NIGHT BUTTERFLY
#229
Day change day. Time goes by, erasing the consciousness of most humans to realize that age is increasing. Always inattentive and assume that death is still on a long journey to visit them.
The tense time for Zulhiyani has arrived. Today was the day he had to undergo surgical removal of the tumor in his body. Mr. Guru Izzul Islam very early in the morning invited Rianti and Jamila to the Clinic to encourage Zulhiyani. Suhaini and Nur Jamila were not allowed to go home so that the Nurmah inak did not feel alone.
The sound of a wall clock ticking jerked the tension in the room. Zulhiyani looks resignedly staring at the tense faces in front of her. Same with inak Nurmah. He seemed sincere about what would happen to Zulhiyani. Rianti has explained everything about Zulhiyani's disease. He was sad but not surprised. For about a year he took care of Zulhiyani, he felt used to it. There was even a time when he asked God to take his life immediately. She could not bear to see the sad condition of Zulhiyani, when she as a mother had no power and effort to help her. Rianti's explanation of Zulhiyani's disease and a little religious advice from Mr. Guru Izzul Islam, made his heart become airy to accept the provisions of Allah swt. Whatever happened to Zulhiyani, he was ready to accept it.
They are still waiting for Master Izzul Islam, Rianti and Jamila. In two hours Zulhiyani will enter the operating room. There was something he had been thinking about since two nights ago when Rianti told him that he had to have surgery to remove the tumor in his body. Something he thought was very heavy and difficult to reveal. But he felt he had to say it. He only has time today, even a few hours. If shame and fear continue to stand in his way, he will lose everything. He felt something was starting to disappear from him. He felt that the time was not much. But as a human being, he had to go through the effort. And this operation was his last resort. Lucky during his time at the clinic, Rianti kindly made him feel familiar with her. He felt that Rianti was already part of his family. Although with Jamila he was a bit shy, but because this has something to do with him, inevitably he had to include it. He knew that the wives of Master Izzul Islam were good women. The knowledge and teachings of religion are firmly embedded in the hearts of both, making both look absolutely perfect as a woman.
"Assalamualaik."
"Waalaikum salam."
All the people in the room turned their heads and immediately bowed their heads when Master Izzul Islam, Rianti and Jamila entered the room. After experiencing the three one by one, Suhaini immediately took Azka from Jamila's sling. The three then immediately approached the branch where Zulhiyani was lying. Rianti who in every visit always took himself to listen to the memorization of Zulhiyani, directly holding the hand of Zulhiyani. His smile expanded, giving Zulhiyani some vigor.
"Never despair, Dik Zulhiyani. Still be kind and expect healing from Allah swt," said Rianti. Zulhiyani smiled. For some time, Zulhiyani was silent staring at Rianti.
"Bu Nyai, I have something to talk to Nyai and Nyai Jamila's mom, but...,"
Zulhiyani turned his head towards the people around him. Rianti understood immediately. And so do the others. Apparently Zulhiyani wanted to talk something secret to her and Jamila. Master Izzul Islam turned towards Suhaini and Nur Jamila. He gestured to bring Nurmah's men out of the room.
The atmosphere in the room was quiet again. There are only Rianti, Jamila and Zulhiyani. The two now stood to the left and right of Zulhiyani. The smile of the two was incessantly pinched, signaling Zulhiyani not to be afraid and ashamed to reveal all that she wanted to convey.
Rianti glanced towards the wall clock. He sighed long.
"Come, now it's just the two of us" Rianti said after feeling it was time for Zulhiyani to start her conversation. Zulhiyani holds Rianti's hand and Jamila's hand. Rianti and Jamila both smiled.
"Bu Nyai, I was sorry if what I was going to talk about this would anger Nyai ma'am. I've been too much trouble for Bu Nyai and Master Teacher. It would be rude if I had to say something that might hurt the feelings of Bu Nyai Jamila as well as Bu Nyai Rianti." Zulhiyani stopped her words. Her tears could not be held. Rianti and Jamila were silent and gave Zulhiyani time to let out her tears while holding Zulhiyani tightly.
"Too much kindness and help has Nyai's family given me. I should be ashamed to ask for more. But my predestined state of being born helpless, made me have to beg Ms. Nyai" Zulhiyani continued. Rianti and Jamila both smiled nodding their heads. They don't want to interrupt. They only beckoned with smiles and nods of their heads that they were solemnly listening to his talk.
"Mrs Nyai." Zulhiyani turns to look at Rianti and Jamila.
"Don't say that, brother. Be optimistic and remain confident in our prayers and efforts. May Allah grant healing to Dik Zulhiyani and the operation goes well" Jamila said.
"Thank you, Miss Nyai. But that's how I feel right now." Zulhiyani gave a long sigh.
"I have two requests, Miss Nyai. Promise to grant it even though it might hurt both of Ms. Nyai's feelings" Zulhiyani continued. Jamila threw her gaze towards Rianti. After a while the two looked at each other like they were asking for each other's opinion, both of them nodded their heads.
"Say, God willing, if your request does not violate the rules of God and in accordance with our abilities, we will grant it" Rianti said. Zulhiyani smiled. He sighed long. Trying to muster up his courage to tell the core of his conversation today.
"I'm picking up Mom, Nyai. It's sad to remember that I couldn't make her happy. I can't lighten a little bit of her burden. Even up to this second, I still weighed on her feelings. A woman as old as that should be sitting sweet at home enjoying her old age. Enjoy what their child can give. It's time for him to enjoy a quiet life, but I have no power for it, " said Zulhiyani in a stammering voice. Rianti smiled. His hands were ceaselessly patting slowly the palm of Zulhiyani.
"Don't worry about mom. It is our duty to our fellow Muslims. Mother is our parents. Whatever her rights as a mother we will fulfill. Mother will definitely stay with us" Rianti said.
"Thank you" said Zulhiyani. He took a long breath.
"The second, remind me if it's wrong, Ms. Nyai," Zulhiyani continued. Back he stared alternately at Rianti and Jamila. They both smiled back.
"If not wrong, the Prophet said; poor, poor, poor, poor, to an unmarried woman even if she was rich. By marriage, a Muslim has perfected half of his religion. I can't do that because of my circumstances, Miss Nyai. But I wish I could get married before I leave this world." Zulhiyani stopped his words. He remained silent for a long time. The last words he was about to say were extremely difficult to say. He decided to remain silent until one of the two asked him or told him to continue his words.
Rianti and Jamila looked at each other. Seeing that Zulhiyani was silent and there was no sign that she would continue her conversation, Rianti rubbed her hair.
"So continue, there's nothing wrong with what you're saying. Your intentions are good. Say what you want" said Rianti.
"Bu Nyai both promise not to get angry?" ask Zulhiyani. Jamila and Rianti looked at each other. The two began to understand the direction of Zulhiyani's conversation.
"You are both very fortunate to be the wives of His Majesty Master. Alim, shalah, the world and the hereafter are in His Majesty Master Teacher. As a santri, I also aspired to be the wife of Master Teacher. Although I was given a chance by Allah through the intermediary of late-momah Bu Nyai Mustiani, but my contempt and unworthiness, forced me to reject it." Zulhiyani was silent for a moment. He took a long breath.
"It's time I said what I've been hiding. I asked permission from Nyai both. With all the generosity and kindness of Ms. Nyai, allow me to marry Master. Let this despicable me be part of your family. At least one day in the hereafter, I get barokah from your righteousness and kindness. Even if God extends my age and is given healing, I sincerely Master divorced me. I'm just afraid to leave this world in a state of not being the wife of Master Teacher. Oh, lucky and happy for me if I die Master's wife. This is my greatest happiness" said Zulhiyani. The rest of the tears that were visible at the end of his eyes started his sobs.