PREVIOUSLY
Dear God, what happened, Bian? What's wrong with you?
- Bian's here, right? - Sorry, who are you?
- Sarah. - Inna lillahi!
So I made a promise to Sarah, that I'll marry her in just one year.
Sarah refused. But I kept persuading her,
and she finally promised me she would wait.
Sarah sacrificed everything she believed in.
I can't abandon her when I promised I would marry her, Tari.
Can we speak for a moment?
-We won't have much to say. -It's important, Tari.
-I was waiting for a friend. -I'll keep it brief for you.
Okay, say your piece.
-It's some coincidence that we met here. -I wouldn't call it a fortunate one.
I wanted to...
-I want to be honest. Bian and I-- -I already heard Bian's part.
You mean you know?
I don't really care about your and Bian's past.
What's clear is this-- that he got married to another woman.
He's not your husband, Sarah.
And his loyalty shouldn't be to anybody else.
It's not as simple as you make it, Tari.
I don't have any bad intentions.
Bian should be truthful that I meant to break up
once I knew about the marriage.
I didn't intend to come between you.
I wasn't about to ruin your marriage, okay, Tari?
You and I are both women.
I know how it can sting to have your heart broken, really.
Then why are you still after Bian?
Bian kept calling and messaging too.
He told me that he couldn't have happiness in the marriage his mom picked.
I only sat down because of Bian.
I want for him basically to be happy, and he isn't.
Except if he's with me, Tari.
It doesn't matter that he's married to you.
I already heard the explanation from my husband.
and I just sat here calmly while you spoke.
Your words don't make it right.
It's completely unjustifiable, your behavior.
Do you believe you're a good woman?
A good woman wouldn't be with someone else's husband.
Hello, I'm inside.
My friend has arrived.
That's fine.
I appreciate you hearing me out.
Tari...
Hey, why do you look like you've just seen the devil?
Because I have seen the devil.
Sa-- Satan?
Satan's in here?
You're messing around with me, right?
-Right? -Just kidding.
Talking about the devil in broad daylight. Oh you.
He told me that he's unhappy with his mom's choice.
I only sat down because of Bian.
I want for him basically to be happy, and he isn't.
Except if he's with me, Tari.
It doesn't matter that he's married to you.
Two, three.
Not ready.
Alright! Are you guys ready this time?
Morning, Bian.
Hi.
Hey, Mom!
I love you guys! Oh, I missed you.
Come play!
Hey, wait a second, let me show you something, okay?
Bian is not happy with you, Tari.
Dear Allah, oh, my God. Forgive me, I...
I can't believe-- oh, why?
THE BEST COMPANION
Bian, wake up.
Wake up, please.
-Hey, Bian. -Hmm?
Wake up.
What is it?!
I want to talk.
-Why not wait 'til later? -It can't.
Okay, I'll go downstairs.
-It'll be dawn soon. -And? What about it?
You have to do the dawn prayer before then.
Hmm.
-Hey, you'll do it, won't you? -Yes, just give me a minute!
-Thank you. -Of course.
Morning.
-Assalaam alaikum. -Wa alaikum salaam.
Mrs. Darmi, you're here early.
I don't risk it at this age. If I sleep too long I'm dead.
Say, I'm in the mood for some chicken, Mrs. Darmi.
The ones from town.
-The chicken from town? -Yeah.
It's his way of asking if we can talk in private, you know?
Oh, something I'm not supposed to hear.
-Yes. -Good luck.
So, what is it?
I've been doing some thinking about our marriage situation.
Anything you want to tell me?
I'm going to make a request of you.
Okay, then.
What do you want?
I want you as a husband.
I thought we settled that.
I'm not sure how long we'll be together, but let's be at ease since we are.
Please see me as your wife and treat me as one.
We can both try to be a normal couple, can't we?
Excepting... that one thing.
I think you know.
I don't know. What do you mean?
-You do know. -I don't know. What is it?
You do.
-That one thing? -Quiet, Bian, please.
Oh...
-You mean sex. -Don't say it, Bian!
So other than that barrier, we'll be married to each other, huh?
-Yeah? -Yeah.
-So, what does that mean? -Doing things together
Watching movies, eating meals.
Seeing places.
I'm allowed to call you. I'd like it if I can ask what you're doing.
As your wife, I have a right to your time. And my time is also yours when you need.
That about it?
-Oh, something else. -Something else?
Driving me to things. I want your cooperation.
And you'll make time to come, and pick me up.
Okay.
-Yeah, okay. Deal. -Something else.
There's still more, huh?
The mosque is where you'll do your prayers,
and please join the study group.
-Do the dawn prayer at the mosque? -Yes.
-I won't get enough sleep though. -I'll make sure you get up.
-Okay, deal. That all? -Not quite.
Spill it.
I want to share the preachings from my studies
so you can learn more about Islam.
Except I'm not an ustad.
-I see that. -So?
Learning will give you knowledge.
and hopefully help you see what's right and what's not.
You won't believe me, but I have morals.
Okay.
Fine.
Mrs. Darmi, you can come out of hiding now.
Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry.
Hi, Aldi. Sorry I'm late.
Lots of traffic.
No problem. Want something to eat?
No, it's okay. I want to catch my breath.
-How've you been? -I'm fine, and how have you been?
I've been better.
What? Are you sick?
Mm, it's not that.
What is it?
Are you still with Bian?
I don't see how that's your business.
Yeah, I think it is.
You should stay out of it.
It's not you he married, Sarah.
I'm surprised at you being intrusive like that.
I already know everything.
Don't forget, I brought you guys together.
You think that I owe you something?
and you think that because you're the one that introduced us,
you get to play the judge?
-You're both better than that. -Aldi, this is not your place.
Sarah, please. Let go of Bian.
No, Aldi.
I thought we met like this so we could talk more
about our past times and school together.
That's what I thought.
I can't believe you wanted to meet up to police morality. Good work.
Don't ever expect to see me again.
Bian.
Hey, Bian.
Wake up, Bian. It's time to pray.
-Why am I awake, Tari? -I'm here to get you up.
You know, dawn prayer and study.
We spoke yesterday about it.
All you want is me to join you for prayer?
Not sleep together here?
You must still be tired.
Hey, why are you leaving?
You know I have to get ready.
-Alright. -Hang on!
-Don't be so angry. -I'm not being angry.
Right there, you look angry. Smile.
For real. You can do it.
Now you're perfect. Just like a bride.
You, cut it out! Get out of bed, let's go.
-Yes, I'll get out of bed. -Hurry up.
Come on. Get up.
-I'll go, okay? -Get up right this minute,
- or you won't get there at all. - We must believe in Allah's destiny.
It's possible that what we desire may not be good for us according to Allah.
For example, one individual decides to marry another.
His choice is A. But his destined bride is different.
The woman, in the end, is B.
Allah has decided his destiny, which is for him to be with her.
He has to accept Allah knows what is best.
The fate that Allah sees for him can only be achieved with B.
It's possible that what we don't like or want in this world
turns out to be the thing that's best.
And it is possible that the things we are chasing...
when beheld by Allah, they are not positive as expected.
We must simply live our destinies as he intends. Live them sincerely.
Allah willing, our heart will be at peace, contented.
If we live them gracefully.
Sorry, Bian, the meeting is happening today,
Otherwise, I'd be home early. Your bag.
I'm going.
Bian, hold on, hold on.
Oh.
-You forgot this. -Thank you.
- Gotta go. As salaam alaikum. - Wa alaikum salaam.
Come, I'm going to clean you up.
Bian.
Sex before marriage. Can sins be forgiven?
Premarital sex is a heinous act
wherein men and women engage in sexual intercourse
like husband and wife.
In Islam, such adultery deserves a deterrent law,
and punishment by whipping up to one hundred times.
In the Al-Quran, Allah said...
A male adulterer may not become married to a female adulteress...
or idolator. And female adulteresses cannot become married...
to a man who is idolatrous.
Such things are forbidden for men or women who are devout believers.
ADULTERY BEFORE MARRIAGE, IS IT FORGIVABLE?
And whether or not sex before marriage is forgivable...
Has anyone here heard about the coconut milk philosophy?
Does anyone know?
This philosophy is one of many that I like most.
The milk of a coconut isn't a natural phenomenon, you see.
There is a whole process behind it.
Starting when the fruit falls from the tree.
The skin is torn off.
We split open the shell, scoop it out.
and then after, we press it until milk is produced.
And yet, still, it's not quite ready to be beneficial.
It still has to go back to cook and be pasteurized.
So we can use it to make curry,
chicken stew, and rendang.
I think that we are like that.
If we want to be useful to one another
and bring out the potential that lies within us,
there will be many demands on us, and struggles in the process.
The reason for those tests is not that Allah hates us,
but that we are loved. We are all loved by Allah.
He wants for us to be the coconut milk that benefits the world.
Thank you very much Mrs. Tari, for your speech and knowledge.
Another round of applause for Mrs.Tari.
-Thank you so much. -Yes, thanks.
-Thank you, Miss. -Thank you.
Impressive, Ma'am.
Ma'am, what's that? Just Tari, okay?
-Who's with you? -No one, just me.
-Guess you need to tell her how you feel. -I really wish I could.
-But she's with someone else. -Seriously?
Being the third wheel stinks.
Yeah.
- As salaam alaikum. - Wa alaikum salaam.
Ami.
The best friend of our business success.
-Be realistic. -Aldi.
-Oh. -I'm Bian's cousin.
Mashallah.
-Ya single? -Excuse me?
-Is it only you here? -Oh, yeah.
Oh, he's alone.
I came to learn from your friend. She's great.
A big success.
-Oh, my -What's that?
-Huh? What happened? -I think you're great.
I mean, it's great that you're so serious about learning, I'm sure.
I like that. About you.
-I'm sure of that. -I'm glad you two are friends.
It's important having, you know, someone to lean on when you need it.
What do you mean by that?
I'm only-- I just hope you and Bian are okay.
-You're the perfect guy. -Hmm?
Huh? Brochure!
-Have a brochure. -That's very kind of you.
-Please just go. -What?
-Focus. -So handsome.
Can you please focus?
-You have work you can do. -Absolutely.
-Well, see ya. -Of course I do.
-I'm sorry, Ami's been like that forever. -She's sweet.
How's your business going?
That's the thing. I need you.
-You need me? -As a mentor.
You don't.
You'd be better off learning all about things with an expert mentor instead.
- You're better than they are. - As salaam alaikum.
-Wa alaikum salaam. -Bi.
Let's go now.
Thank you, Aldi! As salaam alaikum.
-Wa alaikum salaam. -Wait, hold on. I need my purse!
See you later.
Why was Aldi there?
Aldi just took my class, is all. He's come around for workshops
-a couple of times now. -Why is that?
-They're for anyone who wants to. -I know they are.
How often do you speak?
-Occasionally. -Does he message?
-One time. -You replied?
Yeah, I mean, he is your cousin. Why wouldn't I?
You shouldn't be talking to him like that.
-Tell me why. -You don't have to know why!
You can't just say nothing.
-Come on. Huh? -I just don't like it!
-Are you a little jealous over me? -That's nowhere near true.
-I think you are. -That's crazy!
You so are.
As salaam alaikum.
Wa alaikum salaam.
-Hello, is Bian here? -Sorry, Mr. Bian isn't here yet.
- Aldi. - Tari.
-What a nice surprise. -I was at Aunt Yasmin's.
-She gave me this for you. -From Mom?
Sorry, I should've checked if Bian was home.
No worries.
Oh, fabric. She's so kind. I should give her a call.
Hello, as salaam alaikum. Aldi just gave me the fabric.
Yes.
Thanks, I love it so much.
Yeah. As salaam alaikum.
Come in, please.
-Please have a seat, Aldi. -Thank you.
-I'll just be a minute. -Okay.
-Here you go, Mr. Handsome. -Wow.
Just out of the oven, fresh banana fritters.
That was nice of you to come all the way out here.
It's not a problem.
I have to get going. Say hello to Bian.
Okay.
-As salaam alaikum. -Wa alaikum salaam.
Bian.
I've got to go now. In a hurry.
As salaam alaikum.
What are you doing home so early?
-Thought you'd want me home. -Of course I do.
I'm always happy you're home. Want a drink?
-I talked about Aldi. -Aldi?
Aldi was over to bring me something.
Some fabric and things that your mother sent.
And why would my mom not have sent me?
I don't know.
-What time did he arrive? -Not long ago, just recently.
And you made him that?
Oh, it was Mrs. Darmi, actually. She makes amazing fritters.
Is Aldi here a lot?
-He stopped by this once. -That's it?
What are you saying?
You might wait until I go before you bring men around here.
I still cannot believe you and that woman met in our home.
But I'm not like you and your other woman.
I wouldn't sink that low.
Tar.
Do you have plans tonight?
No, why?
We should go out.
-This is fine. -A movie, or whatever you want.
I don't really feel like it.
We haven't been to a movie together. Yeah?
Please?
We'll see later.
-Tari, you're not ready! Hurry up! -I'm supposed to be ready?
The movie, Tari. Come on, hurry up.
-I'll wait out here. Now, hurry. -Wait a minute.
-You said we were going to a movie. -Yeah, right here.
We're watching it here?
You wanted to be at home, so the movie's here.
If I'd known, I wouldn't have dressed up like that.
It's more like a date this way. Yeah?
Anyway, you look nice. You're pretty.
I like it.
-Well, did you pick something? -Romantic comedy.
Good?
Get away from me! Let me go!
You don't care about anyone but yourself, huh?
I just can't be with you like this anymore!
What'll happen, hmm? You think they'll make up?
The end has to be happy. It's a film.
...also cares about me.
-What's wrong? -Hmm?
Have you never kissed?
-Come again? -You know.
I'm not talking about it.
-Have you? -Huh? Ew, Bian!
It's a simple question. You have, hmm?
-I don't want to watch anymore. -Hey, hey, hey.
How about hand holding?
Oh...
So probably the only time you've held hands was back when we pretended?
Over at Dad's party?
We weren't pretending. We really are married, actually.
You really are naive.
I was in high school when I began to wear a hijab, Bian.
Wearing a hijab isn't good for dating.
Being close, kissing. It wouldn't have been legal.
-I'm sure you've kissed. -Your point?
-Nothing. I'll go to my room. -Hey.
Tari. Tari.
Hungry? I'll be chef.
-Is that the best idea? -Hmm?
-Seriously. Yes, seriously. -Seriously?
I will.
Mhm.
-How is it? -Hmm.
Is it good? Special Noodles a la Bian.
Good.
-It's great. -I knew you would like it.
-Tari. -Yeah?
I wanted to apologize.
I said things that were stupid, about you and about Aldi.
Hmm.
I'm sorry, also...
for kissing women.
Only my past can't be changed, can it?
I'm not a holy person. Not like you.
Allah is the only holy one. There's nobody holy on Earth.
Yeah, except I might have tried, like you.
I want your forgiveness.
For all of it.
It might be important. I understand.
I'm used to it now.
Hello?
Yeah.
Huh?
Yeah. Yeah. Yes, I understand.
-What happened? -An accident.
"Verily we belong to God, verily we return."
Nurse. I was just called about Sarah.
-Which room? -Oh. That way, sir.
-Down the hall. -Thanks.
Tari.
Aldi? What brings you here?
I'm here to see my friend.
-Sarah? -You know?
I came with Bian, to help.
We should both go. Come with me.
No, I'll stay here.
You're his wife, Tari.
What is it, Sar? Should I call a nurse? Huh?
Bian, say you won't leave me.
Yeah, I'm not going anywhere. Just take it easy.
As salaam alaikum.
-Wa alaikum salaam. -Tari?
What's going on here?
I'm going away.
What do you mean, huh?
I'm going someplace without you.
But for how long? Tari?
You need to give me time to think about some things.
Concerning you...
and me, our marriage situation.
I can't keep doing this anymore.
I really can't.
I'm tired of the heartbreak, wondering if you'll come home.
Tari, Sarah is alone here, she doesn't have anyone else.
I'm trying the best I can.
Since we married, I always pray that your heart could have some room in it.
But how could I compete, Bian? You wouldn't let me.
I hoped you would see that I'm alone too.
But she will always come first
and maybe it's about time I accept how hopeless it's been between us.
Listen, okay?
But the hardest thing is I can't hate you, since I've fallen in love with you.
I don't know how it happened or when, and still somehow it did.
There must have been a moment.
Was it during our wedding vows?
Or maybe holding my hand was all it took.
I don't know.
But it did. I wish being in love with you wasn't so painful.
Tari.
Please. Don't abandon me, Tari.
Okay? Just don't go.
Okay?
Are you willing to put Sarah behind you?
When you make up your mind, you can let me know.
-As salaam alaikum. -Tari.
Tari.
TO BE CONTINUED
NEXT
Mr. Bian, do you want to know a secret?
- What secret? - This is a present...
from Tari, it's for your birthday.
- My birthday? - Leave that woman.
I can't, I can't leave her now, Tar.
Okay. You used to always say this.
If you don't like it, you know where the Religious Court is.
Feel free to file for divorce!
Ooh, poor thing.
It's okay. It's alright.
You can stay here with us..
Translated by Fanny Rediastuti