Uzma looked at Hasya's face with mixed feelings as soon as her friend repeated the same suggestion she heard almost every semester break.
Uzma: I'm on the fence, Sya. I don't want people to say that I want to take advantage of you!
Hasya: What?
Hasya raised her well-formed eyebrows incredulously looking at Uzma's beautiful face that could mesmerize the men. Fortunately the sweet girl was wearing a hijab. If not she definitely will be chased by those playboys on campus. In fact throughout their acquaintance, she had never seen this friend dating any man.
Hasya: Don't make jokes babe. You have helped me a lot during our studies. You don't have to go back home. Stay with me, let me help you too. There is no issue of taking advantage or anything. I made the offer to you myself. Let them say whatever they want. Their opinions aren't worth a dime.
She wanted to help the beautiful girl during this two month semester break. She has already got approval from her brother to give any vacant position to Uzma, to help the girl earn more money.
She knew who Uzma Haseena Binti Mohd Nasir was. ¹ She knows the beautiful girl deeply. They started getting to know each other when they were both studying at UPM² almost four years ago and continued to become close when they were matched as roommates.
Furthermore, Hasya wants to repay Uzma's kindness who has helped her a lot throughout her studies at the university. The girl who comes from a small village called Felda Ijok is a smart person and gets the dean's award every semester.
Unlike her who only had enough to pass the examination. It will be a shame if people know that Tengku Radzi and Tengku Maimun's daughter is not the top scorer at the university. She is not like her other brothers who were smart, popular, handsome and successful! She's just popular and beautiful!
Uzma: Hmm.. I don't feel comfortable with it.
She is ashamed to seek help from Hasya again. It was enough that the girl had helped her a lot financially. She didn't want to burden the girl anymore.
She was embarrassed when her food and drink expenses were borne by Hasya. Although the girl never brought it up and even sincerely helped, she still had self-esteem and dignity. She doesn't want to be branded as an opportunist.
Hasya: Oh My God! What do you want to be ashamed of? Let me help you too. After all, my brother Luth has agreed. He asked you to come to the office next Monday!
Uzma's eyes widened as soon as she heard Hasya's words. She did not expect that her friend had acted so quickly. Without even waiting for an answer from her.
Uzma complaint : Sya! Why didn't you talk to me first?
She rests her back on the plastic chair in their room while staring at Hasya begging for an explanation!
Hasya: Hello? Is this something I haven't talked to you about before? I've been telling you for some time now. You're the one who hesitates. I'm tired of waiting for you who never want to give an answer. So I made my own decision!
Explain Hasya without guilt. She just looked at Uzma who was staring at her. She didn't care at all about the girl's sharp gaze.
I'm not afraid of those round eyes of yours! Not one bit scary! Hasya laughed inwardly. She knows Uzma really well. When has the girl got mad. At most, she would just stare. She has the impression that Uma doesn't really have any feelings. She's never seen her in love or even angry. So strange!
Hasya: Just accept my offer, Uma. After all, I will not allow you to go back to your Tok Mad's village alone. It's dangerous! The roads are too crooked!
Hasya still remembers Uzma's hometown which is located in Felda Ijok, close to Selama and Taiping. She once followed her there. She who has never been to such places can't stand the road. It's so twisted! Like a snake hit with a hammer. ³
Don't know how many times they had to stop because of her. Her stomach churned and her head felt dizzy. She vomited along the road from Selama to Kubu Gajah and all the way to Felda Ijok itself. She doesn't want to swear but she can't take it anymore! She is not willing to go there again but as soon as her feet stepped on the soil of Felda Ijok, all the distresses disappeared. She was amazed by the peaceful and calm atmosphere of the village.
The house of Tok Mad and Nek Pah ⁴ which is half made of stone at the bottom and wood at the top looks very cute in her eyes. Not too big and not too small. Good for five to seven guests. Having two rooms on the top floor and one room on the ground floor, makes the village house not too crowded. The only thing that bothers her is because the toilet is located outside the house!
Uzma: Sya, why is your face frowning?
Hasya's reverie stopped. The musings of the toilet and the cold water that she felt before quickly disappeared.
Hasya insisted: So... you'll come with me later in the evening, right? Because this Monday we have to report ourselves!
Uzma: Yeah! I'll follow you.
She glared at Hasya who seemed relieved by the answer she gave.
Uzma: Pushy!
Hasya: Get used to it. I'm just a little bit pushy compared to my brothers, Luth and Nuh. They're more bossy than me.
Uzma: I can already see my grim future ahead.
She reluctantly gave in with a sigh. She didn't really know Hasya's brothers. Hasya only told the stories about her parents, Tengku Radzi and Tengku Maimun to her.
About the two boys, she had only seen pictures through the internet. From there she could conclude that both of Hasya's brothers are very popular. Even more so with the title that was brought along with that super grade handsome face.
Hasya teased: Hah! Remembering who? Luth or Nuh?
Hasya was teasing on purpose because she knew Uzma was not one of her brothers' fanatical fans. The girl was too invulnerable to be captured.
Uzma angered: I'm not remembering anyone. Don't point the finger at me wrongly or I'll pinch you!
Hasya: Is that so? How would you know you won't end up being my future sister-in-law? You don't like one of them now but later, who knows?
Hasya is still actively teasing. She really likes to see Uzma's clean white face turn red when teased. A heavenly sight! Round eyes, bushy black eyebrows, curls formed, beautifully placed eyebrows, prominent cheeks, small high nose and naturally red lips without any application of lipstick.
Uzma: Balderdash! I'll pinch that mouth of yours if you spout any more nonsense!
Uzma was furious with what Hasya said earlier. It's incredulous to associate the two brothers with herself.
Hasya: Just a little pinch! I'm not even afraid. 😝
Hasya internally thought 'It is fun playing and teasing with Uma.'
Uzma: Stop teasing me already or I'll pull back my promise to follow you later. Do you want me to cancel it?
Uzma started getting the idea to threaten Hasya. The happy face of laughing at herself just now instantly turned gloomy.
Hasya appeals: Umaaa...please, don't! I'm sorry! I'm not teasing you anymore.
Uzma was already laughing heartily at her friend's reaction.
Hasya: You really have to follow me! Please...I made a promise to Luth already. He seriously wants you to help him at his office even if it's just for a few days.
Hasya got serious again and Uzma just nodded. She has already agreed to Hasya's request. In fact in hindsight, she wasn't working for free. She is paid at the same rate as other workers. The only difference is the senior and junior salary rates.
Hasya: Thanks darling. You're the best!
Hasya said excitedly. She immediately got up from the bed and headed towards Uzma who was still casually sitting on the chair facing her. Uzma's small body was grabbed and hugged for a moment.
Hasya: It's going to be great being able to go on vacation and hang out with you! I can do all sorts of things with you. So I won't be bored later.
Uzma replied okay while trying to loosen Hasya's tight embrace. She was starting to feel short of breath.
Hasya: And...
The hug is broken.
Hasya continues: With you around I won't have to deal with Marina anymore. I don't even know why my mother likes that fake girl so much.
Hasya started shuddering when Marina's name was mentioned. It's horrible to think that his mother tried to match his brother with that woman.
Uzma: It's okay, my dear. I'm always with you whenever you need me.
Answer Uzma feeling pity towards this friend in front of her! She's the spoiled child of her parents, the beloved of her brothers but often neglected by the busyness of the family who cares more about the pleasures of life.
Although lately Hasya has said that her brother Luth has changed and started getting closer to the true Islamic way of life, the girl still feels awkward when she returns to her parents' house. Each in their own ways and routines.
His father and mother are busy with worldly affairs. Directly ignoring all religious demands and forgetting to give enough love for their children, she even had to mooch love from others. Fortunately, there is Uzma and her small family in Felda Ijok. Although poor in wealth, they are still rich in courtesy and love.
Hasya: But Uma.. I bet you will like Luth. He's gorgeous you know?
Hasya wants to tease Uzma again. But that was not just teasing, she really hoped that the girl would fall in love with her eldest brother Tengku Luth Daniel, even though Uzma had to compete with the flirty Marina.
Uzma: Huh? Why Luth and not Nuh?
Uzma deliberately asked. It's fun to talk with Hasya whose mood changes so often.
Hasya: That is because Nuh is already engaged to sister Hana. Luth is the only one who is still single.
Uzma: So you're going to give your unwanted brother to me?
Both burst out laughing. 😆
Hasya: Jokes aside, he's not unwanted okay. He just doesn't want to.
Clarified Hasya. Sometimes she wonders why her 29 year old eldest brother is not closely related to any girl other than Marina even if forced. It's impossible to say Luth is undesirable because his handsomeness is comparable to the model that Uzma is crazy about, Mika. She just doesn't know what his brother actually wants in his life.
Uzma: Same thing. If he's truly wanted, I'm sure he already has a girlfriend. That Marina, yeah, she's probably okay right.
Hasya: No way! I can't bear to have a sister-in-law who is as indecent as her. You know nothing, she's fake inside and out. 🤮
Uzma: Stop it. It's not good to say people like that.
Uzma said trying to comprehend her friend who was constantly cursing the woman named Marina.
Uzma: What if she really did become your sister-in-law later. What are you going to do?
Said Uzma again. Love to tease the girl.
Hasya: No! Uma!
Screamed Hasya while throwing her white doll towards Uzma who was already laughing teasingly.
(1)That's how a Muslim's name is being used with the front is own name, back is father's name and 'bin/binti' can be translated as son/daughter of
(2)Short for University Putra Malaysia
(3)Tok/Nek is short for datuk/nenek meant grandfather/grandmother