The Bujang Lapuk
Doubt

"There's an answer you're going to tell Nak Fadhil, Za?" After three days of silence, Za's father finally asked Za about Fadhil's proposal.

"Yet, Dad," answered Za listlessly.

Basically, his mother or father are the same. I want Za to get married. If her mother is ignited by a neighbor's stove, Za's father tells her that Za is old enough to get married.

Father Za looked at his only daughter and said softly. "Married it perfects worship, Za. In addition to worshiping Allah, obedience to your husband is also worship. There is a great deal of merit flowing in every good a wife does for her husband. Don't waste too much time delaying doing good, Za.

Za understands that. But a lot of things are his consideration. She is only 25 years old although many people say she is mature and not a few women the age of Za are even married and have more than one child. Including some of Za's friends. But he still felt he had not done anything for his parents. Although he has worked, but his salary is only enough to buy his own personal needs. He still gets his pocket money from his father every month.

"Is there anything that makes you doubt?" asked the middle-aged man to see that his daughter was silent.

Za nodded slowly. The last thing that makes him still gamang because he is afraid if later wrong choose a life partner. Not a few sweet ones in the beginning. But after the household was found out. Who dated for years with the reason to get to know more before marriage alone many who encountered problems after marriage. What about her later being married to a person she only knew through her bio and information from others.

Za no longer worried about finances. Because Fadhil had already told her through a short message sent that time. But he did not know at all about the man's daily attitude and behavior. Although when he met the other day Fadhil looked like a man who did not have much behavior, Za still felt doubtful.

"Za, if you demand a perfect partner, you'll never find one. Because every human being is not free from lack. The couple actually complement each other's shortcomings. Pray more fervently that you may be immediately instructed." His father's words were again responded with a nod of the head by Zahidah.

Za hoped her father would be in a neutral position. But for business this time his beloved man was one voice with his mother. Perhaps it was time for him to make a choice to end his bachelorhood.

Za also said to go to Bimbel where he taught tutoring. Routine every afternoon. As an honorary teacher, Za needed some extra income. He felt bad if he continued to rely on pocket money from his father.

"Be careful, Za!" father Za's message when his daughter starts to drive.

Along the way, Za's mind was busy recalling the conversation with her father before leaving earlier. So special figure Fadhil for both parents. Although Za sees Fadhil like an adult in general. Several times Istikharah prayer also Za has not received instructions. Is it true that the prayer is less solemn? Or actually Za did not intend to receive the male proposal?

"Gee! I have to have an old husband like that?!" Za nagged behind her mask. The girl refocused herself on the road after a moment of daydreaming.

***

Za could not wait for the clock that felt so slow to turn. After her teaching hours are over, Za intends to meet Fatma, a friend who teaches her one school. They also teach in the same school.

Their relationship is quite close to the age difference of only two years. Even the figure of Fatma as an elder sister to Za.

"Why, Za?" tanya Fatma saw that Za was silent after approaching her.

"Although" murmured Za gave an answer. His head felt heavy so he put it on the table.

"When why? Getting married fast?"

Za raised his head instantly. His eyes narrowed to look at Fatma who was still busy cleaning up the supporting books.

"Kok Ma'am Fatma knows?".

Fatma chuckled instead of answering Za's question immediately. It was a turmoil especially that struck women the age of Za if they were still alone. Because Fatma had also felt in the position of Za. Pursued deadline married by his parents.

"Sir, sorry, yes. I want it to be very important" said Za carefully for fear of offending Fatma.

Fatma's forehead is wrinkled. Two years of knowing Za, he only knew Za would only be serious when teaching. The rest of the women laughed more. Za was like a human who had no burden of life. Maybe that's why his face is not age-appropriate. Za even still deserves to wear a white ash uniform and sit on a row of student benches.

"What do you want, Za? I'm afraid your face is serious."

Za showed me a row of teeth before asking. "Emm...why did Ms Fatma decide to marry Mr Irsyad?"

Fatma squinted her eyes. Za is not the type of person who likes to be curious about people's affairs. Even if it's his close friend. But what happened to his friend this time?

Fatma was only six months ago married to Mr. Irsyad, their Principal. Also the owner of the bimbel where Za teaches tutoring. Mature men who are even twice the age of Fatma. Feeling almost one fate, Za wanted to brainstorm with Fatma.

"Because Mr. Irsyad can make Mbak feel comfortable" said Fatma casually.

"What is comfort, ma'am? Comfortable with the person or the wallet?" timpal Za instantaneously.

"Both," said Fatma accompanied by laughter.

"But really, Za. I used to also want to marry a man who was at least not far between his age difference. At least not the ideal. But the same time Mr. Irsyad did not know why I had just clicked. Several times met, Mbak more sure and .. already, want to nyari how again. Even though he is old, he can also be a fun conversation partner. Not to lose to the young. He often gives up when we argue. We can provide the right solution when we have a problem. Probably because I'm more experienced, too."

Za nodded his head. "The aura of Fatma's mother seems to be happy since marriage."

"Yes, dong. I found the right partner."

"Yes that. It's handsome, rich, really good again."

At least Za knew the middle-aged man even though he had only one year replaced the position of the old principal who had retired. Despite his age, Mr. Irsyad remains an idol especially with his dual status. Who would have thought that he actually asked for one of the young teachers who also became the idol of male students. The marriage of Fatma and Mr. Irsyad certainly made many of his admirers heartbroken.

"You're not praising Mr. Irsyad's crush, are you?" tanya Fatma was full of probes.

"No, Ma'am. Really, deh! Afraid that her husband would be taken away." Za chuckles.

Fatma pretended to snort. "So what's your problem now?" ask her back on the topic of the conversation.

"No couple to marry? Do you know his nephew Mr. Irsyad? The single limited edition. Mapan, handsome, the person is not neko-neko," said Fatma because she knew Za was not in a relationship with anyone.

Za sighed softly. "Not yet, Ma'am. I'm just as dizzy as my parents' choice." Za's answer made Fatma flounder.

"Za, you're the only child. Your parents must not mess with your soul mate with just any man.,"

"Yes. No kidding of his age."

Fatma laughed again. "Why his age? Is he a lot like Mr Irsyad? That's why you asked like that?" guess Fatma.

Za's silence is the answer if Fama's words are correct. The woman's face turned serious. "There is nothing wrong with considering the choice of parents, Za," he said later.

A car stopped in front of them. The car belonged to Mr. Irsyad, Fatma's husband. Za nodded kindly as the bespectacled man lowered the window glass. Fatma also said goodbye to go home first because it had been picked up by her husband.

He looked at the watch that was wrapped around his arm. It was almost nine o'clock, his father and mother were definitely worried if he came home late. Za hurried to leave the tutoring.

When stopped at a crossroads because it was blocked by a red light, Za glanced at a sports bike that was familiar to him stopped beside his motorbike. Za's heart beat faster when he saw the biker open the helmet glass and look at him. Za who was wearing a helmet with glass covered remained calm on his bike. The tail of his eyes caught the arm of a girl perched on the waist of the biker man. He also smiled wryly. Perhaps this was the answer to his doubts all along.