Only I Love
Chapter 37

Rafatar's mother, aware of the child and the woman he had forbidden to approach, was looking at each other. The middle-aged woman's very beautiful forehead, looks shriveled. He walked to attract the son.

"Ma ... Ma ... Where are you going, Ma?" Rafatar immediately panicked to get a sudden pull from the mother. He turned his head back to look at Ala who was staring in wonder at her steps.

"Ma? Shame, Ma," said Rafatar who was treated like a child who was pulled while playing.

After being in a rather quiet corner, Ama let go of her hand. "What are you doing? Didn't Ama forbid you to continue with the plan to approach her?"

"But, Ma, I'm an adult. I have the right to choose anyone to be my wife. She's a godly woman, Ma?"

Ama nodded quickly. "Just can't! Why should he anyway? Are there still many virgin girls in this world that you can make a wife? Why should an ex-person?" snarled the mother.

"Ma, I've loved her since she wasn't married, Ma. At the moment, he's back on his own. Does Ama believe, will fate bring us back together for her to be my soul mate?"

Ama shook her head quickly. "You ngaco ah, when is there such a fate? You need to find one that is still a virgin! Point!" After giving an ultimatum, Ama leaves her son alone.

"What's the matter, why are you so fussy here?" Someone appears to surprise Rafatar who failed to convince the mother.

"Pa, are we single, marrying a virgin? What about the widows? Do I have to wait for a widower to unite with the widow I love?" Rafatar recounted his grievances to Apa, his father.

The middle-aged man looked unpretentious shaking his head. "Where is the law from?" What smiles and approaches Rafatar. He placed his hands on his son's shoulders with warmth.

"Rafatar, marriage is not just about a person's status and past. There is something more important than that: the kindness of one's heart and faith. It is not a must to find a virgin partner. God created love in many forms and ways. Importantly, we find a partner who complements each other and guides each other in kindness," Apa said wisely.

Rafatar looked at his father with hope. "But, Pa, what about Ama? He was very stubborn with his stance. How can I convince him?"

What is taking a deep breath and smiling wisely. "Rafatar, your love for Ala will not be easily accepted by everyone. But the most important thing is your honesty to yourself and to God. If you believe that Ala is the right choice, then be patient and keep praying. Believe me, with your time and sincerity, Ama's heart will open. But remember also to respect and respect Ama's opinion, because she is the parent who cares about you the most."

Rafatar pondered his father's words carefully. He felt inspired and more determined in his decision.

"For God's sake, Pa, I'll keep trying and praying. I will show Ama that this love is not only lust, but also sincere and responsible love. I will ask God for guidance in every step I take" Rafatar said with determination.

What a proud smile to see the attitude of his son. "That's what you're supposed to do, Rafatar. Believe me, if that love comes with sincerity and kindness, nothing is impossible. Be patient and believe in the destiny God has written for you."

"All right, Pa. Thank you for supporting me. I will fight for this love of mine, and prove to Ama that this heart is never wrong."

Apa smiled proudly at his son, patted Rafatar's arm a few times and nodded. Rafatar returns to the middle of the party and his neck extends looking for the location of the woman who has just become the culprit of the commotion with the mother.

He was very curious about the ta'aruf proposal he asked for. His smile was glimpsed after several head turns. He saw the woman who captivated him, was busy welcoming invitations that kept coming.

His feet stepped confidently standing beside Ala who let guests in without saluting. Both hands are cupped when the guest who comes is the opposite sex. Rafatar also welcomed enthusiastically, making Ala a little surprised when he realized he was right next to him.

"Is it here too?" tanyanya.

"Yes, I'll welcome the male guest. You're quite welcoming to the ladies and children." Rafatar welcome guests much warmer than Ala the host.

Ala held a smile at the man's behavior, and resumed her duties in welcoming the guests. When the guests were a little quiet, Ala chose to sit down to rest using the fan in her hand.

Rafatar was sitting next to Ala. "Hows it? Is there an answer?" whispered.

"Hmmm, answer?" ask Ala wonder.

"Yes, would you like to ta'aruf with me?"

Ala's face was getting hotter. "Aaah, yes ... That's ...." Ala was confused in giving an answer to Rafatar. He looked at Rafatar with a worried look.

"Uda, I appreciate your feelings and your determination to ta'aruf with me. However, there is one thing I need to say. Between me and your mother, you don't know each other. If we are ta'aruf, we should meet the parents of both sides. Well, we haven't introduced each other, have we?" said Ala.

"Do you want to introduce your mother to me? I'm not here already. My mom's here, too" Rafatar said.

"Huh? Now then? Nay! Ummi was busy in taking care of this party. I think we should wait for a quieter time after this party" Ala declined.

"Oh, so. Be good. At least I already have an answer that you have been willing to try ta'aruf with me."

"Huh? Did I say that?" Ala flinched with the conclusion given by Rafatar.

Finally, Alya and Rizky's marriage took place in an orderly and joyful manner. Ala was relieved and happy to see her sister start a new chapter in her life.

Ala looked at her youngest sister who seemed to be still busy helping Ummi set aside the rented items, with private property. Meanwhile, Ala is reminiscing about the time of her marriage.

Where, the marriage that ever happened was done in a simple way, because it was carried out after mourning Abi's departure. There was a longing in his heart. Missing the last days with Syauqi, he was gentle.

"Why? Is this what is called lack of caress? Ah, why should he? Why?"

*

*

Ala busied herself back with the work she had put off. He had to solve the problem with Ustadz Luthfi.

"Natalogue ...."

Ala stepped her feet into the boarding school area, entering the room as core administrator, Vice Chairman of Pondok Pesantren Foundation. Meanwhile, Apak, who is believed to be the leader, was out of the country getting a higher education to Saudi Arabia.

He who represents, of course, must have the decisiveness to decide how with Ustadz Luthfi who has tried to play with this Pondok Pesantren fund.

Ala sent a message to someone she trusted. Shortly afterwards, there was a knock on the door.

"Lake in!"

The door opened from the outside. "Assalamualaikum, Zah Humaira's. Ustadz Luthfi is here" said Ustadz Candra, who was asked to pick up Ustadz Luthfi.

"Please let him in."

Ustadz Candra nodded and he entered, followed by Ustadz Luthfi who walked down.

"Well, Ustadz, this is my last question. Do you regret what you did?"

Ustadz Luthfi raised his head, looking at Ala with a look of regret. He replied in a low voice, "I am truly sorry for my actions that have violated the trust and harmed this Pondok Pesantren. I realized that my actions were inappropriate as an ustadz and teacher. I promise to repair myself and compensate for the loss I have caused."

Ala looked at him sharply. "I hope you truly understand the severity of the mistakes you have made and are truly committed to improving yourself. Pondok Pesantren is a sacred place and aims to spread the values of goodness and truth. Every individual involved in the management of this cottage must take responsibility and maintain its integrity."

Ustadz Luthfi nodded sincerely. "I promise to work hard to improve myself and make the necessary efforts to restore the trust that has been lost. I'm ready to accept any consequences I have to face."

Ala looked at him seriously. "Well, Ustadz Luthfi. I'll give you a second chance, but on condition that you compensate for the losses that have occurred and prove a real change in your conduct and integrity. In addition, you will get strict supervision and the position as your principal, I will revoke. Are you willing to accept these conditions?"

Ustadz Luthfi replied emphatically, "I am ready, Zah Humaira. I will make every effort necessary to improve myself and prove that I can be a better person."

Ala nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, Ustadz Luthfi. I'll give you this opportunity, but remember that this is the last chance. If you repeat your mistakes, the consequences will be more severe. I'm hoping you won't waste this opportunity."

Ustadz Luthfi lowered his head and thanked him. After that, he came out of Ala's room.

"Thank you, Ustadz Candra, for working hard to help me solve this act of misappropriation. For your help, I'll give you a bonus and I'll send it directly to your account."

Candra humps her head. "No need, Zah Humaira. I work very sincerely. Moreover, I remember all the services of the late Ustadz Faisal to me and my family during this time. Since then, I promise to be light-handed and always help your family when obstacles occur."

Ala smiled sincerely at Ustadz Candra's explanation. "Don't worry Ustadz. I'm also sincerely giving it to you. Later, immediately leave it to the wife at home. May I be blessed."

"Thank you, Zah."

*

*

*

At Ala's house, without knowing it turns out Rafatar came to Ala's house with the best performance he had. With a little nervousness he read the most effective sentence. "Bismilbornrahmannirrahim ...."