In-laws, Children and Daughters
Berliana in Pondok Pesantren

Berliana felt forced to go to the boarding house on her own without her husband. This was a difficult decision he had to make, because he knew there would be consequences he would have to face. However, she could no longer bear the evil treatment from her mother-in-law that often made her feel disrespected.

As a good wife, Berliana always tried to maintain good relations with her husband's family. However, her mother-in-law always looked for faults and blamed her for everything that happened within the family.

Mama-in-law also often demeans Berliana and makes her feel worthless.

"Sorry, Mr. Kenzie. Liana was forced to go alone, not even saying goodbye to Kenzie mas."

In fact, whenever Berliana tried to talk to her husband about this matter, her husband always took a neutral stance and did not try to defend his wife. As a result, Berliana felt lonely and isolated in her husband's family. He felt he had no safe place to talk about his feelings, and no one understood the situation.

"Hiks hyks hyks, I feel like only a boarding school can accept me for who I am." Berliana muttered again, while on the way.

Pesantren cottage is a place that has long been the residence of Berliana. He spends time with people who share the same goals as his boarding school. He found inner calm and developed his spirituality. However, Berliana never imagined that she would go there again without her husband after marriage.

"Huhuhoo..."

Berliana's cry accompanied her on the way to the boarding school by public bus.

Berliana knew that this decision would lead to conflict with her husband's family, especially her mother-in-law and her own husband. However, he felt that he had to take risks and take responsibility for his own life. He wanted to show his family that he had the right to decide his own fate and pursue his own happiness.

When Berliana arrives at the boarding school, she feels a little awkward and to meet Abah kyai Jalil. However, he soon felt comfortable with the atmosphere and the welcome of his friends.

Berliana arrived at the door of the boarding school that connects with the private house of Abah kyai Jalil. With nervousness and a little fear. However, he still ventured to meet Abah Kyai Jalil, who looked friendly and affectionate. Just like a father to his son.

"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarokatuh."

Abah kyai Jalil actually said his greetings first, because Berliana was too afraid to go in and talk to her teacher as a child.

"Waallaikumsalam warahmatullahi wabarokatuh, Abah Kyai. I came to this boarding house..."

Berliana was unable to continue her sentence. She was crying because she remembered her husband who could not participate in coming to the boarding house.

"Of course, son. Abah is grateful for your visit, but where is Kenzie Zafran, your husband?" abah Kyai Jalil asked curiously.

"Ma-af, Abah Kyai, husband sa-ya can not participate because he is busy with his work. Sa-ya, come alone."

Abah Kyai Jalil nodded his head understanding the words spoken by Berliana. He knows Kenzie Zafran as a successful businessman, so he is very understandable if he is busy.

"Oh, so. But don't worry, son. We'll take issue with that. Think of it as always, you've been here for over twenty years. Think of it like home."

Berliana nodded with reverence. "Thank you, Abah Kyai. I'd be very grateful for everything."

"No need to thank me, son. We are family here. Come on, just follow the show as usual."

Abah Kyai Jalil took Berliana around the boarding school and introduced her to other new students. Berliana is comfortable with a warm and affectionate environment. He felt like he had found a safe place where he could develop himself and pursue his life dream all along.

Abah Kyai Jalil was speechless hearing Berliana's words which she had digested well. "Together, Son. We're glad we could help you. Do not hesitate to talk and contact us if you need any help. Welcome back to Abah's boarding house, and may Allah always bless you."

"Aamiin..."

At the boarding school, Berliana felt free to express herself and pursue her interests and goals. She felt no longer bound by her husband's family expectations and felt happy and calm in her heart. Berliana also began to reflect back on her life and discovered that she had a lot of potential that could still be developed in this boarding school.

However, Berliana's decision to go to the pesantren's own cottage did not come without consequences. Her husband's family became angry and upset with the decision. Especially the mother-in-law, who had been unhappy with Berliana from the beginning, began to aggravate the situation by gathering support from her husband's family.

..."Liana, where are you, baby?" ...

..."Assalamualaikum, Mas Kenzie. Sorry, Liana's at the boarding school." ...

..."Pesantren cottage? How did you get there alone? Is that good?!" ...

..."Sorry, Mas Kenzie." ...

..."You better go home, Liana. Tomorrow, when there's another show, I'll drop you off." ...

..."Sorry, Mas Kenzie." ...

Berliana received a call from her husband, who asked about her whereabouts, even asking her to go home or their apartment. However, he remained steadfast on his decision of wanting to remain in the boarding house alone.

***

Juwita and Kenzie sat in their living room, enjoying a cup of coffee and cake. Kenzie looks sad and a little moody.

"What's bothering you, honey?" ask Juwita to Kenzie.

Kenzie took a deep breath first. "Hhh... I'm worried about Berliana, Ma. He went to the boarding house himself without waiting for me. I can't keep her company because..."

"Huhhhh! I know it wasn't your fault, Kenzie. He is the only one who cannot be impatient! He said santriwati, but apparently did not have more patience."

Juwita instead mocks her own daughter-in-law, saying some bad things about Berliana to Kenzie.

"But, Ma. What if she's having trouble or feeling lonely there?" Kenzie is worried about his wife.

Juwita smiled cynically at Kenzie's worried words. "He won't feel lonely there, honey. The boarding house is a place full of affection and attention that is worthy of her. He would have many friends there, who were as level as sure! So you don't have to worry."

Kenzie let out a long sigh then shook his head. "Hmmm... Ta-pi Kenzie feels guilty for not being able to accompany her there." Kenzie's face looked riled up and unsettled.

"Don't feel guilty, honey. You have done your best for yourself and for your marriage. You must prioritize your health first before you can think of others. Berliana is an adult and can think of herself!"

Kenzie tries to calm himself and his mind, so as not to feel too much guilt. He thought that his wife was also selfish and could not practice the religious teachings that Berliana had embraced and studied all this time.