Rasidha Bidadari Clear-eyed

Chapter 18 - Leaving the pesantren

Rasidha began to focus on learning, because soon he would also leave the place. Actually he was not willing to leave the boarding school that still has many memories there. Must miss simple foods like satay which means eggplant, and vegetable tempe. So many other menus that are no less delicious if you eat together. 

"Why are you daydreaming?" chirping Elis who was still watching Rasidha who was much silent than usual, thought if it was caused by the Afif ustadz who had left for Istanbul. "Is it because of that handsome ustadz?" goda.

"Not because I'm gonna miss this place so much." Reply Rasidha who straightened the words of Elis. 

"What do you mean say that?" asked Elis who was very curious.

"I will also go on to study in the city."

"What's? So you're going again?" Elis was so shocked and even in disbelief that they had only met for a long time. 

"Yes, I'll get out of here. Continue my studies by taking my degree." 

"Why so fast?" grouse Elis.

"Because I can't postpone it anymore, if you and Neneng need my help someday, don't hesitate to contact me. You two are close friends of mine, whom I've considered like brothers." 

"Of course, I can only pray for your success there, don't forget us when you're up there." Now the look on Elis' face looks serious, grasping the hand of the Palestinian girl very gently.

"Of course."

****

Rasidha tidied up all her clothes neatly arranged in the suitcase, carrying all her belongings without being left behind. Inadvertently his tears fell by themselves without being asked, even though he had tried to hold the clear circle so as not to fall. The view down the room that provides shelter, looks simple but very comfortable to live in.

Now it was time for him to leave the boarding school, in accordance with his agreement with his father, who was given only one full month of study. It was quite heavy of his heart to step away, but it was the circumstances that forced him to keep walking without looking back.

He began to say goodbye to everyone, especially his two friends who are still the same as before, even though he felt a simple life far from the scope of the city. 

"I go first, take care of yourself and strive to reach your goals." Said Rasidha who looked at his two friends in turn, in tears sooun with Neneng and Elis. The haru moment that can be felt by the santriwati who deliver it is in front of the pesantren gate. 

"God willing, we will take good care of ourselves. Stay excited in exploring knowledge," said Neneng who wiped his tears. 

Rasidha immediately took out a small Qur'an and prayer beads, giving them to his two companions. "Elis, take this Quran. This is a gift and also a memento from me," he handed over the thick book that became the guide of the Muslims and as a guide and handed it over. 

"Is not the Qur'an your favorite?" Elis reluctantly accepted a gift from Rasidha, he knew if his best friend gave him a precious object. 

"Right, I gave it to you. Keep this like our friendship, may the friendship last forever."

"Aamiinu. Thank you!" reply Elis who hugged Rasidha's body for a while, then let go. 

"Sama-sama, and this tasbih is for Neneng. Do not fantasize much and think more of Allah." Rasidha handed over the beloved prayer beads to the girl next to Elis. 

"I can't take it, why did you give us your favorite thing? I don't deserve it, the prayer beads are precious." Reject the unable Neneng.

"I'm sincere, take it." 

Neneng initially hesitated, and trying to brave Rasidha's beloved prayer beads, she smiled and thanked him. 

Rasidha approached his uncle's family who had given him a place, and even the wisdom he was in the boarding school was met by a man who was always called ustadz Afif, his future husband.

Along the way, Rasidha was just daydreaming and not excited, it took greatness to go from a place that made his heart serene. "How do I help Elis and Neneng? They always refuse what I give, it's hard to find a true friend like them, never judge something by treasure." He said in his heart with a smile. 

The journey to the city takes a long time, driving away the saturation in the car by listening to the murottal of the Qur'an. But interrupted as his phone rang, he immediately saw who was contacting him. "Maybe it's mom or dad?" his murmur immediately picked up the phone, but the name of Ustadz Afif made his forehead wrinkle.

"Assalamu'alaikum."

"Wa'alaikumsalam."

"Have you arrived home?" 

"Not yet, I'm still on my way. But how does ustadz know if I'm coming home?" 

"From your father, he told me."

"Hem."

"Where are you going to continue your studies?" 

"It's likely that I'm continuing my studies in the city, it's my time to help my father and mother manage their business."

"That's good, take care of yourself."

"Of course, ustadz too."

Just as Rasidha hung up the phone, suddenly the car brought by the driver stopped halfway. He was a little surprised as he looked to the side. "What happened sir?" 

"Don't know Non, suddenly his car stopped. You'll check first!" the middle-aged man took off his seatbelt, opened the door and got out of the car. 

Rasidha focused on her phone screen while listening to the murottal of the Qur'an, but she was shocked when a knife pointed towards her. He glanced at the folding knife which was very pointed, the jagged top was very painful if pierced by the sharp weapon. "What's this?" he asked with a cold face, down the view and saw the driver was lying unconscious on the street. 

"Give me all your money and valuables!" threaten a masked man. 

Rasidha gave the prayer beads in the man's hands. "That's my precious thing, money? I don't even have a penny." He answered casually without fear.

The robber was furious and attacked a girl in the car, threatening to use a sharp weapon. 

Rasidha tried to defend himself from robbers who he thought were so desperate to pull a knife, so nimble and cunning to fend off every attack from a man he did not know. He quickly hit the sensitive spot of the man, until the knife in the hands of the perpetrator was released and taken over by him who managed to turn things around.

"Don't come closer or I'll stick this knife in your stomach" Rasidha threatened. 

The man raised both of his hands as a form of surrender, he was slightly surprised by the martial arts ability possessed by the girl next to him.

"I told you I don't have money, but I don't believe it. What are you doing with my driver?" 

"Huh, I didn't think I could lose to a woman like you."

"But that's the truth, you've hurt my driver. I can't lift the driver's body, quickly help me get him in the car!" rasidha's word threatened the man next to her.

"Are you crazy? Where are the robbers helping the target?" said the man who was still wearing the mask, on one hand he admired Rasidha's skill, but on the other hand was caught off guard by the girl's innocence.