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II

The voice grew louder & louder.
...
...

'Do you think a piece of wood or stone is worthy of of your reverance? Do you think the carving of a wood or stone can help you in any way? What else is your idol? You cut , you shape & then you bow down in front of it ?'

'But then, do you mean to say that.... that which our fathers & forefathers did is wrong?'

'I do not say. You are a better judge. Be rational & decide for yourself, you will surely not find my words unfruitful.'

'How can it be that my elders were misguided?'

'Your life is your choice . You live & you face the consequences. If you have realised the truth , accept it . Believe in the One Supreme Lord , turn to Him & He will never dissappoint you.'

'Maybe you are right.'

'You dont need any intermediaries. He loves those who call upon Him or turn to him & blesses them graciously. If we submit ourselves to Him without associating anyone or anything ,then we have hit the jackpot. Our present & future is secure!'

With a shift in her sitting position, she returned to her present. Being reminded of Adiba's words, a feeling of uneasiness crept within.

Oh my Lord! I need you, I was indeed astray. Could I be a bigger fool ? A tree .. a stone ? Was it just these I humbled myself before? Oh! How wrong I was. But... can I now? Amr himself a saint worshipper.... the conflict between the tribes.... away from home, can I really accept it? Will Amr accept me when he learns about it?

                  *********

The rain had gradually ceased its outpour. Bodies lay strewn here & there . A few partly buried & some completely. Members of both the tribes had retreated with a promise to return the next day along with sun. A final decision was reached upon, 'Whichever tribe slays 5 of its enemies the earliest gets half of their land'.

                  *********

"So, you were praying for my safety?" Amr teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

She smiled shyly.

Disregarding his words,  she served the dinner consisting of bread & yoghurt. After a silent dinner Amr sat worried with a look of anxiousness.

"You look worried. What's happening amongst our tribes?" Yarima asked concerned.

With a small smile he glanced at her. Taking a deep breath he
revealed to her the latest updates.

A worriesome Yarima could not hide her feelings. She was scared for herself & the people of her tribe. Yet his promises reduced her fears for some time. But soon she was overtaken by anxiousness as once again Adiba crept into her memories.

Should I let him know about my decision?? Perhaps he too may realise ? If he doesnot .... will he leave me under the mercy of my enemies or accept me?

"Do your saints encourage killings?" She asked unable to decide how to initaiate a conversation.

With furrowed brows he glanced at her in disbelief.
"Do your Idols...?" He asked mockingly.

"They know nothing. They are just created by the creation of the One Supreme Lord. "

Surprise was clearly written on his face. "Oh! How happy I am for you. How I wished you accepted our faith & now you are.." He was over elated.

"Who said so? Wait, first tell me about your faith."

His eyes gleamed with happiness. "Why not? Its just beautiful. We are all the slaves of the One Supreme Lord and his pious saints. We are sinful creatures, how can we face our Lord? Hence we bow down & try to please our respected Saint, so that he may intercede on our behalf. They might have passed away ages ago, yet are revered & have helped us as intermediaries between  our Lord & us. They not..."

Cutting off the enthusiastic Amr in between , the inquisitive Yarima began,"then what is the difference between the people of your & my tribe? You use saints as intermediaries and we Idols! Oh! We are doomed." She let her head rest between her knees, sobbing.

Her remorseful expression and words took him by surprise.  Confused he asked," Why are you being so vague?

"I have been astray all along. I neither need any idol nor any other mediator. I wish to be close to my Master , the Supreme . I seek his love & protection. Dont you agree with me? Havent you ever wished it?"
Raising her head slowly, she asked hopefully.

Diverting his attention from the topic he whispered, "Would you mind sharing my bed ?"

With a hesitant look in her eyes she just shook her head 'No'. The earlier smile  of her face had vanished. Reclining on a coconut fibre stuffed pillow she let her eyelids drop.

                  ********

'CLANK'.

And the next moment the door opened. Even before she could be fully awake she heard the door close with a soft thud. Opening her eyes wide, trying to adjust them to the darkness she glanced around her only to find the mat empty.

Dusting her clothes she stood up. After groping in the dark for sometime when she found one candle she lit it without delay.

Reaching out towards the topmost section of the almirah( cupboard) the books were in her hands in no time.
A poetry book 'Yours' & a book on religious law 'Towards Bliss'.

She was immersed in the poetries for a long time,  when her stomach growled complaining of hunger. Keeping aside the book she noticed that the other book was not in a much good condition. Pages loose , cover page partly torn. Tucking the pages within she stood up & tiredly made her way to the store room. Taking some roasted rice powder from the storage jar, she mixed it with sugar and relished her breakfast.

Should I accept Adiba's faith? Will Amr suffice me as a protector? I had been ready to leave my family for him.
But he has not accepted the belief of monotheism... Can I trust my love?

                    *********

At the appointed locations bodies were dumped. Even after taking all sorts of precautions of protecting their near ones , the Raghad tribe yet managed to slay 2 of their opponent tribesmen, while the Murad tribe managed to slay 4. It was nearly noon. Today not a drop of rain quenched the thirst of the earth. The sun was high up with all its might jeering at the clouds who paced uselessly.

"Just one more to reach our target and then the land is all ours." Exclaimed one man.

"Lets rest for a while.... at Amr's house. You dont mind right?" Asked another .

"Ofcourse no. But we need to take  some water as very little water is remaining ."

Amr had just agreed when he remembered 'her'.

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