Only I Love
Chapter 38.

Before Rafatar entered Ala's house, he was nervous about visiting Ummi, Ala's mother, for the first time. Although he had met several times, but for a special official situation to meet Ummi, was the first time for him. He hopes to get a good welcome and blessing from Ummi. After knocking on the door of Ala's house, the door opened and Ummi appeared with a friendly smile on his face.

"Assynolt, Ummi. Introduce, I'm Fatar" Rafatar said politely.

"Vaalaikumsalam, Fatar. Please come in," replied Ummi while inviting the man into the house.

They sit in a comfortable living room. Rafatar tried to chat with Ummi, trying to create a relaxed atmosphere.

"How's Ummi doing? I hope everything is fine" Rafatar said with a smile.

Ummi answered kindly, "Alhamdulillah, everything is good. Thank you for coming to visit us, Rafatar. Ala told me a lot about you. You don't be so awkward. Kayak just met for the first time," said Ummi while joking.

Rafatar was relieved to hear Ummi's remarks. So there is a desire to strengthen familiarity with Ummi in order to give a good impression. So that Ummi can certainly like it and let the princess to be closer to him.

"I'm glad to hear that, Ummi. I came with the intention of wanting to ask Ummi for permission regarding my intention to ta'aruf with Ala. In order to know and understand each other. If we are suitable to have a path that is guided by God, maybe in the near future we can follow Alya and Rizky yesterday," said Rafatar sincerely.

Ummi listened attentively and looked at Rafatar understandingly. "Rafatar, as Ala's mother, of course Ummi wants the best for Ala. What do you want to say?"

Rafatar took a deep breath before replying sternly, "Ummi, I love Ala wholeheartedly. I'm committed to providing happiness and protecting it throughout life."

Ummi watched Rafatar closely, then he smiled. "Rafatar, I see the good in you and what you show. I believe that you can take good care of Ala. However, please be aware that this decision is not only mine, but also on Ala herself. You know that, right? He had failed in a previous marriage. Approximately, is Ala willing to try to get closer to you?"

Rafatar nodded in understanding. "I understand, Ummi. For women who have failed in their households, it is not easy to try to open a new page. But I have had a heart since we were in college. And I think this is an opportunity by God, to be with Ala."

Ummi smiled again, this time with warmth. "Alright, Rafatar. If you already know how Ummi's son is, and you are still determined to try to start a halal relationship with him, then Ummi allows your goodwill to get to know Humaira better."

"Thank you, thank you, Ummi." Rafatar cupped his hands in gratitude.

"However, Humaira was not at home. He is still in Pondok Pesantren, taking care of everything that is there." explained Ummi.

"Okay, Ummi. I'll pick him up there. And I'll take him straight to my house. This time as daughter-in-law, Ama and Apa I." Rafatar cupped his hands together for permission and went to the boarding house to meet the idol.

...****************...

Rafatar arrived at Pondok Pesantren with a face full of confusion. He felt a little awkward as he had never visited this place before. He wasn't sure if anyone there knew him or if he would be well received.

Rafatar entered the Pondok Pesantren management building and asked an official about Humaira's whereabouts. The officer gives Rafatar instructions to meet Ustadz Candra, who is Ala's confidant.

Rafatar walked into the room of Ustadz Candra with a hopeful heart. After knocking on the door, Rafatar was allowed in.

"Assalamualaikum, Ustadz Candra. I came here to meet Humaira. I want to pick him up" Rafatar said respectfully.

Ustadz Candra stared at Rafatar with a sharp look. "Who are you? Do you have permission from the Humaira family to come here?" ask Ustadz Candra seriously.

Rafatar replied honestly, "I am Rafatar, and I have permission from Humaira's Ummi to meet him. I want to take Humaira, home."

Ustadz Candra remains skeptical. "However, Rafatar, as a person who recognized Humaira's Ustadzah, I have a responsibility to protect and ensure his safety. I'll need to find out more about you before deciding if you can meet him."

Rafatar understands the concerns of Ustadz Candra. "Sure, Ustadz. I completely understand. I am ready to answer all the questions Ustadz has and provide the information necessary to build trust and assure that my intentions are good."

After listening to Rafatar's explanation, Ustadz Candra thought for a moment. "Rafatar, I will consider your application. However, before you can meet Zah Humaira, I will talk to her family and make sure that they also feel comfortable and agree with this meeting. Humaira's safety and happiness are top priorities for me."

Rafatar nodded in understanding. "I appreciate your decision, Ustadz. I am willing to wait and understand that this is an important step in this ta'aruf process."

Ustadz Candra looked at Rafatar seriously. "Remember, Rafatar, patience and sincerity are the keys to this test and process. "I'll talk to Humaira's family and tell her your good intentions. However, I need you to understand that this is not a guarantee that a meeting will take place or that they will agree. The final decision remains with the Humaira family."

Rafatar nodded with understanding. "Thank you, Ustadz Candra, for this opportunity. I will wait patiently and respect the decision of the Humaira family. I just wish there was a chance to get to know and prove my goodwill."

Ustadz Candra saw sincerity in Rafatar's eyes. "I appreciate your thoughtful attitude, Rafatar. I will immediately contact the Humaira family and convey your intentions. In the meantime, continue to strengthen your bond with God and pray that things will go well."

Rafatar left Ustadz Candra's room with mixed feelings of hope and uncertainty. He realized that this process would take time and patience. However, he will not give up. He is committed to proving his goodwill to the Humaira family and championing a halal relationship with Ala.

With light steps, Rafatar continued his journey towards Ala space. Rafatar knocks on Ala's office door carefully. He realized that his arrival might be a concern for the academic community in the boarding school. He had thought of the various responses that might have occurred due to his arrival.

"Come in" said Ala inside.

Rafatar smiled and opened the door slowly. "Assalamualaikum," he said.

Ala was surprised to see Rafatar standing in front of her. "Wa-alaikum greetings," he said nervously.

His eyes looked around the room, making sure that no one else was watching this meeting. Ala clearly showed her nervousness and worry to Rafatar. Ala is worried about the reaction of the academic community if they find out that a man is coming to pick her up.

"U-uda, what's Uda doing here?" ala asked with a trembling voice.

Rafatar tried to calm Ala down with his warm smile. "I'm sorry, Ala, if my arrival here worries you. I came with good intentions and already got permission from Ummi. I want to talk to you about something important."

Ala looked at Rafatar with mixed feelings of worry and curiosity. He did not want to reject Rafatar harshly, but also feared the consequences of this encounter.

"But, Uda, this is not the right place for us to talk," Ala said cautiously.

Rafatar nodded understanding Ala's worries. "I understand, Ala. We can go somewhere quieter and more private. I just want to give you a chance to listen to my good intentions and explain how I feel about you. I don't want to bother you or cause trouble here."

Ala hesitated for a moment, but seeing the sincerity and prudence that was in Rafatar's attitude, she started to feel a little calmer. He knows that he has to give Rafatar a chance to explain his good intentions.

"Come, we go to a quieter place" said Ala finally.

Rafatar smiled with relief. They left Ala's study carefully, trying to avoid the sight of people around. They are looking for a quiet place in the boarding school environment to talk more freely.

Rafatar's arrival at the boarding school raises concern and concern, but in his heart, Rafatar is determined to prove his goodwill and respect the circumstances and norms. He hopes that this meeting will pave the way for them to fight for a halal and happy relationship.

When Ala and Rafatar left the study and stepped out of the boarding house, the atmosphere around began to heat up. The news of Ala's departure with a man who is not her muhrim spread quickly among the academic community of the boarding school. People began to wonder and whisper to each other, creating a boisterous and boisterous atmosphere around them.

Some people are shocked and do not believe what they hear. Some boarding students who were on the move in the courtyard, canteen, or study area stopped for a moment and glanced at Ala and Rafatar who went together. Their spies were filled with astonishment and questions.

Some of the teachers and staff of the boarding school, who were previously unaware of Rafatar's arrival, were also stunned to see the two of them leave together. They try to figure out what is going on and gather information from the people around them.