Hot Couple: Inspiration From God (I Love You, Ustadz!)
Gathering

The day sun was shining. Eve's getting hotter. And I'm getting more and more agitated.

"Why, the hell, am I? Why should I be nervous? This is not betrayal at all. I did not betray the Imam. No!" press me to convince myself. "It's just an introduction and I'll reject the ustadz immediately."

Ah, I would love to dress up in thick makeup so that Ustadz Ilham and his parents will feel for me. But I don't want to hurt my mother and I don't want to embarrass her. As for my father, I don't want to embarrass Abi even though I'm against almost everything he's done in his life.

I was wearing my hijab when Umi called me in the doorway. "Nduk, Ustadz Ilham and his parents have come."

I looked outside. "Wait a minute. Five minutes to finish."

"What, anyway, Nduk? Just put the veil on, let it cover the chest."

I'm thieving. "Not cool, Umi," I protested.

"Nduk.. Don't embarrass Abi...."

"But if this is the usual hijab, Umi."

"Today no, yeah. Shame on the family-"

"Isn't this the same as deceiving them? Why not dress up as you normally would and do?"

My super-good mother smiled. "Umi knows your mind is smart. Umi knows you can tell which is right and which is wrong. Which is good, and which is not good." She fixed my hijab and lowered it over her chest. "Your age is twenty-four years old. Act mature. Yeah, honey, huh? You love Umi, right?"

Umiiii.His gentle demeanor towards me made me unable to vehemently oppose her as I did with Abi.

"Alright, Umi. If not humiliating Umi. But, according to our agreement, yes, if Ustadz Ilham has a character that is not in accordance with what If you expect, If you can refuse this matchmaking. Okay?"

He nodded. Agree. And it's time I got to act. Then, then...

Eh?

Brewooooks....

Oh my God, that man, Ustadz Ilham, he's like the men in the movie from the east. Her skin is pure white. Steady, stocky, filled and busty fields. His muscles are clearly visible behind the cocoa clothes he wears. And the good news is: he doesn't wear a holster or a white robe, doesn't wear a turban let alone a white peci. And. brewoknya not nahaaaaan....

He put a faint smile on me. My first assessment of him was all-plus. He looks calm, smart, handsome, dashing, and authoritative. A man with a calm face and a million charms.

"Pak Kiai, Miss Nyai, this is Salsabila Azzahra, our son," my mother said.

Remember, When, remember. Remember the Imam. I smiled, then kissed Nyai's hand as a form of respect, and, in no way to get their attention.

Eh?

As Umi said. At first, it was just an introduction. Stale talk about each of us. How I and Ustadz Ilham grew up, about our education, and also about our current job. But it was neither my question nor Ustadz Ilham's, nor our answer. But these are the questions and answers that both my parents, and both parents, share. Show each other the positive value of their children. And I know, later after this meeting is over, I will definitely be asked by my parents about how Ustadz Ilham is in my eyes? And am I willing to be betrothed to him? And if I answer no, I know the next question: what is less than an Akbar Inspiration, a figure of Ustadz whose religious knowledge is qualified and very mature to become a priest in the household? And, if I answer this about the heart, then surely Abi will be lecturing me all night.

And, I am sure, Ustadz Ilham will also receive the same question. From the way he looked at me during this introduction, I knew the answer. He could not refuse this match. He won't reject me.

Nope. I'm not confident. But that man's gaze towards me represented what was in his heart. His eyes conveyed admiration. Either because of my face, or whatever he sees from me. But I know if he likes me. Moreover, when finally Kiai Rahman asked her what she thought of me, Ustadz Ilham smiled sweetly. "Everything is exactly as Umi said," he said.

Covert praise.

But Mr. Ustadz certainly doesn't know what my true nature is.

"How, When? Ustadz Ilham meets all your criteria, doesn't it?" abi asked which made me feel ashamed.

I'm not geer, yeah. Not ashamed of being in love. I admire, but I am not in love. No. gabe. I am just embarrassed to admit or be honest about the figure of Ustadz Ilham which is in accordance with my criteria, the girl who likes to watch dramas from neighboring countries. Except for his status as an ustadz. It's the only one that doesn't include my criteria. The rest is 100% compatible.

"Abi..," I protested, "he said as a mere introduction...."

Abi's smile grew even more, even everyone, Ustadz Ilham as well.

"Let's just ask. He fits, doesn't he, with your office?"

Iiii... Abi mah, obviously that impressed me. I nodded, then turned to Ustadz Ilham. He smiled at my confession. "But this doesn't mean I'm accepting this match, yes," I said, trying as gently as possible. "I'm sorry Mr. Kiai, Ms. Nyai, and... Ustad... Inspiration, but...." I was thinking how to convey something so as not to hurt anyone. Best reason. "If it takes time to get to know Ustadz Ilham further. Because post-marriage happiness does not depend on physical attraction. But more than that."

"It's okay" said Nyai. "It's good, you're open and you can be honest from the start. Yeah, right, Leh?"

Ustadz Ilham nodded. "Yes. I don't mind if If you want to know each other more before accepting this match. Sorry, I mean before deciding to accept or reject this matchmaking."

I caught the gaze of Ustadz Ilham, and realized - Mas Imam is not as perfect as Ustadz Ilham in his attitude. He said it's not that soft. And his appearance, he was indecent appearance Ustadz Ilham.

His name is also a repairman, Bil!

Also one more thing, I know Mas Imam was diligent in prayer, according to his confession who was either honest or not, but he was not a mosque expert. It must have been very different from Ustadz Ilham. Then my love for her will grow further from my parents' blessing.

One new question now, am I ready to be single until I am more than three heads just for the sake of waiting for blessing? I'm definitely not gonna be able to elope. It was the same as throwing dirt on the faces of my parents, or like stripping themselves naked.

There's no way I'd be able to do that.

The presence of Ustadz Ilham will obviously further complicate the union of my love and Mas Imam.

I looked at Umi. His face was hopeful, making me feel sick when I remembered that my paradise was under his feet.