Nynkelands Travelers in Sahara Desert

INTRODUCTION (PART 1)

When Nynkelands was about to sign a business treaty with the traders of North African states, a delegation was sent to Tunisia to sign the business treaty as both the countries were having friendly ties. The delegation was supervised by the two gentlemen of Nynkelands namely Alvaro and Nabeel.

Alvaro was a multilingual person with a charismatic personality who was intelligent, friendly and above all, his biggest positive point was that he was always in a good mood which is a big requirement in a long journey, as many travelers lose their temper, and face unexpected strangers during the journey. In those cases, a man like him is always needed to control any kind of unexpected situation.

While Nabeel had already represented Nynkelands in many parts of the world through his writings, publications and a few of his physical appearances during the royal meetings as the loyal Knight of the country.

There was also a Dutch medical expert Aniek with them during the journey. Aniek was an intelligent, mature, sharp observer and a wise person who talks only when it is required. Otherwise, she quietly enjoys the atmosphere through her introverted eyes.

No journey is complete without having the freshness of youngsters. Among the youth group, there were three travelers who were in their late teens namely Abu Bakr, Clem and HK. Abu Bakr was an energetic guy from Nigerian background, who was an exceptional painter, adventurous and a hilarious guy. On the other hand, a French girl Cleo was an excellent cook and a passionate piano player. She always wanted to explore the world and now she got an opportunity to join the team as a cooking expert and she also plays the piano during the cold evenings of the journey.

While HK was a teenager from South Asian (Punjabi) background who was learning medical expertise from Aniek. It was the first journey of HK as a medical assistant. So, it was a great moment for her too. She was also a singer with a long range and high vocal skills. Her voice combination with the piano play of Cleo makes the perfect combination altogether. 

Part 2

Journey was going smoothly and all the travelers were enjoying the meal cooked by Cleo.  Later, Cleo decided to play her piano. Her expert rhythmic piano playing followed by the beautiful singing of HK, created a mesmerized view. Aniek also joined them by clapping according to the rhythmic music played by Cleo. Alvaro started the lively dance and Nabeel joined him in dancing. Everyone was smiling, laughing and having a fun time. Abu Bakr wanted to capture the entire view through his sketches. He couldn’t find his sketch book. So, he tore a few pages from the book lying there. And started doing his expert sketching to capture the view.

Suddenly, heavy clouds arrived and the weather changed completely within minutes and rain started heavily and continued for hours and hours. They faced countless ups and downs and finally the weather came under control.

Alvaro said, I have a doubt, are we going correctly? Nabeel replied, we couldn’t see the stars or moon to see the direction as it is still cloudy. Let’s check our direction book. Alvaro, picked the book and replied strangely. Hey man, direction pages are missing from the book. Nabeel looked at the book and came in shock. Who tore those pages. It must be our funny guy Abu Bakr. Maybe he tore them for making his sketches. We may find some clues even if we are able to read the map from those torn pages.

Nabeel and Alvaro asked him. Abu Bakr replied, “Yes, I took a few pages to capture that mesmerizing moment for all of us. I did it in good faith. I did not check which book it was. Later, there was heavy rain. The pages got wet. I hope you can find something from those wet pages which I kept in my pocket.” Alvaro after checking them looked into the eyes of Nabeel silently for a second. Then Alvaro said “We are gone dude. We have to find another way.” Nabeel said, “We are about to have dawn in a few minutes. After that we can apply our substitute plan by knowing the direction of the sun and the winds.”

At dawn, they all could see the lighthouse. Nabeel said, “Maybe we have landed somewhere else. How is it possible that we reached Tunisia so earlier than the expected time?” Abu Bakr nodded, maybe we have discovered a new country. And you guys have to thank me for discovering this new country.” Alvaro said, “I fear we have reached some part of the Sahara Desert. Nabeel said, “we don’t have any choice. Let’s go there and we have to believe our fate.” Alvaro said, “I will try my best to communicate with the strangers from the Sahara Desert and get some way out.”

All the travelers went to the inn near the seashore. They were welcomed by the locals and served them a nice roasted lamb with rice and local dish couscous with khubza (local big bread).

Later, they enjoyed local tea with dates as dessert. Alvaro, enquired about the place and got the answer that it is Sahara Desert. Nabeel and Alvaro both looked at each other for a while but did not show their expressions to other fellows and let them enjoy the meal.

In the meanwhile, they were surrounded by the local security horse riders. One tall man arrived and said, “Who are you guys and what are you doing in our land?

Alvaro, replied, “We are travelers from Nynkelands and we wanted to reach Tunis, due to last night’s storm and bad weather we accidentally arrived here.”

The tall man said, “We are not sure whether you guys are travelers or burglars or spies of any country. We have to take you guys and present you all in front of our Queen Highness. The Queen of Sahara Desert. She will decide your fate.

Alvaro replied, “Sure, we are ready to go. May I know your good name gentleman??”

The tall man replied, “You can call me Ebrahim. I am the head of the horse riders here.”

Cleo cried “I’m not going anywhere without my piano. “

Alvaro requested the guards to allow them to take their luggage with them along with the piano. Which was allowed by Ebrahim.

Cleo and HK got scared on the way. But Aniek calmed them both by saying that it looks like a part of local investigation. Once we will be presented in front of their Queen. We just have to…. ….. (Aniek gave a pause in her conversation as she observed a strange old woman, who was wearing completely black dress and her face was also covered, only her big eyes were staring at the travelers and her overall behavior was strange and different from the rest of other locals. Aniek ignored her and continued her conversation….) We just have to present our case strongly which will be done by Nabeel and Alvaro. They both are well experienced in it. While Abu Bakr was enjoying the entire situation as a new adventure and waving his hands to the locals as he is their old fellow. Aniek gave Abu Bakr a new sketch book and asked him to draw whatever he wants, but stay silent until they meet The Sahara Queen, as the actions of Abu Bakr were making the riders curious.

On the other hand, Nabeel and Alvaro were talking to Ebrahim during the way. Nabeel appreciated the local riders’ expertise and Arabian horses. Nabeel started discussion about the varieties of horses used in different regions. Alvaro made a comparison between Arabian horses vs Spanish horses and the utility of Friesian horses in colder regions.  Local riders were impressed by their knowledge. Ebrahim also shared about their cultural arrowing sports along with horse riding. Especially for male since childhood, it is considered as part of their honour and culture.

They entered a beautiful city of Sahara which was totally different and unique for the travelers. They could sense the fragrances of flowers and perfumes even on the roads and walls of the city. They couldn’t believe their eyes, the homes in the Sahara Desert were made from mud bricks in an artistic way. The homes were purposefully made with thick walls to avoid harsh desert weather during day time along with small windows and rounded door frames reflecting their strong connection with their environmental culture. Nabeel and Alvaro were silently exploring the Sahara Desert’s architectural beauty.

On the other hand, Cleo, HK and Aniek were impressed to see the attire local women were wearing there. Long shirt clothing with sleeves, that was perfect clothing for sun protection. Followed by the head covering cloth in various eye-catching styles. While local men were wearing long loose shirt clothing with sleeves and turban for head covering. Some were covering their nose with the turban cloth to avoid sun and sand during riding. Simplicity was the most attractive part of Sahara culture.

The more they travelled the more beauty they explored. Then, after a while, the journey stopped and they saw a beautiful fortress in front of them. Ebrahim said, “Welcome to the fortress of our Queen Highness known as QUEEN KHADIJA.”           

PART 3

The travelers entered the fortress along with Ebrahim while other local servants of the fortress inside joined them during the walk. When they entered the Palace of the Queen, all the travelers were mesmerized to see the beauty of the palace. The lamps on the walls were showering the scents of different flowers which was a new thing for them.

HK said, “Wow, such a beautiful scent, I have never seen them like this inside any building ever before.” Aniek replied, “it must be a part of Sahara culture which we are exploring for the first time. you guys were asking about the scents which we observed when we entered the city, now I realized that The lamps on the walls were showering the scents of different flowers all over the city in a lighter way but this is the palace so, we can see those scents at its peak.” Clem added, “it seems that these lamps are burned with the perfumed scent oil which makes the entire area around the wall fragrant.” Abu Bakr joined the conversation and added “it seems that each passing area has a different scent of perfumes. Maybe, they use a variety of scented perfumed oils, different ones for different paths. What’s your opinion about it Mr. Alvaro and Mr. Nabeel?” They both looked at each other and smiled. Alvaro replied, “I am focusing more on the meeting with the Queen of Sahara.” Nabeel added, “I hope it goes well and we don’t get imprisoned. “

Ebrahim showed the travelers a room and asked them to be seated in a room and wait, as Queen Highness may enter the room anytime. HK whispered in Clem’s ear, “It seems that rose is the favorite flower of the Queen as the room lamps have Rose Scents all over.” Clem smiled. Aniek asked them to stay quiet and stop whispering.

All of a sudden, the Queen entered the room with her two security guards and everyone in the room stood up in her honour.

(Queen of Sahara was a tall and slim woman, having long dark brown curly wavy hair, wearing a long cotton dress, which suited exactly with the local Sahara jewelry made from the combination of different stones. Her strong tone of voice made her look like a true Queen of Sahara. Despite being a rich and powerful Queen, she was still elegant, simple, humble and down to earth which reflected her Sahara Desert Culture.)

 The Queen asked straight away, “Who are you guys and what are you doing on our soil?”

Alvaro came forward and replied,” Queen highness, we are the travelers from Nynkelands, we were sent to Tunisia for signing the business treaty between the two countries but unfortunately we missed the way due to storms at night and unknowingly reached the Sahara Desert. With me, Aniek is our medical expert who is also supervising three teenager fellows HK, Clem and Abu Bakr while Mr. Nabeel is my fellowman who has represented Nynkelands in many of the world as a loyal Knight, apart from that, his publications as an author has played a role in generating our goodwill in other countries.”

The Queen looked at Nabeel and asked him to come forward and said, “So, you are Nabeel. I have already read a couple of your works earlier. I did not like the ending of your last story. I will interrogate it later.”

Queen further asked, “How do you manage time for your writing along with so many other state responsibilities?

Nabeel replied,” Queen highness, there is a saying that when societies are at peace, individuals prosper. Our country Nynkelands is in peace with all the neighboring countries which allows individuals to extend their skills. I try to write whenever I get some free time as it is my passion. I write whatever I observe from the lives of human beings living in different societies.”

The Queen smiled and said, “You should be a full time author, your fans would love it.”

Alvaro immediately said, “Respectfully, Queen highness, it would multiply burden on me as Nabeel is always a helping hand for me.”

Everyone in the room laughed including the Queen.

The Queen said, “Well, it is evident that you guys are genuine people and we never punish innocent citizens. I would love to meet your Queen Nynke for sure. I will send a message to your country about the presence of you all here, along with the peace treaty offer; according to which no one can harm you guys in the entire Sahara Desert and you guys will provide protection to our citizens in your country. In the meanwhile, you guys can stay here as our guests and explore our culture and enjoy the festivities here.”

“Aniek, we can share our medical technology with yours and vice versa.” The Queen ordered Ebrahim to introduce Aniek with their fortress expert, the young Amira.”

The Queen further said, “I invite you guys to dinner with me tonight. And Nabeel, we will discuss your last writing work at dinner.”

As the Queen left the room, everyone hugged each other in celebration and Abu Bakr claimed that it all happened because of him as he was the one whose carelessness brought everyone to the Sahara Desert. Everyone looked at each other and laughed. 

Part 4

At night, all the travelers happily joined the dinner table while Amira was introducing them to the Sahara administration and other officials one by one. They were introduced to the Mother Bilqees (The woman in her 60s having gray hair in salt and pepper style, who was a blood relative of the Queen, the person on whom the Queen trusted the most.)

When they were all seated, Amira brought bakhoor to welcome the guests in their honour.

(Bakhoor is a traditional way to welcome guests, showing respect and creating an inviting atmosphere. Bakhoor is a burning fragrant to perfume the environment. It is prepared by burning Aud, Musk or Amber with spices and floral essence used to generate aromatic smoky perfumed scent in the room, clothes and at the same time it repels away all the insects naturally.)

After that, the Mother Bilqees asked all the travelers to make one wish each which they would like to explore in the Sahara Desert as their National guests.

Clem: I would love to visit sandy deserts and enjoy the camel ride.

HK: I would love to explore Sahara cuisine and local arts and crafts.

Abu Bakr: I am interested in learning the Sahara art of making the perfumed lamps if Amira doesn’t mind teaching me.

(all the 5 travelers looked at Abu Bakr in a shocking way, while Amira smiles looking at Abu Bakr)

 Alvaro: I would love to join the local nomad caravan and learn how they travel using constellations along with the arrowing art sports.

Aniek: Being an introvert, I would love to stay privately inside the fortress exploring the royal culture inside the palace. Apart from that, I may go out once in a while with our teenage travelers to give them company.

Nabeel: I would love to read the local books of literature from Sahara Desert.

Queen Khadija entered the room and everyone stood up in her honor.

The Queen said, “I have good news for you all. Our message has already reached Nynkelands. Your family knows that you guys are in safe hands. We received a reply from Queen Nynke.”

Queen Khadija asked Amira to read the letter of Queen Nynke for everyone.

Royal Seal of Nynkelands 

To Her Majesty, The Queen of the Sahara Desert,

Your Majesty,

First, allow me to express my deepest gratitude for the kindness you and your people extended to my six terribly lost (and, I suspect, perpetually hungry) travelers. They must be full of stories, memes and sand in their shoes!

On behalf of the Nynkelands, I am most delighted to extend to you an official invitation to visit our kingdom. Consider this not just a formality, but a chance for us to turn our newly blossomed friendship into something even greater, a treaty of business and culture.  

We await you with open arms, ceremonial fanfare and enough cake to make even the richest of rich jealous. 

With warmth and sparkles,

Her Majesty, The Queen of Nynkelands 

Mother Bilqees added, Let’s enjoy the meal. I hope it will be a nice experiment for you guys exploring our local cuisine.  (Guests were served couscous, roasted lamb with rice, bar b Que with bread)

Alvaro: Toast to the friendship between the two countries.

(Everyone toasted and started eating the meal).

The Queen asked Nabeel to give an explanation about the ending of his last writing.

“The Journeys of human beings which are buried in the sands of deserts

the journeys of darkness and betrayal that are burdening the heart of desert

the journeys of broken hearts on which the sky is having the clouds of sadness

the journeys of tragedy for decades on which sky cries in the form of rainfall

the journeys of injured souls for centuries on which the sky loses control in the form of cloud bursts.”

The Queen further asked, “Were you trying to say that people are not safe in the deserts of Sahara. Was it a taunt on our system of Sahara??”

Nabeel replied, “Queen Highness, it was generally about the life journeys of common men who get lost in the middle of the journey and their goals and dreams remain incomplete and they die quietly; their struggle and entire journey, gets buried in the barren lands and deserts generally. It was not particularly related to the Sahara Desert at all. If my words have upset, you. I deeply apologize and I would be careful about the selection of words in future.”

The Queen replied, “Well, you don’t need to change. Your writing style is natural which I adore as a reader. But for making me upset, I will surely make you pay somehow. As you said that your wish is to read the Sahara Literature. You will read all the literature books inside the Fortress library under the supervision of the Mother BIlqees from tomorrow. Later, you will give me your review about that.”

Nabeel, “Yes, Queen Highness.”

(Everyone laughs while looking at Nabeel)

Alvaro added,” Nabeel, my dear fellow, I will miss you in Nomad Caravan exploration. Anyways, good luck reading the whole library.”

(All the guests were served the local tea named Karkade tea, Mother BIlqees told the guests that this tea is brought all the way from home town of Ebrahim in Sudan. This reddish color delicious exclusive tea refreshed everyone).

Part 5

The next day, all the 6 travelers went to explore their wishes and decided to share their experiences after a week with everyone.

On the first day, Alvaro joined the team of Ebrahim. It was one of the best opportunities for Alvaro to ride the Arabian horses on the deserts of Sahara along with experience of learning the art of horse riding with arrowing sports with the locals in the Sahara style.

Spending the nights while exploring the art of making the maps by reading the position of stars, understanding the movement of clouds and calculating the pressure of winds.

Alvaro made these days memorable by enjoying a new thing daily.

sometimes, wearing cowboy hat and riding horses in Mexican Style,

Sometimes, wearing long loose shirts like locals and dancing on Arabic Sahara Music and sometimes, enjoying the sword dance with locals at nights)

In short, Alvaro won the hearts of all the locals around him due to his charming personality and good friendly behavior. Many girls tried to flirt with him but he never fell for anyone.

On the other hand, Alvaro’s best friend Nabeel was still locked inside the library, exhausted after reading dozens of books. Poor fellow was still paying the price of his over smartness as an author. Mother Bilqees entered the room with a servant who brought tea and refreshments for Nabeel.

Mother Bilqees asked Nabeel to take a break from reading. And have some tea. She Herself accompanied Nabeel during the small tea party inside the library.

Nabeel: “I don’t know what my fate will be, what will happen, if I won’t be able to read the whole library within the limited allotted time.  I don’t even know the punishment of not fulfilling the orders of the Queen in Sahara World. Will I be imprisoned or executed or any other penalty?”

(Mother Bilqees while pouring the tea in Nabeel’s cup, looked at him with a smiling face)

Mother Bilqees replied, “My dear son, this means you did not understand the nature of our Queen Khadija. How can a person give pain to others who has faced a lot of pain herself? She is strict and reserved apparently but she has a kind heart. She won’t punish you at all. You can enjoy all the luxuries inside here. It is just that you cannot go and connect with the outside world. That’s it.

 Actually, she is just testing your reading skills and she wants you to know more about the literature of the Sahara Desert. So you can represent the Sahara World in a much better way in your future writings. Above all, you are our guest from Nynkelands. How can we mistreat you? “

(Nabeel got relieved by her words)

Nabeel: “What pain queen Khadija has faced in her life?”

Mother Bilqees: “The tragedy of our land is that we never faced any pain from the outsiders but the black sheep in our society always brings misfortune for us. When someone within us hurts our feelings; It multiplies the pain even more. She lost her parents in her childhood as they were killed by her own blood relatives and I am the one who brought her up like a mother; that’s why I’m the one whom she trusts the most. “

Nabeel: “The biggest tragedy for the kings and the queens worldwide is that everyone wants to be near them to get more power, to get more benefits but actually no one is the true friend of them. It’s rare to find some sincere friends for the rulers of the country. Queen Khadija is lucky to have you with her. I lost my mother in my childhood, but I was not lucky enough to have someone caring guardian like you in my life”

Mother Bilqees: “Let me show you some of the best books from our library. You would love them. If you get tired, I will read some books for you.”

(on the seventh night, Mother Bilqees released him by informing that you were never a prisoner. Queen Khadija already asked me to make you free on the seventh day. Nabeel took mother’s blessings and went outside.)

On the seventh night, all the travelers returned on time except Abu Bakr. It created panic everywhere. Immediately, Ebrahim gets activated and sends his soldiers all over to find him. While he started investigating everyone inside the fortress to find out any clue about Abu Bakr.

Ebrahim asked all the travelers one by one if they had observed anything suspicious during their stay here.

Ebrahim to Nabeel: Did you observe anything unusual?

Nabeel: No, Sir, I didn’t observe anything unusual as I was inside the fortress all the time. Most of the time, I spent my entire time inside the library with Mother Bilqees reading the books which the Queen ordered me to read.

Ebrahim to Alvaro: Did you observe anything unusual?

Alvaro: No, nothing as I was in the security of your soldiers all the time.

Ebrahim asked Clem if she observed anything unusual.

Clem replied that when she went to explore the sands of the Sahara Desert through the camel ride with Amira. Overall, it was a nice trip but once in the middle of the desert, she was interrupted by an old lady wearing black dress who offered her to choose between the two precious stones. She claimed that one would bring fortune for a decade while others may bring misfortune for a decade. She persuaded me to select any one and try my luck. I was about to accept her offer as an adventure. But at the eleventh hour, Amira stopped as it might be a trap by someone local and we have to be careful with strangers.

Ebrahim continued with Aniek and HK. If they had seen something unusual.

Hk replied,” For the first 6 days I went alone with the local fortress girls. Earlier, we explored different kinds of Sahara arts and crafts along with local cuisine. Later, when I wanted to explore the Sahara Heena. As heena/mehendi is also part of South Asian culture. So, I just wanted to explore heena on my hand and to observe what is the main difference between heena of both cultures. It’s more or less same but just the difference in color and designs. Here, the color of Henna comes much darker as compared to ours. While the local expert was applying henna on my hands, an old woman in black dress had her face covered with a head covering appeared and she said in my ears in a whispering manner, “Be careful my guest. Among the six travelers only five will return back. I hope you are not that unlucky one who will never be able to return home.”

Hk continued, “It made me so scared I returned immediately and the next day, I decided not to go alone without Aniek.”

Ebrahim asked Aniek what she observed?

Aniek replied, “This morning, for the first time I went outside the fortress to the nearby market with HK, as she was too bored and scared and she needed my company. We did a little bit of shopping there. Later, we enjoyed local cuisine together. When we returned to the fortress, I observed that in my first aid box, one of the medicine bottles was filled with a poison. But as a medical expert, I sensed and discarded it immediately.

HK further added that this incident may have happened either the time when they were having a meal or after the meal, when Aniek was exploring the arts and crafts shop. And I was having tea and her first aid box was with me. I was not that much vigilant at that time. I am sure, it was the best time when someone kept the poison purposefully in such a delicate manner that we couldn’t observe.

Ebrahim: Aniek, did you inform anyone here about that poison incident? What kind of poison was it?

Aniek: Yes, I did. It was poison of a scorpion on the medicine which we apply on the wounds of any injured patient.  When I informed a local maid. She was shocked to see that. She went outside quickly. Since then I haven’t seen her either.  

Ebrahim realized that it must be the conspiracy by Zamoraada. Ebrahim ordered his men to go immediately and make sure that Zamoraada doesn’t find a place to escape.

When Ebrahim left, Queen Khadija entered and everyone stood up in her honor.

Queen Khadija says,” It looks like a conspiracy as someone doesn’t want a friendship between the two countries. After receiving the letter of friendship from Nynkelands, we would be in an awkward position if something happens to Abu Bakr. It’s more than a nightmare. And the consequences would be really bad.”

Nabeel replied,”Queen Highness, we know that it is a conspiracy against you to devalue your honour but I guarantee you that we completely trust your security and whatever will be the outcome of this situation it will not affect the relationship between the two countries. If our citizens get hurt by anyone, our countrymen will work together with your countrymen to find the real culprit.”

Alvaro added: “Queen Highness, I agree with Nabeel completely. Moreover, if you need my fighting skills to find out the real culprit. I am always there for you.”

Queen Khadija said,”Thanks for your all kind gestures. Let’s hope that we get good news soon by Ebrahim. As Abu Bakr and Amira return safe and sound. amin”

Everyone says “amin”.

Part 6

Ebrahim and his men returned back with severely injured and unconscious Abu Bakr and Amira.

While Zamoraada and her men were arrested alive. Abu Bakr and Amira were treated immediately. All the local medical experts along with Aniek took part in it. Abu Bakr was apparently more injured and had multiple bruises but he survived while Amira couldn’t survive as scorpion poison spread all over her body. It all happened because of the poisoned bandages which were kept on her wounds.

(Abu Bakr gain conscious and makes his entire confession in front of Nabeel and Alvaro)

Abu Bakr’s confession:

During the day, Amira was always busy with Clem to show around the desert along with camel rides. It was only the evening when the sun was setting and Amira came to teach the art of making the perfumed lamps. Her arrival was always so beautiful. When you are in between countless scents of perfumes, roses and lamp lights and your ideal woman like Amira.  

How is it possible that a man doesn’t fall in love with a girl?

Her charismatic personality inspired me a lot.

Her voice is so attractive, as I wanted to listen to her lessons forever.

Her smile is so beautiful that I can stay here in these deserts forever.

In her presence, I forget everything around me. I even forget myself if you don’t call it exaggeration. But you both can understand how the man’s first love is.

Days were passing so quickly. Therefore, I decided to propose to Amira before it was too late. I decided to make some perfumed lamps by arranging the flowers myself to surprise Amira. At that time, a local old lady, Zamoraada, observed my passion and excitement for proposing to Amira. So, she decided to help me. She told me that she would help me to bring the flowers from all 8 corners of the Sahara Desert. This would make my proposal a romantic one. I was even ready to explore flowers from seven continents for my love. This was only the desert. I trusted her. we brought

Mallow flowers from Mauritania,

Jericho Rose flowers from Niger,

Gerbera Daisy flowers from Chad,

Hibiscus flowers from Sudan,

Blue lotus flowers from Egypt,

Desert rose flowers from Libya,

Iris flowers from Algeria,

And Jasmine flowers from Mali.

I made 8 varieties of perfumed lamps with them. Each lamp represents the scent of one region and all together makes the fragrance of love.

Zamoraada helped me with the rest of the other arrangements. She also arranged local musicians for the night of proposal. I invited Amira on the sixth night. When she arrived, my heart was beating so loud.  I asked her to close her eyes. When she reached the location. I sat on my one knee with a ring in my hand and I proposed to her. While musicians were playing romantic music. She was surprised to see that all. She did not say anything. Her just single smile made me the luckiest man on this planet. This was evident that she loved the surprise.  We both were having a romantic dinner together under the scented lamp lights. During the dinner, music suddenly stopped and those musicians turned into monsters and took out their weapons. I was totally shocked. Old lady Zamoraada said, “I have done a lot for you. Now, it’s time that you should do something for me”. She showed her real colors. She was not sincere with neither me nor Amira. She kidnapped both of us. She wanted to bargain my life with Queen Khadija while used Amira to torture me. She asked me to reveal all the secret policies of Nynkelands, otherwise She would harm my beloved Amira. When she stabbed the knife on the back of Amira I couldn’t control myself.  I tried to save Amira but she attacked my legs with a knife. Amira was bleeding a lot. I begged Zamoraada to give some remedy to Amira because I couldn’t see her in pain. She asked me to give her some secret information about Nynkelands. I told her Nabeel and Alvaro are official representatives of our country but Aniek is always shown as a nurse but actually Aniek is our secret agent who silently observes everything. She directly reports to Queen Nynke. After listening to that all. Zamoraada put a bandage on Amira’s wound and gave her some pain relieving medicine. After that, my beloved Amira became unconscious. Then, Zamoraada was about to put a bandage on my wound too but the soldiers of Ebrahim entered the location. Zamoraada realized her game was over so she took out her knife and attacked me twice or thrice on my arm, thighs and before she could do more. Ebrahim holds her from her hair. And threw her head on the wall with so much power that her forehead started bleeding.

After that I became unconscious. Now, I have become conscious. I am sure Amira must be fine as she is in the safe hands of Aniek. But tell Amira that I will marry her before we leave for Nynkelands.

Nabeel and Alvaro looked at each other with sad eyes;  who will tell Abu Bakr that Amira is not alive anymore.  Finally, Alvaro informs Abu Bakr that Amira’s soul has departed this world. Abu Bakr cried “My first love remained incomplete.”. Nabeel, Abu Bakr and Alvaro all three hugged each other. Abu Bakr’s painful screaming with tears made everyone sad even outside the room. 

Part 7

After the Amira’s funeral and the end of mourning days, Zamoraada and her entire gang was presented in front of Sahara Shura Council (court), for the charges of

kidnaping the royal guest Abu Bakr,

killing innocent Amira,

putting poisoned bandage on the wounds of Amira purposefully,

attempt of murder on Abu Bakr,

intrusion in medicine box of royal guest Aniek which could have killed countless patients,

deliberate conspiracies to harm the country’s honour.

Zamoraada and her entire gang were given death sentences with immediate effects.

It is the final night at the Sahara Desert for all the travelers. There is a farewell party arranged by Queen Khadija. Local musicians of the Sahara Desert played their own music by playing العود Alouod, Rabbabh, ardin, tidinit, Zokra, Flute, while Clem joined them playing her piano as a solo performance followed by the nice strong vocals singing of HK.

Everybody is smiling and returning back to life. But Abu Bakr Abu Bakr lost his innocence and hilarious activities and all of a sudden he became silent, mature and intellectual. As this pain has shaken his soul. Abu Bakr’s childish nuisance and teenage laughs are lost forever in the sands of the Sahara Desert. Abu Bakr always keeps the marriage proposal ring of Amira with him as her last memory which she wore only for one night before her murder. In this way, the poetry of Nabeel for which he was earlier punished by the Queen came true. 

“The Journeys of human beings which are buried in the sands of desert

the journeys of darkness and betrayal that are burdening the heart of desert

the journeys of broken hearts on which the sky is having the clouds of sadness in desert

the journeys of tragedy for decades on which sky cries in the form of rainfall in desert

the journeys of injured souls for centuries on which the sky loses control in the form of cloud bursts in the desert.”

The Queen is affected by this entire incident and silently admires Nabeel but never expresses her feelings directly due to hesitation. But Nabeel could sense the love through the eyes of the Queen for him but her words always contradict. Due to this situation, Nabeel is struck with a lot of confusion and conflicting thoughts and sees the Queen’s hesitation towards him and does not know the Queen’s actual feelings towards him. He doesn’t want to do something silly that would create a new controversy at the eleventh hour as both countries are near of announcing the friendly ties officially.

Therefore, Nabeel straightaway showed his entire feelings to Mother Bilqees and sent his proposal for Queen Khadija. He gave the seeds of a unique plant from Nynkelands for Queen Khadija as a personal gift from Nabeel. (Nabeel wanted to see the fragrance of Nynkelands flowers in the deserts of Sahara which would make Queen Khatija feel the presence of Nabeel even in his absence) If she plants the seeds in her personal Garden before Nabeel’s departure, it will be a sign that Queen agrees for the proposal.   

Nabeel kept waiting and kept looking but the Queen did not plant the seeds. So, Nabeel returns silently thinking that the Queen doesn’t love Nabeel and the ship returns towards Nynkelands. Later, Queen Khadija planted the seeds in her garden as she was deeply in love with Nabeel.

(the ship is returning back towards Nynkelands and all the travels earned something from this journey)

One more experience is added to the long list of experiences in Álvaro’s life. This time Álvaro returns back as a more skilled man as he learned the art of reading the geographical maps through calculating the positions of stars in the sky and arrowing sports while horse riding along with several other cultural aspects of the Sahara world. Alvaro also receives an Arabian horse as a gift from Ebrahim as a sign of unbreakable friendship.

For Aniek, Saving the life of Abu Bakr and losing the life of Amira in front of eyes makes her mentally stronger. Now, she has Sahara medical expertise along with Sahara herbs and local Sahara techniques. These techniques can be used as medicines to cure countless patients. This makes her an even more versatile medical expert. While returning she also receives countless gifts from the Queen of Sahara including Sahara dresses along with bakhoor which will remain with her as a life time memory.

Hk and Clem get their first international life journey experience where they made a new best friend Amira and lost her in the same journey. Visiting the Sahara world gives them the experience to explore the part of the world which taught them a lot of life lessons. Clem and Hk learn the Sahara music techniques and a lot more. Local Sahara girls gifted Clem Sahara musical instruments while HK received the book of Sahara Desert poetry which she can sing later in her voice to make new songs. Apart from that, a camel for Clem while Sahara henna ingredients and techniques for HK were unexpected gifts for them.

In the end, it can be concluded

“This is called life where nothing is predictable.

Life is like an unexpected sea and we all have to dive into it deeply to discover ourselves.”

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