NIGHT BUTTERFLY
#220

The white Avanza Avelos is seen slowing down and is seen pulling over to one of the big mahogany trees, where Layla stands. Looking at the car that was getting closer towards her, Layla lowered her face. He was sure, it was Rianti's car and he knew right now Rianti must be watching him from inside the car.

Layla. Somewhat awkwardly, she fixed her hijab. The car stopped right in front of him. Rianti who was sitting in front immediately opened the door and stepped closer to Layla. Layla smiled shyly lowered her face. Rianti's hand was immediately held by him and kissed him.

"You are beautiful today," Rianti said as she rubbed Layla's head. Layla smiles. Sounds like his favorite song. Lobow's song that used to be sung by his former first love while still sitting in the third grade Tsanawiyah. And now, even though the one who said it is not Master Izzul Islam, but Rianti as has represented it.

Layla's hand trembled as Rianti held her hand and took her to the car. He opens the back door of the car to Layla and lets her in. Layla let out a long sigh, trying to be mediocre. He did not think of anything like when he decided to quit school because of Master Izzul Islam.

After closing the door for Layla, Rianti stepped into the side car door, opened it and sat down next to Layla. Layla thought that Rianti would stay in front, but she was sitting very close to Rianti, even now that Rianti was holding her hand behind her neck.

"I had a little business. It's Sunday and I happen to be going through your house, so I'll call you. Let me have a friend. It's not good if I'm with Zaebon. Yes, Bon," said Rianti. Seen Zaebon smilingly nodded his head from the rearview above his head. Layla smiled. His heart is still beating abnormally. Rianti was like a veil covering his entire body.

"Where are we going to the beach, Miss Nyai?" zaebon said, looking back a little. Rianti was silent for a moment frowning. His hand that was coiled around Layla's back was let go. He then turned to Layla.

"What do you think, Layla. On this Sunday, all the beaches must be crowded. You think we're going to Pink 1 or Pink 2" asked Rianti. Layla smiles. He felt so wrong. He is awkward and feels difficult to answer Rianti's easy questions.

"Pink 1 or Pink 2" Rianti said. Layla scratches her head.

"So much Rianti's sister" replied Layla. Rianti smiled.

"Ok, then we go to Pink 2, Bon. Closer," said Rianti. Zaebon nodded. Rianti put his hand back to the back of Layla's neck. This time her hand held Layla's shoulder and brought her closer to her body.

"It's normal, Dik Layla. Don't be so awkward. Especially afraid of Big Brother," said Rianti. Again Layla could only reply with a smile. Somehow have to judge the attitude of Rianti who is so friendly and familiar to him. Is it pure because of the softness of his heart or is it all a satire for him. But clearly, he should not remain silent like that anymore. Arriving at the beach, Rianti will definitely discuss the real issue. And he has to answer. Dare to act, dare to face it. He's not a kid anymore. She had to dare to reveal the reason why she insisted on wanting to marry Master Izzul Islam.

No more talking happened between the two. Rianti who had been seen several times yawned, finally lunglai by leaning his head on Layla's shoulders. The long journey through the forest and the hollow roads everywhere to the pink beach 2, plus last night he was awake until late at night, making Rianti finally fall asleep. Layla let out a long sigh and threw it out very slowly. He felt his butt feel hot due to an unchanged sitting position. He did not dare to move his body. He was afraid that Rianti who slept soundly resting his head on his shoulders would wake up. He just hopes to get there quickly and Zaebon can wake him up.

Rianti awoke in shock when suddenly Zaebon stopped the car suddenly in front of the ramp. Because Zaebon stepped on the brake pedal of the car, almost Rianti's body pushed forward and hit the back of the car seat. But it was fortunate that Layla was quick to hold him by her hand.

"Astaghfirullah, what's wrong, Bon," asked Rianti as he lowered the windshield. He looked outwards. Zaebon smiled wryly while scratching his head. He glanced towards the rearview mirror.

"Sorry, Miss Nyai. There was a wild boar in front. I was shocked" said Zaebon. Rianti sighed while rubbing her chest. He then turned to Layla.

"Are you okay, Layla?" rianti asked while examining Layla's body. Layla smiled shaking her head.

"It's okay, sister," replied Layla. Rianti smiled and rubbed the back of Layla's palm.

"Thank you, if Layla had not restrained her sister's body, she would have fallen under the chair" Rianti said.

"Still far away, Bon?"

"In a moment, Miss Nyai. Just go through this climb" Zaebon replied. He took bottled water and drank it.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. I don't think we're going to pink 2. We're passing Authore dong. Back from the beach we stopped by, Bon. Look at the preparation for the harvest of pearls" said Rianti. Zaebon nodded and started to start the engine of his car. Soon, the car began to climb slowly.

Rianti re-raised the car glass a few meters from the gate of his pearl company. The sound of the waves has been heard with the roar of the wind. The distinctive smell of the sea is already smelled. The car slowly passed through a small driveway towards the beach. After paying for the ticket, Zaebon steered his car into the parking lot.

Waves are seen chasing in the middle of the sea and throwing alternately on the beach. The pink sand beach, makes Rianti impatient to set foot on it immediately. After getting out of the car, he immediately took Layla to the gazebo which is located closest to the beach. Arriving at the gazebo, they just put their bags and sandals, Karna Rianti immediately invited Layla to the beach.

Rianti smiled as he closed his eyes enjoying the gust of wind that hit his face. Listening to the sound of crashing waves and the chirping of flying seabirds, making his heart feel cool. The verdant hills that flank the beach, with a stretch of pink sand, make Rianti unconsciously Layla pay attention to it with admiration.

"Subhanallah. O God, You did not create all this in vain. Most holy of You. Avoid us from the torment of the fires of hell" Rianti said as he opened his eyes slowly. Layla who was beside him said amen. Rianti smiled as she turned towards Layla. He then held Layla's hand and invited her to sit on the sand.

"Sorry, Miss Nyai."

"What's up, Bon," asked Rianti when he saw that Zaebon was sitting behind him.

"There was a text from Master. He told me that Master and Nyai Jamilah are going for a walk today" Zaebon said.

"Oh yeah, where are you going?" ask Rianti.

"To the beach turtle, Nyai ma'am. He called, but Nyai's mom didn't pick him up,"

"Oh, my phone's in the car. I forgot to bring it. Yes, you ordered us young coconuts. If anyone sells pecels, order them, too,"

"You were brought here, Miss Nyai?"

"We ate in the gazebo. When you're ready, you call us,"

Zaebon got up and stepped into the gazebo

Rianti took out a few packs of gum from behind his gaming pocket. He looked at Layla and gave her. Somewhat shy Layla took it.

Rianti gave a long sigh. His gaze was directed far out to the high seas.

"Dik Layla knows no, Big Brother is always happy to see girls like Dik Layla. Well, not naughty and did not spend his youth for poya-foya, let alone to violate religious law. Not like my old brother. Big Brother's life is so dark and gloomy. If Allah had not met my late mother Lastri and Jamila, I would not have known what happened to me. I don't blame my old life. Because with him I can learn and improve myself for the better. From that moment on, I was happy to gather with the shaleh people, with the orphans, even more so with the memorizers of the Qur'an."

Rianti smiled. He looked towards Layla. Layla was still quietly leaning her chin on the knees of her raised legs. She knew at this moment Layla would not deprive her of her hearing from every word she spoke. He believes Layla already knows why she took him out today.

"I am still a layman. But from the translation and interpretation of the Qur'an that I read, I found everything I needed in the Qur'an as a guide of my life. The Qur'an is indeed the word of the Creator."

Rianti mendehem several times, trying to get rid of the hoarseness in his throat.

"People, and Dik Layla herself might wonder why I was so stupid to share my husband's love with another woman. Jamila, in addition to the great meritorious reviving my dying heart, she is also a woman of Quran memorization. I admired him for what he said according to his actions. And when he was free, all of a sudden I was afraid he was falling for the wrong guy. The women memorizing the Qur'an are like diamonds. It should remain in the pockets of the shaleh people. And sincerely, I offer Jamila to Kak Tuan for marriage. I want my house to remain a paradise, because every echo in the room, I will never stop listening to the chanting of the holy verses of the Qur'an. I don't need to hear what people say about me. For the one who gives me food and livelihood is not them, but God."

Rianti stopped his conversation for a while. He has spoken too long by himself. He felt it was time to discuss the core issue.

"Until here, of course Dik Layla has understood what I mean to bring Dik Layla here."

"I'm sorry, Brother Rianti," Layla replied after a long silence. Rianti smiled and rubbed Layla's back.

"Your apology is a sign that Dik Layla has a soft heart. That's why, I'm not angry if you make him his third wife." Layla's heart was pounding again. He was a little surprised to hear Rianti's words. But he still lowered his face. Only his eyes glanced towards Rianti. Rianti let out a long sigh while shaking both of his legs.

"Last night I discussed your graduation letter with Brother Tuan. Just the two of you. No one knows but me and Brother Tuan," said Rianti again continued his conversation after a long time cool stockpiling his feet with sand.

"I'm sorry Brother Tuan for not keeping the secret itself. But you know not, why did Brother Tuan tell me," said Rianti. Layla nodded slowly.

"It turns out, I am the second condition that will be submitted by Brother Tuan when Dik Layla graduates later. Dik Layla has to get my permission to get married to my brother." Rianti again gave a long sigh. He improved his sitting position. This time he turned his back to the sea and sat face to face with Layla. Both knees touched. Layla remembered there was one more condition that Master Izzul Islam would apply after the first condition he fulfilled. But he never thought that the second condition was the approval of Rianti.

"Look at me, Dik Layla," Rianti said as she held onto Layla's two shoulders. Layla raised her face. His eyes were still unable to look directly at Rianti's eyes.

"As I said at the beginning of our conversation, I am happy to gather with the memorizers of the Qur'an. I am happy to be able to intercede from them. Memorize the Qur'an and I will be very happy to accept you as part of my extended family. In the world and the hereafter." Rianti closed the conversation by holding Layla's hands. Layla tried to raise her gaze. This time he wanted to see the look in Rianti's eyes. In fact, hearing Rianti's tone alone was enough to conclude that what she said was truly sincere out of her clean heart.

Spotlight Rianti's eyes so clear. It was like showing what was in his heart. And so with his smile expanding.

"Come, spirit, Dik Layla. Supports you. Thirty juz only. If you persevere, you can be like Jamila who can khatam for up to five months. It's okay if your initial intention memorizes it because of your brother's love. That would be the motivation for Dik Layla."

Layla stared at Rianti. Was the one in front of him really a human? What was Rianti's heart made of so that he completely put aside his own feelings for the sake of the afterlife, which most people believe exists but care less about? he feels guilty if he hurts his heart. It is better that he is miserable because of his love that is not up to him than to have to hurt the feelings of people as good as Rianti. Layla's tears are flowing. Rianti frowned. Layla's tears were immediately wiped away.

"Why are you crying, Dik Layla?" ask Rianti. Layla shook her head. Her crying is getting louder. Rianti immediately hugged him.

"I'm sorry, brother. Ii'm sorry. Forgive my error. I won't do it again" Layla said sobbing.

Rianti let go of her embrace. He looked at Layla inside.

"Why did Dik layla say that? Why should I forgive Layla for something I didn't consider a mistake? I'm not insinuating you, Dik Layla. I only support you so that I can come home with you like I did with Jamila" Rianti said.

"No, Brother. I don't deserve. Let me just be your sister. I'm happy to see Brother Tuan get a wife like Brother Rianti. Now, that's enough for me to forget my wish" Layla replied. Rianti again frowned. He looks disappointed.

"You just gave up, Dik Layla. You're throwing away your golden chance of having a diamond like Brother Master? You don't feel what I'm feeling right now. Before feeling the true heaven, I had already felt it with Brother Master," Rianti said. Layla smiles. He wiped his tears.

"It is enough for me to know and do good to the inhabitants of heaven. God will love me too" Layla said. He held Rianti's hand and kissed her.

"Already, Brother. Our conversation today gave me many lessons to become a better human being. Frankly, I want to go home quickly. I suddenly want to pray, read the Qur'an and other worship. True to the book I read. The sign of the shaleh, when you see it, you want to do as much good as possible" Layla continued. Rianti gave a long sigh. He smiles. Layla's body was again hugged. Layla hugged him tightly. They kept hugging, even when Zaebon came and finally left again because he saw the two hugging.

"Come, I think our order has come." Whispered Rianti while slowly releasing her embrace. She held the tip of her headscarf and wiped Layla's tears. Layla smiles. He wanted to do the same, but he was ashamed. Rianti then took her up and stepped towards the gazebo with her hands embracing each other.

* * * * *

The sun is in the middle of the sky. A woman dressed in shabbiness, who yesterday afternoon came and stood in front of the gate of the house of Master Izzul Islam was again seen. The heat of the sunlight made him release a shabby scarf that coiled around his head to protect his face. Again the atmosphere in the house looks lonely. The door's tightly closed.

"Assalamualaikum," he said weakly. The old woman nodded. He realized, with such a weak voice, no one would hear him. He then took a stone as big as his hand and struck it at the gate.

Abdul khalik is seen out. He stood at the door of his room and looked towards the gate. He's coming closer.

"Who are you looking for, ma'am?" ask Abdul khalik.

"There's a swarm, son," said the woman. Abdul Khalik scrunched his forehead.

"Who, Ma?" tanya Abdul khalik.

" Mister Mukarom,"

Abdul Khalik scratched his head. He did not understand the meaning of the woman.

"I've been here twelve years, Mom. There is no such thing as Mukarom here" replied Abdul Khalik.

"That's got this boarding school, son. Cook you don't know" said the woman. Abdul khalik was silent for a moment.

"You mean, Master Teacher?"

"No, Mukarom,"

Abdul Khalik scratched his head. Baffled. But not long after, Abdul Khalik smiled. He nodded his head. He began to understand the meaning of the woman. What the mother meant was Master Teacher Izzul Islam. The word Mukarom which he refers to is Al-mukarrom or glorified. Maybe he heard it from the host who used to call it in front of the name of the religious figure who filled the study. Abdul khalik smiled.

"I'm sorry, Mom. The mukarom is no longer home. If there is a message, let me send it. Mother just say whose mother's name," said Abdul khalik.

The woman looked at Abdul Khalik. After which, his gaze was directed to the house in front of him. The woman gave a long sigh. He removed the shabby cloth that covered his head.After folding it, he then wrapped it back around his head.

"About when Mukarom was home, son, "said the woman.

"I don't know for sure, Mom. But if you want to meet, you come early in the morning" replied Abdul Khalik. The woman nodded.

"Yes already, son. Mom go first. Tell me later if the mukaromnya has returned, I, Inak Nurmah (inak\=ibu/lombok) look for him," said the woman. Abdul khalik smiled. He lifted his head up. Both of his eyes were pinched due to the glare by the sunlight. He felt sorry for the old woman in front of him. Because keasikan talk to him, he did not have time to open the gate and invite him to shelter.

"Mom wait a minute, okay?" abdul khalik. He rushed to his room. Not long after, he returned with a plastic bag. Abdul Khalik opened the gate.

"Mom, here's some food and drinks for mom. Here, there's a little money. Mom just ride the ojek. The weather today was very hot" Abdul Khalik said. The woman tried to refuse Abdul Khalik's handover, but Abdul Khalik insisted that the woman take him. Even Abdul Khalik drove him to the big road and called him a motorcycle taxi.

* * * * *

After finishing the food and drink he had ordered, Rianti invited Zaebon to stop by for a while at the office of his pearl company. After a few minutes Rianti talked with some employees there, the three decided to go home.