FOREIGN DESIRANT

Episode 20 Is Always Late

"Every good thing including marriage has its test. For example doubt of the heart, suddenly unsure, anxiety will always accompany. Kirana has to get through that. Pray a lot, ask God for forgiveness, and ask for guidance. Do not be negligent, let alone your heart ever filled others. Satan easily seduces you." Ms. Eliza's advice to Kirana. Kirana's weekend visit to Ms. Eliza's house and convey her grievances. Eliza is shocked to learn what happened between Alif, Kirana and Rehan.

"For Ms. Eliza, Alif and Rehan are two good lads. Each has its advantages. Alif is hanif, responsible and friendly, liked by many people, then Rehan, a young boy full of surprises. All this time Ms. Eliza only knew the boy was so cute yet sincere." Ms. Eliza was silent for a while and then continued. "However, you also know how the Shari'a teaches us to be adab in receiving a proposal. Kirana understands that, right?

And you've accepted Rehan's proposal. God willing, whatever God's decree is, it is the best. Ms. Eliza is sure you can get through this exam."

Kirana was always amazed by Ms. Eliza's delivery. Every time he found a problem in his hijra, Kirana never forgot to ask for advice from Rohis' tutor and his English Teacher. This time, however, it was very fragile.

"Ms., did Kirana get through this test?"

"Well, can you not forget Alif?" Ms. Eliza asked back. Kirana looked at Ms. Eliza.

"Maybe to forget is not easy but Kirana can try to make it hard."

Kirana saw Ms. Eliza's relieved smile even in her heart,

"Could you?"

***

The rain fell again, Kirana took shelter again at the same stop that time. Kiara could not pick him up, he was following a practical work at a company for three months. The coldness of the air around Kirana made him shiver. He hopes the rain will soon subside and the angkot that leads to his house also comes faster. His eyes could not be seen the rushing rinai and splashed rain water on the stop floor. The atmosphere made him recall his memories with Alif. How Alif asked to wear his jacket to cover Kirana's body which was drenched by the rain. Kirana closed her eyes hoping she would not dissolve with memories with Alif, but the rain defeated her defenses. Kirana imagined every story they shared during the rain that afternoon. Kirana Pilu asked herself until when was she like that?

"Alif let me forget you" she whispered. Kirana was unaware someone was already standing at the same stop staring at her sadly.

"It's hard, huh?"

Kirana immediately opened her eyes, she was surprised Rehan was there.

"I'm back, the rain makes you wait here. I don't want you to be alone."

Kirana's heart looked at Rehan's back who was standing behind her. He was confused himself, how he could be unfair to the young man who had proposed to him.

"You don't have to worry about me Kirana, it's a risk I have to face because I like Kirana who seems to like other people."

Kirana can't hold her tears. Rehan always thinks of himself while he still can't forget Alif.

"We postpone everything if you still need time so that you can truly accept me in your heart."

Kirana did not expect Rehan to say that. He really hated himself.

This will all hurt Rehan.

"Rehan, why are you this good to me?" Rehan turned around and looked at Kirana who was down in tears.

"Me and Alif don't like you for no reason. Because you deserve to be fought. Stop blaming yourself, you like Alif too, of course because he is a good young man. I'm just lucky to propose to you first. You don't need to like me now. I just need you to trust me. That's enough."

Once again Kirana was stunned at Rehan. While from afar someone let himself get wet by the rain gazing towards Kirana and Rehan. He smiled wryly.

"I'm always late" Alif said. He soon passed from there, bringing his heart back to regret.

***