To Mutia

Reproof as well as a reminder

"Would you have a coffee or a bath, A'?" as Azril stepped in, Mutia followed the man who was now busy rolling up the sleeves of the shirt.

"Es tea, Mutia. This afternoon I need something cold, to ease my hot head."

Without asking any further, Mutia rushed into the kitchen. It was not until five minutes that Mutia had returned with a glass of iced Tea, then gave it to Azril.

Helaan breathed out from between Azril's lips after taking a sip of his drink, then he turned to Mutia. "Lamia hasn't come home yet?"

"Not yet, A'."

"Then Ghifar?"

"Going from ten o'clock. But don't say where to go."

Again Azril sighed and sipped his tea, enjoying the cold sensation that flowed down his throat. "You still have work, Mut?"

"All the work I've done. What's up, A'?"

"Then, please massage my head. I feel like there's a load of tens of kilos on my head, it's really heavy."

Mutia nodded. After Azril placed the glass and leaned back, Mutia took a position behind Azril, then began to move her tiny fingers to give a relaxing massage.

"By the way, Mutia. Your homemade rendang is delicious." Azril spoke with his eyes closed, enjoying the gentle pressure Mutia exerted.

"Alhamdulillah, if it's good."

"Tomorrow to prepare more lunch for me, will you?"

"Ready, boss sir."

Azril chuckled at Mutia's reply, which was wrapped in a cheerful tone of humor.

"Hm... Aa there's a problem? It's not usual for Aa to come home with a crumpled face and a messy appearance." Mutia begins the interrogation to satisfy her curiosity.

Azril's eyelids opened, revealing his black bead that panned with anger. "I was robbed."

"Huh?" a few seconds of Mutia's massage stopped. "Can't you?"

"Me and one of my friends got the task of repairing a troubled electrical cable in a suburb of Bali. When we got home, we were stopped by a few people. All the goodies they took. If only they did not carry sharp weapons, we would have fought back. Luckily they didn't take the office car, probably because they knew it was certainly a high risk. If the office car is also taken, somehow we go home, without any money."

Azril nodded slowly.

"Prophey, A'. It's a constant reminder to Aa."

Azril glanced at Mutia with a frowning forehead. "meaning?"

"Did Aa give alms?"

Mutia's question made Azril stunned. "I have never given alms except on the feast day."

"Astagfirullah. Aa must remember, that every treasure we get, there belongs to someone else. God gives us a smooth sustenance, not only for ourselves, but also to share with the underprivileged. Some of the treasures that Aa had were entrusted to them by Allah. And also. by giving alms will clean up Aa's property, as well as increase the savings of worship charity in the hereafter." paused his speech, he said, Mutia breathes deeply to fill the lungs that begin to narrow due to lack of oxygen.

"What happened to Aa was a derivation from God, that Aa should not be greedy. And also, as a reminder that Aa should have taken out some percent of the treasure that Aa got for those in need. God created man equally, some rich and poor. For the rich to help the poor, and the poor to help the rich."

"The poor help the rich?" asked Azril in a tone of disbelief.

"Yes. Imagine that all the people on earth are rich. No one will open a store to sell groceries, side dishes and also vegetables. How can the rich meet their needs? Even if it's a lot of money, it'll be free. And vice versa. If all humans were poor, who would buy the goods they sold to make money? Nothing, right. We, who are given more by God, share with those who are lacking. Don't worry that Aa's treasure will run out of alms. For Allah has promised many rewards and recompense to those who share with their brothers."

Azril fell silent, as did Mutia. The pregnant woman let Azril think about all her words, while she continued her task of massaging Azril's head.

"Since Mom was taken care of and Dad disappeared into the earth, no one has advised me about religion anymore. After marrying Lamia, she never reminded me of my rights and duties as a servant of God. All this time I was just busy looking for money, continuing to hoard treasures, without realizing that the treasures I collected were partly owned by others. Astagfirullah, how greedy I am." straightened my back, Azril covered his face with both hands.

Seeing Azril who looked so regretful, Mutia took a sitting position on the sofa opposite the man, separated by a coffee table.

"It's not too late to improve. As humans, we are often confused. I know, it's definitely not easy. But if the police get the culprit and the goods and money taken are no longer there, Aa should mengikhlaskan treasure that has been lost. Let's just say Aa is giving alms. God willing, it'll get in return."

Azril looked at Mutia with a warm look while smiling sincerely. "Yes. God willing, I'm sincere."

"It is better now Aa takes care of blocking ATM cards, credit cards, sims, vehicle letters and identity cards that are in the wallet, so as not to be misused by irresponsible people."

Azril nodded slowly. While Mutia was relieved that Azril was not offended and responded well to his words. "I'm sorry, A'. I didn't mean to patronize."

"There's no need to apologize, Mutia. I thank you, because you reminded me."

Azril's black bead sparkled in astonishment. It should be Lamia who was by his side when faced with this kind of situation, considering that the woman was his wife. But in reality, it is Mutia —worker at home— that is there for her. It became water that extinguished the fire of his anger.

"You're exactly like Hasna. Which always calms me. Thank you, sweet little brother."