HIKAYOYIN ALAJABI Book 1

Description

In ancient times, in the grand city of Hindu, King Ram ruled with unparalleled wealth, numerous wives, vast lands, and immense power. He lacked for nothing, yet lived in constant fear of death, a paranoia unmatched by any ruler, as noted by scholars. His palace was guarded by a million human soldiers and two million jinn, with twenty-three physicians ensuring his health. Every morsel he consumed and every journey he undertook—never exceeding half an hour—was meticulously overseen by his trusted sorcerer to shield him from harm. Ram trusted no one, not even his wives or children, requiring his sorcerer’s presence even during intimate moments to guard against betrayal.

One day, a mysterious ailment struck Ram, baffling his sorcerer and physicians. He would suddenly lose control, draw his sword, and attack his servants and guards as if possessed. Restrained with difficulty, he was given medicine to calm him, but the madness returned every half hour. His wives and family were barred from his presence, leaving him in distress, unable to be with his consorts. After intense investigation, the sorcerer concluded that only a young, beautiful maiden skilled in telling wondrous tales could cure Ram’s madness by staying by his side each night.

A proclamation was issued, seeking such a maiden, though the task was perilous—failure to satisfy the king with her stories would mean death. After three months, Nasmirat, a poor but strikingly beautiful girl, volunteered. Living in poverty with her blind father, Marhat, she survived by begging and guiding him through the market. Despite their hardship, sleeping under market sheds, Nasmirat was determined. Marhat, devastated, feared her death, but Nasmirat reassured him, promising her tales would heal the king and secure them a grand house, ending their days of begging. Though skeptical and heartbroken, Marhat reluctantly agreed, urging her to be cautious.

As they rested in the market, ten royal guards and a maid arrived, startling them. The maid announced that Nasmirat’s marriage to the king would occur the next day, and they were to be taken to a new house gifted by the king. Overwhelmed with joy, Nasmirat embraced the opportunity, while Marhat’s anxiety deepened. They were whisked away in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by guards as if they were royalty, toward their new home and Nasmirat’s dangerous destiny

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