The Nick's Life
Proposal

“Begini om. sorry in advance if my arrival was sudden and at the wrong time. I intend to apply for Meta.”

Both of Meta's parents were shocked to hear Ridho's words. Meta was no less surprised. The girl did not expect Ridho to agree to her proposal to get married. He stared at Ridho who still survived with his expressionless face.

“Sorry to Ridho, Meta.”

“Papa.. Can we talk to you for a minute?”

Meta immediately cut off his father's speech. Then quickly Meta pulled both of his parents into the room. The girl sat her parents on the side of the bed, and she sat on the floor in front of them.

“Meta... What is this? Why did Ridho suddenly propose to you?”

“Sorry pa. But I want to marry bang Ridho.”

“Meta.. Arnav proposed to you. It is not ethical to accept Ridho.” application

“I know pa. But I've already rejected Arnav.”'s proposal

“What?” Lina, Mama Meta was surprised to hear that. Honestly, the woman liked Arnav and was happy when the man said he wanted to marry Meta.

“Why Met? Why did you reject Arnav's proposal and choose to marry Ridho? Don't you like Arnav too?”

No response from Meta. The girl lowered her head while closing her mouth. To be honest, he didn't know what to reason. The idea of marrying Ridho is spontaneity only.

“What does this have to do with Iza?” ask Efendi. The man sighed to see the nod of the princess's head.

“Meta..mama know you love Iza. Mama and papa won't forbid you from helping Iza either. But marriage is no joke, baby. It concerns your life. Marriage is the longest worship of a Muslim. Are you ready? Are you sure of your decision?”

“I know ma, maybe my reason is unacceptable mama and papa. But I want to do it. Ummi can not move to Bandung, how bang Ridho can take care of Iza alone? Maybe someone wants to be hired, but wouldn't it be better for me to be with him? But I gave it all to my mom and dad. If you don't allow it, I won't force.”

Meta rubbed the clear circles that just came out of his eyes. Lina was silent to see her son crying. Efendi closed his eyes. As a father, he was hard off letting the child marry a man who might not love his child. But he could not close his eyes either. He knows how unfortunately Meta is on Iza. Were it not for Iza, they might have lost Meta when the boy attempted suicide by ingesting insect venom. If Iza doesn't arrive on time, Meta's life is already gone.

“Can you be responsible with your choice?”

“In Shaa Allah pa. I'll be responsible with my choice.”

“If you and Ridho do not love each other, but the marriage that you will later live is real, not a game. No matter how difficult your situation will be, papa does not want you to make divorce as a way out. Are you up to it?”

“Iya pa. In Shay Allah I can.”

“Good. Come.”

Efendi moved from his seat. Likewise with Lina, she stood up and helped Meta to wake up. The three of them came out of the room and returned to the living room. Ridho was still waiting patiently until the three of them sat back before him.

“Nak Ridho is serious about applying for Meta?”

“In Shaa Allah seriously om.”

“Alright, if Ridho's serious. We accepted your proposal. When are you planning to get married?”

“Before moving to Bandung," replied Ridho and Meta together.

“Good. If you're ready, in two days you'll be married.”

“Thank you om. About the wedding reception, can we hold it one month later? There is still something I need to do in Bandung.”

“Iya, please.”

Efendi could not refuse what his future daughter-in-law said. He understood the situation Ridho was in. The man also cannot ban his son. Efendi knew enough of the nature of his stubborn son. He just hopes that the decision he made is right. At least Ridho is a good man and can be trusted to take care of his son.

“Thank you once again, om. aunt. Then I'll go home.”

“Iya nak Ridho. We are waiting for your application tomorrow.”

“Iya. Assalamu’alaikum.”

“Waalaikumsalam.”

Ridho shook hands with Efendi as well as Lina and then left. Meta accompanied the man to the front of the car. He wondered what had made Ridho change his mind.

“What made you change your mind?”

“I just don't want you to kill yourself because I rejected your silly idea.”

“Bang.. I'm serious.”

“Why are you still asking why? The reason I accepted your proposal to marry you, this is all for Iza. You satisfied?”

“Thank you bang.”

“Shortly.. You are not in a relationship with another man right?”

“Actually I've been proposed, but I turned it down.”

“Why?”

“You know. Very sorry sih.”

“Because I don't want to be called a matchmaker. Is there really no man close to you?”

Meta just nodded his head slowly. Although unsure of the answer of the girl in front of him, Ridho chose to believe it. Although ridiculous, but he admitted that the idea of marriage initiated Meta benefit himself. There will be people who can be trusted to look after Iza. He also hoped that no one would be hurt by his decision.

🍂🍂🍂

Doctor Rega was pensively pensive in front of his desk. The answer to the job application a month ago was received as well. Finally he was accepted at a large hospital in the city of Bandung. But now his heart hesitated to take it. Iza's figure had already stolen his attention and the handsome doctor did not want to be far from him. But he has also filed for self-immolation. Rega's sudden dilemma.

To get rid of the allotment, Rega opted out of his study and went around the hospital. The man's steps came to a halt when he saw Iza tengsh sitting with a middle-aged man in front of the inpatient room. Seeing the woman he missed, of course not wasted by Rega. The man rushed over to Iza.

“Assalamu’alaikum.”

“Waalaikumsalam. Doctor Rega ya?”

“Iya. Thank God you can recognize my voice,” the handsome doctor's smile expands.

“While visiting someone?”

“Abi accident.”

“Innalillahi.. how is it?”

“Alhamdulillah operation smoothly. Only recovery.”

“Can I visit it?”

“Please doc.”

The young doctor stepped into Rahardi's hospital room. Her arrival was greeted by Mina who was accompanying her husband. After seeing Rahardi's condition and having a brief conversation with Mina, Rega walked out of the room. He went back to Iza and sat down beside Rahman.

“What's the complaint with your eyes?”

“Alhamdulillah not dok.”

“If you have any complaints, just contact me directly.”

“Thank you doc. But if possible, I ask for recommendations of eye doctors in Bandung. Who knows if the doctor has contacts there.”

“For whom?”

“For me doc. In Syaa Allah in the near future I will move to Bandung.”

Rega was surprised and happy to hear it. When he was worried, God gave him an answer. The man was increasingly convinced by his feelings for Iza. His job application was accepted, Iza who moved to Bandung like the path God had planned for him.

“It so happens, I will also move to Bandung. A month ago I applied to one of the hospitals there and was accepted. So, you can later continue the treatment with me.”

“Oh.. thank goodness.”

Rahman continued to pay attention to Iza's interactions with Rega's doctor. As people had eaten a lot of the salt acid of life, the man knew that Rega liked his nephew. The man was a little anxious, because Ridho had told him the truth about Nick.

“Then I'll excuse you. Let's pack.”

“Ummi.. abah..can I ask you tomorrow for help?”

“Please what?” ask Rahman.

“Meet me to apply for Meta.”

“What??” ask Mina, Rahman and Iza together.

“You want to apply for Meta? You serious? Hasn't anyone applied for Meta?”

“Meta has rejected it, ummi. That's why I came forward to propose to him.”

“But.. why can? Do you not-don't you already like Meta from the past so you always refuse if you want to introduce women?”

“Iya, ummi.”

Ridho seeks safety by just saying yes to his mother's question. He rubbed his nape agitated because of the sight of Mina who kept seeing him intensely. Unlike Iza, the girl looked pensive. She knew very well how Meta felt as well as her brother. Between the two people there was no feeling of love at all. Their marriage must have something to do with her.

“If that is your decision, you will support. What time do you want to apply?”

“Bada maghrib, abah. After papa Meta gets home from work.”

“Good. Good intentions must be hastened.”

“Then I go home, ummi. Iza cape too. Want to stay at home?”

“Bby.”

Rahman, Ridho and Iza stood up from their seats. After greeting Mina, Ridho guided Iza. He walked towards the elevator. Many questions in Iza's mind, but she tries to hold it back. There is still Rahman among them. Iza waited alone with her sister to discuss marriage with Meta.

🍂🍂🍂

The application process went well. The two families agreed to only hold a marriage contract considering the time of Ridho's move. The wedding will be held tomorrow night, after the ceremony at Efendi's residence. The man had already contacted his friend who worked at KUA. The wedding was held simply by inviting some close neighbors as witnesses so as not to cause slander.

The two families also talked about the reception that Ridho promised would be held a month later. Mina and Lina agreed that it would be in charge of taking care of the reception preparations. After some important things were agreed upon, Lina invited the guests to taste the dishes.

Iza chose to sit near the fish pond in the front of the house. Ridho walked up to the younger brother with a plate in hand, then sat down beside him. Meta himself chose to avoid Iza, he knew for sure that his best friend would ask a lot about his decision to marry Ridho.

“Abang.”

“Hmm.”

“Why do you want to marry Meta?”

“Kan brother told me the reason yesterday.”

“Long. I know you lied. Are you married because of me?”

“Not. We were married because God had destined us to be married.

“I'm sorry, bang. I'm just a burden to you too Meta.”

Ridho put the plate on the chair there, then embraced the shoulder of the younger brother. He took Iza into his arms. Meta, who was asked to deliver food to Iza, chose to hide behind the wall when he heard the brother and sister talking.

“Zi. you brother. Taking care of you is not a burden to your brother at all. Brother and Meta are not children who make rash decisions. We've thought about this carefully. Don't make our marriage a burden to you. But think of it as a form of affection for both of us for you. All you have to do now is live life well, not give up on your situation and pray that there is an eye donor for you as soon as possible.”

“What brother loves Meta?”

“Love comes because it's used to it isn't it? I'm sure that feeling will come between us sooner or later. Meta good women are also beautiful, it is not difficult to cultivate the feeling of love, is not it?”

“Hmm.May make brother. But. I'm not sure about Meta.”

“Why? What Meta loves other men?”

Meta's heart was pounding at the speed of hearing Ridho's question. He hopes Iza doesn't open up about Arnav. If Ridho finds out, he might cancel the wedding. Although it has not been too long to get along with Ridho, but a little Meta knows how the character of the man.

“How Meta wants to fall in love with brother, if his brother is aja jutek, cold, keep a very stiff face rich polishing board. Lots of smiles, smiles are worship. Smile will not make you a role model, right? It is hard to make a smile.”

“Hahaha. you tuh.”

“Well dong, laugh, smile. Brother is more handsome if you smile. Guaranteed Meta will be klepek-clepek same brother.”

“Can you tuh,” Ridho damaged the top of Iza's head.

The man broke his embrace on Iza's shoulder and took back the plate he had brought. He began to feed his sister. Meta's heart warms to see Ridho's treatment on Iza. Although there is no love in their hearts, Meta is sure Ridho will treat him well. The girl then approached Iza and Ridho.

“Eh I think food for Iza does not exist.”

“My brother is the best right, Met. Know it again kelaperan.”

“Well who does this for dong? Have you eaten yet?”

“But.”

“Yes, I ate first. Let me bribe Iza.”

“Eh don't Met. I want to be bribed bang Ridho. How about if you bribe your brother?”

Uhuk..

Ridho coughed at hearing that. Looks like the little brother's ignorant fashion is back. Deep in the corner of his heart, the man felt happy, little by little Iza's condition had started to improve. I can't wait to get Iza to Nick.

🍂🍂🍂

Efendi, Lina also Meta deliver Ridho and his family to the front of the house. The application is over, tomorrow night they will return to carry out the marriage contract. After helping Iza get into the car, Ridho said goodbye to his future in-laws and future wives. The man then got on top of the car and lifted it.

Meta's parents entered the house, while the girl was still in her place. His eyes caught Arnav's usual car parked in front of the mosque. Before long the man came out along with Ustadz Badar and Rivan. In the heart of Meta is grateful Arnav is still willing to continue his lessons together with Rivan.

After saying goodbye to Ustadz Badr, Arnav walked to his car. The corner of his eye caught Meta standing in front of his house. For a moment their views met and locked each other. Gratitude of sadness seems to lurk the netra Arnav. Not much different, Meta also feels the same way. The girl immediately entered the house because she could not hold back her tears anymore.

Meta hurriedly went up to the second floor. The door opened and went to the balcony, hoping to see Arnav. His tears just fell when he saw Arnav's car hurtling away.

I'm sorry Ar. I hope you can find a better woman than me. I hope you are always happy. Forgive me for being this selfish, but it seems like you are not my soul mate.

“Met.”

Meta hurriedly wiped his tears as soon as he heard the voice of the mother calling him. Lani approaches Meta who still survives on the balcony. The woman had seen how the child interacted with Arnav.

“You still love Arnav?”

“Why did you reject his proposal? Mama sure, it's not just Iza who's your reason. What's up baby?”

Meta turned his body towards the mother and hugged her. Lani let her son shed all his sorrow. His hand gently rubbed Meta's back which shook from his sobbing. Then the woman took Meta into the room and sat him on the side of the bed.

Lani is still waiting patiently for her son to tell her. He took the tissue on the table and gave it to Meta. Several times Meta took a deep breath to calm down while wiping away his tears.

“Sometimes we can't get what we want, right ma?” Lani just nodded her head.

“Sometimes what is good in our opinion, is not necessarily good according to God.”

There was no response from Lani. The woman is still faithful to listen to the child's words without any desire to interrupt. Meta continued his words.

“Semenjak Arnav proposed to me and I accepted it, I kept praying, ma. If Arnav is my soul mate, I ask that we be brought closer and immediately married. If not, bring me another man. The last two months I've been dreaming, there's a man coming to me but not Arnav. I don't know who because his face is still blurry. I have dreamed that many times, Mom. And a week ago I had the same dream, but his face was clear. That's bang Ridho's face. Did I misinterpret that Bang Ridho was my soul mate?

Arnav's lies were just my reason for rejecting his proposal. Because if we are not a match, however we will still be separated. Maybe even in a more painful way. Am I wrong ma?”

Meta was crying again. Lani hugged him again, his throat seemed choked to hear the speech of his youngest child. He used to be in the same position as Meta. Efendi was not the man she loved, but fate had outlined the man as her husband. And it turned out that his decision was right then. Efendi is not only a good husband, but can be a good father to his three children. And their marriage has survived and been happy to this day.

“If this is your decision, live it all sincerely. After Ridho officially becomes your husband, you should be able to throw all your feelings on Arnav. Ridho's a good man, I'm sure he'll make you happy. Mama will always wish you the best.”

Lani kisses the top of the child's head. Meta tightened his embrace at Lani's waist. For tonight alone he let out all his sadness, so that tomorrow, he can look to a better future together with Ridho.

🍂🍂🍂

**I have a new rival. Bang Ridho kok the longer the more okay aja ya😎

Doctor Rega, queue behind me yes wakakak**...