LOOK AT ME, GUS!
Chapter One

Anindya Yalanda Ghaaliya, or commonly called Anin smiled sweetly seeing a boy Kyai man who was usually called by Gus Shabir was smiling at him.

Anin immediately lowered her head after returning that smile. He did not want others to judge wrong because they looked at each other.

"What are you doing here alone?" ask Hana. Hana's question was enough to shock Anin.

"Aunty Hana, surprise me. I was repeating the verse you just gave me" Anin replied.

Anin often sits in the garden behind the boarding school. He was often alone. Not very sociable. Unlike her father's sister, Hana has many friends. Supel's son.

"Get in the room again. The break is over" Hana asked.

Hana and Anin, their ages were only one month apart. So they were schooled in the same cottage. Ghibran never distinguished between his brother and son. He loves both of them.

The two went into the room and cleaned themselves up. Soon they will perform the magrib prayer.

"It doesn't feel like we're leaving this boarding school in a month. Where is Aunty going?" anin asked while getting dressed after taking a shower.

"I don't want to continue my education anymore. I want to go home soon. Gratitude for a husband like Gus Shabir" Hana said with a crisp laugh.

Anin replied with a smile of her tantic words. Who wouldn't want to have a husband like Gus Shabir. He is handsome, well-established and most of all understands religion.

Gus Shabir helped his father teach at this boarding school. His presence stole the attention of many women including Anin and Hana.

After they got dressed, the two went out of the room towards the musholla. Today it is Gus Shabir who will give tausiyah after the magrib prayer. Anin was sure all the female disciples would take the time to attend.

The magrib prayer was also imitated by Gus Shabir. He graduated from Cairo University, Egypt. After the prayer the event was continued with the recitation of the holy verse of the Koran, by Anin.

No one knows, Gus Shabir always stole the view when Anin read the holy book of the Qur'an. It seemed like he admired the girl's eloquence in reading it.

After reading the Qur'an, Anin rejoined another female friend. It is time for Gus Shabir to give tausiyah. All eyes were on the man.

An hour passed so quickly. Anin waits for Gus Shabir to give us the saint he borrowed from her while reading it.

"Assalamualaikum, Gus! This is the Quran I borrowed. Thank you, Gus," said Anin, looking down as he returned the scriptures.

"Vaalaikumsalam. Thank you back. May I know your name?" ask Gus Shabir.

"Anin, Gus," Anin replied still with a bow.

"Anin, tomorrow you also read the Qur'an. I'll tell you what letter you're going to read. May I have your mobile number?" ask Gus Shabir.

"Of course you can, Gus." Anin then mentioned a number of numbers.

After that, the two separated. On the way to her room, Anin felt her heartbeat beating faster and faster. He felt nervous and his hands trembled when he got close to Gus Shabir earlier.

Arriving at the room, it turns out that Hana has been inside first. The aunt had finished cleaning her face and was getting ready for bed.

"Where are you, Anin?" ask Hana.

"Not from anywhere. Aunty alone came home in a hurry," Anin replied.

"My eyes are sleepy. I can't wait to lay my body down" said Hana.

When compared to Anin, Hana is more talkative and friendly to anyone. He is sociable and can adapt easily in new environments.

"Anin, you know. Earlier when Gus Shabir gave tausiah all eyes of our friend just fixed on him without a blink. He's like a magnet that fascinates people, yes. You are too, right?" ask Hana.

Anin simply replied with a smile, without a word. What Hana said was true, she was so fascinated with the man. But, Anin was still keeping her eyes out of undue sight, she did not dare to look at the man for long.

**

Time passed until the end of education. Today the farewell of the boarding school is held. Again Anin was in the daulat to read the holy book of the Quran. Hana stared with a little envy.

"I also want to be on that stage once in a while. Why is only Anin kept designated?" Hannah asked in her heart.

The series of events after events had passed, until the distribution of test results arrived. Again Anin got the champion. Ghibran proudly climbed onto the stage taking his daughter's diploma. Aisha could not help but tear at the success of their daughter.

Syifa could not attend because her son was having a high fever, whereas Anin wanted her brother to also be able to witness her success. The girl was very close to her brother.

Ghibran and Aisha greet all ustad and kiyai in the boarding house. Thank you for educating her daughter and sister.

Ghibran also greeted Gus Shabir and his parents. The owner of the boarding house was quite close to the papi of Anin, because he often contributed to the progress or operation of the cottage.

***

All are now gathered at the Ghibran residence. They're having dinner. Aisha's cuisine is always eaten because of its delicacy.

"Anin, where are you going, son?" ask Ghibran while eating his food.

"What medical school can you do, Pi?" asked Anin in a soft voice. She was exactly like Aisha. Speak in a very soft voice.

"Of course you can, son. You alone, how's Hana?" ghibran asked the mother's other sister.

"I don't want to continue school. I just want to get married so that Mas's responsibilities move to my husband" Hana replied.

Everyone was shocked to hear the girl's reply. How could he think of getting married at the age of eighteen.

"Are you sure of your choice, Hana?" ask Ghibran again.

"Yes, Mas. I'm so sure. I don't want to burden you anymore" Hana replied.

"I've never felt like you were my burden. To me you guys are the same. My son and sister are my responsibility. However, if that is your choice, I can only support you. Do you have a prospective husband so decide to get married early?" The Ghibran asked.

"Nothing, Mom. But if you want, you can propose to someone for me. If he is my soul mate, God will make my path easier."

"Tell me who's the man who's taken your heart. Let Aisha and I come to her parents' house to propose" Ghibran said.

"I prayed istikharah first, Mas. To convince this heart of my choice" replied Hana.

"Alright, Hana. I'm waiting for an answer from you!" Ghibran.

**

Today Ghibran and Aisha come back to the boarding house. They want to meet Kiyai Samsudin the father of Gus Shabir. There was also the intention of his arrival to propose the young man as his sister's future husband Hana.

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