Mayra grew even more nervous with all of Ustadz Fahmi's questions. Maybe Mila had been right after all—he really was trying to find her a match, judging by everything Ustadz Fahmi had asked. Especially that last thing the unassuming man had said.
"So, how is it, Mayra? Are you interested?" asked Ustadzah Hana as she set down three cups of hot tea and some snacks.
Ustadzah Hana's voice startled Mayra slightly because she had been lost in thought. The girl awkwardly smiled back at Ustadzah Hana's gentle smile.
"I hadn't gotten a chance to say anything. Umi had already arrived, so Abi hadn't had a chance to ask yet."
Ustadzah Hana nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Mayra was growing even more confused by the conversation between the two of them.
Mayra gathered her courage and asked what her two religious teachers meant.
"Sorry, Ustadz, if I'm being presumptuous. What exactly is the reason you called me here? Did I do something wrong, or is there something you want me to do?"
Ustadz Fahmi and Ustadzah Hana exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Mayra. The girl's gaze was full of curiosity.
"Well, May, there's a young man who claims to be interested in you. He's often noticed you on campus, and rather than continuing to commit zina mata, he decided to ask you to enter into ta'aruf. So, would you be willing?" Ustadz Fahmi asked carefully.
Mayra gasped when she heard that, because Mila's guess had been one hundred percent correct: someone really was trying to arrange a match for her. Mayra couldn't answer yet, since Ustadz Fahmi seemed to have more to say.
"He's a good young man, and he already earns his own living. He's the son of an old friend of mine from boarding school. If I had a daughter, I would have matched her with him myself. Unfortunately, both of my children are boys."
"I'm sorry, Ustadz, but why me? I'm not a woman who knows much about religion. I still have very little knowledge. I'm not a good Muslim girl either. I still have so many shortcomings."
"Every human being has many shortcomings, May. No one is truly perfect. So, would you be willing to accept this young man?"
"I... I need to tell my parents first, Ustadz. After all, I still belong to both of my parents."
Ustadz Fahmi nodded in understanding. Mayra did indeed need to ask both her parents for permission.
"All right, just think it over first. There's no need to rush. Let me know later. I'm not forcing you to accept him. But it would be best if you gave it careful consideration."
"Don't worry, May. Even if you accept him, you won't be asked to get married right away. The two of you will need time to get closer. If you turn out to be compatible, you can take things in a more serious direction—marriage. But if you don't feel right about him, you can turn him down."
"Thank you, Ustadz and Ustadzah. I'll discuss it with both my parents first. In that case, I'll excuse myself. I'm going to the mosque. Assalamualaikum."
"Waalaikumsalam."
Mayra left after saying goodbye to the couple who owned the house. With a troubled heart, she continued on to the mosque to teach the children how to recite the Quran.
That night, after dinner, Mayra resolved to tell her parents everything and ask for their advice. Ustadz Fahmi was surely waiting for an answer from her as soon as possible.
"Um, Dad, Mom, Mayra wants to talk."
Hutomo and Santi exchanged glances.
"If you want to talk, then just talk, Sis. What's so hard about that?" Mila chimed in.
"Hush, Mil. Be respectful to your big sister," her father scolded.
"What's going on, May? Why do you have to announce it first whenever you want to say something?" Santi asked curiously.
Mayra smiled to hide her nervousness.
"I went to Ustadz Fahmi's house this afternoon, and he said there's someone who wants to ask me to enter into ta'aruf. Would you and Mom give me permission, Dad?"