STEADFASTNESS OF LOVE
Marital Accad

"Faiq, how are you?" faiz's greeting was friendly, and Faiq turned his head when he heard a voice calling to him. Faiq saw Faiz standing right behind him. Sontak Faiq hugged Faiz, the two gave each other a longing. There was a sense of wonder when Faiq saw Faiz in KUA.

Actually this morning Faiq came to KUA where Vania was doing qobul ijab. Faiq came as a witness from the Vania side. While Vania's guardian remains Rizal's father. Faiq and Faiz knew each other a long time ago. Both were studying in the same country and city. Even Faiq and Faiz lived in the same neighborhood. But they studied at different campuses and different majors. Faiq came to the country, to earn a specialist degree. Faiz went to college, to pursue S2 in religious sciences. The age is not too different, making both familiar like a sister and sister. They come from the same country and live alone in another country. The basis of both is fraternity.

"Faiz, thank God I'm fine! We finally met after all this time. I went to your house, but you're on duty out of town. I thought you'd be out of town for a long time. So I don't come to visit you anymore. Now I even met you, when I didn't expect to see you!" faiq said, Faiz smiled hearing Faiq's words. It's true Faiz served out of town. He had only returned to this city after two years outside of the city. Faiz was none other than the head of the KUA where Vania would carry out the qobul ijab. For a long time, Faiz excelled in religion. Apart from being the head of a very young KUA. He is concurrently one of the lecturers at the best Islamic University in the city.

"I've only been in town for two months. I served as the temporary head of KUA. The old head just retired. I also opened a cafe close to our Junior High. Still remember my dream, opening a cafe just for the sake of meeting my tomboy girl!" faiz said, Faiq nodded in understanding. He recalled clearly the reason Faiz wanted to be a successful person. Faiz tells of his monkey love for tomboyish girls during Junior High. Faiz wanted to be a successful man, so that the bus was worthy of being the priestess of the girl. Faiq was proud of Faiz's determination to love the girl. Although never both of them make promises to each other. There is no word of mutual loyalty. Faiz remained loyal to the girl. But one thing Faiz never told me. The girl's name, if Faiz had told her the girl's name. It has been a long time since he met the girl of his dreams. The girl who was none other than Faiq's own sister, Vania Aulia Azzahra.

"I remember, did you meet him? Have you told her love? When are you going to propose to her? Then will she be your wife!" faiq's frown without pause, Faiz shook his head weakly while laughing at Faiq who spoke without being paused. Faiz slowly twisted Faiq's body. He pointed towards Vania who was sitting waiting for her turn. Raihan is not far from Vania. He's getting a call from someone. Faiq was astonished when he saw Faiz pointing at Vania. Then he looked back hoping to get an answer to the intent of his attitude.

"She's the woman I dreamed of. The woman I once wished to be my mother. The reason I want to be a successful person. So that I can make her happy. Vania Aulia Azzahra, the woman I am about to marry this morning to her future priest!" faiz said rigidly, suddenly Faiq turned to look at Faiz. Faiq was shocked and in disbelief. If Vania's the woman Faiz has been talking about all along. The woman who made Faiz always eager to achieve his dreams. The spirit when Faiz began to get tired and give up. Faiz's inspiration in living a life that is not easy. But today, Faiz had to endure his pain. For the sake of a task that has become his responsibility.

Faiq could only quietly see the bitter reality that befell his brother. Faiz had to see the girl of his dreams get married, even his hand that would hold the rival. Faiq saw the wound behind Faiz's freshness. A dream he had for years. In an instant gone vanished without a trace. Faiz smiled looking at Vania who was about to lead a new life. Even though his heart was crying bitterly. Faiq could feel how hurt Faiz's heart was. All this time he was a witness to Faiz's love for Vania. Today she bears witness to Faiz's love for Vania. As bitter as this is the reality that Faiz must accept his brother.

"Faiq, I smiled laughing at my funny love story. How is this not funny? I love Vania who is none other than your sister. But I never realized he was so close to me. Now I believe, Allah SWT will give what is best for his obedient servant? Not that I was thinking, Vania wasn't the best woman for me. But my relationship with Vania wasn't the best. He was far more deserving of being the priest of Vania. All this time I did not accept the written path for me. I complain about the life I live. I was disappointed when I couldn't get close to Vania just because of status. Today is real I see, when I feel worthy to Vania. It doesn't mean anything anymore, because I'm not the best for her!" faiz said, Faiq patted Faiz's back slowly. Had Faiq not been ashamed, he might have cried out to feel the pain of Faiz's heart. But seeing Faiz's freshness, Faiq was sure there would be the best for Faiz.

"I'm sorry, she's my only sister. There's no way I'm canceling the wedding for you. I can't possibly destroy her happiness, even though I know how much it hurts your heart!" said Faiq lirih, with a smile, Faiz turned to Faiq. As if she wanted to say she was okay. Nothing's gonna happen to him. Vania's happiness will be her happiness as well. For love is not forcing, but love sincerity accepts whatever happens.

"Who asked you to destroy Vania's happiness? Let's get closer to Vania. I have to congratulate the future priest Vania. I haven't gotten to know him yet, even though I've seen him!" invite Faiz, Faiq can only nod in understanding. He would not be able to calm Faiz down. He knew Faiz who was quiet and always kept his problems quiet. Faiq and Faiz approached Vania and Raihan who were waiting for their turn. While Faiz must immediately enter to start marrying the bride-to-be.

"Vania Aulia Azzahra, congratulations on your marriage!" faiz said kindly as he cupped his hands together in front of his chest. Vania looked up at Faiz who was standing right in front of her. Vania was surprised to see Faiz coming, moreover she was standing with Faiq. The familiarity of the two is clearly seen by Vania. With a nod of her head Vania replied to Faiz's congratulations. He clumsily sees Faiz present in his marriage contract. Raihan who saw Faiz and Vania talking directly approached. Raihan stood beside Vania. A hostile look was clearly visible from both of Raihan's eyes. Instead Faiz smiled looking at Raihan's attitude. He realized Faiz's jealousy.

"Congratulations on your marriage. I didn't come to separate you. Instead I exist to unite you. I once said to Vania. When we meet, invite me to the wedding. Today without an invitation I am present at your wedding. Although I am not the priest of Vania, I am the one who brings you two together. The destiny of Allah SWT is beautiful, I bear witness to the love of the woman I love. In spite of all that! Congratulations again and may you be happy!" faiz said then went into the marriage certificate room. Raihan and Vania did not understand what Faiz said. Faiq could only see his brother's back leaving with a broken heart. Faiq approached Raihan and Vania.

"He is Achmad Faiz Akbar, the head of the KUA who will marry you. A man who loves you by faith, but must lose by a decree he cannot change. He's big-spirited to marry you, even if his heart is broken!" said Faiq lirih, Raihan and Vania fell silent.