Innallaha Ma'Ana (Verily Allah is With Us)
Chapters 2. The Struggle to Be the Back Bone

Chapter 2

After Dirga's departure, Rinjani rushed to the shopping center while holding Attar who was 2 years old. He wanted to find a job for his family and pay his debts.

"Sorry, we only accept employees who have diplomas. Because it will be used as a guarantee for our cooperation with the employees." Those were the words often spoken by the store leader when Rinjani applied for a job.

I don't know what store the woman entered, all of them refused. Rinjani has been looking for work all day and the results are not as expected.

'O God, what should I do now? I know Your sustenance is widespread in this world. May You make it easier for Your servant to obtain it.' (Kranjani)

"Mom, hungry," called Attar with a clear expression.

"Astaghfirullahal. I forgot that we haven't eaten. Where we don't have money" Rinjani murmured with a slashed heart as she looked at her youngest son's face.

Rinjani also came to a food stall. He asked if he needed help. However, they say they are lonely so need his services.

Not discouraged, the woman went back to a rather large food store. Although he would most likely be rejected, he wanted to give it a try.

"Sir, is there any need for additional energy? Getting paid with a plate of rice and the side dish is okay too. As long as my son can eat," Rinjani told a man who was thought to be his age.

The man who was later known as Bahari also looked at Rinjani. He considered the woman, because she did not want to be fooled by strangers who would risk deceiving her.

"What are you?" tanya Bahari was dressed casual, but neatly.

"I'm from Suka Jaya Village, sir." Rinjani answered honestly.

'The Suka Jaya village is very far from here. Gotta get on the vehicle.' (Sun)

"If you're hungry, ask the waiter, but don't eat here" said the owner.

Rinjani does not like to be pitied in this way. He still has his pride. Her husband used to teach her not to beg others. Even though it was just asking for souvenirs to his acquaintances even with the intention of joking. Likewise now, even though he is clearly starving, he will try to work first and only receive his wages.

"Sorry, Sir. My son and I are not beggars who like to beg. I still have the energy to work and will ask for wages for my work later. Thank you for your attention, excuse me," Rinjani said, going outside the shop.

The man with the medium posture called Rinjani again. This time he judged that the woman with her son was not a fraud.

"Help us wash all the dirty dishes and containers in the kitchen" Bahari told Rinjani.

Hearing the man's request, Rinjani felt very happy. Eventually, he would earn even a little money. At least there's something Attar can eat.

"Sir, I'm sorry if I was sassy. May I ask for a wage in advance in the form of rice and side dishes. My son is starving, at least ask for rice that is flush by vegetable sauce," said Rinjani expressed his desire.

"alright. Ask for one plate of food for a toddler-aged baby!" nayari to the officers there.

After feeding the voracious Attar and finishing all his food. Rinjani rushed to the kitchen to do her job.

Although Rinjani's stomach feels wrapped around her hunger, but she does all her work quickly. The faithful Attar standing beside his mother also silently did not whine. At least just calling his mother's name.

"Mom" call Attar.

"What's up, honey?" rinjani asked as she turned her attention to the youngest son, but her hands were still busy rinsing the cooking utensils.

"Bo-bo" said Attar as he rubbed his eyes, then yawned.

Seeing like that, Rinjani felt pity. Then, he carried Attar behind his back.

***

Rinjani came home with a lot of food, in the form of rice and some types of side dishes. In addition, Bahari also gave money of 100 thousand because he was satisfied with his work.

As soon as he got home, Aqilah and Azzam were sitting waiting on the porch. The two children had not eaten either, as there was no rice.

"I'm sorry mom, huh? Because there is no rice so have not cooked rice, just now," said Rinjani with regret.

"Tomorrow if you are hungry and there is no rice, you take the cassava in the yard. Do not let you get sick from heartburn or hunger. I don't want that to happen to you" the 33-year-old said.

***

The money earned from the food store was bought rice and cooking oil. Rinjani make cassava chips and sold around also in entrusted to stalls. 

Not only Rinjani who sells chips, Aqilah also joined the sale. He took the chips to school and sold them to friends at his school. If there is still left, it will be sold while returning home.

It has been a month since the death of God. Rinjani can only pay one and a half million rupiah installments. Even though he and his three children have lived very efficiently.

'I have to find other jobs that can make more money. But, what is it?' (Kranjani)

Seen RT ma'am passing in front of the house while grumbling. Rinjani greeted herself.

"Why, Ms RT?"

"This, Inah. He said he wanted to wash his clothes, but he didn't come. The moment I just went to his house, he was even engrossed in making out with his girlfriend who had just returned from the capital," replied Ms. RT.

Hearing the words of Ms. RT, made Rinjani feel she had another chance to make money. He will do all the important work.

"If I may, I can wash that shirt, ma'am," said the widow.

"Really?" Ms. RT was very happy, because someone would help her.

"True, I happen to be in need of money too. I know for myself that right now I have a arrears" Rinjani said.

Finally Rinjani became a laborer washing and ironing clothes. The results from there are also quite good when compared to selling chips that only have a small profit.

***

People who need washing and ironing services are now often asked for help to Rinjani, because the results are more satisfying. They also always fight each other because a day Rinjani will only receive two people. 

"Mr Rinjani, I just asked for ironing. It can be brought home, later I give more money because of electricity and ironing from Mother herself. How's it?" The village chief's wife, deliberately came all the way to his widow's house God was just to ask for help. This is because he was satisfied when he saw the results of Rinjani's work at his friend's house.

"I was working after the kids went to school and had stopped before the kids came home. Because I have to take care of them and pay attention to everything about the kids. My schedule this week is full. I'm afraid the clothes will be worn by the Mother's family, it will be too long if I wait to do it," said Rinjani felt bad to refuse the number one wife in his village.

"Well, what a pity!" The village chief's wife was disappointed that her clothes could not be ironed by Rinjani.

"Sorry, yes, Mom." Rinjani cupped her hands together on her chest.

"It's okay. Anytime hopefully I can," the middle-aged woman replied.

Just now the village chief's wife left, now comes the head of his own village. The middle-aged man in a neat suit came riding in the car.

'That's Mr Village Chief, what are you doing here?' (Kranjani)

"Assalamu'alaikum, ma'am," the village chief greeted with a friendly smile.

"Wa'alaikumsalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh," Rinjani replied and invited his guests to sit on a chair on the terrace.

Since the widow Rinjani took out a chair in the living room to the terrace of her house. So, he didn't have to put anyone in the house. This is to keep himself from slander.

"What's up, huh, sir?" rinjani asked curiously at the arrival of the village chief to her house.

"I would like to offer a proposal to Dek Rinjani to become his second wife. If Dek Rinjani wants to. We can get married after the iddah period is over" the village chief said with a timid smile.

'Astaghfirullahal'adhim. Just yesterday I rejected two men who wanted to propose, today there is again. She even asked him to be her second wife. O Allah, protect me from slanders in the future.' (Kranjani)

***

What answer will Rinjani give? How did the neighbors look at him? Wait for it to go, yeah!