The Love Story of Children Santri

Chapter 38 - The Khitbah

"Ustadz did Ustadz know this matchmaking long ago? Why didn't Ustadz say?" With her sharp eyes Eve asked as if she was holding back anger. 

Adam who remained standing turned to face him in an instant, after which returned to his original position. 

"You think I have no doubt? Your brother's request makes my heart restless all the time. I was hesitant let alone see your behavior, and the slander that spread. I once thought of repeating my heistikhoroh but, whenever I ask God for guidance, it is always you who appear Eve. I hesitated to tell my parents. I fear they are against this match. But it turns out that my fears were wrong, Aby and Ummi were happy and supportive of this matchmaking so we came here to preach you." 

"Why doesn't Ustadz just refuse? Ustad isn't shy about having a young wife, I'm 19 and still in school. And Ustadz!" 

"Our age is only 6 years. After all, there is nothing in Islamic law to marry a woman who must be mature or mature. Most importantly, the woman was already in awe. And why don't I refuse? If it were a guidance from God, and for the good of the world and the hereafter I would never refuse because it was worship."

"While it doesn't matter to love each other, doesn't it matter? For me marriage must be out of love, in order to be happy." 

"Love, I think it'll come by itself." 

Adam smelled a smile but not with Eve glaring sharply. With the position of the hand folded under the chest. 

"All right, I have a condition. Before that love grows between us, never touch me even if we're married. If Ustadz agrees I'll agree to this match." 

"For me to be married it's a worship not to be toyed with." 

"Agree it or don't just say it!" adam, Eve, simply threw away his rough breathing. 

Adam, too, would not have forced her if Eve was not ready. Adam had to agree to an arranged marriage on those terms. They returned home, gathered with their families. 

No one knows Adam's covenant with Eve. However, their parents were happy because the matchmaking went smoothly without coercion. 

Today Hawa Aqila Princess is officially at the sermon by Muhammad Adam Alfatih. A ring is pinned by Umm Khodijah to Eve's ring finger, as a binder if Eve already belongs to her son. 

And Eve will be brought back to the pesantren. In order to avoid slander they are forbidden to meet alone, and for the sake of mutual comfort, especially for Eve, the matchmaking is kept secret until the specified time.

***** 

"Alhamdulillah Ma, the show is over. Joseph was calm because he had given Eve to the right man. Let's hope their relationship lasts, Ma." 

"Aamiinu. You are calm but Mama is not calm. When did Mama's first child marry? Your sister you've already betrothed yourself haven't found a mate." 

"Don't think of Yusuf Ma. Joseph has not thought about that, still big responsibility Joseph, take care of Mama and our family. Moreover, Joseph must also focus on the company 'kan Ma, Yusuf does not want to get married." 

"But you also have to take care of it. If you have a wife, someone will take care of you. Yes, now Mama still exists what if Mama is gone? Mama wants to see you two get married with the best choice, Mama wants to see Mama's sons happy." 

"Mama don't say that, God willing Mama lived a long life. And will see Joseph and Eve marry, and play with Mama's grandchildren." 

"Do you need to find her too?" 

"Mama, don't think about it. Now better Mama rest." 

Marwah chuckled as he led Joseph into his room. Joseph really did not want to talk about marriage. 

*****

Eve was welcomed by her three friends. They were happy to see Eve back, but something made them suspicious. A ring embedded in Eve's ring finger. 

"Eve tumben you wear a ring? Fiancee's ring?" 

"Eh, who. If you wear the ring, you have to be engaged. It's an ordinary ring, "well Eve's nervous. Then cover his finger with a robe. 

"Good, must be expensive." 

"Udah ah, don't talk about the ring I want to rest." Eve walked to her bed. Laying his body on his soft bed. 

"Laughter, is Gio your friend? How to slander you." 

Eve who was about to fall asleep was immediately awakened, after hearing the question from Aisha. They all already know the news about Gio, and about Asma's father who is in prison including the person behind the slander.

"Yes, I don't believe it either. Asthma's father is the culprit, what about Asthma now." Minah still thinks about her friend. 

"Not everyone we think is good is good. In the past, I did like Gio, but after knowing his treatment I felt hate because he could not keep the honor of women. I'm sorry I liked him. And as for Asma, it seems like her father has his own reasons for doing that." 

"Well, what if they knew that if I had been engaged to Ustadz Adam, it would have been great later," the inner Eve who was still thinking about her relationship with Adam. 

"Why dream?" 

"Who is daydreaming. I'm just tired." 

"Yes, you just rest. Wake up at the Ashar Adhan. We're going to the hall first for practice." 

"What training?" 

"Marawis, for the race later. Because of the pesantren we participate in the race between santri one province," explained Asiyah.

"What's that marawis?" Eve did not understand what marawis was, only then she heard those words.

"Marawis is a tambourine or drum musical instrument accompanied by an Arabic or sholawatan song. Actually it is still the same as other musical instruments as a accompanist just this marawis musical instrument a kind of drum that is patted not like a guitar or other band tool." 

"You guys played it?" 

"Yes, you want to come?" 

"Well, I want to." 

Eve also went with her friends to the hall. Seeing them play marawis music, Eve tried but could not.

"Why not use a guitar, a piano, rather than a ginian," complained Eve. 

"This is called a traditional musical instrument. Make no mistake, this musical instrument comes from Arabia precisely from Hadramaut Yemen. Try it, you listen." 

Eve just quietly listened to her three friends to play a marawis musical instrument. A coach suggested appointing someone as the vocalist, and they pointed to Eve in front of him. 

However, Eve refused to sing the Arabic song as embarrassing, compared to the popular songs. 

However, they continued to persuade Eve, so that Eve would participate in the race. With Eve forced to accept the offer, she also tried to sing a song. 

What a beautiful and melodious voice Eve made them all stunned. 

"God be Eve, so good is your voice." 

"Yes. We'll win." 

"When is the lomba?" 

"Next week. Usually Asma who will be the singer of his voice song is also very melodious. And now you're his replacement." 

Eve did not accept being called a substitute, making Eve want to look better than Asthma. Especially when hearing if Adam, ever praise the voice of Asthma. 

"You don't know me yet. I've been in one province race, and I'm a champion. I have been good at singing since. And you Minah, don't mention your friend's name he's not here." 

"Well, nice dong. So you're ready for Eve to be the vocalist." 

"Hm" answered Eve. 

Since then Hawa became an active santri, always following various events, activities in the pesantren. And more mingling with his friends. 

All the students who participated in the race were getting ready, both in dress and others. Eve, still in her room tidying up her robe and hijab. However, Eve suddenly did not see the ring on her ring finger. 

Eve, panic ring is gone.

"Lo, where's the ring?" 

Soon Eve ran towards the bathroom, looking for a ring that might have fallen off or been left behind. However, he did not find even in search of the whole room, and every drawer and closet. 

Eve, really doesn't know where her ring is. 

"Ouch! Where is the ring. How can it be lost."