The Halal Love

39

The sun was right overhead when Sarah got off the taxi. He was grinning when the heat of the sun hit his face. He should now be in the Canteen, enjoying a bowl of chicken noodles and the chill of the AC while waiting for the third hour lecture to begin. But his wish was dashed, when Alfian called him to immediately go to the Office. He had to sacrifice his lunch and college to keep his job.

Sarah did not understand, what duty Alfian would give. As he remembered, he had already completed all the work. For some reason, since her position rose, Sarah felt Alfian treated her arbitrarily. The man often suddenly told her to go to the Office when her college hours were not over. Hey, Sarah's life doesn't just revolve around one shaft, does it? That is, he has other activities besides the busy Office, including lectures. Would Alfian take responsibility if Sarah couldn't get to graduation on time?

Sarah sighed lazily. He entered the elevator and pressed the button to the 5th floor. There was no one in the elevator, only him. Makes Sarah able to express anything without anyone looking. Uh, but there's a Cctv that's in love. But bodo very, he will actually deliberately act in front of the Cctv. "Hey, whoever saw this. I just want to confide, that I hate Alfian so much. The proud man did not know how to treat others well. You arrogant rich man." Sarah keeps nagging. Standing staring nyalang towards Cctv while his mouth was talking to Alfian. Anyone who saw her behavior right now would have thought that Sarah was out of her mind.

The elevator door opened after the sound of 'Ting' was heard. Sarah immediately fixed her slightly tilted headscarf then rushed out. Several employees were seen smiling at her in a friendly manner, some of them bowing to greet Sarah. Sarah smiled awkwardly at them. Since becoming secretary to Alfian, the people in the Office seemed to respect him. Even the one who used to just think of it as an upil, was currently behaving so sweetly in front of him. Ah, in front of ya. Don't know how behind.

Sarah knocked on the door once before opening the doorknob. Alfian did order her to think of her room as Sarah's own. So, there is no need to be too awkward when entering it.

As soon as Sarah entered, Alfian was focusing on typing everything on the monitor screen. Her eyes were fixed on the screen to the point that Sarah was worried her eyes would stick there.

"Excuse me, what did you call me here?" Ask Sarah in a polite tone.

Alfian raised his gaze. He looked at Sarah for a moment before returning to focus on the monitor. "Sit down." His order.

Sarah will follow Alfian's instructions. After all, Alfian was his superior. So he must still look respectful when in front of him.

"Later tonight you have a show?"

"Huh?" Sarah reflexively said the word because it was possible that her ears had misheard.

"I guess your ears are still functioning normally." Flat Alfian.

Sarah snarled in her heart. "I have a class assignment to do tonight." Sarah did not lie completely when she said that sentence. He does have a task that he intends to do tonight, well even though the deadline is still next week. At least it could be his alibi to avoid meeting Alfian.

"What do you do about?" Ask Alfian.

Sarah smiled in anguish. "What's the matter, Mom? Even if Saua says, Mas won't be able to help me do it either." Sarah said a little cynically.

Alfian laughed a little. "What if I can finish it?"

'No way. Everyday you just struggle with financial statements, contract letters and her flock, which might be able to do the task of students majoring in psychology.' Sarah said that phrase in her heart. He then let out a slanted laugh, "If I can finish it, I'm willing to accompany Mas tonight?"

"Where am I taking you?" Believe me, when saying that sentence, Alfian's face looked so annoying.

It was like Sarah was punching her impudent mouth. Obviously Alfian has not said the purpose and purpose of asking for Sarah's busyness later that night, he actually said something like that. Ah stupid indeed. Free to be an old semester student, but controlling speech alone can not. Many times Sarah cursed in her heart.

Alfian was desperately trying not to blow his laughter at this moment. Sarah looks blushing, her eyes twinkling, she is wrong and anxious at the same time. "Usually when a man asks what Mas asked earlier, it means he has a purpose to ask his interlocutor to accompany him, to a place for example."

This is amazing Sarah. It is easy to master the situation. Though only a few seconds ago it looks wrong behavior, this time he has behaved as usual. As if asking for justification of his assumptions. He didn't want to look wrong, it was interesting, Alfian thought.

Alfian bertehem. "Deal up! I accept your challenge. Now tell me, what tasks are you gonna do tonight?"

Sarah melengos's. This creature before him. Feeling smart. Feeling know everything. He was convinced that Alfian was nothing more than a figure who only mastered one field. Yes, especially what he mastered in addition to business problems and his minions? "Duty Course Construction Measuring Instrument Psychology." Sarah is arrogant. He was sure, surely the man would cancel his intention.

"okay." A brief Alfian.

Sarah gawking. There's no way Alfian can do his job? If people who are not from the psychology class must have just heard the eyes of the lecture he immediately scratched his head. Ah calm, at most Alfian is just imaging it to look cool and versatile.

"Where's the assignment?" Ask Alfian again.

Sarah winks her eyes. His brain suddenly did not respond to the action he was going to do next. "Don't support me." The sentence slid without Sarah noticing.

Alfian threw a sharp glare that made Sarah flutter. Again, his mouth was out of control. He bowed, "Sorry, Mas. Not intentionally." Then immediately pretend to be busy looking for an agenda that contains tasks in the bag.

"It." Sarah thrusts a peach-colored agenda towards Alfian. The agenda is already open, so it displays the writing in it that contains the numbers.

-

Alfian picked up the pen▪▪▪▪▪a lying on the table, and began to scratch the pen into the agenda.

The curious Sarah occasionally turned her head to peek at something Alfian had written on her agenda. The man looked serious. His face was ten times more handsome when he was thinking like this. Sarah hit him on the head, what did he just think? Admire Alfian? Oh no, the danger sign was flashing on his head.

Sarah waited for about 20 minutes until she was sleepy in her seat.

"This. Please in check." Alfian presented the agenda that had been his focal point to Sarah.

Sarah briefly glanced at Alfian before checking on the man's work. And then Sarah was made to gape Daebak!!! Alfian worked on these complex problems exactly with the example of the problem he learned at the Campus this morning. Sarah doesn't believe this, but it's real. In fact, he again matched the workings of the matter with the note he wrote on the next page. And, yeah. It's true, that's how it works. How could he do something he could not do. What now Sarah must withdraw her words that call the man pretentious?

"I majored in two courses at S1. Business and Psychology." As if understanding Sarah's confusion, Alfian explained that.

Sarah is still gawking. Forgetting to shut your mouth for a moment. What kind of man was in front of him? The genius he had never met before. The man had just said that he majored in two majors during S1. Sarah who only took one major, it feels still too late and almost mokad to get to the finish line. "Did you finish both on time?" Ask Sarah later. He forgot to use formal language.

Alfian nodded. "Even I completed S1 business not until 4 years. Then in Psychology."

Teach Sarah how to shut her mouth properly. The girl is still alive to this day.

Alfian chuckled, before finally reopening his voice. "So how? There's no work you have to do tonight, right?"

Sarah Ksmbali is pulled towards consciousness. He sighed, then nodded. Inevitably he had to admit that he had lost to Alfian. So he must keep his promise.

"It." Alfian presented a fairly large paper bag. "Wear this for later tonight. I invited you to dinner at my house today. Prepare yourself. At 8pm I pick you up."

Sarah almost fell because she suddenly stood up without a good balance. The man in front of him is not to be guessed. He could have left Sarah with an impromptu heart attack at a young age.

*****

Alila is lying in a UKS bed at the moment. His eyes looked at the ceiling of the room covered by the ceiling. Since yesterday, he has not been allowed to return to the Room by Ustadzah Hanum.

After a trance incident, Alila was immediately taken to the UKS for treatment, because suddenly the girl had a high fever to convulsions. Luckily, the Pesantren health worker swiftly saved the girl.

Sarah's thoughts are currently on Nisa. Iin said, during the scoop yesterday, he berated Nisa with words that should not. But when Alila asked what she said, Iin reluctantly replied. He wanted to apologize to Nisa. He wanted to explain that yesterday he was unconscious.

"Don't dream, Lil." Iin's voice broke Alila's daydream.

The girl brought Alila lunch. Ever since Alila came to this Pesantren, Iin was indeed the one who cared the most about her. The girl sincerely accompanied Alila even though Alila did not so well respond to her. But Iin did not give up at all, he continued to invite Alila friends until Alila felt comfortable.

"Where's Nisa?" Ask Alila later.

"Sir Nisa?" Iin asked back. "Oh if this hour is on campus."

"When are you home?"

Iin sniffed his shoulders. "No idea. His college schedule is uncertain. But he usually comes home before Maghrib."

Alila did not answer. He was back in his daydream. For some reason lately Alila likes to daydream without knowing the place and time. And Ustadzah Hanum said, that the habit of daydreaming is what causes Alila to be possessed yesterday. He said that the jinn loved souls whose hearts and minds were empty and far from God.

"Do you have a problem with Nisa?" Iin took a sitting position beside Alila, making the girl shift her focus.

"Why do you ask that?" Alila threw back the question at Iin.

"You said yesterday, I mean, the genie who entered you yesterday said that Sister Nisa has made you hurt. Really true?"

Alila's speechless. His eyes are weakening. He does not know that another creature of God can know his heart. "Tell me everything I said during my trance yesterday."

Iin sighed. "No need. That even got you thinking. Answer my question."

Alila shook her head, "No. You have to say it first."

"You said Sister Nisa was a hypocrite, a piece of trash, and.." Iin hung up her words.

"And what?"

Iin bit his lower lip. He was actually hesitant to say this, "You said that Sister Nisa has taken the one you love." That sentence got away. After this, maybe Iin will regret his words.

Alila's head was hit by a heavy object. His heart is so painful. He really did not expect the creature to reveal all of his heart. Now what would he say to Nisa? Does he still have the face to meet the girl? Jin is brash. He made everything runyam.

*****

"No need. I can go home by myself." Nisa still refused Samuel's offer to take her home. Today he attended a mental therapy training held until 8 p.m. Usually he would go home with Sarah, considering their way home was in the same direction. But Sarah had even gone home since noon and canceled her intention to attend the training because she suddenly got a call from Alfian who told her to go to the Office immediately. And no good, Samuel suddenly contacted him to ask where Nisa is at the moment. Nisa, who is not good at lying, finally tells the truth. And so, Samuel followed him like this.

"Nisa, it's night. What if you're on the road?" Samuel's tone of voice was full of worry.

"No need. I also used to go home by myself." Nisa.

"You know, two days ago there was a break-in on Hero's road. The victim was a woman, she said the student who came home this night like you."

Nisa belittled, "Not to bother."

"Seriously. I can't believe the check."

Nisa turned the ball of eyes puffed. He started the engine and started running the motor.

Samuel followed from behind. Nisa never wanted to be screwed by him. So Samuel took the initiative to follow him from behind like that. It's okay that it's important he can make sure Nisa is safe and gets home without lacking any one. The atmosphere of the capital's streets is always crowded, but the road enters the hallway to Nisa's house which is quite quiet. Samuel could not let the girl go home alone at night.

Nisa's house is located 5 km from the capital's beaar street. Not so far away, but still, when passed at night when alone it feels a bit gripping, especially if the woman who passes alone.

When entering the hallway, there are only a few vehicles that are seen occasionally passing. Cold air feels piercing the skin. Samuel pulled up the parachute jacket he was wearing. Along the hallway there are still many peswahan and large trees that are still shady. Pesantren is deliberately built in areas that are not so densely populated and certainly not in the middle of the city center. This is intended so that the students are not easy to roam outside.

Nisa's motor matic stops right in front of the parking lot. "Just get here. You can go back."

Samuel chuckled, "Not asked to come in first?" Godasu.

"Well?" Answer Nisa quickly.

"Yes drinking tea or something."

"No. The tea's over." Nisa cuek.

Samuel chuckles. Nisa has always been so, sometimes she is cynical. But dear Samuel. Uh, not mahram.

The noise coming from UKS Peaantren's daughter interrupted Nisa and Samuel. The distance between UKS Peaantren putri and the parking lot is not so far away. Considering that the building is at the very front.

"That's why?" Ask Samuel.

"No idea. They don't usually look like that. I'll go there first." Nisa took off her helmet and ran to the UKS.

Samuel who was about to turn the motor to go home undo his intention when he saw the key of Nisa's motor that was still hanging. The girl forgot to take the keys to the bike. Samuel took the initiative to bring the keys to Nisa.

"Go!!!"

"Go or I'll take this girl to die with me!!!"

Alila unsheathed the knife in front of her own face, making some of the people who saw her screech. Iin seemed to be crying, there was nothing he could do at this moment.

Alila returned to her trance after being angered by Ustadzah Hanum. The girl was punished for not praying. Though Istadzah Hanum has warned to continue to pray even though in a state of pain. But Alila forgetfulness, he fell asleep from the afternoon until the completion of maghrib. When asked why he did not pray, he said he was lazy. Because of that, Ustadzah Hanum scolded him.

At dinner time, Iin sends Alila dinner. And how shocked he was when he saw Alila was playing with a knife in her hand. The knife was in a back and forth, with Alila's strange look that looked creepy.

"Hey. How are you doing? I told you I'd be back." Alila smirked towards Nisa.

Nisa didn't respond. He stared intently at Alila, but the figure inside the girl laughed out loud. "I'm going to therapy he's using adzan therapy. Iin come with me to take water wudhu." Nisa moves backwards and is followed by Iin.

*****

Samuel had just set foot on the main door of the princess boarding school when he heard a shrill voice.

"Why do you all see me like that?! You bunch of demons!"

"Hey! I told you not to come any closer or I'll kill this girl!"

Samuel froze on the spot when he saw the figure that was ahead there. His heart beats with an unrelenting rhythm.

Up ahead, the girl he was currently seeing grasping a knife was staring fiercely at the people surrounding him. Sometimes the girl laughed, sometimes crying hysterically.

"Alila's." Only one of those words could Samuel murmur.

Nisa came with a slight run from the back. The crowd opened a path as the girl was about to pass by. He took a seat in front of Alila.

"Heh cheap woman! Go you! I don't want to see your hypocritical face!" Alila pointed at Nisa using the knife in her hand.

Nisa doesn't care what Alila says. He still took a comfortable ponsisi to sit down. "start." His order.

The Adhan in my head, Alila was screaming in wrath. He was about to scratch the knife he held onto his wrist. But the movement stopped when someone suddenly came to snatch the knife. Everyone who saw him screamed in shock.

"Lo's crazy?!" The sound was a clash filled with emotion.

The face of Alila pias. His sharp eyes pierced anyone who stood against him. Her long hair is messy. The hijab that he had worn earlier was currently missing whether to describe where. His teeth were churning and currently his two eyeballs were looking at Samuel with a look of hatred.

"********!!!" Alila clutched her own hand until her knuckles turned white. "A despicable human like you doesn't deserve to get in my way!!" The girl screamed in anger.

"You better go." Nisa approached Samuel and told him to leave immediately before Alila said no more. If with Nisa alone he said the inappropriate, especially with Samuel. The incidentally is the person that Alila loved.

"What are you blocking me for?! You know, the wound I'm about to make on this girl's body is nothing like the one you've already cut on her heart!!"

Samuel frowned deeply. He did not understand why Alila could be that big. The girl who was usually meek, and almost never spoke out loudly, today she looked very rude.

"Sam, get out of here. She's not Alila." Nisa is still trying to get Samuel out.

Alila smiled in anguish. "Look, how hypocritical are you!! You hurt this girl shamelessly!!"

Nisa closed her eyes tightly. He tried to ignore Alila's words that made his heart ache. Is that what Alila has been feeling? Nisa didn't mean to hurt Alila. Never does.

Alila was crying again. This time he roared and the sound of his crying was truly heart-wrenching. "You're evil!! You hurt!! What's her fault?!"

Samuel tried to get closer, he clasped Alila's cold hand. "La, sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you on purpose. Don't be like this."

Alila stopped her crying. He approached Samuel and inching to embrace the man. Make all the santriwati who surround them say Istighfar.

Nisa's heart is in tremendous pain. This was not the first time she had seen Alila and Samuel cuddling. This must be the reason, that he doubted Samuel right? But that's not what Nisa feels. There is a disassociation that overwhelms his feelings at this time.

"Sir Nis, let's Ruqyah Alila now. Before he acts even stranger." Iin pulled Nisa's arm. But the girl brushed aside slowly and walked away.

Nisa did not understand what she was feeling at the moment. Clearly, he did not want to linger there watching Alila who embraced Samuel and Samuel who did not reject him at all. It felt like there was a godam suddenly hitting the recesses of his heart. He can't be a professional at the moment, he should be treating Alila. Not even run like this. But his heart refused. His human soul has been defeated with a burning fire of jealousy in it.

*****

Sarah pegs herself in front of the mirror, occasionally she spins so that the goub in her face expands.

"Mbak, what a centil?" Arini Protest. The girl was working on a task, but her focus was split because of Sarah who was pacing and circling in front of the mirror that was right in front of her.

Sarah sat on the bed, "Well don't this dress in the same suit, Ma'am?"

Arini seemed to examine for a moment, her eyes up and down watching Sarah from toe to toe. "Good, but the color is too striking." Arini.

"That seriously?! Not good dong?" Sarah stood in front of the mirror watching her appearance.

Sarah sat back down. "There's a show."

"Same Sister Nisa?"

Sarah shook her head, "No."

Arini squinted, not usually her brother was traveling without Nisa. Usually where there is Nisa there must be Sarah, except when Sarah is in the Office. The rest they stick around like glue like stamps. "Tumbent kok?"

Sarah sighed, "Official Affairs. Udah ah, Mommy did not come home late at night anyway." The girl was lazy if she had to be asked questions by her sister. If he was telling the truth, then Arini must have sat him in the green to interrogate him.

Pipp pipp

The sound of the car horn in the company of incoming call notifications interrupted Sarah and Arini's conversation.

"I'm already outside." It was the sentence that first greeted Sarah's ear when she picked up the phone. Even when Sarah had not said a word, the connection had been severed unilaterally.

"Headuh, you song!!" Condemn Sarah.

"Who's Ma'am?" Arini slightly kepo with his brother's gelagat in the value is not as usual. He was also suspicious of the person who was currently honking in front of his house. Without waiting for Sarah's answer, Arini rushes to leave her Brother. The girl ran out of the room to the living room only to see who was outside waiting for her brother.

"Ofraa!!! Don't kepo!!" Shouting Sarah. He took his tote bag and ran after Arini's agile longbow.

"***** in front of the house there's Alphard."

Sarah smacks Arini's lips inhumanely. "Language, please!"

Arini's reflexes cut her lips while scratching her head. "Forget. Uh, Ma'am, that's a thump, huh? Crazy, very lucky." Said splashy.

Sarah shook her head. Seeing Arini who was tacky because he saw Alfian's luxury car, he remembered, when he entered the car he also looked as good as Arini. "There you go into the room. Ma'am wants to go first. Don't forget to lock the door." His orders, ignoring the questions from Arini. Remembering Alfia outside has been honking her horn ever since. He did not want to make the man angry.

When entering the car, the first sight Sarah saw was Alfian wearing casual clothes. Maroon red flannel shirt dress and black material pants. Sarah's brain went blank. He had to admit, that Alfian was so handsome. Especially when dressed casually like now.

"Casual ngeliatinnya. I know I'm handsome." Alfian pongah. The man throws a slanted smile at Sarah.

Sarah rolled a puff of eyes. He seemed to regret having admitted this man before him was handsome. Although it can not be denied that he is handsome, the maroon-colored shirt is so fitting attached to his body. Wait a minute, maroon-colored shirts? Isn't that the same color as tonight's dress? Ah shit, Alfian was deliberately buying her a dress with the same color as her shirt, to look like other gemes couples who like to wear a couple.

Alfian starts running his car engine leaving Sarah's yard. What makes Sarah cranky along the way is that the man constantly shows off his annoying smile. And the bad news is, Sarah was uncomfortable with that smile, because her heart was beating in an odd way.

When the car enters the elite residential area, Sarah can already guess, that Alfian's house must be more elite than the houses that pass through it in the area. And sure enough, Sarah was again amazed when the car stopped in front of the towering gate. Even just arrived in front of the gate, Sarah was made agape first. The towering gate covered the wake that was inside. The combination of gold and silver colors that make the door look charming. Added with carvings of horse statues that adorn the middle.

When the car was completely stopped in front of the gate, a man wearing a security uniform ran to open the door. Sarah grieved at the sight of how the rich have always been over-respected in this mortal world.

Fun with his mind, Sarah to not realize that the car has been completely stopped even the engine has been turned off.

"Down. Or wait for me to open the door?" Alfian threw a look of disdain at Sarah. Makes the girl want to tear the face of the Boss.

Sarah's hurry down. The girl looked nervous, especially when she saw the super magnificent building standing firmly before her. The building is exactly like the houses in the movie Indosiar who often watched it as a child, the houses used to be filmed by Temy Rahadi and his friends. The towering pillars are white, combined with paint on the dominant wall in silver. And super-large and long windows in some corners. Sarah gulped, inexplicably feeling like a commoner visiting the king's palace.

"Let's go in!" Alfian walked the highway first, followed by Sarah who also stepped foot into the house of Alfian.

Sarah said, right, right now she feels like visiting the king's palace. Just look, just as he and Alfian were about to enter the house, the maids dressed in uniform stood at the door to greet him. Their number consists of 4 people, all of whom are women. They bow as Alfian and Sarah pass by. Sarah was unusual, feeling badly treated like that.

When Sarah enters the house, the view she gets is much more amazing than the view she sees outside. How not, the building inside was much multiplied times more beautiful. The living room stretches wide, even Sarah estimates the living room is much wider than her home. Sofa prices hundreds of millions lined up sweetly. Not to forget the wall hangings with various forms of nangkring on the wall of the living room. And don't forget, a photo so big wrapped in a golden frame was stuck there. In the photo is seen a middle-aged man who is sitting full of authority, beside him a woman who Nisa recognizes as the Mother of Alfian is smiling. Behind them stood two men and two women. One of them was Alfian, then two sisters Alfian who had dinner with him the other day and also a little boy, whom Sarah assessed was still old as a child Elementary School.

"Young master, Madam and Master are already waiting at the dining table."

A middle-aged woman approached Alfian. The woman was seen bowing respectfully, and speaking without daring to look at Alfian. Ah basic, but the woman is older than him, Sarah thought.

Alfian led Sarah to the dining room. With a forced step, Sarah followed Alfian's steps, while occasionally her eyes admired the building on her footing at this time.

"Hello Sarah."

Sarah nodded awkwardly as Alfian's mother greeted her. That woman looks beautiful today. He wore a knee-length dress with flowers that were not striking color. Beside him was a boy whose face was similar to Alfian but a junior version. And maybe she's Alfian's sister in the photo. In the main seat was a male who seemed to be older than Alfian's mother. Makes Sarah guess, that he is Alfian's father. Then on the other table was Alesha and Ameera. Ameera greeted Sarah with a wave of her hand, but Alesha let out a look and pretended to distract her. He did not like Sarah. Though as Sarah remembers, she never did anything wrong to Alfian's sister. But for some reason, he didn't like Sarah.

Mama Alfian stood up and invited Sarah to sit down. "How are you?" Ask.

"Good aunt." Sarah smiled awkwardly. At this moment he felt the entire pair of eyes were staring at him. I don't know why Sarah's heart feels like it's in a crazy pump. He couldn't even breathe as usual.

Everyone at the dinner table looked at the food with wisdom. The sound of clanking spoons and plates clashing against each other sounded loud. Sarah swallowed her food. The girl is now afraid of making a mistake. Though he should not have to worry about it, Alfian and his family were nobody for him.

"So, when is your engagement party scheduled to be held?"

Sarah chokes on her own food. The girl coughed in surprise. Alfian offered water, which Sarah drank straight to the toilet.

What did Alfian's father say? The engagement? Whose engagement did he mean? Isn't the stranger in the room just Sarah? Oh could? How could? Sarah's brain shrieks to guess what Alfian's father really meant to say.

"Are you okay?" Ask Mama Alfian.

Sarah nodded then took out a piece of tissue to wipe her lips. His hands are cold. Suddenly oxygen around like inadequate to breathe.

Alfian cleared his throat, before then starting to speak. "We haven't talked about it. Let me discuss with Sarah, and then I say."

Sarah is gaped. Is Alfian out of his mind? How long has he known Sarah? Why would he dare say that to his parents without Sarah knowing? Oh is this why he's been approaching Sarah lately? Sarah became his personal secretary. What exactly does he want from that decision? Sarah cut the meat on her plate sadistically. The girl was furious at Alfian. But there was no way he could vent his anger right now? He could have been kicked out by the security guard who was standing in front of the gate earlier.

"If you can not for long. Papa must prepare everything in advance."

Sarah wants to cry now. He did not understand Alfian's plan. And suddenly he had to be dragged in a condition that did not even reach his reasoning. He had never imagined this before. But for some reason, ever since Alfian touched his life, his life had turned into a mess. Many things Sarah could not finish on time because she had to put her work first on Alfian. Sarah wanted to comment or just throw a protest, but her lips were silent. He was afraid that if he spoke later there were words that he might have mispronounced.

"We'll talk about it later." Alfian.

Remind Sarah to punch Alfian later after he gets out of this house. Sarah was really upset with the man.

"Sarah, son, have you said this to your parents?"

Sarah was pulled from her daydream when Mama Samuel opened her voice. He smiled bitterly, "I have no parents." Nelangsa.

Momentary silence. Before Mama Alfian finally opened her voice again, "Oh maf, I don't know. So who have you been living with all this time?" He smiled friendly.

"My sister. Ever since my parents died I've been living with him." Sarah tried to maintain a smile on both corners of her lips.

"Then, how was your education?" This time, Papa Alfian asked.

"I'm an old semester student at Guna Dharma University, majoring in psychology." Said Sarah without reducing the slightest sense of courtesy in her tone. Although she is upset and uncomfortable, she still has to look polite as a civilized and educated girl.

Papa Alfian muttered. Since then the man had only shown his flat expression. And Sarah is disturbed by that, when she should not care, anyway there is no benefit for Sarah, right?

Dinner's over. Closed with Papa Alfian who throws an unexpected question to Sarah, "Are you sincerely in love with Alfian? Not because of what he has now?"

Sarah glared at him. He doesn't know what to give an answer. He had no feelings for Alfian. He also did not know the clear reason behind the motive that Alfian did today. But why is it as if Sarah is looking after Alfian?

Alfian bertehem. "It seems like time has passed. Sarah can't be home too late."

Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. He did not have to bother answering questions from men who were staring at him with a difficult gaze.

Sarah resigned herself, and passed after a long step Alfian who had first left the dining room. An hour or so of sitting and hanging out with the Alfian family feels like a year.

*****

"What is all this about?" Sarah immediately threw the question that had been in her pendam. Even when the car hasn't completely left Alfian's house.

Alfian smiled obliquely in response to Sarah's question, making the girl growl annoyed. Yes, he is charming when smiling, but there is no need to constantly show off his smile in front of Sarah? Does she think Sarah is interested? Sarah grumbled to herself in her heart.

"I don't understand why the venerable Alfian did this." Sarah pressed down on every word she said, making anyone guess that the girl was really upset at the moment.

Alfian stopped the car when the traffic signs showed red. "Maybe I should apologize first. I know it's sudden."

Sarah grunts. What did he say just now? Maybe I should apologize? Why should I join the word maybe. Shouldn't he apologize. If necessary, he should apologize in full. The man has a very high ego. Another minus value of an Alfian.

"I'm just asking for your help." Flat talk. Typical Alfian who indeed only had a little expression. "I was forced to marry my Papa's chosen girl." He turned the car, looking straight ahead. It even seems so calm.

Sarah let Alfian tell her. He chose to be quiet and not interrupt.

"He's a politician's son. His father was a minister, had several central companies and branches that were all active. She is beautiful, her face is not inferior to soap opera artists. And he's also educated. A member of the parliament's council."

Sarah felt dwarfed for a moment. He compared himself to the girl Alfian mentioned earlier. The girl was like an expensive object that many people liked, and she was just like a priceless biscuit crumb.

"My father wanted to marry me to that girl on business. Merging two companies." Alfian smiled bitterly.

"So? You refused?" Sarah spoke up after it felt Alfian no longer continued the story.

Alfian nodded steadily.

"Why? Is there no benefit for you as well. I mean in addition to the company Papa Mas Alfian developed Mas will also get a beautiful wife, the elite, educated and even a representative of the people. Wouldn't such a wife be more proud?"

Alfian laughing. His laughter was like crackers freshly fried, crispy. "I'm not interested in women like that. A woman who always receives ease in her life, until she forgets what it feels like to have trouble. The woman who always gets what she wants even without ever feeling the struggle."

Sarah frowned. What did Alfian mean by saying that? It was as if the man was comparing the girl he mentioned earlier with Sarah. Sarah didn't have everything she had at the time. He almost always encountered difficulties in his life. Struggling desperately to get what he wants. In short, Sarah was the opposite of Alfian's words just now.

"It's not better if two honorable families meet each other, I think it's a good fit." Sarah switched the subject.

Alfian laughed again. Sarah suspects the man has excess laughter syndrome.

"Nothing good. For them, marriage is just an image. You don't know, marriage on the basis of greed never finds good in it. There is no blessing in it."

Sarah's stunned. The man next to her was Alfian. Alfian who prefers to wait for Sarah in front of the mosque rather than participate in prayer, and now he says about blessing? Wow, I don't think Sarah believes it.

"Then why are you dragging me into your case?" Sarah immediately entered at the point she wanted to ask since.

"Because I'm interested in you." Alfian said lightly.

Sarah smiled slantedly, "Lep. You're just using me." The knot.

Alfian pulled his car over the shoulder of the road. He stared intensely at Sarah, right in the bead of the girl's eyes. Making it not warty, even the oxygen around the taste began to decrease.

"Please look in both of my eyes. Is there a lie? I thought you were a psychologist, so you should know that." Alfian said as his eyes stared fixedly at Sarah who was currently flickering funny.

"But... But why all of a sudden?" Sarah asked in the midst of her nervousness.

"Maybe it makes you feel sudden, but for me this is the time I've been waiting for. From the first time you signed up to be an employee, you caught my attention."

Remind Nisa how to blink. The girl froze in place. Alfian's words managed to hypnotize him. Sarah did not understand, which part of her was what attracted Alfian's attention.

"It's too sudden." Mumbled Sarah. The girl's face was currently flushed red, like it had just been on a pail of tomato sauce.

Alfian who saw that laughed. "Why? Don't you like me?"

Sarah nodded slowly. Alfian laughed again. "Why? What's the reason you don't like a guy as cool as me? There are dozens of girls out there waiting in line to have me. Why don't you be one of them?" Ask pongah.

Sarah glanced at a glance, "Mas Alfian doesn't fall into the male category of my dreams."

Alfian stops the car right in Sarah's yard.

"What is the man of your dreams?" Ask Alfian.

"Only one, has faith."

Alfian. He felt that he had everything all along. A handsome face, a decent education, a good job, abundant treasures. If you think rationally, no one will reject a man like him. But Sarah is different, when many women who pursue men like Alfian, he actually rejected the man.

"Can faith guarantee your happiness?"

Sarah looked at Alfian for a while, and then she answered the man's question. "If a man believes, when he is happy he will be happy, when he is angry he is still glorifying. A priest must understand religion, so that the pilgrims he leads do not get lost, he said,

Alfian was completely silent. He had no reason to dispute Sarah's words.

"If Mas Alfian only thinks marriage is a game, then please don't involve me." Sarah said firmly. The girl opened the car door and rushed into the house. Suspending Alfian who was still immersed in thousands of questions in his head.

*****

Samuel tucked Alila's hair behind her headscarf that was attached carelessly. The girl is still unconscious. It's been a half hour since Alila fainted. And until now, there was no sign that the girl would be sober.

Samuel looked at Alila's sleeping face. The face looks thin, with clear eye bags and pale lips. Samuel felt pity. How much pain and injury has Alila suffered? And how far does he try to survive? Samuel felt that he had inflicted so many wounds on the girl. Alila never hated him once. He still had a complete love for Samuel. A love that was not eroded in the slightest even though Samuel hurt him. Samuel felt that he was the most jerk man ever.

Alila is her past. Although it cannot be denied, there are still some of Samuel who sometimes ask to return. But Nisa is a shield. The shield that protected him from that feeling. Nisa makes him always able to brush off Samuel's feelings for Alila.

Samuel must confirm his feelings for Nisa. No other name could fill her heart but the girl's name. If there is anything to be done between Alila or Nisa, then Samuel would prefer to take Alila. But seeing how fragile the girl was at the moment, the intention slowly wavered.

"Sam?"

Alila muttered the word when she first opened her eyes at the sight of Samuel sitting next to her, bowing his head.

The man raised his head.

Alila smile. A smile that is so sincere yet fragile. "Why are you here?" Ask later.

"I accidentally passed by, when I saw you faint. And I brought you here." Samuel.

Smiles still adorned both corners of Alila's lips. "You care?"

Samuel sighed then threw it away violently, "You better take a break. I have to get back to the college." Samuel stood up from his seat, about to step out, but his movement stopped as Alila pulled his arm.

"Don't go. Please please. This time it's just." The girl looked at Samuel.

Samuel removed Alila's grasp from his arm, then sat back down. "Lil, we've…"

"I know. But can't you just accompany me for today. I miss you." Alila lowered her head, avoiding Samuel's gaze which was currently directed at her.

"I know your relationship with Nisa. I didn't mean to be a destroyer. But isn't this unfair, Sam? I kept my feelings intact, even after a few years had passed. There is not one other name that I call in my prayers other than your name. Why open your heart to other women? I know, I'm not as good as Nisa, but is it wrong for me to expect you?" Nisa ended her sentence with a drop of free-falling tears drenching her cheeks.

Samuel threw a glance in the other direction. "It's all over when you told me to leave that time."

"You know? How I was destroyed at that time. I lost my way, lost my control, lost my grip on life, and then you think in a moment like that I can think clearly? All men have made mistakes, and yes, I am the one who made even the most fatal mistake of the day."

"You can still find someone else who loves you more than I do."

"Who? Alila smiled bitterly. "Nobody loves me well but you. Even though you have opened your heart to others, your love for me is still there. And you, just don't want to admit it."

Samuel fell silent. He had no defense whatsoever to deny Alila's words. How could he possibly deny, if what the girl said was the truth? "What do you want right now?"

"Leave Nisa, and come back with me. We fix everything. We start all over again. I promise you, I'll never leave you again."

Samuel fell silent. His heart was in a pit of worry. As if it was between two intersections, the choice will determine where he continues the journey.

On the other hand, a girl has since stolen the conversation of two people who are in the UKS. Thousands of needles like pricking his heart. Tears streaming down his cheeks as if describing how the wound was so deep. The confidence he had just built, as if collapsing was not left. The commitment offered seems to mean nothing. And after this, all he had to do was to extinguish the burning feeling.