Loving Husband Interlude
81. Friends of Ridho

Ridho's guest from far away, he's a friend of his who's been living in Jordan for a long time. Shihab Abdillah, Ridho's friend when he became a santri in East Java. They are familiar when one room together, only the difference after finishing so the santri Shihab studied in Jordan with a scholarship from the boarding school because of his brilliant achievements.

Now he returns to Indonesia, he used to come to Ridho's house. Until familiar with his sister Mala, and now is visiting the house of Ridho.

"Now you work in Jordan too? Where's where?" ask Ridho.

"I work at the Indonesian embassy there, it's been almost two years. And now I'm asking for a month's leave to go home, because I miss my mom and dad" Shihab said.

"Well, it's lucky that you worked there right away" said Ridho.

"Yes, the plan is my return now can find a soul mate" said Shihab.

"So you're not married? Or have a fiancee?" ask Ridho.

"No, I'm still loyal to my heart" Shihab said, he lowered his head and smiled at Ridho.

Ridho was silent, he took a deep breath. Shihab used to come to his house during the holidays for the students, and it was only to meet his sister Nirmala. Shihab also once said that he liked his sister.

Ridho looked at Shihab, there was a sense of guilt about him setting Mala up with Azam. His business partner first, because at that time he needed a stock planter in his company. Azam offers to become an investor by marrying Mala.

"You're here to see Mala?" ask Ridho.

"The plan is so." replied Shihab.

"Sadly, now Mala can't be found. What else is there to talk to seriously, Shihab" said Ridho.

"Why? Is he sick or is he on business?" ask Shihab.

Ridho took a deep breath, he also told me some about Mala. If Mala is married now.

"Mala is married, and already has children as well" Ridho said.

Shihab looked at Ridho for a long time, and he looked down with disappointment. Late he came to Ridho's house, rubbing his face with his hands.

"I was late to come here huh" Shihab said in a disappointed tone.

"I'm sorry, I don't think you're going home anymore. If you had spoken to me earlier, I would have married my sister to you Shihab. But fate said otherwise, Mala accepted her betrothal to my friend as well" Ridho said.

"Your friend, are you close to him?"

"The business partner was originally, but because there was something I ended up marrying Mala to my business partner. He just according to what I asked, but now he's married and has a child" Ridho said.

It is also unethical at the beginning of how to marry Mala and Azam, after all it is enough Shihab to know that Mala is married and has children.

"The wrong me never called you, Ridho. If I knew there was going to be another incident, I should have tied Mala to my engagement" Shihab said.

"I thought your words at that time were only like a sister only with Mala, not from your heart. So I betrothed him to my business partner" Ridho said.

"Yes, maybe he's not my soul mate Dho" Shihab said weakly.

"May you get a better soul mate, Hab. I believe God prepared the best soul mate for you" said Ridho encouraging his friend.

"Yes, I know. Maybe I should find out who my soul mate is again" Shihab said.

"Hopefully soon."

"Mother."

The two are silent, they see Selvi carrying a drink and being served at the table. Her enlarged stomach makes Selvi slow to move because she is easily tired.

"Your wife is pregnant?"

"Yes, after two years of marriage. Now we will be given the gift of a child" said Ridho.

Shihab smiled, Ridho told his friend to drink.

"How many days have you been home?" ask Ridho.

"It's only been a week, I've been here a month. So there was three weeks to rest before leaving again." replied Shihab.

"Not looking for another soul mate?" ask Ridho again.

"Actually my mother wants to introduce her son to ustad in Cirebon. He said there was a distant kinship, so mom tried to introduce him to me. I thought I wanted to find my own soul mate by coming to you, but it turned out I was late. Heheh." said Shihab with a small laugh.

"Ooh, would you like to get married too? Hahah, being in a match is not bad either. It's just that it takes longer to get to know, and I think today it's easy with technology."

"You're having dinner here, yes, it just so happens that his sister-in-law and his wife want to come here. I ate here tonight too" said Ridho.

Shihab's forehead wrinkled, sister-in-law? Means her husband Nirmala.

"Nirmala's husband?" ask Shihab.

"Yes, you can meet him. And you can also meet with Mala, just a normal friend" said Ridho.

"Emm, didn't it interfere with your family's event? It's a family event" Shihab said.

"No, I'm glad you even had dinner here. We can remember a long time ago when we were single, hahah" said Ridho.

"Hahah, but unfortunately it is different Dho" said Shihab laughing.

"No problem, we can do it like we used to. My wife also did not forbid me, even she knew that I was the same you often stay up late playing gaple" said Ridho.

"May as well" said Shihab smiling happily.

He would reminisce about his familiarity with Ridho, and also want to know the news of Mala. Whether he remembers her or not.

But it should be remembered, Shihab just wanted to know how Mala's home life after marriage. She remembered Ridho saying that Mala was in a match with him, so at least she could see how happy Mala was with her husband. That's what Shihab thinks.

They chatted casually, it was five in the afternoon. It does not feel right, and Ridho invites Shihab to pray ashar even though it is not on time because it is fun to chat.

"Yuk we pray ashar first, I forgot to pray on time because it was fun to chat" said Ridho.

"Yes, understand it. We just met."

"My wife and bi Ina are ready to cook. Selvi said, Mala is coming soon" said Ridho.

"With her husband?" ask Shihab.

"Lack of knowledge, but it seems to be alone with his son alone" replied Ridho.

Shihab smiled, at least she wanted to chat with Mala for a while without her husband. Although it was not good, but he thought only this time.

Just thinking that too, the sudden sound of greetings from a woman in front made Ridho and Shihab shocked.

"Assalamu aleikum!"

"Wa alaikum salam." replied Ridho and Shihab together.

Mala, the woman who was talked about by Ridho and Shihab also came with a smile. She approached her brother and greeted him without knowing nearby it was Shihab.

"You came alone?" ask Ridho.

"Yes bang, mas Azam will come home from the office directly here he said." replied Mala.

Ridho smiled faintly, he turned to look at Shihab who had been staring at Mala without turning away. But then he lowered his head after Ridho turned his head towards him.

"Mala, do you remember the man next to your brother?" ask Ridho.

Mala turned her head towards Shihab, she stared a long time ago and frowned. Then a little laugh.

"Oh Allah, yes Shihab?" mala asked in surprise, Shihab smiled faintly.

"Yes. How's Mala doing." said Shihab.

"Thank God be good, mas. He said he was in Jordan, when did he come home?" ask Mala.

"A week ago, and here to see your brother" replied Shihab.

"Well, it's been a foreigner who hasn't come home" Mala said in amazement.

Shihab just smiled, he still liked the joy of Mala. She knew Mala was a quiet girl, but meeting her would be cheerful. That's what Shihab likes from his cottage friend's sister.

"Assalamu aleikum!"

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