The Love I Never Expected, But Always Needed: It's True Love

Who would have thought that I would find my true love this quickly? It feels like just yesterday I wrote about how humans fall in love in three phases — and somehow, I’ve already reached the final one: true love. I still don’t know how to express it perfectly, but my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Allah has written this story for me in such a beautiful, unexpected way.

What amazes me most is that my true love came from someone I’ve known since 2021. For years we never even met in person — not until he finally came to Palembang for the first time in June 2024. I even wrote about that moment in my story “One Fine Day”, our very first meeting in real life. I also wrote about how he proposed in “A Long-Distance Love, Written by Allah.”

And now, here I am writing the next chapter: the journey leading up to our wedding day. So, enjoy the story.

At first, everything felt sudden. We originally planned to get married in April 2026, but when we tried choosing a suitable date, nothing matched because of the differences in our school academic calendars. Then, in what started as a joking conversation, he suggested, “How about early October? We have the same one-week holiday, so we won’t need to take leave. But of course, the consequence is LDM.”

I didn’t know how to reply. My mind was chaotic.

“Should I really marry this soon? Will his family accept me? How will LDM work? How do I ask my dad to be my wali?”

But we knew every decision must involve Allah. After performing Istikharah, I felt peace. Bismillah, I wanted to proceed — to avoid sin and to build a halal, blessed relationship. I asked my mom first, then my whole family, and Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly.

He reassured me, “Bismillah, we will face it together.”

And that was when our journey truly began.

We finally confirmed our decision in August 2025 and immediately started planning the wedding. We discussed everything — the date, the mahar, the concept, and all the details. And then we agreed that 7 October 2025 would be the best date, since he and his family would arrive in Palembang on 4 October 2025.

Fortunately, my family and our close friends, Diva and Naqi, were incredibly excited. Everyone supported us wholeheartedly and helped with the preparations while he and I continued teaching until the school holiday began.

Even though everything was prepared in a rush, we still planned a simple wedding, without worrying about other people’s opinions. The mahar was also adjusted according to what he was able to provide at that time.

But planning a wedding in less than two months came with many challenges. We faced different tests — drama with my father, almost getting into accidents several times while riding ojek, budgeting for the preparations, and many other little storms. "Only Allah is the best of helpers". Every day, prayers were whispered, asking Allah to ease every step and smooth every obstacle.

Then came the day of our third meeting in person.

Sultan Mahmud Badarudin II Airport.

I waited for him from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. because of repeated flight delays. It felt like a whole movie full of drama. But when he finally arrived, everything felt worth it. That night, I also met his parents for the first time. I was extremely nervous — speechless, overwhelmed, and still unable to believe that I would be getting married soon.

With a slightly awkward conversation on the way, we finally reached my house around midnight. We had a simple dinner and took a short rest, because the next day was my neighbor’s wedding day.

And just like that, the countdown to our own wedding truly began — written by Allah, strengthened by patience, and wrapped in love.

And then, the long-awaited day finally arrived — the day when “He and I” would officially become “We”. It was 7 October 2025, a date that will forever stay in my heart. Only a few more hours left before everything changed. And finally, with one breath and a steady voice, Khairu Agus Wijaya recited his ijab kabul, and Nur Zahwa was officially his wife. Just like that, with Allah’s blessing, we entered a new chapter of life as husband and wife.

There are countless words of gratitude that can never fully represent how thankful I am. Alhamdulillah, thank You, Ya Allah, for every help, every mercy, and every ease You granted us throughout this journey. Thank You for allowing us to complete half of our deen through marriage.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to my two beloved friends, Diva and Naqi, who came so early in the morning, arranged the live streaming, captured our special moments, helped with the flow of the event, and still returned home with big smiles. Truly, thank you so much.

My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my family — especially my mom, who became my personal wedding organizer, preparing everything from scratch to the very last detail. To my sister Janah, who helped design the family outfits and documented so many memories. To all my uncles and aunts who worked tirelessly as part of the core committee, helping with every aspect of the preparation. To my father, who was willing to be my wali and entrust his daughter to the man I chose. And to all colleagues, neighbors, friends, and everyone who attended and supported our wedding — thank you.

A special gratitude also goes to his parents — Ayah and Ibu — thank you for raising Khairu Agus Wijaya so well, for shaping him into the man he is today, and for allowing him to be my husband. You truly raised him with love, faith, and kindness.

And finally, the most meaningful gratitude of all: to my husband, Khairu Agus Wijaya. Thank you for every sacrifice — your time, your energy, your effort, your prayers, and everything you have given throughout this journey. I will never regret choosing you to accompany me for the rest of my life. May we remain together, not just in this world, but also in His Jannah.

InsyaAllah, until forever.