THE SMILE OF THE MOON
Mohammad Alqof takes Emi to the terrace of a deserted coffee shop...
The rain began to fall when cars driven by the ustads of Mohammad Alqof, Emi and Nurhalimah drove on paved roads. Emi and Nurhalimah were silent in the back seat of the car. And also Mohammad Alqof. With the rain starting to fall like that, he had yet to decide on the direction of his destination back then. Initially he would take the two to one of the famous beaches in the place, but now he had to rack his brain thinking of other places. After a few hours the silver phanter drove through the torrent of rain, finally stopping at a coffee shop located on the beach.
Mohammad Alqof immediately ordered food and drinks for the three. They also seem to be starting to eat their food.
After completion, Mohammad Alqof took Emi to the terrace of the coffee shop overlooking the open sea. Nurhalimah who was left behind began to be busy opening the novel book he brought. Occasionally glanced at Emi and Mohammad Alqof who began to be seen chatting seriously.
For a moment they just fell silent. The words prepared by Mohammad Alqof did not come out. But as soon as he saw Emi looking so clumsy, he ventured to face her.
"I purposely brought you here so that we would be more free to talk about the problems that our parents talked about us. This is so that no one feels harmed from us." Mohammad Alqof turned his body and returned to face the sea.
"If you can guess, you are currently feeling depressed by my presence. I know you don't want any of this. I know I'm just a new person in your life and it's impossible to beat the person who may be living in your heart longer. You are a obedient girl, if you are in front of my father, of course you will nod when asked the question whether you want to marry me, even if you do not want it. That's why I brought you here before it happened. If I'm fine-fine if my parents match me with anyone, because I know their purpose well. But I don't want that for my future wife. We must marry according to the beliefs of our hearts and on the basis of mutual love" Mohammad Alqof said at length. Emi still kept her head down and listened carefully to the words of Mohammad Alqof. He had to put an ear because the sound of rain falling occasionally blurred his hearing.
"Speak and don't be ashamed to speak up. I see you are a grown girl who can certainly think and express your opinion. Say, don't be ashamed because it concerns your happiness" Mohammad Alqof said. He was still waiting for Emi to speak.
Emi mendehem little. "Thank you for the greatness of Ustadz who has invited me all the way here to talk about this matter. Thank you for caring about my happiness.
In fact, Ustadz could have stayed at home and waited for our wedding date, because as Ustadz said, I would not have been able to resist in front of my teacher if I had asked to marry Ustadz. But it's true said Ustadz, I honestly feel tormented and imprisoned by this situation. Maybe I'm the stupidest person to have rejected someone who has everything. I have everything that every woman wants. But my heart does not at all give me the determination to go further with you. And I'm sorry for this ludicrousness of mine."
"remarkable. I am now relieved to hear your answer. So also my hope that after this you finally feel free again."
"But what if Pak kiai calls me again and asks me again this matter."
Mohammad Alqof smiled.
"You just calm down. I will face and reject this match. Just relax and enjoy your life. Put us santri-santri lovers of the Qur'an."
Emi smile. He felt troubled by Mohammad Alqof's reply.
Their talks continued as they sat back down with Nurhalimah. The atmosphere that had been stiff turned into very liquid. They are no longer afraid of Mohammad Alqof. Several times the three were seen laughing when there was a joke issued by Mohammad Alqof.
And before Azan ashar reverberated, the three decided to leave the place.