The Path of Love Halimah
Episodes 3. Khitba

"Kringg. "the sound of my phone goes off.

I immediately got up from my sleep and grabbed my mobile phone located above Nakas.

A foreign phone number I didn't know was plastered on my HP screen.

"Assalamualaikum." I picked up the phone.

"Waalaikumsalam." replied a man from across the phone.

"Sorry. Who is this? " i asked her to be curious because she did not know the voice of the person who called me this.

"I'm Hafiz.. Sorry if I'm disturbing.. I got your HP number from Om Aziz" he said.

"Oh. "my answer was short and confused not knowing what to say.

"Have you slept? am I bothering you? " ask again politely.

"No.. I haven't slept.. Just finished praying" I replied soberly.

"The matter of the meeting.. Did you really receive the sermon Abi said to your father?" ask him without further ado.

I'm still confused.

Honestly, I'd love to say that I'm not ready to get married.

But the words of my heart and mind are opposite.

"I have no reason to refuse." I said slowly.

Long time he was silent maybe digesting my answer.

"alright.. We leave it to ALLAH SWT.. Good evening.. Assalamualaikum" he replied and then hung up his phone without waiting for a greeting from me.

"Waalaikumsalam. "my words were restrained.

I sat on the edge of the bed unmoved.

Long I dissolved in a raging taste.

"Yes ALLAH." I whispered.

Then I fell asleep in tears.

"Goddess.. Wake up. it's dawn. " said Mother surprised me.

I got up from my sleep and went to the bathroom, and did the morning prayer.

Mother owned a small cake shop in a traditional market not far from our home.

Mother-made cakes are quite famous in our village.

Every day Mother sells share kinds of traditional cakes that are very tasty.

I never get tired of enjoying it.

"You're done with school.. So from today help you sell in the market.. " Tell me Mother.

I nodded in agreement.

Dad came into the kitchen and had breakfast with us.

It seems like she heard clearly the conversation between Mom and Me.

"During the market do not do anything strange.. Keep eyes.. Take care.. And keep the behavior.. Remember you are now preached by Kyai Ma'aruf's son who will soon marry you" said Father firmly to me.

My appetite instantly disappeared.

The sweet serabi cake turned bitter in my throat.

I was so upset to hear Dad say.

"Late next week, Father and Kyai have made a meeting appointment to determine your wedding date next month" he said again surprised me.

"Next month? Isn't that too hasty for Dad? " ask Mom who looks surprised to hear Dad's words.

"Good intentions do not need to be delayed for long.. Faster is better" Dad replied as he continued to sip his black coffee.

"But Dad.. Halimah and Abang Hafiz did not know each other.. How about we go through the Ta'aruf period first so we can get to know each other before going any further" I said trying to discuss with Dad.

"No need.. You guys met last night.. I know Hafiz well enough. He is a son who is very obedient to his parents. Worship's good.. His behavior is polite and his face is quite handsome. Sangst suits you" replied Dad looking at me.

I was silent and did not answer again.

Whatever I say is free.

If you have made a decision, then none of us can shake his decision.

mother included.

And finally I was forced to live out my new status as a girl who had been preached and was about to get married.