God's Choice of Mate

Expressing a wish.

"Asshalaatu khairum minan naum," muezzin's voice echoed the dawn's doom.

Meaning: Salat is better than sleep.

"Shadaqta wa bararta.” (You are right and you have done good)" I replied slowly.

"Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar," muezzin's voice.

I and all the other family members gathered in the prayer room to perform the congregation's morning prayers.

Everyone is getting ready.

Including Brother Reno who will be our prayer priest.

He looks beautiful and delicious to be seen by the eye menngenakan cloth sarong patterned in black gray lines and long-sleeved grey cocoa shirt with black squat.

After finishing performing the morning prayer as usual Kak Reno led the dhikr and do'a.

Then, we took turns shaking hands.

Before everyone left the prayer room, Reno quickly asked everyone to stay there.

"Kek,pah,mah and Mbak Riska can be here for a while no one wants Reno to talk about," he said pleading with all.

So hearing Reno's request everyone obeyed him and remained sitting close to each other.

"What's Ren?" asked Bu Sri curiously on his face.

"There is something important that Reno wants to say mah," replied Reno looked at Bu Sri and approached her.

"What matters is Ren?,"turn Mr. Sugeng asked.

Reno looked around and looked at me.

The views we both met.

He looked at me as if he wanted to convince himself that I really chose him.

"However even look at the same views Rani.Said Reno there is an important thing that wants to be talked about,"sahut grandfather smiled while raising both eyebrows.

"Yes nih Reno instead diem mandangin Rani..,"sela Mbak Riska teased Brother Reno.

"Akhhh..iy.iy.yes," replied Reno quickly and a little awkwardly.

"Yes what Ren," said Mbak Riska while poking at the waist of Kak Reno.

"Aduh.mbak ticklish," said Brother Reno while wriggling his body.

Seeing them joking, all of them smiled little to witness the intimacy of the brothers.

"Udah Ris, Seneng really disturbs the scene,"Sela Bu Sri to stop the joke Mbak Riska.

"Ren,ayo..want you say what?curious mama?does it have anything to do with Rani as well?," asked Bu Sri while looking at me.

Brother Reno nodded.

"Yes, just talk" said Mr. Sugeng waiting.

"Good reward,"Reno said.

Everyone was silent including myself.Hopefully waiting for the series of words that will come out of Brother Reno's mouth.

"Bismillah, begini pah, mahmah, kek and Mbak Riska,"while allowing his seat as cross-legged and advancing closer.

"Reno had a desire to continue his studies in Egypt to...."

His sentence was cut off by the words of the shocked Bu Sri.

"Egypt?," with a face of shock.

"Why Egypt, son?it's far away and you just came home after a long time and will go again son?" said Bu Sri a little disappointed and sad.

Seeing the expression of Bu Sri who was surprised Kak Reno like confused and looks unwell watching the sadness of Bu Sri.

"Look at me,"Sir Reno tried to explain.

" Mama do not immediately sad like that dong mah.We first listen to the purpose and purpose of Reno mah,"cut Pak Sugeng calm Bu Sri while embracing and gently rubbing his shoulder.

"Let's Ren please continue '" Grandpa said.

"Yes cake. Why Reno chose Egypt.

First, Reno actually got a scholarship to continue his education in Egypt from the boarding school where Reno studied.

Second, Reno wants to dig deeper into the science of religion as a development of the basic religious sciences that Reno has learned in the boarding school.

As we know, the science of Islam is very broad. In addition to studying the Qur'an as the holy book of Muslims, as well as the main source of human life guidelines, islamic Science also includes Arabic science which is an instrument to understand all Islamic science literature.And even Reno still have to learn the details of science as a branch and complement of Arabic science such as nahwu, shorof, i'lal, balaghoh, etc. Not to mention the science of hadith with sanad, the history and credibility of the person, as well as the science of fiqh and ushul fiqh are complicated, and branching," explained Kak Reno at length.

He sighed slowly while putting his words back together.

And everyone including myself quietly listened to his explanation.

"To master it all is very not easy and very difficult.But, God Reno wants to commit to serious and diligent efforts to pursue knowledge."

"Then what about Rani?" asked Ms Riska.

Brother Reno stared at me for a while then looked towards Mbak Riska.

"Yes Ren, then what about Rani if you keep going let alone this time your choice of Egypt.The place is far away and has never been Reno before,"Sela grandfather seriously.

Hufffh....

I saw Brother Reno take a deep breath and rub his face while fixing his hunchback.

"Reno wants to take Rani along with Reno Kek."

Everyone was shocked to hear Reno's words.

"Have you considered seriously your decision?" asked Grandfather looking intently at Brother Reno as he straightened his legs.

"Iya kek.In shay Allah Reno has thought carefully.However, before Reno left for Egypt with Rani.Reno wants to marry Rani officially according to the rules of the cake state,"his eyes looked seriously and tensely towards grandfather.

Grandfather was silent to think of Kak Reno's words, as well as Bu Sri and Pak Sugeng.

"That means mama will be away from both mama's children for a long time" Bu Sri said in a raucous voice.

"Later Reno and Rani can video call or phone mama," replied Kak Reno trying to win Bu Sri.

"Mama thinks after Reno comes home we will be together and no one will go again.Mama understand the desire of your ideals Ren.But somehow my heart feels heavy once let Reno go even more invite Rani together.Mama can not imagine how lonely and longed mama later son," he said slowly and did not feel his tears broke in his sobs.

Brother Reno is so powerless to see the sadness and suffering of Bu Sri then hugged Bu Sri tightly.Everyone saw them both emotionally.

Bu Sri returned her son's embrace softly but strongly as if she would never see her son again.

Grandfather who had just been silent watching all this suddenly he spoke with a face that looked sad because it was carried away by the atmosphere of haru.

"Ren," he said slowly.

Brother Reno and the others turned towards grandfather.

"Yes cake," replied Kak Reno turned to look at grandfather while hugging Bu Sri.

"Actually your intention to get married officially with Rani is already a grandfather,papa and your mama thought long ago and we all didn't mind it.But indeed your decision to study again in Egypt made us all surprised, son,if the decision has been carefully considered Reno good bad and more benefits for Reno and everyone.Grandfather will not hinder your intentions son.

After your return from the boarding school and after Rani entered to be a part of your life grandfather felt many positive changes that happened to his granddaughter.

Grandpa was happy to see it all.

Therefore, my grandfather supports your decision Ren.And for the preparation of the wedding let grandfather, papa, mamau and Riska who will prepare everything," said the grandfather while patting Kak Reno's shoulder.

Hearing the words of Grandfather face Bu Sri looks disapproved.He looks upset and anxious about grandfather's support for Kak Reno's decision to study in Egypt.

"But pah..,"sela Bu Sri.

Not yet Bu Sri continued his words grandfather had hinted by raising his right palm up with the intention of Bu Sri not obstructing the wishes of Kak Reno.

"Sstttttttt.Had Sri, don't you stop your son's good intentions.Didn't you see the tremendous transformation of Reno's attitude and behavior.

Reno is old enough to make her life choices and make the decisions she feels are right.

We as parents can only pray for the best for Reno.Papa think we should support his decision not to even burden him.Reno is still young Sri,let him explore the knowledge and experience of life as much as possible so that he grows up to be a good priest for Rani and her family later," said the opinion of the grandfather to Bu Sri.

Hearing Grandpa Bu Sri's words just fell silent.However, his face did not look as bitter as before.

It seems he digested what grandfather said and he really thought.

"Then what about Rani.Did Rani agree with Reno's decision?," asked Grandpa as he rubbed my head slowly.

I have been a listener ever since.

Suddenly surprised by grandfather's question.

And now all eyes are on me.

Gleekkkk.....

I swallowed the water because I was tense.

Brother Reno looked at me and gave his smile to me while bowing his head.

He was trying to calm me down.

I looked at her as if to describe what my sister said was fine.

And Brother Reno responded back with a smile.

He is like a psychic who understands the meaning of my heart.

"Hmmmm.before Reno expressed his wish in front of all family members Reno has already spoken to Rani kek," I said slowly.

Grandpa smiled as he rubbed my head back.

"Ohh. Apparently Reno was already with his wife first," said grandfather teasing.

"Ehemmmmmm..," the voice of Mrs Riska melted the atmosphere.

"It means good dong pah.That's a sign they are more intense chatting and getting closer," said Mr. Sugeng with a joking smile.

My cheeks flushed for a moment.

I feel ashamed and misbehaved.

From where I sat I saw the look on Bu Sri's face that had melted without sadness gradually disappearing.

"Then what is Rani's decision?," asked Bu Sri who joined the talks.

All eyes are looking at me again especially Brother Reno who is flashing his shady smile for me.

"Keepin...In shayAllah supports the decision of Brother Reno mah.In shay Allah Rani ready to accompany Brother Reno,"my said sure.

"Including getting married officially?" asked Ms Sri.

Then I nodded slowly.

Everyone looks good.

Grandpa rubbed my head slowly.

"Allah Rani made the right decision, "that my grandfather looked happy.

The picture of Grandpa's happy face that I've never seen before.

"Thank you Ran for the choice of Rani who is willing to continue with Reno.Mama is calm and very happy if Rani is always there with Reno.May you guys last yes want to continue together until death separates,"said Bu Sri while rubbing Kak Reno's face gently.

Everyone compactly pronounces, "Aamiin," simultaneously.

I still blushed embarrassed to feel awkward with the circumstances.

And I saw Brother Reno so happy.Exposed clearly from the hue of his radiant face.

Again his eyes looked at me and I returned his gaze deep.

Akh....

His eyes returned like magnets drugging me.

Slow but so piercing in the heart to make electrical vibrations that continue to strike all over the body.

God, god,

If this feeling is a gift from you.

So take care of its existence and do not let it fade or wither before it develops.

Let it slowly bloom presenting beautiful, soothing petals.

And for that guide me to be considerate in Your way.

Stabilize the love of your Ridho.

Whatever strange problems that will arrive later .

I believe my Lord will always be with me through all the trials.