I Can Without You

18. Advice from Ms. Hajah Maryam

"Wan, don't you think Keinan has no father? Mama asked about her father, she answered that. Until I cry too. Mama was also a sad part of it earlier," Wulan said as they were having dinner together.

"Huh, Keinan doesn't have a father?" surya asked as well, showing his shocked expression.

"So he told me that, Pa. So really, Wan?"

"The Clouds are yes, Ma, Pa. Hamzah once told the Clouds that Keinan's mother was divorced by her husband when Keinan was one month old" replied Awan.

"Reason?" ask Surya.

"His father Keinan wants to return to the woman he loves, so he said Hamzah," replied Awan.

"What is that excuse? Then why he married Keinan's mother, even until there is Keinan loh. But he left with a reason to return the same woman he loved. Lah keeps her marriage to Keinan's mother what does that mean to her?" asked Wulan ignited her emotions.

The clouds lifted both shoulders.

"Not knowing, Ma. According to Hamzah's story. And after they divorced, Keinan's father also immediately married the woman and they continued to live abroad. That's what Hamzah said," continued Awan.

"The real jerk is his name. How is there such a guy? Mama I swear she won't be happy. It was as if leaving and abandoning his first wife and child just for the sake of another woman," Wulan said grumbling with so much emotion.

"Mama, be careful when you say that. It was so easy to curse others," Surya scolded, shuddering in horror at the words of his wife.

"Finally Mama Kesel, Pa. Mama so emotional this horror story Cloud," reply Wulan is still emotional.

"Yes, but not necessarily dong, Ma."

"Dine, Ma. Clouds love Mama's style," said Awan, encouraging Wulan.

"This again. Instead of participating in ngingetin even added pumpingin. You're this, Wan. Guys really like to be a stove, you know," grumbled Surya to the Clouds.

"And Papa who often taught, Cloud. Clouds as a good child certainly follow the teachings of his father dong."

"Haish, give it to you."

"Udah-ud. Giddy, Mama Dengerin you guys argue mute. This has not been the sky. It was getting noisier if the one child also came home to this house," grumbled Wulan while moving from his seat with a dirty plate, about to put it in the dishwasher.

Again, unbeknownst to Wulan, Surya and Cloud threw smiles at each other. Success is already their plan to distract the two of them and talk Wulan who is starting to lead to sensitive things. Surya and Cloud certainly did not want Wulan until it could guess their intentions that quickly.

☘️☘️☘️

This Sunday, Keinan and Hamzah returned to visit Awan's house. Aminah also did not open her hodgepodge stall because it was working on an order from Bu Hajah Maryam for the evening arisan event. That's why Shofi specifically helped Aminah today.

After completing all orders from Bu Hajah Maryam, Shofi then delivered all orders to Bu Hajah Maryam's house.

"Assalamu'alaikum, Mrs Hajah," said Shofi.

"Wa'alaikumsalam warahmatullahi wabarokatuh. Uh, son Shofi. Come on, please come in, son," replied Ms. Hajah Maryam at the same time inviting Shofi to enter.

"Yes, Mrs Hajah, thank you. This I just want to carry Bu Hajah's order anyway," replied Shofi.

"Come in first, Shofi boy. There was no one at home, just my own mother. The kids came out just as big. Buy monthly necessities," said Bu Hajah Maryam again, still want Shofi to stop by first.

After hearing the words of Bu Hajah Maryam that at home there is only Bu Hajah himself, finally Shofi was willing to stop by for a while.

"Yes, Mrs Hajah. But sorry if it can not be long," said Shofi, sung.

"Yes, son Shofi. Not a pa-pa. I just miss you, I want to have a chat with you like Shofi."

"Yes, Mrs Hajah."

Ms. Hajah Maryam then invited Shofi to enter her house.

"Come, have a seat, son Shofi."

"Tumben isn't Hamzah the one who broke the fence, son?" bu Hajah Maryam asked after the two of them sat on the living room sofa.

"Hamzah the same Keinan is out, Ms. Hajah."

"Oh yeah? Where'd they? How come Tumben nak Shofi's not coming?"

"Mmm, it's Bu Hajah, they're visiting Hamzah's house" Shofi replied a little nervously.

"The guy who's been coming to Shofi's house lately?"

"Eh, I-iya, Mrs Hajah."

"Previously the mother apologized the same son Shofi, but a few days ago Bu Aminah never told the mother also the problem of men who often come to the house of Shofi's son. Said Bu Aminah, the man had conveyed his good intention to propose to Shofi. Is that true, son?" ask Ms. Hajah Maryam carefully.

"Yes, Mrs Hajah. That's right."

"Thankful thank goodness. I'm glad to hear it. But said Bu Aminah too, son Shofi until now still not give an answer, huh?"

"Not yet, Mrs Hajah," replied Shofi quietly, a little embarrassed.

"May you know why?"

Shofi. Thinking for a moment, ah maybe he could consult this problem he was facing to Bu Hajah Maryam. Because he certainly understands more in terms of religion, than Shofi's own understanding.

"Honestly, actually I still doubt, Ms. Hajah. With my current status, I deserve a husband who is single and even five years younger than me" Shofi replied in the end.

"Son Shofi has tried to pray istikharah?"

"Here you go, Hajah."

"Then what do you think about Shofi himself after that?"

"Looking at the happiness that was on Keinan's face, as well as the mother and Hamzah who were very hopeful, actually I myself also wanted to answer 'yes', Ms. Hajah. But again, the difference is still a barrier to me" Shofi said.

"Son Shofi's already talked about the matter with the man?"

"Not yet, Mrs Hajah. But long ago, when he first conveyed his intention to marry me, I had already asked that as well."

"What's his answer then?"

"He said that Mother Khadijah was also a widow. And even his age was also fifteen years adrift with His Majesty the Prophet SAW. So status and age were not a problem for him. He also said that he wanted to realize Keinan's desire to have a father and wanted to give a complete family to Keinan, Bu Hajah."

"Subhanallah. Then what makes Nak Shofi still doubtful?"

Shofi fell silent with his face down.

"May I give you some advice?"

"Yes, Mrs Hajah."

"Mom's advice, Shofi should talk to the man again. Talk from heart to heart. Tell everything that is odd in the heart. That way you two can both express opinions and even provide solutions for each other."

Shofi raised his face. Shofi's smile instantly expanded. Shofi feels he has got the answer to his problem.

"Okay, Mrs Hajah. Thank you very much for the advice from Bu Hajah," said Shofi sincerely.

"Together, son Shofi. I'm just giving advice anyway," replied Ms. Hajah Maryam with a smile.

Shofi felt a little relieved after he could tell Bu Hajah Maryam. And yes, it is true what Bu Hajah Maryam said, it seems that Shofi really has to talk alone with the Clouds. Speaking from heart to heart.