Sharing Love: Puspita East & West
Chapter 23: The Truth of Happiness?
People want happiness. But what exactly is happiness? Is it freedom? Or is it prosperity? Or perhaps the wealth, honor, and trinkets that adorn this life?
I don't know. When a man has gained his freedom, will he be happy? What happened to him next? Will his life be smooth after he gains his freedom? People who have experienced the bitterness of life are surely better able to answer that.
Will a prosperous life make one happy? It could be, right? Unfortunately, humans have a greedy attitude that is never satisfied. Once he gets this, he wants it. When he wants it and doesn't get it, he gets nervous. Is that the meaning of happiness?
The wealth, honor, and trinkets of the world are nothing but quirks. In the eyes of the Almighty God, he is no better than a tiny, worthless piece of fly's wings. How beautiful the mortal world is.
However, the world was so beautiful in the eyes of humans. Not a few people are willing to waste their time to pursue the world. If he had not pursued it and done enough, the world would never have abandoned it because the Most Merciful God had guaranteed the sustenance of every one of His servants.
Does having all the riches, honor, and trinkets of the world have happiness? Hmph! How many rich people are afraid of losing their wealth? How many politicians are willing to do everything they can to preserve their honor? Will the trinkets of the world always be on the human side?
"No, it's not happiness" muttered Asya who then closed the thick book on her lap, "All I want is true happiness. Happiness that is ingrained in the heart and eternal."
"Actually, happiness is a simple thing," Maimunah who was spinning a cloth in the courtyard of Asya's house commented, "Do you want to hear my opinion, son?"
"Of course, Madam," replied Asya.
"Hey .. It's been a few months. You can call me 'Auntie' like Ami call me," Maimunah smiled slightly. Asya also gasped lightly, then nodded awkwardly, "Well, Nyo—Bibi."
"Son, I'll explain it in a word. You don't mind, do you?" ask Maimunah before starting. He kept knitting his craft. As soon as Asya nodded, he began to tell stories.
"The owner of the story ...
There was a great and rich sultan. He ruled his country well and wisely. People also live prosperous and love their leaders.
However, it is said that one day the sultan was bored and empty. He wants to feel real happiness. He also gathered all his ministers and ministers. Asked them one by one so that a minister said, "Baginda Sultan, the verse is the best soul tranquilizer. Bring the poets of all Neegeri. If your Majesty wills, then patik will do so soon."
The sultan agreed. There was a special great competition for poets. They read beautiful and fascinating verses. Unfortunately, the sultan was not happy.
He again collected his meter and his lecture, then asked them the same thing. And so, said one scholar, "Baginda Sultan, the night sky is dazzling. The stars shone up there without any rope hanging over them. Try to see it, then you'll be happy."
The Sultan rejected the suggestion. Every night, he looked at the starry sky. But there was no happiness in his view.
Another scholar also suggested, "Baginda Sultan, if you want to be happy, how about you wear the clothes of the happiest people in the country? That way, maybe you get her happiness."
Although it seemed strange, it turned out that the sultan agreed to it. He sent messengers to every corner to find the happiest people in his country. Apparently, the search was not as easy as he thought.
That man was a poor man. His clothes were too tattered. The Sultan could not wear it. When the sultan asked, "How can you be happy?"
"Thankfully," the man replied, "Your Majesty, I have always felt enough with what I have. That way, I never once felt uneasy about what I did not have. In fact, everything belongs to God. Allah gives power to whomever He wills and takes power away from whomever He wills. So be thankful, Sultan. God has bestowed wisdom and a prosperous land upon you."
"Thankful, huh?" Asya nodded in understanding. Right, that's one of the roots of happiness. How many poor parents are happy to see their children still able to eat? How many teachers are happy to see their students succeed? How many traders are happy because the merchandise people want to buy? In reality, happiness is simple.
"Opah," call Sharif in his cute voice, "See Hanif, don't you?"
"Hm? Hanif?" Maimunah turned, then shook her head. He had not seen Hanif during the spinning.
"Really?" tanya Syarif. They're both playing hide and seek. Because there are many strategic hiding spots here, Syarif so difficult to find his brother.
"...," Sharif looked at Asya. He wanted to ask, but was confused as to how to ask. He asked as usual.
Seeing that, Asya smiled as sincerely as possible. He wanted to get along with his two step-children. But Sharif turned and left him. Asya breathed because of it.
Maimunah chuckled small. He said the same thing with Amir. Anyway, sooner or later, the two boys will definitely be willing to accept Asya's existence.
"He's gone, right?" a whisper from behind Asya asked. The young lady nodded as well. He pointed to the direction Sharif was going.
"..."
"Check!" Sharif came back from behind the room. His sudden appearance made Hanif a desperate reflex. Sharif immediately ran towards him and caught Hanif. "Because you! You take care now!"
"Yes, yes" Hanif got up and cleaned his dusty clothes. He closed his eyes and said, "I count to ten. Hurry up."
"One, two, three ...," on the count of five, Hanif opened his fingers to peek.
"You cheated!" syarif was upset, "Rapidly repeat! Right by the wall!"
"Hmph! You can hide too!" reply Hanif who then immediately docked to the wall. He also began to recalculate.
Sharif rushed to find a hiding place, but not too far from it. He looked back at Asya and put his index finger on his lips. After Asya nodded, he curled up under his reading table.
Asya smiled happily at that. As Amir and Maimunah said, the two boys would soon be familiar and accept his presence. He waited until that moment arrived.
