The Love of the Sinner

Chapter 34. Rangga Family

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Chapter 34

      The atmosphere in Pesantren Al-Ikhlas is now very crowded because there is a wedding of the daughter of Kiai Sholeh. Male and female guests in separate, different rooms. Aulia came five earlier, with Ahmad and Iqbal who also received an invitation from Kiai Sholeh. Aulia kept Halimah's grandmother among the crowd of guests while Yusuf's grandfather was guarded by Ahmad and Iqbal.

       While waiting in line to give a prayer for the bride, Aulia was hit by a mother who was chasing a small child. He asked, "Mom's okay?"

      The tired old woman chased the boy around 3 or 4 years old and replied, "Yes, I'm fine. This is the grandchild of people, can't be silent. It's just cool talking there."

      How surprised Aulia was when she realized the person who had hit her just now was Shinta, Rangga's mother. Aulia's body was tense and sculpted. He did not expect to come face to face with the woman who used to insult him and his two masters.

"Sorry, yeah. I accidentally bumped into you, "he said again and went to carry the boy in his cradle.

      Aulia silently gave no response when Shinta left. Halimah's grandmother awakened Aulia and stepped again in the queue.

"Who was that woman, Aulia?" ask grandma Halimah.

"She's Kak Rangga's mother" replied Aulia.

"Don't be afraid, son. Be assured that God is always with us. If, he did something that hurt you, don't you immediately reply to him. Advise or tell him if he does not do well. May Allah soften his heart and open his heart, so as not to judge you badly again" said Halimah's grandmother.

"Yes, Grandma. It's not that we can't repay someone's crimes with evil anymore. It will even cause a prolonged grudge," continued Aulia with a concluding smile reminded of the teachings of Grandmother Halimah from one of the interpretations of the Koran verse she had learned.

"Yes, Son. Doing good is better" added Halimah's grandmother with a gentle smile.

      Not far from there Shinta noticed Aulia and Halimah's grandmother. He felt familiar with the voice of the girl he had hit earlier.

***

     Meanwhile, in the living room. Rangga and his family sat next to Ahmad and Yusuf's grandfather. 

"The bride-to-be still had time to come here" said someone who had just arrived. Either to Rangga or Ahmad, the two young men clearly knew this man.

"Eh, these two men are brides, you know!" said one of ustadz who knew that Rangga and Ahmad would get married.

      Ahmad and Rangga who sat side by side stared at each other and smiled. The two men that they had unknowingly already liked the same woman.

"Mas Rangga, when is the exact date of her wedding?" ask Ustadz.

"If, no hitch may be the date of the next three months," Damar replied representing Rangga.

"Oh, that means less than a month. If it's Mas Ahmad, when's the wedding date?" continued again.

"God's Insha, same date as three. Aulia wants to fit the red date, so that her acquaintances can also be present," replied Ahmad.

     Fathir, who had just learned about this, again felt a tightness in his chest. As vigorous as she tried to forget her love for Aulia, she still could not. Instead, she tried to open her heart to love Ning Aliyah, still unable to. Moreover, after knowing there is a bad done by his family.

'O Allah, You are the One who controls the hearts of all beings, You are the One who turns the heart upside down, guide the heart in the direction that You are pleased with, ' Fathir said.

      Rangga looked back at Ahmad when he mentioned Aulia's name. For some reason everyone who called Aulia's name, he immediately felt curious. What Aulia meant by that person was Aulia, her lover.

"The sholeha girl and the sholeh boy, fit in, you guys. May it last, yes, Mas," Ustadz told Ahmad.

"Aamiin," Ahmad replied with a smile.

***

     After returning from the pesantren, Ahmad and Iqbal stopped at the house of Yusuf's grandfather. The young man could not help his heart pounding every time he faced Aulia. Especially if, Aulia quickly lowered her head, she did the same.

"Come, eat the Surabaya sponge! He said that Ahmad liked the Surabaya-made sponge Aulia?" said Yusuf's grandfather dismantled the conversation he had with Ahmad some time ago.

"Yes, Mr. Ustadz. He even often told the motorcycle taxi driver to deliberately buy into the store, only for sweet potato and Surabaya sponge made by Aulia," continued Iqbal and made Ahmad resist embarrassment.

"Really, that?" ask Aulia happily.

"Jawab, dong, boss." Iqbal nudged Ahmad's shoulder with his shoulder.

"E, i-tu .. likes. I like it very much" replied Ahmad nervously. Especially now that Aulia was staring at him.

"Calm down, if you're married later, just ask Aulia to make a special special for you," said Iqbal still happy to tease Ahmad. 

     Grandpa Joseph and Grandma Halima laughed. They are happy that the two children who have been in foster care and upbringing they will establish a marriage relationship.

      Ahmad is often betrothed by his acquaintances, it's just that the fate of a mate has not succeeded in siding with him. If it is not a female candidate who refuses, her prospective in-laws who reject her. Many people who see the shortcomings owned by Ahmad, they do not see the side of the advantages possessed by the polite young man.

"Assalamu'alaikum," greeted someone from the front of the house.

"Wa'alaikumsalam," replied the people inside.

     Joseph's grandfather opened the door, and a foreign guest was standing there. A middle-aged man whose face resembled Rangga's.

"Sorry, Cake. My car broke down in front of there. Is there anyone here who has tools, it happens that my equipment that is usually in the car is left behind," said the man.

"Before, sir," replied Joseph's grandfather and asked where Aulia's car tools were stored. Then Joseph's grandfather took the box and gave it to him.

     Ahmad and Iqbal spent an hour in Joseph's grandfather's house. When out of the house, the person was still struggling with his car. Because of pity, Ahmad and Iqbal also helped them to repair the car until it turned back on.

"Thank you, Mum. For his help," said the middle-aged man.

"Om Mulyono, I first give this toolbox to the ones who have it" said Rangga.

"Eh, this is Mas sitting next to me?" ask Ahmad.

"Yes, meet Mas .. Rangga," replied Rangga.

      Ahmad cupped his hands because it was dirty. So is Rangga's hand holding the tool box.

     Rangga also said his greetings in front of the door of Joseph's grandfather's house. He waited for the owner to open the door.

     How surprised Aulia when she saw Rangga standing in front of the door while holding her toolbox. Fortunately Aulia was still wearing her veil.

"Miss, this was me borrowing this tool and I want to return it and say thank you very much," said Rangga with a gaze that never separated Aulia's clear eyes.

       Little heart Rangga liked the eyes of the girl in front of him. Those beautiful eyes were like those of her lover's eyes. The eyes that always fascinate him and fall in a sea of love.

***

Will Rangga recognize Aulia? How's their story going next?

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