Gendhis
Chapter 20 Meeting Brother Gaffi

The next day with the file I sat in the university registration room, pondering the choice of majors I would take. In front of me, there was one major that became my choice, namely the Faculty of Psychology, but I was a little interested in the department of da'wah. I racked my brain, trying to decide on the right path for my future. However, in that silence, there was one figure that made my heart flutter. The man who stopped by yesterday in my memory, Sister Gaffi. My hidden love since High School.

While I was looking at the Psychology brochure, my gaze suddenly fell on someone approaching me from a distance. I recognized the figure immediately. It was Kak Gaffi, who was the owner of a cafe right next to this campus, a building flanked by photocopying shops. The cafe was a place where we were involved in various chats during High School first, when there will be a race usually our teacher took us to the place to study on the grounds of free wifi.

Brother Gaffi walked with steady steps towards me. My heart thumped even tighter as he got closer. I feel awkward, because I myself am also very noble for me to communicate with people who are not too close to me.

"Gendhis, is that really you?" gaffi asked with a gentle smile on his face.

I smiled shyly, "Yes, Brother Gaffi. I didn't expect to see my sister here. How's things?" I asked Gaffi, there is a sense of happiness that rushes into the room of my heart, Gaffi still remembers me.

Gaffi smiled warmly, "I'm fine. I just opened a cafe next to this campus. You're signing up here?"

He asked me who glanced at the brochure in my hand.

I nodded, "Yes, Brother. I'm trying to apply to this university. But I'm still confused by the choice of the right major."

Brother Gaffi nodded as he placed his hand on my shoulder with warmth. "Gendhis, I remember very well our High School days. You are a smart and full of potential. I'm sure you'll be successful in whatever you choose." Said Gaffi.

I felt uneasy and unhappy when Gaffi suddenly grabbed my shoulder. Feelings of unease hit me because now I have decided to hijab. To me, the act felt inappropriate and violated the personal boundaries he had set. Although I understand that Gaffi's brother may not mean anything bad, I want to express my discomfort and ask Gaffi to respect my decision to go headscarf by giving me greater personal space.

“Sorry brother,” said I move a little so that my shoulders move away from Brother Gaffi.

Gaffi and I continued our conversation, but we did not sit close together. Although we were talking, but the distance between us felt quite far. I feel the need to keep my distance so that there are no misunderstandings or misinterpretations. I just want to make sure that our relationship stays within the boundaries of friendship and there are no misunderstandings regarding the romantic feelings between us. Even so, we were still able to talk comfortably and listen to each other without feeling awkward. Both parties strive to maintain comfort and respect each other's privacy in our conversations.

Gaffi tells the story of his life journey after graduating high school, about the cafe he built with great difficulty. I was fascinated by his dedication and his never-dead spirit. I also told about my struggle in determining the right direction, my confusion in the face of a future full of uncertainty. Every time we spoke, I felt closer to Gaffi. There are matches and togetherness that are difficult to explain in words. Whenever we share a laugh or give each other support, my heart blossoms. However, behind all that happiness, there is fear and doubt that haunts me.

I kept thinking about my veil covering my head. I knew that Gaffi was a person of understanding and respect for my decision, but I also felt hindered by the rules I held dearly.

When I turned to the registration door that was opened again, I would just stand up, Gaffi threw a question at me.

“Ndhis, do you know why the scholars like to drink tea?” ask him to me

“No idea, Brother. What's up?” ask me while frowning.

“Because they want to be ‘Ulama tea-select’ Hehehe, you are so tense, I from SMa rarely see you smile Ndis. This is sweeter.” Said Brother Gaffi who had been observing me all this time.

"Gendhis, remember, success is not final, failure is not fatal, it's the course to continue that counts." He said as he clenched his hand forward as I bid my farewell to register. I threw a little smile and left the tall and white man, his handsome face resembled that of an artist named Aliando when I said my old classmates. The heart feels so warm when you remember the last sentence said by Gaffi which means 'Gendhis, remember, success is not the end, failure is not destruction, what matters is the courage to keep going'. Yes, all this time courage is my capital to reach the point where I am currently.

With a hopeful heart, I continued the application process to the university, hoping that the choice of majors I took would lead me to a bright future, both in academics and in pent-up love so far.