Kahwin Kahwin

"Congratulations Brother!"

I looked up to Umran, "For what?"

Still smiling, Umran replied, "You got married recently right?"

"No, not me. It's the other guy - Ammar. If it was me I would've invited you."

And that short conversation marks the start of days discussing about marriage. Truly, love is in the air in IIUM. Three of my friends got married recently - two of them was my classmate, the other one is my colleague in club.

It's sweet to see that the couples that I knew from matriculation days got married although I didn't attend any. But then, it's also a bitter reminder of the couples which didn't make it especially when they seemed so passionate before.

Me: Do you know Qayyum and Wani got married?

Anip: Huh, I didn't even know that they have any special relationship before. Is there any event that get them together.

Me: Ha, that would be the Taaruf Week way back in 2005. You were part of it right?

Anip: Well, I don't see anything that suggests that.

Me: Well, after Taaruf Week several times I saw them meeting up wearing the same color. That's a strong indication. Furthermore, the high committee in Taaruf Week do call them Abah and Mama.

Then, meet up with Yazid - the ustaz.

Yazid: Bob (he call me that), I got married recently.

Me: Congratulations, when was that?

Yazid: The solemnation was after Eid-ul-Fitr, we are having the reception next month. Anyway, when are you getting married?

Me: Huh, I didn't even have a candidate for that.

Yazid: If you want, I can get you one.

Me: Haha, then it will be according to your criteria.

Yazid: No, you tell me what your criteria is. I can introduce you with Sis. YYYY from Econs or Sis. ZZZZ from Law. Tell me what you want.

Me: Don't know, one thing for sure I need someone who can keep up with constant travel and prepare to live out of the norm. Haha, I don't give it much thought. Anyway, I'm in love with book projects for the coming year. I'll get back to you when the time comes.

Yazid: You have a big house but live alone, while my wife and I rents a small room.

Me: Well, life isn't perfect. Each of us got different things.

Because of constant discussion about this topic, it even got into my dream!

Twenty One

Yup, I'm twenty-one years old today. Usually, I don't write about my birthday. But as my dear friend Azleen wanted to know what I feel about this particular birthday so here I am.

As usual, no elaborate celebration. In fact, I'm pretty much celebrating alone amidst the final exam season. My sisters are the first to sms me. Then in the morning my parents called me.

My father reminded me to register as a voter with SPR. He said make sure that I'm registered for either Kuantan or Keramat and not anywhere outside my qariah. Before, I tought I would miss the upcoming General Election. I'm not as apathetical towards General Election as opposed to Campus Election.

As for my mother, she asked jokingly whether I would like a car. Of course I answered yes! Not that I need to drive to class everyday but I'm pretty much fed up having to wait for my friends to pick me up when we need to go somewhere. I need to have more flexibility in my travels as well. Not essential, but nice to have.

Surprisingly, my sisters started to be fussing about the fact that I'm still single and available. That doesn't concern me much, I have several things to achieve on my own first. Furthermore, the average marriage age in my family is around 25 years old. So there's still ample time. Furthermore, it's not good to bow to peer and family pressure in this matter.

Few days before, I've completed my first novel. Although I've handed over the full manuscript to the publisher, there's still lots to do before it enters the market. I foresee an extensive editing and polishing of the story. Not to mention the illustration and graphic as well.

Ah well, that's enough for the time. If any of my friends wanted to know more, just fire up an email to me.