WRONG MARRIAGE

209.

The days that had passed felt different for Zalfa. He went through life without Arkhan. There was no more Arkhan silliness in the room that often made Zalfa feel comforted. No hugs or sweet kisses. Everything feels changed.

Zalfa could only be pensively pensive at the dining table, staring at the empty seat by his side, a chair usually occupied by Arkhan.

“Your rice will be cold, eat it!” mary looked at Zalfa who was silent.

Zalfa turned his gaze to the plates of Mary and Elijah. The two plates are almost gone. Does this mean that Zalfa has stayed there long enough? Her appetite went nowhere. Is Arkhan's mind now what is it, he eats with what side dishes, sleep whatever the reason, is he covered?

“Kak Zalfa, do you love Arkhan?” Elijah asked after gulping down the mineral water to cover his meal.

Zalfa smiled faintly. “Sure,” flowed.

“Isn't Brother Arkhan a criminal? The proof is that he had been robbing people of money. Why do you still seem to love him? Look, you're not eating because Arkhan's brother is in custody. Don't you want to find another one? Men in this world are many, even the rich and handsome are also many. You are beautiful, must have liked you a lot.”

Elijah's long words did not make Zalfa feel depressed or hurt, he actually commented on the song even though the smile was bitter.

“Elia, you don't need to talk much. When you're done eating, go to your room and finish your PR!” mary's sergeant who felt uncomfortable hearing her youngest words.

“Nothing, Mama. Elijah is not wrong, kok.” Zalfa looked at Maria in the shade. Then his gaze turned to the face of Elijah, the most beautiful boy who always had many questions. But Zalfa never hated Elijah's attitude and treatment. Naturally, Elijah still needs education and direction. “You said that Arkhan's brother is a good person, right? So also according to my vision, Arkhan's sister is actually a good person. I have never looked upon your brother as a bad man, for the evil is done by a man who has no faith. The proof, Arkhan was willing to change the course of his life after knowing that what he did was a big sin because it was also an act of zolim against others, he deprived others of their rights. He is currently looking to change the way of life to the right path, he is picking up direction, in order to become one of the lucky ones.”

“Ck ck ck... You are so sincere in loving him. Look, you changed after Arkhan's brother didn't exist.”

Zalfa sighed. Even a boy of Elijah's age could read Zalfa's melancholy. The remembrance and prayer continued to flow in Zalfa's heart, but Arkhan's condition in captivity became a shadow in Zalfa's mind.

“Maybe it's a woman's destiny to love.” Zalfa smile.

Elijah looked at Zalfa. His look looks different. Then he said, “Can I ask you something?”

“Ask only!”

“Why are you willing to cook in this house? Why are you willing to make your body tired for us? I didn't like you all this time, did I?”

Gently Zalfa replied, “Because God commands me to do good to everyone. I did it by God's command.”

“You love Arkhan's brother also because of God's command?”

“Yes. I must love him, of course also because of my instincts as your sister-in-law, of course love him.”

“Stop your question, Elijah!” mary's sergeant made Elijah instantly silent.

“Nothing wrong with Elijah's question, Mama. Just let him ask,” said Zalfa.

“Zalfa, take us to say shahada!” beat Maria with a shady look into Zalfa's eyes.

Zalfa widened and smiled widely. “Really?”

Maria nodded steadily. Elijah also nodded his head, as a sign that he also wanted to follow the path taken by his mother.

“Alhamdulillah..” Zalfa cupped both hands in front of chest. He was shocked and moved as Mary and Elijah hugged him from left and right.

Subhanallah walhamdulillah walaillahailallah wallahuakbar.

“We will meet ustad Dahlan, he will guide mama and Elijah,” said Zalfa looked at the faces of Mary and Elijah one by one, faces that were so close to his face at that time.

“Now?” plain Elijah and instantly beheaded by Zalfa.

“I'll pack. You hurry up and finish your meal, since you haven't touched your food in the least.” Maria left the dining room.

Elijah walked away with wide steps.

Zalfa was alone in the room. So many wonderful events were supposed to make Zalfa laugh happily. One of them is the confession of Mary and Elijah who claimed to want to say the creed. But how can he smile happily when his inner condition is chaotic, when Arkhan is in a difficult position, when he is far from the person he loves? It's very difficult for Zalfa to go through.

Zalfa's gaze returned to the empty seat by his side. It only took a second, his tears fell. When should he be in this position?

“Mas Arkhan, I miss you.” Zalfa.

“Zalfa!”

Maria's call sent Zalfa flinched. The plate that was still full of food was shoved away from him and closed it with a dessert. He hurried to fulfill his in-laws call.

TB