Today it's been 3 years since I left home. Somehow my dad and mom are my younger brother. Still illustrated clearly in my memory of events 3 years ago that made me do this.
At that time, the second lebaran at my house we were guests. A husband and wife and their son about two years above me. At first I did not understand what they were talking about until finally the mother asked me would I marry the boy. Suddenly I was shocked. Indeed, at my age that has been the age of 24 years I should be married. But I want to marry a man of my choice not by way of matchmaking like this. I immediately refused the request. Hearing this, I saw the faces of the people around me change and soon our guests asked for permission to go home.
"What's wrong with you, Syifa? Why did you refuse to be married to Shawwal? ", Asked the father.
"Syifa does not want to be arranged like this, yeah. Syifa wants to marry a man of his own choice ", I replied.
"But Shawwal is a good boy and also so dad so dad wants him to be your husband. I do not want you to choose the wrong man. "
"Forgive Syifa, yeah. But Syifa can not accept this matchmaking ".
"Whatever the reason you are, your father will marry you to Shawwal and father think that is best for you".
I was limp to hear that. And some idea from where I decided to go from home.
"I see yesterday daydreaming. What is it? ", Asked Ayu, my friend one kos.
I was shocked and instantly awakened from my reverie. "No, nothing. It's fasting to how much? ".
"It's 22nd. In 2 days we'll be off. I can not wait to get home. You go home too? ", He asked.
I shook my head. Ayu hugged me. "You have to solve your problem. Do not let someday you regret. Besides, your parents will miss you. You must be courageous ", advised Ayu.
I leaned against his shoulder. My tears fell on her clothes. In her arms I promised to go home and apologize to my parents. I'll fix all my mistakes.
Lebaran stay 3 more days. I looked at the discreet photo in my hand. Photos of my parents who smiled happily with me when I graduated with the best grades. I cry. A bit of regret slipped through my heart. I should not have gone away from home, I should have accepted the match, I should have obeyed my father's wish, surely now I am at home enjoying Ramadan with my family. Waiting for Eid with various activities, making cakes or busy sewing new clothes.
I stumbled toward my closet. Take out all my clothes and put them in the suitcase. "Dad, Mom, I'm going home".
The scorching sun was very stinging to my body. My sweat began to pour out. I looked around. The city has not changed at all. I immediately set foot for a becak or bus. And after a hot dip in a bus full of passengers, I reached an alley. I took a breath and with a little fear and also nervous, I walked into the alley. I cried out at the sight of my house. Children play together, their father is busy painting the house while their mother must be in the kitchen to make a cake. Really I really miss the atmosphere in my house, miss my family. Step by step while continuing to hope God grant my prayer.
Suddenly a hooter came from behind me. I turned and smiled to see who was in front of me right now. And of course it confused him. I would not be surprised if he did not recognize me anymore, given my much-changed appearance. 3 years ago I still wear clothes that just cover the aurat without paying attention to how to cover the true aurat even occasionally I also still want to go out the house without closing my private parts. But now I appear in front of her as a Muslim woman who has really covered her nakedness.
Sorry, why is this why? Why look at me like that? ", He asked.
"You no longer remember this same mbakmu this. Have you ever got a new sister during your leave? ", I said.
I saw a smile engraved on her lips, the smile I missed so much. "Mbak Syifa", he shouted that he got off the motorcycle and hugged me. "Ardi miss the same mbak. Why do not you leave home? Father and mother are very worried. Mother rarely talk since mbak leave. Father is also often sick and keep asking when when back home ".
"I'm sorry ya. It's all wrong and now mbak will fix all mistakes. Yeah, let's go home ".
A white house stood firm against me. The house is still the same as when I left. Ardi opened the gate and pulled my hand. Maybe he knows the fear I feel. It seemed that someone knew our arrival and immediately opened the door. I immediately hide behind Ardi.
"Who are you with?" Someone asked.
I had to hold back my tears again to hear the voice. The voice of someone who has worked hard to support my family, someone who always looks tough despite many problems to him and someone who never complains about whatever happens.
"Are you back home?" He asked again. Ardi turned to me. "Mbak, meet my father. He really missed you ".
"Ardi, answer the father's question. Are you back home? ", The voice grew hoarse.
"Dad, Syifa came home", I said, standing directly beside Ardi.
"Syifa", father immediately stretched his arms, calling me into his arms. I cried in his arms. Apologize for all the mistakes I made to her. I do not think I want to let go of that hug again, but I can not forget someone who was looking at us with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Mother, forgive Syifa", I said and immediately embraced her.
"Ardi, why are you standing there? You are also the son of the father and mother, now your mbak has gone home. Lebaran this year will feel beautiful ", said father eagerly.
I smiled happily with my family. I've also decided to find a job in my town so I can be with my family. I do not want to leave them again unless I'm married.
Meeting me today with my family will be the beginning of my new life. And for the efforts and prayers of my parents, I managed to become a staff member at one of the companies in my town, whereas Ardi had just graduated from college and was on a contract to work in a government office in my town.
For the first time after I returned home, I saw my parents again smiling happily at seeing their two children become successful.
"Father, Mother, thank you".