaware that from under the sister Fauzan was recording it.

"Daddy, very rame. Ask your guests?" shanum asked when he had reached the lower floor he slightly leaned his head looking from the window of his house some parked cars filled the yard of the stall and his house.

"Lumayan The full parking lot tea is partly directed to the factory" replied Fauzan who started typing something in his dress.

"Continue going where? embarrassed ah later just meet his guests if the show is finished" elak Shanum, he walked towards the sofa in the living room but was prevented by Fauzan.

"Where are you going? come with me, everyone is waiting" Fauzan asked, he clasped Shanum's hand tightly as if afraid of Shanum running away.

"Then Deck, then" Shanum still reluctantly walked after Fauzan who walked half-dragging him.

Arriving at the door that became the access between the house and the shop, Shanum was aghast, he circulated his gaze to the entire area of the stall that had been transformed into the party venue. He saw many people he knew, even his entire family was there. Rida, the sister who was just a few minutes ago video call with him was also present there.

Fatimah's mother, Liani, Ahsan, Ghifar and some of Ahsan and Akhtar's friends whom he knew were also there. Akhtar's extended family from the mother's side who he met during the grand opening ceremony of FDF furniture was complete there. His attention was then distracted by someone dressed in a formal suit that made him look more handsome and dashing while standing in the center of the voice with a mic held by him.

All smiles welcomed Shanum's presence, the atmosphere became silent. The musical accompaniment suddenly broke the silence, a familiar melodious sound in Shanum's ears warmed the atmosphere which actually made Shanum feel the overwhelming heat, his cheeks were already flushed holding in shock, confusion and shame mixed.

Maybe it's time

'I ended the time of solitude

Prepare your heart to propose to you

Accept myself

Akhtar sang the song with awe, his gaze could not be separated from the sky blue hooded girl who stood opposite him was also looking at him with a confused face.

Maybe right now I'll let go of my free time

'I'm editing you

Be my partner and live old with me

Accept my love

Everyone was swept away in Akhtar's melodious voice, unexpectedly behind his seemingly ever serious and cold appearance hidden the romantic soul that only he showed for someone special in his heart.

Maybe it's time

'I ended the time of solitude

Prepare your heart to propose to you

Accept my love, hu-uh-oh-oh

Maybe right now I'll let go of my free time

'I'm editing you

Be my partner and live old with me

Accept my love

Uh-oh-oh-oh, wo-wo-wo

Wo-uh-hu-uh

Maybe right now I'll let go of my free time

'I'm editing you

Be my partner and live old with me

Akhtar walked towards Shanum, with the mic still in his grasp he stepped steadily towards Shanum who was still standing with a blushing face as he saw Akhtar getting closer towards him.

Oh, maybe right now I'm going to take my free time

'I'm editing you

Be my partner and live old with me

Accept my love

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriter: Tri Asylum

As the music ended, Akhtar stopped right in front of Shanum. The mic he was holding was diverted to his left hand, his right hand reached into his pocket, a black velvet box was removed from his pocket, he opened and was shown towards Shanum, a diamond ring was now the focus of Shanum's gaze.

"Meeting you is not a fortune, but a blessing given by God to complete me. Allow me to make you happy until the end of our time. I thank God for being given one heart to love you, one brain to always think of you and one mouth that never stops to always pray for you. All I'm doing is about you. You are the source of my spirit. And to you I dream of success all day long. Don't make me feel miserable, by refusing this proposal. Be a bearer of the light of goodness in our homes later. Will you be my wife?" Akhtar spoke at length, all the sentences that came out of his mouth were so run down with meaning, all who witnessed also dissolved in the romantic words.

Shanum was still unmoved, he was staring at the people around him. Mr. Imran and Bu Hana looked teary-eyed watching everything, they nodded their heads as Shanum stared as if asking for approval. Shanum's view turned to two women in costumes with matching colors, Ms Ratna Haqi's mother and Hasna's sister-in-law were also present there, they were moved and nodded their heads as Shanum looked at the two of them with already dewy eyes. Glanced also Bu Fatimah who had been staring at him with a look of hope.

"Take this ring and wear it if you are willing to be my wife, the mother of my children. But if you still need time to think, let me bring this ring back, and I'll wait until you're ready to put this ring on your ring finger" Akhtar again said softly this time, there was hope and worry on his face when saying those words. Full of diplomacy, no coercion, he gave Shanum the choice to decide.

Shanum took a deep breath and threw it slowly through his nose, he pursed his lips holding back the unusual taste that now covered him. Everyone was tense, no one had a voice watching the tense scene before them.

Slowly Shanum's outstretched hand picked up the black velvet box in Akhtar's hand. A smile began to expand on Akhtar's lips including everyone who witnessed it. But the smile faded as Shanum closed the black velvet box and handed it back to Akhtar.

Akhtar was stunned, with a disappointed face he received back the box. Everyone else looked disappointed to regret Shanum's actions, but no one dared to make a sound. Everyone appreciated Shanum's decision.

Akhtar lowered his head, holding back something that stifled his chest. He held tightly to the velvet box he had just received back from Shanum.

Shanum walked towards Fatimah who was unable to hold back the tears that finally escaped from his puddle when he saw the son bowed lethargic. Shanum passed Akhtar just like that not caring about the expression of the man's disappointment.

An atmosphere of silence, all dissolved in his mind. Shanum got closer, he stood right in front of Fatimah. Slowly his hands stretched out, he wiped the tears that soaked the cheeks of the woman who was no longer young but still looked fresh and beautiful. Everyone was getting late in the novelty of seeing what Shanum was doing.

"Mother, please put this ring on my ring finger" Shanum opened the grip of his right hand with the diamond ring Akhtar had given over his palm. He also extended his left hand, giving a code so that Ms. Fatimah put the ring on the ring finger of his left hand.

Everyone was amazed to witness Shanum's action, not expecting Shanum to surprise Akhtar in a unique way. He managed to turn things around into one another, himself who was shocked by the surprise of the application without his knowledge now managed to make all shocked by the way he received Akhtar's proposal.

Akhtar raised his head to hear Shanum's words, he turned his body to look at Shanum who was extending his left hand to be fitted with his gift ring by the Mother. Fatimah smiled, tears still did not stop wetting her cheeks but her sadness had turned into a newness and a happy smile.

She took the ring on Shanum's right palm and put it on. Akhtar opened the black velvet box in his hand, which was empty.

"Arggh...., Shanum Najua Azzahra" Ahsan chirped with Shanum's action. Some people laughed at Akhtar's behavior.

Shanum turned to face Akhtar, smiling broadly as he revealed the ring that was fixed to the ring finger of his left hand. His hands stretched out asking for a mic at the host, he said,

"Eumm.." Shanum cleared his throat attracting attention before continuing his speech.

"Akhtar Farzan Vijaya..." Shanum called Akhtar by his full name. Everyone was still speechless hypnotized by the scenes before them.

"Before loving me, I ask again. Are you facing me?" Shanum asked firmly but with a gentle gaze towards Akhtar. Without thinking much more Akhtar nodded his steady head in response, a smile began to re-engrave on his lips.

"You're still my biggest reason for not accepting new people in my life. With the pleasure of Allah and the blessing of those who love me..." Shanum looked at his parents and his smiling mother-in-law looking at him.

"Akhtar Farzan Wijaya, I am willing to live the rest of my life with you" Shanum said,

tik..tik.tik.tik.sana silence, but a second later thanksgiving echoed filled the room.

"Alhamdulillah" cried all those who began to unravel the tension and novelty in each other's hearts because of the scene they witnessed.

"Aarrrghhh....Shanuuuum, you crazy yeah, almost make all hangers" Liani's shout invited everyone's laughter. Unconsciously his original attitude came out, he also hugged his best friend with the laughter of everyone who was still echoing filled every corner of the room on this happy day.

*

*

*

*

*

The longest episode of Akhtar and Shanum's love journey. 🤩🤩🤩

Panic not with the way Shanum nerima pinangan Akhtar? panic dong, time enggak😂😂😂maksa!

next..get ready for the ending!🥰