FOREIGN DESIRANT

Episode 13 Alif's Feelings

Kirana held back prostration longer on her last tahajud that night. He is spilling out all the unrest of his mind, asking for forgiveness for the fragility of his heart and expressing all his hopes and hopes. He knew he was taking a big step for his future. Decided to accept Rehan to get to know each other more closely. But not a relationship! Kirana had already confirmed that to Rehan.

"This ta'aruf is not a courtship" Kirana said.

During ta'aruf, Rehan can't call Kirana, no text or greet her on social media. Kirana limits it all despite Rehan's protest.

"Why can't you?"

With just a little explanation, Kirana conveyed her reason so that as long as ta'aruf their heart and attitude were awake from slander. Rehan accepted that. They agreed that they would only be in contact through directly and accompanied by Ms. Eliza and Mr. Arif as their guidance teacher in Rohis.

Kirana remembered again, that afternoon upon their return from the automotive lab and met Ms. Eliza and got the info from Ms.Eliza that Rehan would replace Hilmi to read the verses of the Koran at the opening of the tabligh akbar to be held the next day. Hilmi is sick and unable to attend. Ms. Eliza decided Rehan was replacing Hilmi on the recommendation of Mr. Arif. For the first time, Rehan will appear in public with Kirana as a qori' and a saritilawah reader. Kirana was in love, "He and Rehan were meant to be together." But in another corner of his heart, resisting, revolting, not accepting.

Ah, Kirana doesn't want to be affected. He has decided like that.

***

He almost dropped a glass of hot coffee to be given to his grandfather until some parts spilled into Alif's own hands. He grimaced a little. The grandfather who saw actually knew these few days since returning home from the river the other day, Alif often looked dazed and dreamy. Alif had to go back and forth in the house to find the motorbike key when he was going to school when the key was in the pocket of the bag, where he used to keep the key. Yesterday he did not realize the eggs were being fried charred, apparently Alif was daydreaming and dusk today he forgot to close the goat herd. Then tonight, he almost dropped Grandpa Hasan's coffee that Alif made almost every night.

Grandfather knows as busy as Alif with his schoolwork, Alif never as loud as this. This must be a matter of the heart, guess grandpa. He recalled the events in the river and Kiara's story about Kirana and how Alif looked at Kirana, grandfather was already able to 'read' it. Grandpa waited for Alif to tell him what

it's going on between him and Kirana. Unfortunately, Alif was more silent to look dazed like this.

From the beginning grandfather wanted to tell Kiara about Kirana's feelings to Alif, grandfather waited for the right time. He thought it was time.

Grandfather sat not far from Alif who was daydreaming, Alif until unconscious if since grandfather had noticed."Kirana is a good girl, beautiful and righteous, grandfather will be very happy to have grandchildren

women like that in this house" said the grandfather as he patted Alif on the shoulder.

To be honest Alif was happy with Grandpa's wishes, Alif would be very happy if it happened...

Alif recalled his conversation with Kirana on the riverbank back then.

"How does Alif know?" ask grandpa.

Alif just smiled wryly and told me about the incident in the river. Grandfather who heard the story could only hold back a smile. Young people today are just there. Like each other but don't dare to be frank, Grandpa thought.

"Alif is stupid!" grandpa smile.

"meaning?"

"Is the neat, fragrant jacket that the girl returned yet to prove that she likes you?"

Nice and fragrant jacket? Alif was amazed, "To know where?"

"The girl has a sister who is also beautiful but more chatty." Grandpa laughed and Alif understood now.

Alif urged his grandfather to say whatever Kiara told him about Kirana. What had looked glum turned happy. He blushed to hear his grandfather's story.

Alif finally knew the man Kirana meant at that time was indeed himself. Alif soared the pleasure without him realizing the next reality will turn the pleasure into regret.

"Good people don't come twice." Grandpa advised Alif.

“Ato, should Alif mention ta’aruf on Kirana?”

Grandfather brandished his two thumbs at Alif the sign agreed. Alif smiled, he would talk about it to Mr. Arif. Alif hopes that his good intentions are blessed and facilitated by Him.

***