The Soulmate Must Meet

Episode 14 - Symbol of the Honor of Women

The nature of a woman is to be protected by men, as strong as women, still her physique is not as strong as men. Maybe in this world there are many strong women, career women, martial arts experts, but in reality they lose in the face of the harsh reality of life. I may be part of that weak woman. Even if I had gathered with the other women in this room, I still felt the weakness of being a woman.

There are three beds in this room, neatly arranged. And on each side of the mattress was a small closet, to store clothes, a study table tucked away in front of our mattresses. And next to her a small bookcase.

“My name is Aisyah.”

I welcome his hand.

“I Khodijah.”

His sincere smile warmed a frozen heart.

“I'm Graceful.”

For a moment we just looked at each other. There were vibrations that I could not bear from their sight, as if they had the same pain as me. However, I tried not to dissolve. I want to rise here, I don't want to fall into a slump, I want to be a strong woman, and a strong woman knows her weaknesses as a woman.

“How long has it been here?” my many.

“I've only three days,” replied Aisyah.

“If I was just yesterday,” Khodijah also replied.

I breathed a sigh of relief, these two beautiful women smiled. Aisyah looks more childish, nose pointed, seems to be a descendant, but the way of speech is natural, seems to be born in this country. Khodijah is more mature and calm. I guess he's older than us, maybe twenty.

“My mother from Aceh, my father Padang. Them..”

Aisha stopped her speech. It was like swallowing a big stone that stuck in his throat so he could not talk.

“Already... here we will learn and achieve dreams,” said Khodijah.

“Iya.. we better tell you about the dreams you want to achieve,” I replied.

Aisyah. It is undeniable that I am in the midst of two different people. Khodijah, has a firm heart, is closed and always wants to be seen as a mature woman, while Aisyah is still spoiled, still overflowing her emotions. I don't know if I can be a balanced character among them, while I myself am still unstable.

“When I went around with Hilmah, I didn't see any male santri?”

Aisyah raised her head, eyes shining.

“You…. Still single, huh?’ ledek.

Aisyah's change of face made me believe that she was still green, let alone male affairs, it seemed like she was just growing up, wanting to feel love that she had never felt, I guessed like that.

“Ah. Do you have a future husband?” ledek.

“Prospective husband? Mmm... difficult to find a prospective husband, now many men want,” Aisyah pout.

“Not many want, maybe we are too rigid to men, so men feel inferior if with us,” said Khodijah.

“Loh how is that?” ketus Aisha.

“Mmm.. we as Muslim women, must also follow the times, one of them in the association.”

“Ih! I really don't want to wear tight clothes. Dissipation see it, the lifetime of the hijab so!”

Khodijah smiled, while I was silent. Waiting for the next explanation, because Khodijah must have a statement that I might be able to accept. Khodijah got up from his seat, then stepped towards the study table, he picked up a book. I don't know what the title is. The book was grasped by him, it seemed like it would show something. A few seconds later, the book was put down again, and he sat down on the bench.

“Not a fashion problem, but more to the point of view,” he said.

“How to view?”

“Can you explain!” I asked with curiosity.

“You mean, Muslim women are now immoral?” Aisyah did not seem to like that statement.

“Not that..”

“Then what?” he keeps attacking.

“Being someone does not mean having to cheat the advantages of others. As Muslim women, we should talk anything with men, including love.”

“Loh? Would it be clear, if dating is haram?” Aisha still could not accept it.

“What kind of dating was. If you're just sitting around getting to know each other, joking, or discussing, I don't think it's a problem. It's the process to the wedding. Every couple should know each other first, right? But, if it is out of its limits, it can only be said to be haram.”

“It can also cause border violations, especially if only two.”

“Then from that, I said keep morals. If a woman keeps her morals, then men will respect her, as well as admire.”

I was the one who had been quiet, interested in talking too.

“So... do you think Muslim women are now out of morality?” my many.

“That's not what I mean. Women who are veiled, now are far from morals, although that is not all. Muslim fashion is only a trend, not as a symbol of women's honor. You live in the city of Jakarta, must have played to the supermarket, and there can be found Muslim clothes far from the Quran.”

“Then his relationship with loving?” ask again.

“Obviously very related. The veiled women now dare to look sexy with her hijab, so that men think it is different, so as Aisyah concluded that men want a lot, she said, it is because we ourselves allow others to behave beyond our expectations. Muslim clothing, not only for a trend, but an honor for women.”

Khodijah made it clear again, making me understand now, why mother used to say not to take off the hijab, even though I live in the midst of filth. I don't want my life to fall apart, I want to keep my honor as a woman. With this veil I wore, it at least saved me from the great evil of striped men.

“Luckily I have never worn a hijab with tights, hehe.”

“But.. even if we are veiled closed, it does not mean not to associate with men. We must also know others, because with that there is self-maturity.”

“It turns out I'm one room with great women,” I said gladly.

“Ah... don't overdo it,” says Khodijah.

“Iya.. I'm also happy, get a lot of additional knowledge. How do I call Kak Khodijah? Looks like I have a lot to learn from Brother.”

“Please... I am also happy to have a sister like Aisyah.”.

Suddenly, Azan sounded, we stopped the conversation. I, Khodijah and Aisyah took ablution, it is time to pray isha. After all the tidy, I followed Khodijah and Aisyah out of the room towards the mosque. This boarding school was divided into two buildings separated by a mosque. And having two gates, I entered the female-only gate so that it did not cross directly with the men.

Apparently Masriyah's mother managed female santri, while her husband managed male santri. Very good cooperation, I secretly admired Masriyah's mother more, she could be a great woman, stand alone, but still obedient to the husband, as well as her husband, she could be, democracy and wisdom.

In my heart, I have the desire to get a husband like Mariyah's mother's husband. He can be a priest, guide, give bright lights in the family, and of course charismatic.

I thank teacher Umay for recommending me to this boarding school. The journey is not in vain, my hope will soon be realized, I will find the most beautiful place in this world, get useful knowledge. This awakening in me longs to happen quickly, I who have been divided, will be reunited. May I be born again in this place to be a strong person of body soul. Yes, in a city that has the nickname Wali city. A city that gave birth to many living philosophies.

The sky tonight is bathed in starlight. The moon was up there, glittering, I saw the future there, in this multi-layered sky. Lord, give me the best path, and meet me with my soul mate whom You have given me, I am sure that everything that happens to me is a way from You to strengthen my faith.

“Sst... don't daydream!” Aisyah surprised me.

“Anggun, look!”

I glanced towards the male santri who was flocking towards the mosque. Then I glanced towards Khodijah. He just smiled, it seemed like he was just answering from my question, when asking the male santri.

“Remember.. Akhlak, Akhlak as a Muslim woman,” Khodijah said.

Then we smiled, agreeing to the expression. The voice of the Azaan ceased, replaced by praise of the Most Holy God. This heart became more and more convinced that this was the place I had craved for the most. I'll advance here. Insha'allah!