The Nick's Life
A White Paper

Two men with age differences were sitting on a bed with their backs to the headboard. The bottom of them is covered in a sheath with the same motif. Their hands are each holding the phone, their fingers are moving playing something on the flat screen. Sometimes they hear the two.

“Om.. the game is not exciting, change dong,” said Azka while tugging at Denis shirt and it successfully broke the concentration of the man when playing online games.

“Ngga exciting what Azka can not play?”

“Two hehehe..”.

“Ya here's another game. What game would you like?”

“Yang rich temen Azka mainin om. Who run to take coins continue to jump if there is a bus.”

“Oh that one. Here's om download first.”

Denis picks up Ayura's phone played by Azka. For a moment he looked at the mobile phone wallpaper featuring Ayura's image with Azka. Then his finger tapped on the screen, looking for an app to download the game Azka meant. After downloading, Denis gives back the phone to Azka.

Denis has been living in Ayura's uncle's house for a week. As Ayura proposed, she would eventually be circumcised along with Azka. At first, Azka asked a lot why she had just been circumcised. Not knowing what to answer, he handed Ayura the whole answer. I don't know what she said until Azka stopped asking.

Ayura uncle's circumcision clinic is quite large and also provides various circumcision techniques according to the wishes of the person who will be circumcised. They can choose circumcision in the traditional way, or in a modern way such as a laser or clamp. But for Denis case, the uncle suggested the man use the stapler method, this is to reduce bleeding during the circumcision process. But the costs involved are also more expensive. And Denis chose this procedure with a variety of considerations.

Every day there is an officer from the circumcision clinic who helps Denis clean and treat his wounds. The man also helps Azka, as both of them sleep in the same room. Azka did not want to be away from Denis and Ayura succumbed to sleeping in another room.

None of Denis' friends knew what the man was doing. He deliberately kept it a secret because he wanted to surprise them all. His plan to convert also asked Ayura's uncle for help. Denis wants at the time of meeting his friends later, he has become a new human being who is ready to tread life with a better path.

Three days ago Denis was going back to Jakarta after hearing the incident that happened to Abe. But Ayura managed to prevent it because of Denis' condition that has not been possible to travel. Eventually the man could only exchange news through a cell phone.

There was a knock at the door, Ayura came in with a tray of two plates. The woman put the tray on the nightstand and then went back out of the room. Soon he came again with two glasses of water.

“Eat first yes, Azka.”

“Om Denis not ma?”

“Yes, about Denis too.”

Ayura gave a plate of rice and side dishes to Denis. Then the woman climbed on the bed and began to feed Azka. While eating, Azka kept playing the phone. Ayura smiled looking at Azka who never complained post circumcision. But he was also sad because he could not give thanks for his only child. Ayura was worried that Arif would come and make a mess. So he only made a gift by giving rice box and also angpao to be orphaned in his uncle's home environment. The same thing was done by Denis.

“Den, when will you pledge? The administrative requirements are complete, right?”

“I've been handing over all the same Ali. He said that once my wound was dry and was able to move normally, I was asked to come to the mosque to pledge.”

“Gratitude deh. Your wounds will be dry soon.”

“Masa? Know where? Have you seen it?”

Ayura's eyes were rounded complete with her face flushed red hearing Denis' frontal speech just now. The man just chuckled at Ayura who was misbehaving. The woman continued to feed her son while inviting him to speak to divert his nervousness.

“Your parents already know that Azka was circumcised here?”

“Udah. But they can't come. You have to control the hospital. Mama is afraid that Arif is following them. You see, already a few days he seems to often hang out near the house.”

“Dasar crazy tuh people, ask to refer to his side.”

“I also don't think. Why does he want to talk to me. I'm also confused about how.”

“I have a solution for you.”

“What?”

“Who. If you have married someone else, he will not chase you again.”

“Ngaco ye Den. Who do I want to marry?”

“Emang you don't have a friend what?”

“There are but they are on average already married. Who are still single there is also but they must be thinking of marriage with a widow twice plus already have one child. If they want to, their family will not agree. Anyway, I can't just get a married man. I also have to think Azka, I want to marry a man who loves Azka too. Enough Arif alone which is a bad experience for us.”

Denis did not respond to Ayura's words anymore. The man finished his meal while occasionally looking at Azka who was still playing games. There was actually a desire for her to offer herself to marry Ayura. But given his bad past, he undoes his intentions. It doesn't seem appropriate to be Ayura's good companion. He also did not fully know what to do as a household priest. The father never set a good example for him.

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All the people of interest have gathered at the Ash-Shoffat mosque. Dedi, Ayura's uncle has come along with Ade, an employee at the khitan clinic who has been helping Denis after circumcision. Ten days after the man underwent one of the conditions to convert, finally now the waiting time has arrived.

Dedi and Ade will be witnesses when Denis utters two sentences of the creed. Haji Engkus who will guide the man made the promise. In addition to them, there was also Ko Steven, chairman of the Mualaf Center Indonesia. He and other colleagues would later help Denis learn about Islam. Ayura also Azka was present there.

Haji Engkus invited Denis to take ablution first. With Ade escorted, the man went to abudhu place. Accompanied by Ade, Denis begins his wudhunya ritual. He had indeed memorized the order and order of ablution. After clearing himself of the small hadast, Denis returned to the mosque. Haji Engkus prepared to guide Denis to recite two sentences of the creed.

“Asyhadu alla ilaahailallah.”

“Asyhadu alla ilaahailallah.”

“Wa asyhadu anna muhammadarrasulullah.”

“Wa asyhadu anna muhammadarrasulullah.”

“I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify Muhammad the messenger of Allah.”

“I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify Muhammad the messenger of Allah.”

“Alhamdulillah.. now you have officially embraced Islam.”

“Ahamdulillah.”

I heard Denis's other words too. The taste of haru lurched in the heart of this man. From Ko Steven he heard that God had promised, everyone who earnestly converted, then his sins in the past were blotted out and himself became a white sheet that had not been stained. Denis' eyes were in tears of happiness. He is now ready to live a new life as a Muslim.

The newness was felt by Ayura. The woman wiped the tears in the corner of her eyes. His feelings cannot be described with words. Being a witness to the important events of the man who became his helper, was his own happiness for him.

Denis went one by one to all the people who were there. There were no friends who used to accompany him all this time. But it was his decision, giving a happy surprise to his loved ones including Nick. The man who is the biggest motivation to change.

After officially embracing Islam, as he had planned, Denis will temporarily join Ko Steven. He will stay for a while at the residence provided by the Mualaf Center Indonesia for converts who want to learn Islam. Ayura helps Denis get ready.

“Ay.. I won't stay there long. Two weeks at most. I learned the basic things like prayer and teaching, while other lessons I will learn while walking. You and Azka stay in the apartment. Frightened Arif still bothers you.”

“I'll be home.”

“But what if he comes and bothers you again? Don't you feel sorry for Azka?”

“For a while Azka will stay with mom. I can't keep avoiding Arif. I have to face him to solve everything so he doesn't bother anymore.”

“You sure?”

“Iya.”

“Ok... but if there is anything you should quickly contact me.

“Iya. You don't have to worry. You just learn calmly, so you can give a sweet surprise to your friend.”

Denis nodded his head while making a smile. He wanted to learn and return to his friends. The man wanted to come over and show his new side. Denis is really excited about his new life from now on.

🍂🍂🍂

All dishes are available at the dining table. Tina purposely prepared a lot of food tonight. Bagas and his wife came to visit and wanted to have dinner together. Sansan helped bring dishes and glasses and arranged them on the dining table. As soon as everything was ready, Tina immediately called her husband, son and daughter-in-law.

Dinner was quiet. Only light talk happened. Bagas deliberately postponed the conversation until dinner took place. The wife, who knew her husband's intentions and purpose of having dinner with the family, did not say much. Actually he was also disappointed with Sansan's attitude.

Bagas watched his mom and dad who had finished their dinner. The papa was sipping his favorite hot tea. Then his eyes looked towards Sansan who had also finished his meal. The man felt this was a good time to start the conversation.

“How is Vicky?” Bagas opened the conversation.

Sansan was quite surprised to hear the brother's question. Since he introduced Vicky as his girlfriend, the girl never talked about him again. After the incident at his friend's birthday show, Sansan decided to end his relationship with Vicky.

“Eh yes, he hasn't been here for a long time, San?” connect Tina.

“Ck.. why also come here,” Beni said.

The man did not like Vicky and was against the boy's relationship with the young man. He insisted on marrying Sansan to Abe and finally Sansan decided to open Abe's marriage plan. Beni actually does not really mind the habits of Abe. He thinks it's something that can still be changed. But the reaction of the wife who also judged Abe badly, made the man give in.

“You're still dating Vicky?” finally Mila, Bagas' wife opened her voice as well. He deliberately paved the way for the husband to the real topic.

“Udah drop out.”

“Why?” ask Mila again.

“Because he's a bad boy, asshole,” replied Bagas.

Sansan saw his brother. He immediately guessed for sure Abe who had told about Vicky to Bagas. The girl grew annoyed at Abe. Sansan believes Bagas will definitely corner him because his brother is a hardline supporter of Abe.

“What do you mean, Gas?” ask the mother.

“Emang Sansan did not say that Vicky tried to give sedatives to Sansan drinks. Try if it works, are you sure your child will be all right?”

“Kak!!”

“What? You hid Vicky's rottenness but told Abe's disgrace to have your marriage void. You're also hiding the fact that Abe helped you back then. If Abe doesn't come, maybe Vicky has taken you to the hotel.”

Both Beni and Tina were shocked to hear the words of her eldest son. The two of them looked straight at Sansan. The girl was still clenching her mouth. Bagas grumbled at the attitude of his sister.

“What's true San?” ask Beni.

“Iya pa.”

“Why didn't you say? And why don't you tell me that Abe has not helped you?”

“Because papa will definitely oppose me canceling the wedding. Even though he helped me but didn't erase the fact that he was a jerk. Imagine the unclean stuff that went into his body. Of course, his attitude will not be far from the ugliness.”

“Then what about you? Do you feel like you've become a good person. Even being nice to the person who has helped you, you don't want to. Does it reflect good morals?”

“Gas.”

Tina reprimanded her son. The woman tried to dampen the hot atmosphere that began to be created in this dining room. Mila rubbed the back of her husband's hand which looked emotional.

“Do you know that this week Abe was hospitalized?”

“Important that I should know.”

“You should know because you caused him to enter the hospital.”

“What brother mean?”

“She helped you out from the thugs. Did you know he got a prick while helping you? And you just left without checking the situation first.”

“What is Gas? How is Abe doing now?”

“Alhamdulillah condition has improved ma.”

“Select lebay, most scratches aja.”

BRAK!!

Sansan was shocked when Bagas kicked down the dining table. The man really could not help but look at the attitude of the younger brother. Mila immediately calmed her husband. Beni cleared his throat to defuse the conflict that was starting to heat up. Sansan himself seemed unconcerned. The more he gets cornered, the more he hates Abe.

“How is Abe doing?” beni asked now.

“As I said pa. His condition is improving now. Indeed, his puncture wound was not deep but hit a blood vessel so he lost a lot of blood. Few of Abe's friends find him too late, Abe's life may have been lost. And this papa boy who doesn't know himself has no good faith at all asking about Abe.”

“I don't know brother,” Sansan defend himself.

“Means asking if you feel indebted. At least you see the situation instead of just leaving that night!”

“Already.. Sansan, tomorrow come with mom and dad to visit Abe.”

“Mama with papa aja.”

“Tuh see the behavior of your child. Who's the jerk here, actually? Abe is now trying to be a good person and has saved you twice. Or are you ungrateful to the person who helped you? You also spread his disgrace for your own sake.”

Bagas got up from his seat. He bids his parents to go home. The dinner goal has been reached. But talking to Sansan instead made his blood boil. Now only Sansan and his parents are left at the dinner table. The girl's head bowed deeply, aware that both her parents were feeling disappointed in her.

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The next day Beni and Tina and Sansan come to the hospital to visit Abe. Sharif and Eni were also there. Beni immediately expressed his gratitude to Abe in front of Syarif. Abe's father was only silent once he knew the true events of the stabbing incident that befell Abe.

Tina asked Sansan to say thank you. Lazily, Sansan thanked Abe. There was no response from Abe, although he never responded to Sansan's cynical attitude, but he was upset to see the girl's behavior as well. Tina was forced to apologize on behalf of the child.

A long conversation took place between Sharif and Beni. Both men want their children to be united in marriage. But Beni is not too pushy either. She was quite embarrassed to see the behavior of her youngest child. While Sansan who felt bored chose to leave the room.

Near the elevator Sansan passed Iza who was about to visit Abe. Seeing Sansan, Iza decided to talk to the girl. After hearing Nick's story, Iza was curious to see and hear Sansan's response to Abe. The woman took Iza to sit in one of the waiting chairs.

“Recommated by Abe ya?”

“Hmm.”

“Says your wedding is off?”

“Emang should have been canceled. Males I married a man who works in and out of nightclubs.”

“Past Abe and the others did go to nightclubs often. But now it's not. They've changed, in a better direction for sure.”

“Tetap aja.. but I do not wonder anyway that brother Abe is rich. Probably because of the environmental impact as well. The people around him are not good people either. There are cheaters, pet aunty, love dipping here and there.”

Iza was quite surprised to hear Sansan's words. He was also offended by Sansan's remarks. She also indirectly insulted her husband. Sansan himself seemed to not care whether his words offended Iza or not. Before breaking up Vicky had time to reveal the behavior of Abe and his friends. There is a woman who is heartbroken about being rejected by Nick and spreading the bad past of the five men. Vicky reunites the woman with Sansan when the girl says she will cancel the marriage with Abe.

“People around Abe, you mean his best friends? Means including my husband dong who gives a bad influence,” Iza quipped. Sansan immediately fell silent when he realized that he had mispronounced.

“Everyone has made a mistake. The important thing is that he realizes the mistake and does not repeat it again. A repentant ex-sinner is better than a pious but arrogant dhikir. Don't judge people too low and judge yourself too highly. You blasphemed Abe and all his friends so much, but are you sure you're better than them? The words that come out of our mouths are a reflection of ourselves. I don't think your words reflect a good thing. I advise you not to stay here too long. Afraid you're contaminated with our ugliness.”

After uttering piercing words at Sansan, Iza stood up and left the girl alone. The expectant mother needs to stay away from Abe's ex-wife-to-be who's been so annoying lately. Iza was afraid she could not control herself and scratched the girl's face.

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**Happy Denis was circumcised and converted. I was lamar Ayura. I push from behind until I leave🤣

Sansan.. you are ter.la.lu**..