Tidying Up Asa, Inviting Hidayah

27. About my taste and Asa.

🌹Among all my desires, there is one most powerful desire. I want to rest behind you when you raise your hand, and then we'll arrange the same do’a.🌹

String.

I never thought my relationship with Ghufron would come this far. Being able to know and be close friends with him is an amazing gift for me.

An ordinary girl tends to be careless like me, having no careful planning in life. In contrast to the Ghufron mas neat and have a clear purpose in life. Ghufron is too perfect for me to have too many flaws.

But are not human beings created by God with their own shortcomings and advantages? Mas Ghufron guided me until I could feel the purpose of life and the ideals. Ghufron can also be a good listener, when I want to share my story. Maybe Alloh presents Ghufron mas to fill my shortcomings with the advantages he has.

After our engagement the other day, Ghufron and I had never met again to this day. Until I returned to doing activities as usual, because my father and mother had returned to Surabaya. My brother and sister-in-law have also returned to Jakarta. We were too busy, the colliding lecture schedules were not the same, also because I often skipped college when I had to accompany my family the other day. But of course we never alpa send word by phone or short message.

This morning, I received a chat from Ghufron. He asked me not to go straight home from class, because Ghufron wanted to meet. He doesn't usually make promises, there's something important. Maybe Ghufron wants to convey something that can not be said only by telephone.

I sat on the street bench with my friends. Kill time by talking about anything, because we both do not want to go home. About courses, assignments given by lecturers, the latest Korean drama, to trivial topics of powder brands that we use.

“I rarely use powder, buy one very durable. Up to two years no end.” My friends laugh at my innocence.

“You're good, anyway, Jen. Rarely wear powder but his face is smooth asphalt road.” Celtap Ratri.

“Ho oh, wear lipstick also never but the lips are not shoots. What kind of skincare do you have, Jen?” This one is Aina's voice.

I just smile when I hear them talk about my face. I rarely wear makeup, let alone skincare. Sweetheart spend more pocket money, just to buy skincare, let alone do facial treatments in the salon. I would rather spend my free time sleeping or reading a book than a facial treatment.

“That's it, you don't know,” Addis standing up from sitting down. Like an orator she spoke in front of us, “True wear wudlu water skincare, make up the light of heaven that radiates every time she reads the Qur’an. So you do not need skincare and tools to beautify the face of man-made.”

The three of us shut our mouths, holding back laughter. Addis is the most able to string hyperbole majas if we are talking casually. Among the four of us, he was the most able to melt the atmosphere. It would feel lonely if we gathered without Addis.

“Eh! That's your engagement ring, Jen?” Aina took my hand, watching closely the ring embedded in my ring finger.

I'm nodding. I let three of my friends huddle up to see my engagement ring with Ghufron's mas. I smiled to myself as they clearly looked amazed by the ring.

“Wah! Real nice. You choose yourself or kang ghufron who chooses?” Tanya Ratri wanted to know.

“Mas Ghufron self-select, buy yourself, pay for yourself.” I answered sure, making my three friends look at me with envy. They compactly took off my fingers, sitting languidly on the bench.

“Thankfully, you. Envy me with you, Jen. Can dapet guy se selh kang Ghufron,” said Aina with a made-up tone.

“Iri may, but don't be spiteful, dong! Anyway, nih. You will definitely find your soul mate, really. Which fits you, which definitely fits according to Alloh.” I raised their hearts. Because I am sure, Allah has prepared a soul mate for every human being, which is suitable and certainly fitting.

Compact they guaranteed me, “aamiin.”

From a distance I heard a voice calling. It made us all look towards the source of the sound. Mas Ghufron waved as he walked towards us, “Nduk!”

I stand up, say goodbye to my three friends, “I first, yes.”

“Iya, deh, who has been picked up by a candidate for priest,” pout Addis.

“Aaan, anyway?” My refutation while hanging a bag strap on the right shoulder then passed from in front of my friends after saying hello.

“The tight kit, Jen. Don't let go!”

“Don't get taken with Addis!”

“Don't look at another girl!”

I shook my head to hear the chattering of my three friends. I approached Ghufron who was also approaching me. He smiled, of course, because he heard a joke from my friend. After we stayed a meter away, we both stopped our steps.

“It's done class, right?” Ghufron asked me.

“Already.” My answer.

“We're on the road, yes.”

“Where?”

“Ada ... come with me!” I followed Ghufron who walked ahead of me.

This is the second time Ghufron has asked me to leave alone. The other day he took me away in a car borrowed from a friend. This time we rode a matic motorcycle belonging to Ghufron himself.

It doesn't matter to me, whether it's riding a motorcycle, a car, a bus or a walk. Being able to walk alone with Ghufron has made me happy, it does not matter where we go and with what we go.

Mas Ghufron took me along the streets of Yogyakarta which is always crowded. From campus, he drove the motorbike casually, without rushing to quickly arrive. When he stopped because the traffic light was red, he looked back just to make sure I was okay.

“Hot, Nduk?”

“Nggih, Mas.”

“No pa-pa overheating, yes?”

“Nggih.”

“Let's not buy iced coffee when it gets to.”

“Nggih.”

“No fear of items, right?”

“It's been an item since birth, Mas.”

Ghufron laughed, then the motorcycle went back because the traffic light had changed to green. He drives quietly and calmly. Ghufron did not know that my heart was beating so fast along the way without rhythm. Maybe because of this for the first time, we were without distance. Even my right shoulder was attached to Ghufron's back.

I've set our sitting distance, but the name is still too close. I did not put my hands around Ghufron's waist. There's no way I'm doing that, because we haven't been a mahrom, it's still illegal to touch, let alone hug.

Perhaps knowing I wasn't holding on to him, Ghufron chose to drive slowly and carefully. It's okay, even if it means I have to get used to my irregular heartbeat as long as I sit behind it.

Mas Ghufron took me to a place that has always been the main destination for people when visiting this student city. The most comfortable and most interesting place to enjoy the atmosphere of this city, the zero-kilometer point of the city of Yogyakarta.

The sun was very hot when we arrived. Despite that, there are still many people there. Some are just sitting alone while staring around, some are sitting with a partner while chatting, some are busy taking selfies or wefie. There were also people who crowded around sitting cross-legged while joking with laughter. What a beautiful view of this place, complete with all its activities.

I chose to sit on the bench with Ghufron. From this place we can see the big post office building of Yogyakarta and building BNI 46. many iconic buildings around this place, such as the public attack museum on March 1, 1949, bank Indonesia Building and Yogyakarta batik museum. It is not wrong if this place becomes the main destination of every tourist who visits.

“No objection, right, I brought you here?” Ask Ghufron after downing mineral water in a bottle.

“Yes, no, Mas. I was happy, just this time around. Hot-heat fit again.” I am afraid because the air is hot. A bottle of mineral water that Ghufron bought was gone because I was too thirsty.

“Nyindir, here?”

“If you feel it, anyway, Mas.”

We laughed together. It's common to insinuate each other like this, if we disagree. Not that I was mad at him, just wanted to show that I didn't like him. Ghufron would have known what to do if I didn't like it.

“Sorry, yes. Forced to invite you here during the day, if the night will be difficult procedure. Must ask permission first to father the same om you, not to mention have to ngajak Nalini. Whoa! Could not be the way later, failed our dating show.”

“Not that we never date, huh, Mas?”

“Then from that, it is possible, right? This mas is also the same as other men who want to be together the same adoration of the heart.”

Suddenly I was amused by the words Ghufron spoke. So remember that I wanted to show him something. I pulled the end of my gamis arm a little, stretched out my hand to the front of Ghufron, for him to see something coiled around my wrist.

“Mas, look! Good no?”

I showed the string of kur rope I made into a beautiful, circular bracelet on my wrist. I saw him smile, watching the rope bracelet with the letter R. The locket he gave me the other day, when we were traveling to the beach with his family.

Photo source: Tokopedia.com.

“Good, Nduk. You made it yourself?”

I'm nodding. I took my hand, I played the end of the rope bracelet, making sure it was tightly tied so it wouldn't come off.

“There is a soon sale of rope bracelets, nih, it looks like.” It was Ghufron who kept me shut up, holding back laughter.

He knows that I can always take advantage of opportunities. Anything I want to sell if possible. Mother once said, the easiest business is selling. Nine out of ten doors of windfall are from trading. Therefore, in addition to college I also sell online through social media. It is not necessary to ask for pocket money to the father and not be confused if the money sent from the father is thinning.

“After the hijab motifs of Javanese script and wayang, out of this bracelet curl plus pendant, nih?”

“Ehm .. if the prospect, anyway, Mas. Not yet I show off on instagram, try later check the waves first.”

“Ehm .. mrs kayaknya.”

Ghufron smiled, just for a moment. After that I saw him looking straight ahead, looking at me while breathing out. It made me tilt, focus on looking at him. If this is the case, Ghufron usually wants to say something very serious.

“Actually I invited you here because I want to have a serious chat with you, Nduk.”

My journey is just right, right? There's something Ghufron wants to talk about, and whatever it is I need to be ready to hear.

“What's the matter, Mas?”

“On us,” he switched to look at me, even though only a few seconds ago back looking forward, “our relationship is serious, now. It's not just about the two of us, it involves family. So ... mas want to make sure you.”

“Confirm?” I repeat Ghufron's words that I don't know what they mean.

He nodded then continued the sentence, “your feelings towards mas.”

“Taste?” I went back to parroting Ghufron's words.

“you really want to be my side, right? You seriously want to marry me, right?”

“So far, are you still asking about it? I don't think I'm serious about our relationship, so?”

“Do not misunderstand first, Nduk. Mas know you are serious, it's just .. are you ready to accept mas what is?”

“What do you mean, anyway? All this while I look half-heartedly accept mas?” I almost got angry. In my heart I said istighfar so as not to say high-pitched sentences in front of my future husband.

“Nduk? You know, right, I'm just about to graduate from medical school. The road to becoming a real doctor is still a long way off. Mas still have to undergo professional education, certification exams, then intership, not to mention specialist education, because mas really want to become a pediatrician. It could be when you have become a midwife later, mas actually still take education.”

Mas Ghufron took another breath, “besides it took a long time to finish education, mas also need a lot of cost. If we marry later will you be able to survive with our lives that may be different from your current life.”

“What mas are doubting me?”

“Not, Nduk. Doubtful to yourself, can you be happy? Meet all your needs like your parents who can always obey whatever your wishes.”

I changed my seat, like Ghufron, and I looked far ahead. Small smile while saying, “turns out I haven't known me all this time.”

“Mas just do not want you who are usually always fulfilled, so refrain from living with mas.”

“If so, why are we talking about it now? Why not yesterday?”

“Sorry I am selfish, just thinking about myself. Yesterday during your sister's four-monthly event, mas became a minder, Nduk.”

“Minder because of my family or inferior because the event that Aneesha held was too excessive?”

“Two. Mas inferior because it is clear you come from a family of being respected. Proof of the four-monthly event only, your brother can invite big kyai.”

I'm laughing a little. If anger were to come out, I would not let it rule me. I am not a teenager who is easily provoked by anger just because of a small misunderstanding like this.

“So for that reason, do you want to take me on a motor? Want to ngetes me melted not if hit by direct solar heat, so?” I asked in a joking tone.

“Nduk! Seriously, you know.” Ghufron stared in disbelief at me, because I was about to mark it.

“I'm serious too, you know, Mas. Don't worry about that. Don't think about it first, deh, now.”

“You don't mean how?”

“I mean, now just focus let me pass. Don't think about us marrying first, besides who also wants to rush marriage.”

Ghufron turned his head while frowning, perhaps making sure his hearing was working properly or not.

“It's only my second year of college, Mas. My journey to becoming a midwife is also far away. So no need to worry, I am ready to wait. I just need one thing, Mas.”

“What is it, Nduk?”

“Take responsibility and loyalty.”

“It's not one but two, Nduk.”

“Oh, if so rectified. I just need two things, Mom. Once I know you are unfaithful or neglect your responsibilities, I will not give you a second chance.”

Although I wasn't looking at me, I knew Ghufron was smiling. He took a bottle of mineral water, opened it, and drank it. Hearing him gulp down the mineral water, somehow my heart felt rustling. It was like a flap of wings filled my stomach. Is this what it's called being in love?

“But not necessarily able to give you a luxurious life like your brother, how?”

“Mas. All this time I always seemed to be living a luxurious life, was it? This bag I'm wearing, it's not a branded bag. The style, shoes, hijab that I wear is from a well-known brand whose price can make the kidneys scream?”

Ghufron was laughing. To invite the attention of people who pass by. She must not have known that Aneesha's sister lived a normal life just yet. Before he received the inheritance from his biological father. So there is no reason for Ghufron to be inferior, because we feel different castes.

“Don't equate me with Neesha's brother now, yes, Mas. The house in Magelang belonged to Neesha's personal brother, who also woke up Neesha's own money. The true state of my family, it was the same as any other ordinary family. So mas do not need to be less,” I said soothing.

I told her about Aneesha, why she could have such an abundance of treasure. I told Ghufron the true state of my family, so that he would not be inferior. I never had a problem with social status in relationships. For all men are equal before God, all that distinguishes is faith and its fear.

I'm glad Ghufron's open about how she feels about me right now. A good start, I think. Because later we will certainly find many differences and must understand each other. Being open to each other is one way to build a relationship to last forever.

“I have good news too, Nduk.”

“What is it, Mas?”

“My script submission was accepted, there is already a trial schedule as well. You'll come later, will you?”

“Alhamdulillah .. insyaalloh I came, mas.”

“Do’ smoothly.”

“Insyaalloh result max.”

“Aamiin.”

Sayup-sayup sound azan ashar reverberate, I collect my things. Mr Ghufron took our empty bottle of mineral water, dumped it in the trash. He stood in front of me, I had to look up for a moment wondering what Ghufron would do.

Turns out he just smiled and said, “because you are a good wife and have no desire to be alone. So I'll obey one of your two things.”

I frowned, but Ghufron's next words successfully made my heart rustle great, “I'll show you that I am a responsible man, making sure you don't leave prayers despite traveling.” He said as he stepped, “It's azan, let's pray!”

I took a step to pursue him. After being able to align the steps, I showed the frowning face I was making. Sneaky without looking at him, “the second thing should be obeyed as well, dong!”

“That's later if you're married.”

“Mean now mas can be unfaithful so?”

“Ya, depends, anyway.”

“Kok, depends?”

“Iya. Depends it's not the same as you. If not caught, be safe. If caught, yes, I'm out.”

“Ihh! Oh, really, that's it. Uh?”

I hit my foot hard, but Ghufron teased me even more. The trip to the nearest mosque was so long because we were so attached to each other. More precisely Ghufron kept teasing me and I got upset about it. Upset but like, like but upset .. upset that ends like. This is how Ghufron sprinkles the buds of love in the heart, in order to always thrive every time.

“Later home and order a taxi online, yes? I paid, sorry I couldn't. Fear of khilaf hold your hand, if you use motor.”

I nodded, hiding a smile as I replied, “Nggih, Mas. Equally I am also afraid of the khilaf grip the same mas if the bondage is long. Afraid of not wanting to leave, so.”

We closed the meeting today which felt short. Ghufron did not drive me home on his motorcycle. But he ordered a taxi online for me. Followed the taxi online from behind, making sure I got to Dito's house safely.

We both keep ourselves from being tempted by Satan's misguided persuasion. Maybe a trivial thing, starting from the touch of the hand, over time touch the face, because it is comfortable so want to touch another as well. As such Satan tempts man, from making small mistakes, to becoming comfortable committing major sins. Na’udzubillahimindzalik …. We take refuge in Allah from it (the bad).

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Seriate....