THE REFLECTION OF THE LAKE OF LOVE (PART II.)

CHAPTER II. The dormitory hall looked completely different from before. It was designed to resemble a classroom, with rows of tables filling the room. There were about 25 desks, each with two chairs. On each desk was a computer set, complete with headphones and speakers. I heard the lively chatter of some friends from the dormitory and several people I didn't know, all talking about the training activities. Perhaps not all participants were recruited from the dormitory, as many, like me, came from outside and were enthusiastic about this great training. Almost all of the 50 visually impaired participants consisted mainly of students and alumni. The student group was intentionally scheduled for the afternoon, as they had to be active on campus and at work in the mornings and afternoons. Meanwhile, the morning slot was reserved for students and teachers residing in the dormitory. Before it began, we were given participant numbers, with one desk to be shared by two people. Unfortunately, I wasn't paired with Tri; she sat far away at desk number 18, while I got a cute girl named Nensi as my partner at desk number 03. "Don't worry, Nir! Nensi is a good person!" Tri whispered as she left my desk. "Alright! Before we begin, please introduce yourselves to your desk partners first! This way, we can foster good cooperation during the training!" So went the instruction from one of the authoritative instructors through the microphone at the front of the class. "Hi! I'm Nensi! Who are you?" After the instruction, Nensi shook my hand. I felt her soft hand, and her friendly demeanor made me feel at ease communicating. "I'm Nirina," I replied with a smile. From that introduction, I got to know Nensi as a kind, sociable, and friendly person. She lived next door to Tri's room. I had only just met her because we rarely saw each other. Since I started learning mobility orientation and Braille writing at the dormitory, Nensi had been busy preparing for university. She would leave the dormitory early in the morning and only return in the late afternoon, precisely when I had already gone home. That fifth-semester student from Unpas was not only smart but also very critical. This was evident from how actively she asked questions throughout the training. She even didn't hesitate to help me operate everything on the computer device. After we got to know each other, the training began with introductions by the instructor team, who, it was said, came from my hometown. There were about six instructors who would be teaching throughout the training. They consisted of four men and two women. Almost all of them were still university students. The first to introduce himself was Riqo, a fifth-semester student at a private university in the Tanggerang area. The second was Dimas, a fifth-semester student at a state university in the Depok area. The others were Aris, Iwa, Sarah, and Rina. After that, they presented lessons according to their respective fields. Some would teach typing, program introduction, and even internet browsing. I already imagined that these five weeks would be a very exciting adventure. "Nensi, you're already skilled, aren't you?" I asked as we started opening Microsoft Word. "Who said so? I'm just like you! Still new to this sacred device." Her words always made me want to laugh; besides being smart, she was also a humorist. "Get your ears accustomed to the screen reader's voice first, before learning more programs on the computer!" The voice of the instructor, Aris, was heard again. "What does he mean?" "He means, we have to get used to hearing Jaws's voice, Nir!" Nensi added, making me nod my head. The first day of training concluded before the Maghrib call to prayer. Holding Tri's hand, I walked out of the classroom, chatting excitedly. Meanwhile, Nensi was still inside the room with other participants. "Don't be late tomorrow, okay?" Tri said as we reached the parking lot. "Definitely! I'll be on time! Tomorrow I only have class until two!" "Tri, when are you coming to Nirina's house?" Mom patted Tri's shoulder. The one being asked just grinned while hugging my shoulder. "Well then, we'll take our leave now!" Then I went home, feeling happy. "Thank you so much, Mom? For driving Nirina today!" "Don't worry, dear! Mom will always support you for your own good!" "Mom, if Nirina can use a computer, can I take out my savings?" "Why do you need to open a savings account? What for?" "To buy a computer, of course! So I can do my assignments at home." Mom didn't answer; she remained focused on her driving. Meanwhile, I was lost in dreams of the future. "Tomorrow I'll tell my friends at campus about this amazing experience! It's not just them who can use computers! I can too!" I exclaimed inwardly. Before I knew it, we were back home. Dad immediately greeted me at the door. "How was the training? Fun?" Before I could answer, Mom told me to go straight to my room. "It turns out the computers are the same as what we usually use! They just have a screen reader voice that reads out every program! The sound comes out of the speakers, like listening to music." That was Mom's story, followed by Dad's gasp of admiration. I just smiled, seeing how much Mom's mood had changed. "Just you wait! I'll have a Friendster account like yours!" That was my last sentence when I told Jen, Yan, and Nesa about the training. "Yeah! We can't wait! Hopefully, the training goes smoothly!" "You have lessons at four, Nir! Let's go to Jen's boarding house, there's a new movie!" "Aww! I really can't, Nes! I already have plans with Alin to work on a Morphology assignment. While she's available!" I had to decline their invitation because I had already promised to go to Alin's boarding house this afternoon. After parting ways at the gate, I headed straight to Alin's boarding house, walking through the alleys behind the terminal. Upon arriving, from inside the room, I heard Alin reciting the Quran. Her gentle voice with fluent recitation made my tears inevitably fall. "Before I became visually impaired, I also used to attend Quranic recitations at the mosque, Alin," I said as Alin closed the Quran. "Nirina's voice must be beautiful when reciting the Quran." "Yeah, that's what people say too," I replied shyly. "Isn't there a special Quran for the visually impaired now, Nir?" "That's right, Alin, but Nirina has never known about it because I rarely come to the dormitory. I only know how to use a cane and write Braille." Suddenly, my thoughts went back to the time I first came to the dormitory. Mom's fluctuating moods, which often hindered my visits there, caused me to fall behind many of my other visually impaired friends. How could it not? In a week, Mom only allowed me to come twice to adapt and learn many things that were very important for my life. Coupled with the busyness of preparing for school exams, and then a tightened schedule after college, there was hardly any time left to even greet my good friends there. "Try asking your friends there! Who knows, someone might give you information, or even better, someone might be willing to teach you." Alin once again injected something into me. Something that always made my chest warm with spirit. "Hi! Nirina!" I, who was sitting nicely in the training room, was suddenly startled by Nensi's tap on my shoulder. "Hi, Nens! You're late, aren't you?" For some reason, I always felt happy when I met my new friend. "Late? It hasn't even started yet, has it? Look! The instructors are still drinking coffee in the canteen!" she said innocently, ending with a crisp laugh. While waiting for the training to begin, we chatted. I suddenly remembered Mom's words about Nensi during our trip home yesterday. "Nensi, your new friend, is beautiful, you know! Her hijab is always colorful! She seems so cheerful." What Mom said was true; she was indeed very charming. "Nensi, since when have you worn a hijab?" I asked, holding the edge of her headscarf. "Hmm, since junior high, but, you know, a take-off-and-put-on hijab." "What do you mean?" "Well, I put it on for school, and take it off when I come home." Again, I had to laugh, amused by her innocent way of speaking. "The most important thing about the hijab isn't just about covering your hair, covering one's aurat, Nir! It's more about guarding our daily conduct." "Oh, so? The hijab could be pointless if one can't maintain good conduct?" I interjected, wanting to know more. "Not pointless, because covering one's aurat is an obligation for every Muslim woman. It's just that many people nowadays don't know the true meaning of wearing a hijab. A person wearing a hijab should be motivated to always improve their attitude and character. If they used to gossip often, get angry often, or hurt their parents' feelings often, then the hijab should act as a brake to control all of that." A subtle feeling crept through the girl's words, directly penetrating the defenses of my heart. If only Nensi knew that my desire to wear a hijab had become a boomerang for my good relationship with Mom. The two-hour training passed by so quickly, feeling like mere minutes. As soon as Dimas gave the closing remarks, I was overcome with dissatisfaction, sighing at length. "Don't worry, Nir! We still have plenty of time!" Nensi comforted me, hugging my shoulder. "But I just got the hang of typing, Nens! Why is it over already?" I no longer hesitated to show my whining side to that girl. "It's time to go home now, Nir! Oh, who's picking you up?" "Ah! That's it, my family just texted, saying they have an event, so I might only get picked up after Isha. I replied, confused, because Mom's sudden text meant I had to stay longer at the dormitory. Meanwhile, Tri had said she was going to visit a friend in another dormitory to do homework after the training. "Want to come with me? To teach the younger kids Quranic recitation at the mosque." I enthusiastically accepted Nensi's invitation. In fact, I was delighted because that way I could immediately learn about the Braille Quran that Alin had mentioned earlier that afternoon. Sure enough, after the congregational prayer, Nensi took me to a room next to the mosque where many elementary school-aged children had already gathered. "Someone is already teaching, it seems," We stopped at the door when we heard a man's voice chatting animatedly with the children. "That's Dimas's voice, Nens!" "Yeah! What's he doing here?" Then Nensi greeted them a little loudly, immediately making everyone respond in unison. "Since there's already a teacher, I'll take my leave! Study hard!" The man, who turned out to be Dimas, one of the computer instructors, said goodbye. "Oh? Where are you going, Brother Dimas? Please continue! The children would surely be happy to be taught Quranic recitation by Brother Dimas!" Nensi's words were immediately met with noisy cheers from the children. Inside the mosque, I leaned against a pillar. I listened to two friends collaborating to instill good values in the resilient children sitting in a circle. Occasionally, their laughter and jokes could be heard, making me both envious and self-conscious. From those children flowed Quranic recitations. Some were already very fluent, while others were still stumbling. "Practice a lot at the dormitory, okay! We have a test in a week!" Nensi reminded a fourth-grader who was still stumbling over his Quranic recitation. "Nens! Sometime, I want to be taught how to read the Quran, can I?" I finally expressed the desire I had kept in my heart to Nensi as soon as we left the mosque. "Of course, Nir! When do you want to start?" "When are you free?" "How about after Maghrib? After the training! But not every day, because I also have to teach the younger kids." Nensi's answer made me feel relieved. With that, the path I was looking for began to open up. It turns out that if our intentions are good, the solutions will also be good. "Starting tomorrow, I'll be at the dormitory until Isha, Mom?" I started the conversation when we were already on our way home. At that time, both my parents came together to pick me up after Dad's office event. "Why? Is the training extended?" "No, Mom? But Nirina wants to learn Quranic recitation with Nensi first." This time, I didn't hesitate to face them, feeling that there had been many positive changes compared to previous days. "Learn one thing at a time! Once the computer training is done, you can learn other things!" Mom's answer once again dashed my hopes. This time, even Dad, who usually staunchly defended me, remained silent, concentrating on the road ahead. Realizing the situation wasn't good, I didn't press further. Figuring out the right way to lobby the hearts of the two number one heroes in my life was not an easy task. "Nirina? So, are you learning Quranic recitation now?" Nensi immediately asked as Rina concluded the training for the day. "Hmm, how about it?" But before I could continue, my phone in my bag suddenly rang, signaling an incoming message. "From Dad?" I beamed as I read its content. "Study the Quran calmly, okay? Dad will pick you up at eight! Don't forget to eat! Buy clean food at the canteen! Loving regards to Dad's pious daughter!" The voice of Mister Talks, fluently reading the message, made my smile widen. My dad is amazing! The number one father in the world, whom I will always respect, whose commands I will cherish forever! "How is it, Nir?" Nensi broke my reverie again. "Let's go to the mosque now!" Hand in hand, we then headed to the mosque. This time, in prostration, I untangled all the amazing stories that adorned my days. I strung together all my hopes for my resilience in facing every problem, as well as when these bitter and sweet surprises challenged me at every opportunity. Allah is indeed the Most Kind, embracing me in His warm embrace, watering my parched soul with drops of His love. In awe, my fingers began to trace the surface of the divine verses; in emotion, my lips began to utter sacred words. Hoping that after this, my steps would be on the right path, settling into a light that would always shine brightly. "Subhanallah! I'm so happy to hear that Nirina can recite the Quran! Plus, she can operate a computer! Subhanallah! This is amazing news, Nir!" Alin held my hand, amazed by what I had just told her. "No wonder Nirina rarely comes to the boarding house; it turns out you've been busy studying, huh?" I just smiled at her words. "Thank you, Alin! If it weren't for you, who became the path for this spirit to come, perhaps I wouldn't be able to recite the Quran even now." "Ah, this is also because you always have a strong intention, so Allah grants ease. Please send my regards to Nensi and those computer instructors, okay? I'm very proud of Nirina's friends." "God willing, I will convey it, Alin!" Then we got involved in a conversation about my experiences, which had been going on for almost a month. *** "We congratulate all of you who have successfully mastered computer programs, which you achieved by continuously striving through this long training. May what you have gained be beneficial for positive things in our daily lives. Thank you for your cooperation throughout this time, thank you for consistently coming to practice, and we apologize for any shortcomings that many of you may have experienced." So went the final address from Dimas, as a representative of all the instructors, on that touching afternoon in the classroom. Nensi, the other participants, and I also felt sadness at the farewell. There were many touching words of thanks from the participants to these great people, who had shared their knowledge, certainly for the advancement of the visually impaired in this country. "Nirina? Don't give up, okay! Keep learning! I'll be waiting for your writings on the Kartunet website!" Those were the words of Dimas and Riqo as we shook hands. "Yes! Definitely! I'll send my writings, but don't laugh if they're bad, okay?" "Of course not! How can we laugh at something that hasn't even been written yet?" said Iwa, whose turn it was for me to shake hands with. The closing ceremony ended with a touching sentiment. Almost all participants felt it was hard to part ways with those great people. "Nir! Be diligent in reading the Quran, okay! Keep up the spirit for the hijab campaign with Mom!" I hugged Nensi tightly as we waited for our ride at the gate. Unconsciously, tears flowed down my face, as if I felt this was the last time I would be with my friend. "But I'm sure, soon you'll be able to wear a hijab." "Later, when I wear a hijab, the first person I'll meet, besides Alin, will be you, Nens!" "Yes! I'll definitely be the happiest person, and for your first hijab, you must wear this! Happy birthday, okay!" Smiling, Nensi handed me a pin. The pin was heart-shaped, she said it was sky blue, her favorite color. "This pin is your favorite, you know! Why are you giving it to me?" I was touched because Nensi always wore this pin on her hijab. This time, she had to take it off and give it to me as a birthday gift. When my parents arrived, I immediately got into the car. Before the car drove off, we shook hands again. For some reason, I always wanted to hold Nensi's hand, even after Dad had started the engine. "Where do you want to keep the Quran, Nir?" Dad came into the room carrying a box of Braille Qurans. The Quran was from Nensi, who for some reason really wanted to give it to me. "Read it, okay! Don't just display it in the closet!" That's what she said when Dad loaded the Quran into the car. I was just touched and promised her. "Here, Dad! Near the bed!" Then I walked towards a closet in the corner of the room. Suddenly, my body bumped into a table. "What table is this?" My hand then felt the table, and my heart almost stopped from the surprise. "Mom! Whose new computer is this?" I shouted to Mom, who was already standing at the bedroom door. "Whose computer? How would Mom know?" "It's probably someone else's computer!" Dad exclaimed, who was tidying up the Quran in the closet. "But why is it in my room?" I asked again, my heart pounding. "If it's in your room, then it's yours!" Mom and Dad exclaimed in unison this time. I immediately hugged Dad, thanking that great man. "Wait a minute! There seems to be another strange object on the pillow!" Mom said, still calmly standing behind Dad. My hand then instinctively touched the pillow. What Mom said was true. On the pillow was a plastic package, the contents of which I immediately took out. "Look, Dad! Doesn't Nirina look beautiful with the blue hijab?" This time, it was Mom I hugged tightly. I buried my head, now covered by the hijab, in her chest. "Thank you for the birthday gift, thank you, Mom? Thank you, Dad?" Unconsciously, tears began to flood my face, accompanied by Mom's gentle strokes, I cried emotionally. *TO BE CONTINUED*