I Can Without You

15. Marry Me

POV cloud

After getting the blessing and support of Hamzah and Bu Aminah, as well as from Papa, I was more determined with my intention to marry Ms. Shofi.

Two weeks ago, when Keinan suddenly asked me to be his new father, I was honestly shocked. But I also felt like I had a green light. I felt like I had the chance to realize the little boy's wish. At the same time to protect Keinan and his mother who often get bad views, scorn, and even arbitrary attitudes from most people around him.

Once I was doubtful. I then pray Istikharah to ask Allah for guidance Subhanahu wata'ala. And on the third day I prayed istikharah, the night I dreamed I was doing kabul ijab with Mbak Shofi. That's what makes me more determined and confident in my intention to marry Ms. Shofi.

And today, I plan to tell this about my intentions to Ms. Shofi.

⁇ ️: Assalamu'alaikum. It's the Cloud, Ma'am.

⁇ ️: Wa'alaikumsalam. Yes, Cloud, what is it?

⁇ ️: Later home from work I wait in front of the company yes, Ma'am. There's something I want to talk to Shofi.

️: Uh, what's up, Mas?

⁇ ️: Later Mbak 😁

️: Oh, okay if so.

☘️☘️☘️

In the afternoon, like the wa message I sent earlier, I am currently waiting for Ms. Shofi not far from the security guard post in front of the company where she works.

Not long after, I saw Ms. Shofi coming out of the company parking area on her black matic motorcycle. Seeing my whereabouts, he stopped his motorcycle near me.

"Assalamu'alaikum," he said after turning off his motorcycle engine.

"Wa'alaikumsalam" I replied.

"Wait a long time, Mom?"

"No. Just just now."

"Mmm, sorry before, but what's up, huh?"

"There's something I want to talk to you about, Ma'am. We're going to a park near here! Let's have a better conversation."

"Why not in my house, Mom?" he hesitated a little.

Ah, I get it, maybe Ms. Shofi doesn't want to make others think a no-no.

"Not good, Ma'am. A little personal" I replied with a smile. "Not to worry, Ma'am. I told Hamzah to Miss Aminah if I wanted to talk to you shortly after work."

I can see Sister Shofi was a little surprised. Not wanting to linger there, I then took her back.

"Yuk Ma'am, we're going to a park near here. Madam Shofi first, let me follow you from behind."

"Oh, i-yes, Mas."

Ms. Shofi then turned on her motorcycle again and drove first. I followed behind him too.

Arriving at the city park, I then invited him to sit on an empty garden chair next to the fountain. We sat side by side on each edge of the park chair, keeping our distance of course.

"Mmm, what's up, Mom?" tanyanya, voiced her curiosity from earlier.

"Bismillah hirrohmaan nirrohiim. Ma'am Shofi, marry me!" I said so sure and steady.

I saw Madam Shofi's body stiffen with both eyes wide in surprise.

"I'm serious Ma'am. I'm not kidding anymore. I have also received approval from Bu Aminah, Hamzah, even Keinan himself. That's why now I'm confidently expressing my intentions is the same. I want to marry Ms. Shofi" I mean it.

I can see tears starting to flow down both cheeks, Ms. Shofi.

"Why, Mas? Why would you want to marry me?" he asked by lowering his head, hiding his teary face.

"To carry out the commandments of Allah Subhanahu wata'ala and carry out the sunnah of the Prophet Shallahu 'alaihi wasallam. To perfect half of my religion. To avoid adultery. And of course to continue my bloodline."

"In addition, I also want to give a complete family to Keinan. I want to realize Keinan's desire to have a new father and also get the love and attention of a father" I continued again.

"But why should I, my dear? I am a widow who has one child. Even my age is older than yours, Mas" he asked by looking at me.

"Why indeed? Mother Khadijah was also a widow. He was fifteen years older than His Majesty. While we're only five years old. No problem for me," I replied with a smile, trying to calm the anxiety of the woman in front of me.

"I love Keinan. And honestly, I'm starting to love you too. So I ask you, marry me. Allow me to protect you and Keinan, Ma'am.

I heard that Ms. Shofi was getting sobbing smaller. I let her cry for a while so that her heart would feel relieved first. After her sobbing began to subside, I then extended a handkerchief to her.

"Here, Ma'am," I said.

Slightly hesitating, she finally agreed to grab the handkerchief I gave her.

"Love, Mas," she sighed, wiping away her tears.

"Drink first, Ma'am," I said again by thrusting a small bottle of mineral water that was still sealed, which I had brought before in my jacket pocket.

Ms. Shofi received the mineral water I gave then thanked me again. He opened it and drank a little.

"Mr doesn't have to answer now. I'll give you time to think. But I beg you to be able to consider this matter as well as possible. Please think of Keinan too. I'm serious about my intention to marry Ma'am."

Mbak Shofi was still speechless by lowering his face. I can understand that right now he must still be surprised by everything I said. That's why I didn't force him to give an answer right now.

"Sorry, Mas. But this really surprised me. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to make a decision for now" she said.

"Yes, no pa-pa. I got it. It's starting at night, Ma'am. Yuk I anterin Ma'am coming home now!"

"No need, Mas. I can go home by myself" he refused.

"Please don't refuse, Ma'am. I don't mean anything. I just want to make sure you get home safely. You see, I was also the permission of Aminah's mother to talk to Hamzah after work. So there's no way I'm taking responsibility and letting Mbak go home by himself" I said a little jokingly to melt the atmosphere.

Ma'am Shofi seemed to be slightly smiling at her.

"Yes, that's it. Come, Mas!"

"Ladies first," I said, allowing him first.

Again I saw him smile a little. Ah, I feel like I want to see him keep smiling like that.

We both left the park chair. Riding each of our motorcycles, I followed Shofi from behind. Make sure he gets home safely without any obstruction.