She shakes her head.; Not until we find Abid. Abdul Rehman kisses her forehead and says, I know what your heart is going through, but eat something. I promise I'll find him. I won't sleep until I do.
He brings food from Khawla Auntie and feeds them himself. He thinks, I've never married, but when Umm-e-Farwah called me Baba, she felt like my own daughter. After dinner, he tells them, Rest for now. I promise I'll find Abid.
Umm-e-Farwah agrees and explains to Hammad, Baba is right. We need rest. If we keep searching without sleep, we'll fall sick. They go to sleep. A day passes, but Abid is still missing. Despite that, Umm-e-Farwah has faith in Abdul Rehman's promise, and Hammad does too.
At the Royal Palace...
That day, there was a grand party at the palace. Abdul Rehman had also come there because Qasim was going to send him as well as soldiers. Qasim had recovered enough to walk. As Qasim enters the palace, Abdullah is surprised and asks, Why do you look so weak?
Qasim says, There are too many people here. Can we speak in private?; Abdullah agrees. Qasim explains, Four men attacked me and Madam Nayab that day. I was injured, but I didn't let anything happen to her. I believe those attackers are from here. I've captured three - one escaped, but I'll catch him too.
—
Abdullah replies,;I remember scarring one of them in anger. Maybe you're right. Bring those three to me. I must report this to the king.
Abdullah seems to be going out, Qasim winces in pain. My shoulder... Abdullah asks what's wrong. Qasim replies, ;I trained a boy myself. I believe he could become a great soldier.Abdullah asks, Who is he? Qasim replies, ;Abdul Rehman. He's my friend. I know him well.
Abdullah says, But he's just a horse caretaker! Qasim interrupts, He wants to prove himself. That's why he trained with me. Abdullah agrees. Fine. Give him a uniform and explain the duties.
The king called everyone
Abdullah reports everything to the king. The king announces: Someone attacked my precious
daughter Nayab. We will punish them so severely that all of Baghdad will remember it. From now on, she is to be called Princess Nayab. Whoever speaks her name without the title will lose their tongue.
He adds, Five years ago, my daughter left for Kabul to study. Now she wants to return. Last time, Abdullah's elder brother Asad accompanied her. But he's no longer alive. May Allah grant him paradise. Now, someone must risk their life and bring my daughter back. The path is filled with dangers - a desert Where you can wander. Whoever succeeds will be richly rewarded.
Everyone remains silent.
Suddenly, a masked man steps forward and says, I will do it. I will bring your daughter back safely. But I have conditions. I want some dinars in advance, the rest after. I'll choose one soldier to accompany me. And all guards with the princess must obey my command. You must issue a letter of authority.
People whisper, Who is this madman risking his life for money?
The king asks, How can we trust you? The masked man says, Test me. Let Abdullah confirm if I speak the truth. He'll vouch for me. The king agrees. Very well. Your conditions are accepted. But why are you hiding your face?
The king asks, How can we trust you? The masked man says, Test me. Let Abdullah
confirm if I speak the truth. He'll vouch for me. The king agrees. Very well. Your conditions are accepted. But why are you hiding your face?
The man replies, This is my final condition. My face was burned - it looks unpleasant on one side. I don't want to show it. The king accepts. ;Fine. You shall have everything. You'll leave tomorrow.
The man nods, Agreed
As the king leaves, people whisper among themselves: Who is this fool inviting death for a few coins? That road will eat him alive.