NIGHT BUTTERFLY
#105
Sulastri opened the envelope with trembling hands. Slowly he took out a fold of paper from inside. He started reading it. For a moment the mood returned to silence. Nyai Mustiani and Pak Nurasmin lowered their heads waiting for Sulastri to finish reading.
The letter Sulastri read was so long. There are two sheets. It is impossible to read it in a hurry, because at the same time, it is impossible to make both guests wait. He could not concentrate on reading it. He folded the paper back and put it in an envelope.
"Sorry, Miss Nyai. Because the letter is so important, it may take me a long time to read and understand it. Please give me some time to answer it a day or two. Master Teacher has been thinking carefully about his decision to propose to me. I want to do the same. I want to reflect one by one the words in this letter" Sulastri said. Nyai Mustiani smiled and held Sulastri's hand.
"I agree with Ms. Sulastri's words. Think carefully while seeking guidance from God so as not to fall into the deceit of Satan," said Nyai Mustini sage. Sulastri smiled.
Nyai Mustini sighed and looked at Mr. Nurasmin.
"Sik, it's 10. Maybe it's time we go home" Nyai Mustiani said to Nurasmin. Mr. Nurasmin nodded.
"Well, what a minute, Miss Nyai. Tumben-tumben Bu Nyai came here. It was great to visit Nyai. Frankly, I still want to have a conversation with Nyai Ma'am" Sulastri said.
Nyai Mustiani smiled.
"Other times if there is time, we will play around again here, God willing," said Nyai Mustiani. He rose up, followed by Sulastri and Nurasmin.
"By the way, when to visit Fahmi," continued Nyai Mustiani. Sulastri smiled.
"If I do, she wants another month, Miss Nyai" said Sulastri bowing her head.
"Great. This is a parent who loves their child. Most santri just run away, because too often in the look of his parents," said Nyai Mustiani. He gave his thumbs up to Sulastri. Sulastri smiled.
"Oh yes, Miss Nyai. Speaking of Fahmi, How's it going, Miss Nyai. Did he live in the cottage?" ask Sulastri. Nyai Mustiani rubbed Sulastri's shoulder.
"He was like a three-year-old boy. His salary was diligent and never late to go up to the mosque. If again not salaried, he often asked to meet with Nak Izzul. They are very familiar" said Nyai Mustiani.
"Alhamdulillah," exhorted Sulastri pleased with a fluffy smile.
Nyai Mustiani then stepped out in following Sulastri and Pak Nurasmin. Sulastri drove him to Nyai Mustiani and Nurasmin got into his car.
"Pak Mustarah," called Sulastri who was chatting casually with Mr. Ahmad. Mr. Mustarah stood up and approached Sulastri.
"Yes, Mom,"
"Seek tomorrow to ponpes Qudwatusshalihin huh. Bring food to Fahmi. Also ask Ahmad. Mr. Ahmad never went for a walk" Sulastri said. Ahmad smiled.
"Thank you, Mom. I have always wanted to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of Master Lalu Liwaul Hamdi." Sulastri smiled.
"Change first yes, Mr. Bayan. We give the opportunity first to Mr. Ahmad," continued Sulastri. Mr. Bayan nodded.
Sulastri stepped towards the house.
* ** * *
Sulastri let out a long sigh and took it out slowly. He started reading letters.
انه من سليمان وانه بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalamualaikum.
Pray that we may always be in the protection of God. Amens.
Earlier I apologized for suddenly sending my mother to convey my feelings and desires. I only did one of my efforts, to the sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad and to complete half of my religion. With him, I can multiply the descendants to continue the struggle, establish the religion of God on earth.
I could have married another younger, more beautiful woman. But marriage and marriage are not just about being beautiful and young. But the ones who are joking are certainly more important.
I'll call you a blue hooded batik motif. That's what I met in my four-night stand. The clue that I found in my dream, in the end lead me to a belief, that you are the blue hooded woman batik motif. Because of that, I steadied my heart to send my mother to convey my heart's intention to propose to you. All I leave to God. What and how it turned out. We only plan, God also decides.
Maybe you refuse now. Maybe now you already have someone who will accompany your old age, or maybe you have made the decision not to marry again. But I want to assure you, that the guidance from God is paramount. Our choice on that guide will lead us to the household that He desires.
Consider it. Sometimes, what we do not like and want, brings more benefits than we expect and want.
I've seen a blue hooded woman with a batik motif, who in the meantime I believe to be you for four nights in a row. After praying and remembrance in my lap, always tucked petition to be immediately met with women in blue hooded batik motif. And Allah has brought me to you twice. There is no coincidence. You put your child in the qudwatusshalihin boarding school there must be a plan of God there.
I never saw that woman's face in my dreams. His face was filled with bright light, and with the holy mushaf he held tightly in his chest strengthened that the woman's heart was full of devotion to God Swt.
Sulastri stopped his reading when the first sheet of the letter was finished. He was silent for a moment. He tried to reflect on the words of Master Izzul Islam that he had just read. The desire and hope of Master Izzul Islam to get a believer companion is very strong. He no longer paid attention to his handsome face and young age to get a younger and beautiful woman. He truly chose what God chose for him in a dream.
The night was quiet and getting late. Sulastri got up and stepped towards the closet in the corner of the room. He opened it and for a moment stared at the robe and the blue batik motif that hung in front of him. After that, he returned to his bed. He turned his gaze towards the photo of Yulian Wobowo and smiled.
Sulastri sighed and flipped the second sheet of the letter. He continued his reading.
One more sign I want to explain to you. I could not have seen the mark, for it was within the scope of your awrah. But I hope you tell me the truth. If the mark is not on you, then I will accept that you are not a blue hooded woman batik motif, which is in my dream.
On the fourth night of my dreams. I saw a mole under the right ear of a blue hooded woman with a batik motif. That's my last sign to make sure the woman in my dream is you or someone else.
I just asked for your honesty to say it. Honesty is the main evidence of other evidence.
Don't hesitate to meet me or meet me whatever the outcome of this endeavor. I only wanted to seek the guidance myself after Allah had given the signs.
May Allah guide us to always be in good.
Wassalamualaikum it. Wr.Wc.
Then Izzul Islam.
