So on 11th February, E and I finally met up after nearly 3 weeks of not doing so due to our busy preparations for the engagement. As usual, I would go to E's house after work (as his house is very near to my workplace) to do my Maghrib prayers before going out after that.
I was just settling down with a cup of syrup drink and keropok when E's father called E to sit down with me and to listen to him for awhile.
E's father started by congratulating us for smooth delivery of the engagement ceremony (Alhamdulillah! =D) but then he reminded us that being engaged is not the key to freedom - as in, it does not mean that now we are engaged, me and E can go out as we please, to do things that are against the teachings of Islam, ie engage in intimacy of any kind and to spend unneccessarily.
He reminded us again that an engagement is the period where a couple will face alot of challenges. Things that were never an issue between a couple could blow up into huge proportions thus affecting the relationship. He advised that the best thing to do whenever facing any problems is to sit down and talk. Lay out the problem, make sure both parties understand the situation and discuss possible solutions. He also reminded that whatever problems we have, it is okay to actually approach him or E's mother for advice.
He advised again that the period of two years will just fly if we do not make full use of the time we have now to prepare for our marriage. With that being said, one can never be fully prepared for marriage, but we still need to put in effort. He advised us to save more, do not spend unnecessarily, meet up only when needed, go for more classes on how to prepare ourselves for marriage (not just Kursus Perkahwinan ok. Because preparing for a marriage cannot be summarised in a class that lasts for two days..) and to upgrade ourselves, if we are able to, to go further at work.
I find that all the advice given is apt and much-needed for any BTBs or couples 'cos sometimes, we just forget about all the little things that matter when preparing for a wedding and will only regret later in life.
However, one thing mentioned by E's parents that really struck a chord within me was that they wish to see us last until Jannah, insha Allah! :'))
To hear from my future parents-in-law on their prayers for us, gave me some relief and hope that no matter what happens after this, I know that at least I still have the support of our families, insha Allah ameen.
One thing is for sure, for the next two years, may Allah s.w.t grant me patience to undergo the coming challenges, ameen!
