The Path of Love Halimah
Episodes 13. My New Family

"Assalamualaikum Pak Man" Sapa Abang Hafiz at a security guard standing guard right in front of the boarding gate.

'POSTREN AL IKHLAS' COTTAGE'

It was clearly read by me the name of the cottage which will now be my new home with Abang Hafiz.

I feel so nervous.

"Bismillah" I said trying to calm my heart.

The car runs slowly entering the pesntren area which is quite extensive.

I was stunned to see so many diverse activities done by santriawan and santriwati in the afternoon today.

Some are cool playing futsal, scout training, some are cool chatting under trees holding books, and more.

"This is how the santri activities in the afternoon" Abang Hafiz told me.

"Seru yes Bang." I replied with great enthusiasm.

Brother Hafiz nodded confirming my words.

"That's why Abang chose to go home to teach at this pesantren rather than stay in the city" he said again.

I nodded in understanding.

We smile at each other.

"We arrived" he said again while parking his car right in front of a large house from other houses around him.

"Let's get off" he asked me.

I obeyed his order to get out of the car.

"Assalamualaikum Home..Abi.." said as he took off his shoes.

"waalaikumsalam" came the answer of a woman from inside the house.

"Umi.." said Abang hafiz again greet Umi Hafsah Her biological mother.

I too, greeted my Mother-in-law and then replied with a warm embrace.

"Welcome to the pesantren dear." he said stroking my cheek gently.

I nodded in a happy smile as it was greeted so warmly by Mother-in-law.

"Let's go in.." take Umi with my hand to the living room.

"Where's Umi?" asked Abang hafiz again to his Umi.

"Take another shower" replied Umi briefly.

"Dad and Mother Halimah are healthy?" ask Umi.

"Alhamdulillah Umi." I replied slowly.

"Assalamualaikum newlyweds.." heard Kyai Rifa'i greeting us with a joke.

"for tonight you stay here first, Fiz.. Go back to your house tomorrow.. After all, it was late afternoon." said Umi again to Abang Hafiz.

"Your mom's right Fiz.. Tonight you will stay here first, tomorrow will be at your house. The house has been left for one week must be dirty and dusty, tomorrow ask for the help of a few children santri just to clean it" said my father-in-law also welcomed the words of his wife.

"Alright Umi, Abi.. Hafiz and Halimah will be staying here tonight "Abang Hafiz replied later.

"Jaudah if so Hafiz and Halimah clean the body first Umi.. Abi.." said Abang Hafiz again saying goodbye to the room.

Umi and Abi nodded in permission.

I sat on the edge of the bed while watching some photos displayed on the nightstand right on the right side of the bed.

It seems that from a small Abang Hafiz was indeed educated by Umi and his Abi to be a good santri child, who was very good, evident from his childhood photos wearing white robe clothes in line with his coffee while holding the Quran accompanied by Umi and his Abi.

"That's a photo when Abang Khatam Quran.. At that time the new brother class 4 SD" said Abang Hafiz surprised my daydreams.

I was shocked and embarrassed because I was caught observing the little face of Abang Hafiz who was already handsome since childhood

I immediately turned my face away and rushed to get a towel to take a bath.

Brother Hafiz smiled seeing me misbehave.

After the magrib prayer, I went to the kitchen to help my mother-in-law prepare dinner.

"This is Hafiz's favorite food" he said, pointing towards the chicken gulai that looks very delicious.

"It turns out our tastes are the same" I whispered in my heart.

"Can I cook?" ask Umi again.

"A little Umi." I replied shyly.

"Halimah jago kok cooking Umi.." sound Abang Hafiz chimed in his Umi questions.

"Tomorrow Umi must try Halimah cuisine.. Or if you need to tomorrow morning let Halimah just make Umi breakfast.. The fried rice of his artificial village is delicious." said Abang Hafiz again praised my cooking.

"Can.. I can." replied Umi smiling at me.

I who was embarrassed for being praised immediately lowered my face.

Hafiz's brother who was now standing right beside me, with lightning kissed my left cheek in front of his Umi.

I was shocked by his treatment.

My face was getting red withstanding the embarrassment.

But honestly my heart became flowery.

Umi herself just smiled watching her.

We had dinner in a very warm atmosphere.

I feel so happy and grateful to be welcomed so warmly by Abang Hafiz's family.

"Bismillah.. May I quickly adapt to my new family, O ALLAH.. Aamiin" bsikku in heart.