ZULFA FORTITUDE
Choices

Along the way, Herman pierced the wounds that now gripped his heart. Until it makes his chest tight. I don't know, the shadow with Zulfa now does not want to escape his imagination. The tenderness, warmth, patience inherent in Zulfa. Everything seems clear now. And unfortunately, he had completely abandoned her. If he could scream, "Don't leave me." he would.

It's hard to admit that Zulfa is no longer his. Although they have been separated for a long time. Because of his concern for his sons and daughters, he made himself wish for more. But it is not ...

Zulfa did it all sincerely, without wanting anything in return, let alone returning to her.

Right now, Herman wants to unravel his own disfigurement, by coming to someone who has been waiting for so long. He even offered himself, first. Which, because of his ignorance, his selfishness to have Zulfa back, he has divorced her. But there is more hope. Than Zulfa who has now been proposed.

Herman immediately turned his motorcycle to the residential area, where Maria lived.

"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wa barokatuh."

For a moment there was no answer. It makes him worry, between waiting for him or leaving him. Luckily, Mary's voice was heard shortly.

"Wa alaikum salam warahmatullahi wa barokatuh, mas Herman."

Maria is different now. His face was more radiant. Especially with the veil on his head. For a moment, Herman was fascinated. Unfortunately, Zulfa's shadow was unable to disappear from his eyes, until Herman unconsciously said, "Zulfa, you?"

Maria smiled at Herman.

"Sorry, I'm Maria."

"I'm pangling, you've changed a lot."

"I'm still learning, Mom."

Who is not happy to see the remarkable change of Mary.

"Tumben Mas's here."

"Mas, sightseeing. Want to drop by."

"really. No other meaning, right?"

Herman laughed a little.

"really. I just want to look at you. in LP first, mas often look at you, but after you come out, mas actually did not have time."

"Mas, Mary is only the second. And forever remain second. Because in my heart there is only Zulfa. I can't possibly shift Zulfa's brother, let alone replace him. That's why if you're not here. I'm understand."

"But you're still my wife."

"That's a long time ago, didn't you let me go."

"I'm sorry."

"Nothing to forgive. I was also willing to go back to Zulfa. Because he deserves to be loved. He never held a grudge. Neither on mas nor on me."

"Why do you say that. Do I mean nothing to you anymore."

Maria smiled faintly at Herman's words.

"I want to be happy without hurting my sister."

"You mean?"

"Maybe it's better for me to be alone than to hurt Zulfa. Pursue the mas, if it is indeed the love of Herman. Maria is sincere."

Herman was silent, speechless. Tonight was really fucked up. Coming to Zulfa, Zulfa had chosen someone to head for the guarantee. Come to Maria. It seems Maria let go of herself. Don't tell me you're all leaving me.

But strangely, for so long talking, neither did Mary allow herself to go inside. Even Mary glanced at the streets. Looks like someone's been waiting for.

And true. Shortly after, a motorbike stopped in front of Maria's house, parked near Herman's motorbike.

A man who looks authoritative and unpretentious. With steady steps, approaching them.

"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wa barokatuh."

"Wa alaikum hail warahmatullahi wa barokatuh." answered Maria with sparkling eyes and a smile.

"Mas, this is ustadz Faqih."

Ustadz Faqih extended his hand, which Herman greeted.

"Sorry."

"Herman."

"Sorry ustadz, Papa is out. Back soon."

"Nothing." Ustadz Faqih nodded.

"Attime, Ustadz."

"How can we meet at the same time."

"I mean, ustadz."

"My coming here probably means the same thing as Mas Herman."

"I really don't understand what Ustadz means."

"Ah, Herman will know for himself. I want to reveal. But fear precedes the will of the One Above. Let us both reveal it to Papa and also to Mary. Whatever he decides, I'll be sincere. Me or Mas that's the best."

Herman tried to feel the meaning of the words ustadz Faqih. But he can't think too far now.

"Is it related to me, Ustadz."

"I don't know. Maybe yes ..."

"I really don't understand.

Ustadz could've made a riddle for me."

I wanted to say, but I was afraid it would hurt you. Because it looks, you still hope, even though he has long you loose. But all the decisions are in the hands of Mary.

Not long after, Alfa came to them both.

"Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wa barokatuh, Ustadz. Sorry to keep ustadz waiting."

"Why papa calls myself ustadz."

"All right, son Faqih."

The two hugged warmly while shaking hands.

"You're Herman, it's been a long time."

"Yes, Pa."

Herman approached Alfa and kissed her hand with ta'dzim.

"Include, this is ustadz Faqih."

"Yes Pa. We've already met."

"We are waiting for your arrival, son Faqih" said Alfa.

"As promised, I'll be here in a month. Give Maria a chance to think first, I'm sorry, Pa."

"It's okay to Faqih."

For now, Herman still did not understand what was in front of him. Although in him many questions about the familiarity of Faqih and Alfa. But he didn't want to think too far.

"Come inside!" take Alpha to both. Together Mary came out carrying a tray and its contents, drinks and small meals.

"Yes .. yes, I brought it inside." said Maria

While Alpha invited Faqih and Herman to sit down, Mary placed all the dishes she had brought before them. Then go back inside. But secretly he took a chair. Located near the living room. To hear their conversation.

"Papa was a bit confused by your coming together. What arrangement?"

"I'm surprised too. When we got here, there was Herman. We never made a deal, Pa."

"Duringly did not visit Papa. Herman is kangen. There's still time, Herman stopped by, too."

"Then?"asked Alfa while sipping hot coffee in front of her.

"Let's just enjoy it, don't strain it." invite Alfa.

The two drank the tea that was in front of them. Enjoy the little food too.

"May I hear Mary's answer. If so, the Faqih family will come to propose to him, otherwise Faqih is fine. At least with that Faqih did not hope again."

The series of sentences spoken with complete confidence, made Herman aware of the puzzle Faqih gave a moment ago, while on the veranda.

"Yes, that is the right of Mary, my daughter. Hopefully, the month you give makes him decide the best for his own life. Whatever Maria decides, I hope you can accept it with sincerity."

"Yes, Pa."

"Papa, I also wish on Maria." Herman suddenly had the courage to declare his wish. All this time it has always been subordinate.

"Papa understands. Well, Maria papa call first."