PROLOG

Malang, Indonesia, 27 April 2017

All I know is that marriage is beautiful because marriage complements your religion. Even a marriage that is carried out through the Ta'aruf process is more beautiful because it can unite two hearts that have never previously greeted each other can embrace each other to live the ark of life together.

The sound of knocking on the door immediately interrupted Fatma's reverie, she realized that her mother's name was immediately ready to open the door.

"Yes ma'am, what's wrong?". Asked Fatma dryly.

"How come you're asking what's wrong, you forget that tonight is your ta'aruf night? How come you're not even ready yet? Let's quickly change your clothes, mama will be waiting for you here". Said the mother happily.

"Fine, ma'am". Fatma replied softly.

Today is the day when my father will introduce me to a man who he thinks is good and suitable as my future husband. At first, I was hesitant and didn't want to accept clients, but my father and mother persisted in convincing me that this man was a good and responsible young man.

My name is Fatma Pasha, a twenty-six-year-old woman, a village girl who is shy and very secretive especially with a man. I adhere to Islamic law in my life, because my parents are someone who is considered religious by the local people and this makes me continue to maintain the good name of my family.

Tonight, my future husband named Hendra Firmansyah came to make ta'aruf so that both of us could get to know each other in front of my parents. Hendra lives alone in Malang, both of his parents have passed away. With the inheritance of his parents, Hendra was determined to leave Surabaya and then moved to Malang to look for something better.

Good fortune greeted him, he managed to get a job at a well-known cement company in the city of Malang, my family's introduction to Hendra started when he was looking for a rental house to live in. And the management of my family's rental house still has one empty and Hendra has agreed on the monthly rental price.

From there the intimacy of my family and Hendra began to be established because the position of the house occupied by Hendra was next to my parents' house. So whenever there is free time, Hendra often helps his father on his father's chicken farm.

"Fatma, haven't you? Why took so long". Call the mother.

"Yes for a moment, ma'am". I said.

After finishing changing clothes, I was immediately ready to come out of the room to meet mom.

"The beauty of your mother's child, Hendra is getting impatient for marrying you". Gerli sings mother.

"Ah, mom what the hell". Fatma replied blushed.

They both went straight to the living room to meet father and Hendra.

"So, finally my daughter came. Here, baby, sit beside me. Said the father.

I also obeyed my father's words and immediately sat beside him, bowing my head.

"Fatma, the purpose of Hendra's coming here is to ta'aruf with you. He wants to know you further, are you willing to do it?". Said the father.

"Yes, father". I replied softly, who was still shy to raise my head and look at Hendra's face.

"Fatma, Hendra is your future husband, allow Hendra to look at your face even if only for once". Muttered the father.

I also obeyed my father's request, for the first time I saw my view of a Hendra. We both smiled at each other, blush radiated more from my cheeks, I returned my gaze from Hendra and lowered my gaze again.

"Okay, that's enough, Hendra". Said father "So are you two ready if you marry me next month?". Connect dad.

"God willing, Hendra is ready for". Hendra replied loudly.

"Then how about you Fatma? Are you ready?". Asked the father.

"Whatever decision your makes, Fatma is sure it is the best for Fatma, and God willing, Fatma is ready too". I replied softly.

Aamiin's words were spoken in this room, happiness radiated on the faces of my parents. For little again their daughter is the only one who will let go of the bachelorette. I hope Mas Hendra can be a responsible husband and also loves my parents.