It's up to God

Secret Mission

After years of breathing the dusty air of the city of Cairo, Hafiz has finally returned its wings to a cool nest in Indonesia. Like an eagle returning home to a high mountain after sailing in the desert, he felt like he was back alive in the warmth of his homeland.

Behind the confusing fog of Cairo's metropolitan life, Hafiz felt like a sparrow confined within a stone cave. Now, in his hometown, he felt like free birds humming merrily in the middle of a green field.

When the sky in Cairo felt so far away and gray, in Indonesia he felt as if heaven and earth were fused in an unshakable harmony. Like a promising oasis in the middle of a barren desert, returning home was an invaluable turning point of happiness for him.

Hafiz arrived at the airport with a joyful heart, relishing the gust of air he had longed for. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis in her hometown, she felt a familiar touch that shook her heart. Although life there often tests a person's mental resilience, longing for his home is always inherent in him.

Like a tree growing in a concrete city, Hafiz felt his roots remain tied to his homeland. He realized that even though the world of metropolis offered tantalizing opportunities and brilliance, there was still a void that could only be filled by the scent of the land of birth and the warmth of the family.

In his hometown, every street corner and corner of the heart has sweet memories surrounding Hafiz. Like a melody that imprints in memory, he feels the thrill of romance with the places he used to go to.

Although the hustle and bustle of the city can be a source of stress and exhaustion, the presence of those closest to it and the warmth of the neighborhood it lives in provides relief and tranquility. Like a balm that soothes wounds on the soul, its original home is a place to go home and find priceless peace.

While longing for her home, Hafiz always remembers how important her relationship with her roots and identity is. Although far from sight, there remained a fire in his heart that burned his spirit and pride of origin. Because, without knowing the origins, a person may be swayed in the hustle and bustle of life without a clear direction.

On the way back to his home, Hafiz realized that even in the glittering middle of the city or in the countryside, there was always something priceless in his house. That beauty lies in the warm welcome and togetherness she encounters among her loved ones.

Hafiz explored his hometown with eyes hungry for natural beauty, like an artist observing an infinite color palette. He inhaled the fragrant wet ground after the rain, as if nature itself welcomed his return with a sincere smile.

While waiting for the S2 lecture to begin, Hafiz sucked in a fresh breath of village life that flowed gently like a river. He felt like a seed that was re-planted in fertile soil, ready to grow and transform into a firm tree.

In the midst of the bustling city of Cairo that never sleeps, he now finds a tranquility hidden in the remote corners of the village. Like a cat returning to its owner's lap, Hafiz felt herself overwhelmed with unwavering warmth and love.

In his heart, Cairo will probably always be the treasured imprint that shaped him. However, Indonesia was a house call that he could not refuse. After going through storms and inner quakes, Hafiz finally found his true place.

...***...

Hafiz teamed up with two students at Pondok Pesantren Al-Fathonah to surprise his family. Hafiz deliberately did not tell her mom and dad or any other family member that she was going home.

Hafiz stood tall at the entrance of the Al-Fathonah Pesantren Cottage, a gate with a towering fence. At his side, two loyal santri keep watch, keeping the secret of his return from being sniffed by anyone, including his own family.

They kept this surprise with great loyalty and determination. Like guards against precious treasures, they ensure that Hafiz's secret is not revealed before the right moment arrives. In the atmosphere of a quiet night, moonlight shone on the closed gate, adding to the mysterious aura at this moment.

Hafiz saw the two faithful santri standing tall beside him. They are friends and relatives who always support him in his spiritual journey in the pesantren. Their trust in each other is unwavering and this time, they band together to deliver an unforgettable surprise to the Hafiz family.

In the darkness of the night, Hafiz reminded them to stay alert. They must make sure no one knows of his arrival, including the rest of the family. Every step must be taken with care to make this surprise go according to plan.

Hafiz felt moved to see the dedication and spirit of the two students. They are not only friends, but also friends who have been together to wade through the waves of life in pesantren. Together, they have learned sincerity, togetherness, and sacrifice for a higher purpose.

"Thank you, yeah, you guys want to help me. From the beginning you have never changed" said Hafiz with haru.

The two Hafiz friends smiled and held Hafiz's shoulders.

"We will always be ready to help you, whenever you ask for help," said santri who graduated tahfiz quran with Hafiz a few years ago. His eyes moved. Occasionally look at Hafiz, then look around.

"Yes, Hafiz. We also do this out of great respect for your grandfather and your father. They are very meritorious to us who have provided useful knowledge while studying in this cottage. Moreover, you also have never been at a distance with us, wanting to blend in with ordinary people like us. In fact, you are the grandson of the owner of the pesantren, the son of the best international qori, and the son of a famous writer and motivator in Southeast Asia. Anyway you are the best already," said santri Hafiz's other friend, adding.

"One more thing, Hafiz is also a best student and exemplary with GPA 4 at Al Azhar University in the department of Tafsir and 'Ulumul Qur'an for the Faculty of Ushuluddin, '" said the friend of the santri.

The two Hafiz friends unceasingly praised Hafiz's family for being inspirational figures for everyone, including Hafiz himself.

"Ah, you could. I'm also an ordinary man, not as perfect as you can see. Each person must have their own shortcomings and advantages. You are also a great person, really," replied Hafiz who was never happy if someone praised excessively.

They spoke as they set foot into Hafiz's grandfather's house, which was in the cottage. It just so happens that all the Hafiz families of Kiai Muhammad Lutfi Baraqbah are gathering there.

In the silence of the night, they plan a strategy and feel closer to the long-awaited moment. Hafiz felt lucky to have a best friend, who faithfully kept this surprise a sweet secret.

As the story continues, Hafiz, along with two of his loyal santri, enters the gates of Pondok Pesantren Al-Fathonah. In their hearts, there was a burst of excitement, for they knew that in a few hours, a moment of bliss would arrive.

They walked cautiously, avoiding anyone who might catch them. Hafiz felt excited because she knew that soon she would see the faces she loved, who had been missed for so long.

In the darkness of the night, the surprise drew near. Hafiz felt moved and grateful to have a friend as good as them. Together, they build this plan with the aim of bringing smiles to the faces of those he loves, and filling their hearts with irreplaceable happiness.

Candra and Faiz, that's the name of Hafiz's two friends. His comrades-in-arms during his stay at the boarding school. However, they were separated because Hafiz got a scholarship to Cairo. While Candra and Faiz serve in the boarding school Al-Fathonah owned by Hafiz's grandfather, Lutfi.

Arriving at the destination, Candra and Faiz knock on the door, while Hafiz hides somewhere.

Not long after, Aisyah opened the door. "Mazandra! Faiz! What are you guys doing out here tonight? Is there a problem with taking your steps to Kiai's house?" ask him with a sense of anxiety.

Aisyah happily told Candra and Fauz to come in. "Oh, yeah, come on in. It just so happened that we were gathered in the living room."

Inside the house of Kiai Lutfi, it turns out Om Hafiz named Ali, just returned from abroad.

"What's up, Candra?" ask Ammar.

Candra and Faiz looked at each other, confused about where to begin to realize Hafiz's surprise plan.

"Why are you looking at each other like that?" asked Ali while frowning.

"Sorry, Kiai, Ustad Ammar, and all. There's a santri from the outside who wants to meet you. He said it was very important" said Candra, venturing out.

"Who? Why come nights like this?" ask Ammar.

"We don't know either, Ustad. He said it was very important" Faiz replied with a tense face.

Now it was the turn of the Hafiz family to look at each other. They feel strange, because they do not usually receive guests on these nights. Usually they also receive guests, from morning to evening only. Given the rules of pesantren, the schedule of visits to the Al Fathonah pesantren was from 09.00 to 17.00 WIB.

"Where is the guy now?" ask Kiai Lutfi.

"There's outside, Kiai," replied Candra.

"Well, why weren't you told to come in?" asked Aisyah who felt like she did not see another child outside, as she opened the door for Candra and Faiz.

"Sorry, Kiai. His man was going to the bathroom. So he followed to the herein" Faiz replied accordingly.

Without any more questions, the Hafiz family who were gathering immediately left the discussion room which made them a few minutes ago speak seriously.

Candra and Faiz are thrilled that soon, their mission to succeed the surprise of Hafiz, is going well. They both count backwards, from the count of three. Until the door was wide open, Hafiz was already standing in front of the door.

"Surprise ...!" hafiz said with a big smile.

Without saying any more, Nadira immediately hugged her first son.

"When are you home, Fiz?" ammar asked, surprised that his son did not say anything about his return when he made a video call the other day. "Don't tell me if I want to go home? Tumben really," he continued.

Hafiz greeted all the members of his family who were there, except Hamzah who was not seen because he lived in the sons dormitory.

"Get in first, yuk!" saran Aisyah, Hafiz's grandmother.

"Yes, yeah, Grandma. I've come all the way, not told to go in first, but treated to some questions as papa," said Hafiz with his distinctive style. The same Hafiz, always makes his family laugh seeing his style of speech that seems slippery, but still polite.

They all went into the house. Candra and Faiz permit to the sons dormitory back, as it does not want to ruin the moment of letting go of the yearning with Hafiz in the family.

Inside the house, precisely in the living room, they began to discuss how Hafiz traveled from Cairo to Indonesia. Hafiz began to tell how his plane had delayed and some other things that prevented him from getting home.

"You are, yes! I already know his mother is very hungry, but why not say if you want to go home. Just wanted to continue with S2. Mama thought you had forgotten your way home" Nadira said, wiping away her tears.

"Your mother can't sleep when she knows her son will be home for a long time" Ammar said.

"If Hafiz tells you, his name is not a surprise, Ma, Pa," Hafiz replied by showing his teeth were not very neat, but clean.

"Grandfather has heard many things about your achievements while there. Didn't expect that Ammar's trail could take you this far. Grandfather is proud of you," Lutfi said with a smile.

"Yes, here. I who have never communicated with this one nephew feel proud even though I only heard the story," said Ali who seemed to quip because he had never been called by Hafiz.

"Oh, sorry, Om. It's not that I never wanted to call Om Ali, but I didn't know Oom's number. After all, Om Ali is very busy with business and political affairs. Dizziness me if Om Ali has discussed politics," said Hafiz.

They laughed at Hafiz who always had answers to the questions asked of him. They also talked warmly, releasing longs.

In the middle of their conversation, Hafiz told his family to surprise Hamzah. Because Hamzah, Oma, Opa, the twins, and other family members who do not know the return of Hafiz to Indonesia.

The night was getting late, they got up from their seats and went to their respective rooms to unwind.

...****...