MINUTES OF LONGING

Departing.....

After completing all admissions administration of new students. Today Arkana and Maher are leaving for L. The place where they will stay to continue studying. That's where they start their journey. Trying to uncover a mystery that they have wanted to solve since childhood. Of course with all the missions they have designed as well as possible. Arkana and Maher set out with complete confidence if their plan would succeed.

A few hours before they head to the station. There was little debate between Maher and Iqbal. Iqbal asked Maher and Arkana to stay at his friend's boarding school while in the town of L. Maher refused Abinya's request. He chose to rent or contract a small house for himself and Arkana. Of course the reason is so that they are free to find information about Alifa. If you live in a pesantren environment, you can be sure their exit time will also be limited. Though their main purpose coming to the city of L is Alifa.

“Can't Maher, Abi and Ummi have decided. If you and Arkana will stay at the Kiyai Hamid.” boarding school Iqbal confirmed his wish.

“But Bi, Maher and Arka are already looking for some rent and boarding through our friend.” Maher tried to give excuses without revealing the real reason.

“No Maher offers. You either obey Abi's words or Abi's best to send you to Cairo. It's up to you to decide for yourself.” Iqbal gave Maher no other choice. Maher sighed.

“Alright if that is Abi's wish. Maher will obey all Abi.” wills Maher who felt depressed finally relented. The plan and mission issues can be discussed again later. But if Abinya really sent him to Cairo. Then their plan all along will completely fail.

“All this is also for your own good, son. Abi and Ummi want you to always be in a good neighborhood. There you can also deepen your religious knowledge. Or even apply all the knowledge you have gained so far.” Laila advised her son gently. Maher will always melt with the tenderness of the Umminya.

“Iya Ummi Maher understands. Sorry if Maher had a chance to argue with Abi.” Maher lowered his voice and lowered his head. He felt guilty for debating Abinya earlier.

“It's okay son. What matters is that now you can understand Abi's intentions. We should go to the station now. Or Arkana and Om and Tantemu will wait a long time there.” Iqbal tried to finish their conversation. Not to forget he patted gently on the son's shoulder. Gave a signal that he was not angry with Maher.  Maher nodded in agreement, then they headed for the station.

They chose the train. The reason is because it is faster than riding the bus. Distance that can be said not too far is also one of the considerations. In addition, they think using the train will be much more effective. There are also people who will pick them up at the stop station. Of course the guy from Kiyai Hamid boarding school. It turns out Iqbal took care of everything last night. So that Maher and Arkan just need to obey and follow everything Abi Iqbal said.

“Kak, what you said via message is true?” Arkana whispered to make sure. As they were on their way to the station. Arkana receives a short message from Maher. Which contains about Abi Iqbal's request about where they lived while there.

“It was Abi and Ummi's will, I can't refuse it.” Maher replied in a whisper.

“Then what about our missions?” arkana is seeking certainty.

“Let's talk again. What is important now we just follow the will of Abi.” Maher makes sure to Arkana that his plans and missions will still be finalized. Arkana nodded in understanding, then they stepped towards the stop of the carriage. Waiting for the train they will ride to arrive.

The waiting time comes, it's time for Maher and Arkana to leave. They say goodbye to the whole family. Not to be left behind the drama of teardrops by Ummi and their Mother. Even though it has been since Arkana Elementary School has lived in her brother's school. But still when releasing the child to go Assyfa could not resist his sadness and tears.

"Udah dong Bun don't cry. Arka usually also lives in dipesantren. So it will not be much different Mother.” Arkana tries to calm her mother.

“But it's different son. If there are Abi, Ummi, Mbah Kung and Mbah Ti who watch and take care of you. While there you don't know anyone.” Assyfa expressed her anxiety.

“Don't worry Mother there will be Maher. Maher will guard Arka there. So Mother do not worry yes.” Maher calmed Assyfa down.

“Truely Mother, after all there will be Fiya with Father and Mother. We have been fine all along. So the presence or absence of Kak Arka no ngarnya.” Zafiya tried to calm down in his own way.

“Badk naughty, dare to say the whereabouts of brother does not put your watch out yes.” Arkana protests over what her sister said.

“Have not argued, this is in a public place. You guys want to split up long ago mbok ya sad that loh. Not fighting and arguing continues.” Rayhan mediated them when Zafiya was about to speak to his brother.

The sound of the train entering the station began. A sign that they must release Arkana and Maher. Once again they say goodbye and embrace each other. The brief messages did not escape the mouths of Iqbal and Rayhan. To be a living for their two sons.

“Ummi don't cry. Maher will be fine there.” Maher cupped both cheeks Umminya. When he saw the clear liquid began to bulge in the eyes of the Ummi.

“Ummi not crying. Take care of yourself there, do not forget to always tell Ummi.” Laila tried to hold back her tears that had almost fallen.

“Ummi For. Ummi and Abi also have to take care of themselves, especially health. Don't be too busy.” This time Maher gave advice to both parents. Then he gently kissed Laila's forehead. A few drops of Laila's tears finally fell as well. But he quickly rubbed it.

“Be careful huh Kak.” Zafiya looked at Arkana softly.

“You should also be a submissive child. Don't be naughty and take care of Daddy and Mommy.” Arkana returned the gaze of the younger sister. Even though they are always together they will always fight. But the love between them is huge.

“Fiya will definitely take care of Mommy and Dad.” Zafiya replied with a smile. Arkana approached her sister and reached for Zafiya's body. He hugged his dearly beloved sister. Zafiya also returned the embrace of the brother very tightly.

“Please bring him home huh Brother. Return your smile as it used to be. Fiya also wanted to see what kind of bright smile Mother sister always told me.” Zafiya's voice shook. It seemed like she was hiding her cries in Arkana's arms.

“Surely, brother will definitely take him home. No crying, your eyes will be swollen.” Arkana makes sure interspersed with jokes. Zafiya pulls himself to smack Arkana's arm slowly. Then she wiped her tears. Arkana just laughed at her sister's behavior.

“You have to get on the train immediately or you will be left behind later.” Rayhan resuscitated them when the time had come.

“We leave yes. Assalamualaikum.” Maher represents greeting.

“Waalaikum greetings.” Answer them in unison. “ Take good care of yourself.” Assyfa continued giving a farewell smile. The two of them nodded, and greeted them one by one. Then they got into the car.

The train leaves with a wave of hands. Now Maher and Arkana are on their way to a new life. With a new atmosphere and place. There they will set their future. Determine the path that will be the focus of their future. Trying to find something that has been long lost. Bringing happiness back into the family. Tightness and strong intention became their spirit to achieve what they had planned all along.

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Seriate....

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