The Path of Love Halimah
Episode 2's. Matchmaking

Dad was really serious about everything he said. He was really planning to match me with a young man from the next village. His son Kyai Rifa'i, a study friend of the father who owns the Darussalam boarding school.

"Goddess.. Later in the night you do not need to go to the mosque to teach.. I've called Wida to take your place" said Mother to me who had just finished doing the Ashar prayer.

"Who are you Buk? " much confused.

"Kyai Rifa'i and her family." replied Mom briefly and then went to the kitchen.

I was so shocked to hear Mother's words about Kyai Rifa'i's arrival.

"Are you and Mom Serious going to match me up with Kyai's son? " i am in my heart.

"Yet.. Kyai Rifa'i is a guest of Father and Mother, why should Halimah take the day off teaching?" my question is following my mother to the kitchen.

"Not much to ask.. Let's help you finish this cooking.. Later in the night they will come to dinner together with our families. " replied Mother again while busy taking care of all her cooking.

I'm not asking anymore.

I dare not argue further.

I follow Mother's orders to help her finish her special dishes to welcome Kyai Rifa'i and her family later tonight.

After the magrib prayer, Mom rushed into my room to tell me to wear nice, slightly ornate clothes.

"You must look beautiful, graceful and polite.. Remember to keep your ethics in front of their families later. "said Mommy again to me while applying thin lipstick on my tiny lips.

I just kept following her will without being able to resist it.

My feelings are really fucked up.

I can already guess clearly the arrival of Kyai Rifa'i and her family of course because she wants to match me with her son.

"Bismillah" I said in my heart before leaving the room to meet the guests.

My father then introduced me to Kyai Rifa'i and his wife Ustazah Nurul.

Kyai Rifa'i also introduced me to her son named Hafiz.

I glanced at the man.

His face was quite handsome with mature brown skin and neatly pock-up hair.

His clothes are also very polite.

Yes, wearing a short-sleeved batik shirt that is moss green is very fitting with the gesture of his body which is fairly high.

"Lumayan." whispered my heart in my heart.

"Astagfirullah." I said again soon when I realized I had judged the man unconsciously.

The dinner was also warm.

Kyai Rifa'i unceremoniously directly stated to my parents the intentions of those who wanted to preach me to their son Hafiz.

And without asking for approval, I immediately accepted Kyai Rifa'i's request.

Me and Hafiz just kept quiet without being able to refute at all.

All the feelings raging in my heart.

I cried in my room without anyone knowing.

I took ablution water and performed the prayer of the Lord for guidance.

I stirred up all my grievances in the dimness of the room lamp on a small prayer mat that led me to express all the turmoil of my heart.

"Give Me your guidance, O ALLAH." I cried out in prayer.

"I am not ready to be a wife.. How much I wish I could continue my studies in college.. But I can't possibly go against Dad's orders.. I don't want to be a bad boy.. If that man is my choice.. Open the doors of this heart, O ALLAH.. Follow Me through all the messages that you have set for me. "my prayer again in a restrained cry.

"Help Me... Give me your lead.. Aamiin" I said again closing the prayer.