Chapter 28: The Thirst of the Desert – The Stone and the First Glimpse
In the previous chapter, you read that Ali and Junaid, after learning about all the dangers of the desert from the mysterious old man, set out towards the desert, while Sheikh Hamza and the old man head back toward Junagadh. The next stop in their journey was a desert that held not just sand but secrets too.
Ali and Junaid were heading towards Rajasthan, but they had no idea what dangers awaited them ahead.
After walking a little further, the desert came into view.
From a distance, the desert looked as if it was calling out to Ali and Junaid itself.
Ali (smiling): "Another difficult path lies ahead of us, Junaid. Maybe the most difficult one!"
Junaid (in a worried tone): "From a distance, this desert doesn't seem too dangerous."
Ali (softly): "Dangers are always like sand, Junaid… they seem golden from afar but become irritants in your eyes when you get close."
Junaid: "Maybe you're right."
Ali: "We're almost there. Come on, let's get closer and see how this desert looks up close."
After that, Ali and Junaid move towards the desert with quick steps.
Within a short time, they both reach the desert. It was already noon, but the temperature was so high that they started sweating heavily.
The heat from the sun was so intense it felt like it was spreading embers instead of light. All around them were thorny bushes and dried trees. As soon as they reached the edge of the desert, a gust of hot wind hit their faces. The sand swirled around their feet — as if the desert was testing them.
They kept moving forward. After a short while, they stopped. The ground around was so dry, it seemed as if not a single drop of water had fallen there in years.
Ali (looking around): "This desert isn't like any ordinary desert."
Junaid: "And look at this weather... it's already noon but the heat is so intense, my throat is parched."
Ali: "We have to move forward with patience."
(As soon as Junaid takes the next step, his foot hits a stone, and he falls.)
Ali: "Junaid! Watch your step. Are you hurt?"
Junaid: "No, I'm fine… but this stone… there's something written on it."
Ali (bending down): "Really…"
(Ali picks up the stone. It was not like any ordinary stone. It was thin and flat, with something inscribed on it.)
Ali (in surprise): "Junaid! Look at what's written on it."
(Junaid, too, reads the stone with curiosity.)
Junaid: "'Al-Amaanah: A Secret Sword'... how can there be something about Al-Amaanah written in this desert?"
Ali (seriously): "There must be a secret hidden in this desert."
Junaid: "Such a secret... perhaps even Ameer Taahir doesn't know about it."
Ali: "Maybe. But it's also possible that he left this stone here on purpose — to mislead us."
Junaid: "No, that can't be!"
Ali: "Why not?"
Junaid: "Sheikh Hamza told me that Ameer Taahir rarely comes to this desert. He mostly uses his secret path between Junagadh and Azamgarh."
Ali: "Yes, I remember... I was there too."
Junaid: "So, what should we do with this stone now?"
Ali: "Let's take it with us. When we go to Junagadh with the map, we'll ask the old man about the mystery behind this stone."
(As Ali puts the stone into his pouch, there's a shadow of questions in both their eyes. They now proceed more cautiously.)
As they move forward, their throats begin to dry out.
(At one point, Junaid stops and sits down, exhausted.)
Junaid (restlessly): "Ali! My throat is dry... I need water, no matter what!"
Ali (wiping his sweat): "I'm thirsty too, but we don't have any water left."
Junaid: "I need water right now!"
Ali: "We'll have to go a bit further. Maybe we'll find a pond or a well."
Junaid: "Alright, but let's move quickly."
(They both hurry ahead, but there is no sign of water anywhere.)
(They stop near a high rock. Both are drenched in sweat.)
Junaid (exhausted): "Ali... I can't walk anymore... I need water."
Ali (encouragingly): "Stay strong, Junaid… I'm thirsty too, but we must keep going."
Junaid: "No, Ali… I really can't go on."
(Ali climbs the rock and looks around. He sees a pond at a short distance.)
Ali (shouting joyfully): "Water! Junaid, there's a pond just a little ahead! Now we can quench our thirst!"
Junaid (with excitement): "What? Water? Let's go, quick!"
(They both run toward the pond. Junaid, eyes closed in joy, leaps forward…
but falls down.
He ends up on his knees, the sand slipping through his hands like his hopes. His eyes start to well up — not from sweat, but helplessness.)
Junaid (in shock): "What is this...? Where did the water go? Did someone drink it? If someone did this, I won't spare them!"
Ali: "Junaid… there was never any water here… it was just a mirage."
Junaid (in anger and fatigue): "What...? A mirage?"
Ali: "Yes. Water illusions are common in the desert."
Junaid: "Sheikh Hamza told me about these mirages too…
but what do I do now… I desperately need water."
Ali (gently): "Junaid, do you remember you swore to me that I'd have the map to Al-Amaanah in three days?
I know you need water…
but we have to understand our helplessness.
Who knows — maybe we'll find real water ahead."
Junaid (with renewed energy): "You reminded me of my oath… it has given me strength again. Let's keep going."
(After that, Ali and Junaid continue their journey deeper into the desert.)
Will Ali and Junaid find water? Or will they keep wandering endlessly in the desert? The desert hadn't just tested their thirst — it had given them the first sign… that 'Al-Amaanah' was no longer just a quest, it had become a battle.
To know more, read…
Next Chapter —
Chapter 29...
To be continued...