Pilgrimage of Amir
| Pilgrimage of Amir | |
| |
| Original title | Pilgrimage of Amir and his quest to the Great Craitgod |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan Craitland |
| (main) character(s) | Amir Çakar |
| Timeframe | 1692 AN and onwards |
The Pilgrimage of Amir is a story series in which Amir Çakar goes on a pilgrimage to Craitland. It describes the journey and the experiences of the main character.
Temporary exemption
Sitting on a throne, Amir played with a sword. He knew that his mission embraced more than Kendall Isle, but the new responsibilities to govern his royal state came to him. He had to meet for days, had so many responsibilities and meetings. The walls of his palace approached him. He wanted to leave, but he could not. He thought of his younger brother: what should it be like for him? He had his royal state, but Abu had a whole sultanate. He was not at all jealous of his younger brother. Perhaps because of his beautiful wife, but nothing else. The next delegation entered the Chamber. A model of a temple had been made on a mobile table. The temple for the great Craitgod, which was to be built in Çatalyokuş. While the advisor was talking to the initiators, Amir was actually not listening. He was deeply absorbed in thought when he suddenly said: "What does Craitland really look like? While the echo of Amir's question reflected, it remained silent afterwards. Nobody actually knew the answer. After a while Amir said: "Then somebody has to go to Craitland to look there, doesn't he? The advisors nodded at each other, but no one stepped forward to make themselves available. Amir sniffled and said: "Then I'll go, won't I?" The advisers and the delegation did not dare to answer.
The next day Amir flew to Agra. There he met his older brother Hasan and of course his younger brother the Sultan. Hasan's fiancée and the Sultana waved the men off when they left the Red Fortress on horseback to ride through the hills. For the first time in years the brothers went out together. They used to go camping, now they only go horseback riding for a few hours. All three of them realised that the restlessness of their youth was really over. But just smelling the freedom, that was the idea. "What is it like to be a father, my brother?" Hasan asked his youngest brother. Abu thought for a moment: "There are emotions and feelings that happen to you, which you could never think you could experience. It is impossible to describe what it does to you when you become a father. Many men conceive children, but not all of them become fathers. Not all are worthy of being called fathers, but for those men who become fathers, there are no words to describe the richness of compassion, love, pride, affection, offering protection, responsibility, recognition, insecurity, finding a new purpose, lifelong commitment, shifting priorities, self-sacrifice, and so on and so forth." Amir began to smile.
The three brothers stopped at a flowing stream. They descended from their horses, distracting them to let them drink. They also sat down for a moment. Typical Çakari sweets appeared, drinking and other refreshments. They laughed together, they had forgotten their present positions for a moment in their being together. That disappeared when Amir nervously asked Akbar: "Can I be temporarily relieved of my mission to go on a pilgrimage to Craitland?” Akbar was amazed at the question, thought for a moment and answered: “Well, climb Mount Horn on The Fifth Isle. Tell us about Craitland, because there are still mountains to conquer in Çakaristan". Amir did not really expect his brother, the Sultan, to agree. But he began to smile gratefully, did not say a word for a few moments. "Thank you," stammered Amir. Hasan looked at Akbar and asked: "Why do you agree?” Akbar answered: "You have found your joy in a woman, Amir is still alone. Let him climb mountains, for who knows how many mountains there are between him and his destination". Hasan was not so poetic, but left it at that.
The women, Jodha and Manikarnika, had organised a home reception together with the court ladies. With song, dance, music, food and drink the three brothers were welcomed at the Red Fortress. Their arrival was as if they had returned from a long journey or even as if they had come home from a battle. As if they were gone for days, weeks or months. Amir saw how happy his brothers were with their women. The ladies in the court made Amir very graceful, but he had little eye for them. Instead of returning, he would leave. Leaving for an unknown country, the land of the great Craitgod.
| Adarani | Transliteration | Translated in Common Tongue |
|
अलबेला साजन आयो री |
albela sajan aayo ri |
my unique beloved has come, |
It is cold there
Still Amir was surprised that the Sultan allowed him to go on a pilgrimage. But optimistically Amir went to work making preparations. First he went back to Lyzij. There he appointed a Regent to act for him. He gave instructions for the division of provinces, regional administration and building up the infrastructure. But also his plan for democratisation. When that was settled, Amir flew to Agra.
In Agra, he met Ana al-Zamard. He asked her to advise the Sultan to conclude a treaty with Jingdao on the Antican Sea. This was to define terrorist waters and exclusive economic zones. There should be no friction among allies, while it could be easily arranged. He also asked Ana to look after the gas needs of Jabal al-Mada', when that part of the treaty is settled. Ana promised to do so.
Since Ana has a lot of experience about many countries on Micras, he asked her about Craitland. "The culture is different there, it is cold there, but the people are warm," Ana told him. The next day, Amir went to visit Craitland's ambassador in Agra. Ersan Dóla received the Sultan's brother with all egars. He was very honoured. Amir asked him about Craitland when they had a private moment. The ambassador was praising his homeland, despite the fact that his hometown was now under a different flag. Amir was asked to dress warmly. "It's cold there," Ersan said. Amir had to chuckle, everyone said that. Amir asked further, about what to do and especially what not to do. Ersan answered Amir's questions, so their meeting lasted for hours.
A few days later, Amir left for Çakarabad for the upcoming wedding of his brother, Hasan to his fiancée, Manikarnika. After that wedding, Amir was to leave for Craitland. For that, he first had to go to Manbai by train, because a Craitish airline has Manbai as one of its destinations in Çakaristan.
First impressions of Craitland
Amir sat glued to the window as the plane approached Craitland. Recently, the flight time has been drastically reduced. As a result of the recent treaty between Çakaristan and Senya, planes are now allowed to fly over that country. A more efficient flight route and shorter travel time. A clear advantage of the sultanate's active foreign policy. When the Fifth Island came in sight, Amir's heart rumbled violently. His deep desire to visit this land, the land of the great Craitgod! What was waiting for him there? That was the big question.
When the plane finally landed, it seemed to take hours for Amir to stand in the arrival hall. The first impression was that the country looked neat and orderly. Customs was bureaucratic, as in other nations. The airport was crowded, like other airports. The hall was like other halls, a lot of steel and concrete. The people, they looked different. Warmly dressed, but not in sober colours. To his own surprise, he saw someone standing at the exit of the arrival terminal with a sign bearing his name. His name was written correctly, including the cedilla under the c. Amir smiled and reported to the person.
"Mr Çakar?", the lady asked. "Yes, that's right. With whom do I have the pleasure?", replied Amir. "My name is Ĵennifer Cóldótór, I have been sent to be your personal guide and to be of service to you", she replied. Amir was surprised and said, "Sent? By whom?" Ĵennifer replied, "Apologies, I should have said that right away: by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The brother of the head of state of a friendly nation, he wouldn't just be wandering around our country, would he?" Amir smiled, "Thank you, as well as thanks to your employer, shall we get off to a good start then?" Ĵennifer nodded. Amir continued, "Would you call me 'Amir', not sir or even khan? I would therefore like to compliment you on your excellent pronunciation of my surname. That does not usually go down well.” Ĵennifer nodded and explained that the Craitish culture does have more different pronunciations and letters than is usual in standard Common Language.
When they stood outside, Amir remarked: "It is indeed cold here. A lot colder than my homeland. But not as cold as at the top of Jabal al-Mada'." A black car drove up and Amir's suitcases were loaded by the driver. When Amir and Ĵennifer were seated in the back seat, Ĵennifer said, "You climbed that mountain, right?" "Yes," replied Amir, "that's right. As a matter of fact, I hope to climb the mountain in this country, Mount Horn." Ĵennifer replied, "Really? I didn't expect that." Amir grinned, looking out the window of the moving car. Outside, he saw a neatly ordered environment. The the few car drivers were obeying the traffic rules, as indicated by the road signs. But more than that, they were driving within the lines. They used their blinkers when changing lanes. In large parts of Çakaristan, the lane markings are more of a suggestion, than that the car drivers took the markings seriously.
Pedestrians at a crossing with traffic lights also remain standing. There were cyclists to be seen, but they were riding on their own cycle track. No donkeys, handcarts or rickshaws in sight. Most people used public transport. Buses and trams marked the street scene. He saw a bus, where everybody sat neatly on a seat and waited for the bus to stop. How different it was in Agra, where passengers stood close together and sometimes left the bus through a window. Especially in Haritdesh, it was common to hitch a ride on the roof of the bus. There, a kind of seat was placed, where one could ride along for free. Here in Craitland, everything was neatly arranged.
When we arrived at the hotel, Amir's luggage was unloaded and brought inside. At the front desk, Amir didn't really have to say anything. "Mr Çakar, welcome to Craitland! Your room has been prepared for you," said the hotel manager. Amir was surprised and said, "Thank you very much". He picked up the keycard and turned to Ĵennifer. "It's been arranged in tip-top fashion, your government has taken good care of that." "What time would you like a tour of the city?", Ĵennifer asked. "After breakfast," Amir replied as he turned to the hotel manager. The hotel manager: "You can have your breakfast in your room or in the restaurant. That is entirely up to you, as well as the time of day." Amir thought for a moment, "Breakfast at 8 and here in the lobby at 9." Both listeners nodded and Amir was taken to his room. It was the most luxurious room in the hotel. Two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a sitting room with two large doors to the balcony.
Royal impressions
The next morning, Amir got up early. He had only had a simple evening meal, as he was suffering from jet lag. After a good night's rest, Amir was back to normal. Because of the light meal the night before, Amir was very hungry. After he got dressed, he went out onto the balcony. Once again he marvelled at the neatness of the city. It was not so densely built up and certainly without high-rise buildings. He also saw no domes of temples, an absence of religious buildings. He wondered, 'Does this country have a soul?' There was plenty of room for greenery, there was very little road traffic, especially buses and trams. He heard the bell of the town hall strike eight times, the signal that it was time for breakfast. Amir took one more breath of fresh air and went downstairs.
At the table, Amir was served a typical Craitish breakfast. Amir looked surprised at what he saw before him. He asked the waiter to tell him what had been served. "Of course," said the waiter, "two slices of rye bread topped with pale yellow hard cheese. A bowl of beer porridge, a thin porridge cooked with pieces of rye bread, low-alcohol white beer, water and sugar, and served with milk. A soft-boiled egg and rolled raw ham. A glass of apple juice. May I offer you tea or coffee?" Amir took a moment to digest the quick explanation. Then he looked at the waiter and replied, "Tea, please." Amir tasted everything that was put in front of him. It was surprisingly tasty. In his homeland, the food was more colourful and spicy. Not that it was colourless here, but different.
After breakfast, Amir walked to the lobby, where Ĵennifer was already waiting for him. He gestured as if he had a watch on his wrist, but he hadn't worn a watch for years. Ĵennifer laughed and immediately said, "You're right, I'm early." Amir smiled. Ĵennifer continued, "Being late is considered an insult to the guest here." "That's a good principle," Amir responded. "I'm sorry to spoil any plans you may have for today", Ĵennifer said. Amir looked surprised, but said nothing. "You are invited to join the king," Ĵennifer continued. Amir replied, "In my homeland it is an insult if you refuse an invitation. Especially when the king invites you". Ĵennifer smiled with relief and said: "It is the same here. Together they walked outside.
There was no car coming. They went to the royal palace on foot. Amir had the feeling that they were taking the scenic route. That way Amir got to see more of Cherry Trees. The central park was neatly laid out, symmetrical and orderly. There were many cherry trees planted there, a characteristic of the city. The people in the park were relaxed. Couples in love sat on the edge of the fountain or on one of the many benches. They often drank tea, but just as ecstatic in love, the cold no longer played a role. After the park, Amir and Ĵennifer came near the palace. The royal palace looked modest, in the middle of the other buildings. The ceremonial guard stood at attention in front of the palace. Tourists looked surprised when Amir and Ĵennifer were let through the gate.
Waiting in the reception hall was the Ambassador of Çakaristan in Craitland, Jhanda Panja. "Your royal highness, thank you for coming," the ambassador said. "May I use your presence here to plead for a place for the pilgrims from Çakaristan and other countries," the ambassador continued. "It is a secular country, you know that better than me, but we can try," Amir replied. A footman escorted the Khan and the ambassador to another room. There, the King and Queen were already waiting. The King said, "Welcome, Khan Çakar," as he walked towards Amir. "How good that you are here," the King continued. Amir replied, "Thank you, your majesty, for your welcome. Thank you for your guidance", he made a hand gesture to Ĵennifer. The King said smiling, "We want to make the guests feel comfortable". "We did," Amir responded. "May I introduce you to the Queen," the King said, stepping aside and pointing to the Queen with a hand gesture. Amir gave her a hand kiss, which made Anika smile. "Welcome to Craitland," said Anika. To which Amir replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty".
At the Round Table
After Amir had a cup of tea with the King and Queen, he was escorted to another room of the palace. In that hall, there was a large round table. Amir looked at that round table in amazement, because no one at that table is in a prominent position. Everyone is equal. With a hand gesture, the King invited Amir to take a seat at the table. Besides the King, the Ambassador of Çakaristan, the Prime Minister of Craitland and the Minister of Foreign Affairs also took their seats. The King opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. "This meeting is on the occasion of your arrival, Khan Çakar, and at the request of the Ambassador of Çakaristan. Would you be so kind as to present your points of discussion?" "Yes indeed," Amir began, "first of all, thank you for your warm welcome. Also the good care by sending a guide, Ĵennifer Cóldótór." The King nodded in satisfaction.
"In my country, Çakaristan, as well as our ideological brother-nation, Arbor, belief in the great Craitgod has become a widespread religion. Although the forms and experiences are still too new to become traditions, the common thread is a message of peace. There is also a growing desire for tangible experience, such as visiting Craitland. It is the belief in the great Craitgod that inspired me to come here. But there are more believers who would like to go on a pilgrimage." Amir made a hand gesture to the ambassador, who immediately picked up the thread of the story: "The first estimates point to 600,000 pilgrims a year and growing. The good diplomatic relations between Craitland and the Cresent nations of Arbor and Çakaristan form a good basis. Çakaristan has recently signed a treaty with Senya, making the flight route more efficient."
The foreign minister responded, "We are of course very happy with the prospect of 600,000 tourists a year. Certainly if that number grows in the coming years, the necessary facilities will have to adapt accordingly. Are there any specific issues we should be aware of?" Amir replied, "Your country, with all due respect, is a secular country. For that reason, the pilgrims will experience a culture shock. It would be good to have at least one point of reference that the pilgrims can recognise. Focus, so to speak. All temples in honour of the great Craitgod are focused on Cherry Trees. Even in one place specifically, from what I have come to know: the seat of Craitgod." The King said in surprise, "You are well informed, I know of one structure known as a divine seat. It stands not so far from here, is that the seat you mean?" "If you mean, your majesty, the structure near here by the river, then yes," Amir replied. "Okay, let's go to that place," the King responded.
This time, Amir was surprised when the King stood up and apparently put his money where his mouth was. The minister also stood up and apparently found the King's behaviour normal. Amir looked at the Ambassador who shrugged his shoulders. Then the Çakari men also stood up and followed the King. There was no commotion in the streets when the King and his guests left the palace and walked towards the river. Via the stone arch bridge they walked towards the seat. The monument was visible from the bridge. A simple stone monument. The King remained standing, when he noticed that Amir was slowing down as he approached the monument. Amir approached humbly. He said, "From this hallowed place the great Craitgod proclaimed peace over all Micras".
Back in the palace, the party did not go back to the room with the round table. They said goodbye to the government officials and the ambassador. Amir was invited by the King to stay for dinner. Through the corridors of the palace, the two men entered the dining hall. There was not only the Queen present, but also other family members. The King said, "May I introduce you to my brother, Edward, Prince of New Vaduz and his daughter, Catherine." Amir shook hands with each. The King noting that Amir was only introducing himself by his name, corrected Amir by saying, "Amir is Khan of Jabal al-Mada' and brother of the Sultan of Çakaristan." Amir, who had just held Catherine's hand, replied, "That too yes". The eye contact with Catherine was brief, but long enough that a tension could be felt.
At the table, Amir sat opposite Catherine. Every time he looked at her, she looked away. And when she looked, he looked away quickly. The Queen had already noticed and was smiling. Edward asked Amir, "How do you like it here in Craitland?" Amir replied, "Well, what can I say. It's cold here." Catherine who had just taken a sip of water burst into laughter and struggled to keep the water in her mouth. Her father looked a bit irritated at his daughter, who said, "Sorry, but Mr Çakar is right. It's cold here, colder than in New Vaduz and I suspect also a lot colder than in Çakaristan." "That's right", Amir assisted her, "please call me 'Amir'". The Queen said, "It seems to me that at the top of Jabal al-Mada' it is at least as cold as here". "That is quite true", said Amir, "in all modesty I must state that I do not know what the weather is like in summer. In Çakaristan it is often hot and people complain that it is cold when the temperature drops to 10 degrees above freezing." The company laughed.
After dinner, Amir stood on the balcony, wanting to call his brother. But he realised that it was six hours later in Agra. So he decided not to call. The Queen had sent for a glass of malem for Amir, but instead of the staff giving it to Amir, the glass was given to Catherine. Catherine was surprised, but understood the Queen's encouraging nod. She understood what the Queen meant and the intention behind it. Still she did not resist and went with the glass malem to the balcony. There stood Amir looking at the clear starry sky. Obviously Amir had gotten used to the cold, for he had not put on his coat. He heard Catherine coming, after which he turned around. He smiled when he saw Catherine coming. "What a service", he said when Catherine offered the glass of malem. "Here you are," Catherine replied.
To break the tension, Amir looked for an opening line. But Catherine beat him to it and said, "What a beautiful clear night!" "Yes", said Amir, "Wherever you are on Micras, a clear starry sky is a true crowning glory". "Absolutely true", said Catherine, admiring the wise words. Amir smiled and continued, "It may be silly, but that saying goes on: Home is the place close to the heart of your beloved." "Well", Catherine responded, "I like that". A moment followed when they both looked at the starry sky. Amir said, "I have a problem". Catherine turned and leaned against the railing of the balcony. "If you would be so free, what is your problem?", she said. "Well", Amir began hesitantly, "Where do you take a princess without it being in the paper the next day?" Catherine replied, "The lucky lady would do well to take you to Jedu-ó-Kuiĵ. This is a beautiful old town, where a seaside restaurant offers a place for exclusive guests." Amir played that he was thinking and said, "Well, it would please me greatly if I could take you to Jedu-ó-Kuiĵ and offer you a dinner there in the restaurant you just described.” "It's a strange way to ask a girl out, but agreed," Catherine replied.
Jhoom barabar
The next morning, Amir lay on his bed for an unusually long time. He wondered how he could tame his thoughts, how else could he subdue Mount Horn? Butterflies in his stomach, dreaming of a woman in a strange land. He called his brother, in Çakaristan it was already noon. His brother was even an hour closer, for Akbar and Jodha were in Haritdesh. When Amir hesitantly told him about his meeting with Catherine, Akbar was so excited that he put the phone on speaker, so that Jodha could also listen in. "Don't tease your brother," Amir heard Jodha say. Amir sighed and said, "Never mind, I know Abu and didn't expect anything else.”
Amir recounted his adventures in Craitland and his meeting with Catherine. Jodha said, "Keep your head up. Think of it as a mountain you want to climb. You prepare, you don't get distracted because one misstep and you get down faster than you would like." "Wow, what a metaphor," said Akbar, who went on to say, "Test her character, because no matter how pretty she is, her looks will one day turn to wrinkles and her hair will turn grey. But what remains is character." Recognising his father's words, Amir said, "A practical tip?" "Yes," Akbar began, "climb Mount Horn and if at the top you are still in awe of her, devise a way to test her character." "How can I test her?", asked Amir. Jodha replied, "She's from New Vaduz, right?" "Yes", Amir responded. "Well", Jodha continued, "Learn some words Germanian, if she has also learned some words Arboric, then she has also made an effort to know something of your culture". "Thank you very much," Amir concluded.
After the phone call, Amir sighed. He walked out of the hotel and started singing:
| Adarani | Transliteration | Translated in Common Tongue |
|
ना हरम में, ना सुकूँ मिलता है बुतखाने में |
O aaja aaja rabba ishqe di khol guttiya |
Come on God, please solve the mysteries of love |
Clear goal
For days Amir had been preparing to climb Mount Horn. He had travelled to Hänävissen-ó-Cräiteland. That town had been halfway to the top of Mount Horn, or Hänävissen in Craitish. The mountain dominates the town and a lively economy has grown up around the mountain climbers. It is not difficult for Amir to get the necessary equipment, nor to get guides. This is different from when he climbed Jabal al-Mada'. Then there were no guides, the equipment came from the special forces. Here in Craitland, all the necessities were available in shops.
"There are paths up to certain vantage points, but if you want to go to the top, you really have to climb," said one of the guides. Amir bent over the map and asked, "Which route would you recommend to reach the top?" "That is the southwest route, similar in profile to your ascent of the Jabal al-Mada'," the guide replied. Amir nodded and made notes in his notebook. "What is the weather forecast?", Amir asked. The guide looked at his mobile and said, "There is still a lot of wind tonight, but tomorrow morning after 6 am the forecast is favourable." The next morning, the escorts were ready when Amir arrived at the meeting point. With an all-terrain vehicle, the group went to the starting point where they had to continue on foot. The atmosphere was good with a healthy amount of tension. Before leaving, Amir had prayed for a safe trip. When the all-terrain vehicle stopped at the end of the road, they all got out. The first part of the path was not very steep, but it was well passable. There was a clear starting point from which ropes and hooks had already been attached. There they put on their harnesses, helmets and rucksacks. They clapped hands and so they started to climb. The first part went well, as they were still full of energy. After that, encouragement became a lot more important, because slowly they got tired and started to feel pain.
There were parts of the route that were steep, others that were flatter. Sometimes there was a ledge, sometimes a wall. Whether it was willpower or physical ability, that was the question for Amir when he finally reached the top of the mountain. This time he did not plant a flag in the snow, but held the flags of Çakaristan and Craitland as a photograph was taken. The weather was calm, so he could sit quietly on the summit for a moment. The sky was clear, the effort of climbing meant that the cold was not too bad. Amir could think everything through clearly. He looked at the landscape below. Somewhere there was an interesting lady walking around. He thought about the words of his brother and his sister-in-law. He asked one of his companions, "Where can I learn Germanian?" The attendant was surprised at the question, and after some hesitation, he replied, "Ehm... I do know someone in Osĵätoņ, who can teach you Germanian". Amir stood up and said, "Good, then that's my next destination."
A few days later, Amir arrived in Osĵätoņ. This second city of Craitland is more compact than the capital, but also has more modern buildings. Its location on Bruges Bay gives the opportunity for several boat connections to continental Apollonia, as well as to cities on Benacia. In addition, the city is the starting point for railway lines to all corners of the Fifth Isle. Having little time to explore the city, Amir went to see the teacher who could teach him Germanian. For days, Amir practised the words, so that he could at least speak some sentences. Ordering a coffee or a beer in Germanian, Amir had mastered. But also some romantic phrases, compliments for a lady. The teacher gave Amir some tips on how to avoid the most important mistakes in Germanian. Amir was not an accomplished Germanian speaker, but at least he could show Catherine that he was doing his best to learn something of her cultural background.
Just four steps
Amir left by boat for Jedu-ó-Kuiĵ. He felt some tension to meet Catherine. With his arms on the railing he stared over the water. He thought about what might be in store for him. But he also longed for his homeland again. He wondered if he would return with a princess by his side. Silently he prayed: 'Oh great Craitgod, I have not found you. Only a shrine where believers can worship you. If you are there, if you hear me, give me wisdom.'
When the boat had docked and Amir disembarked, he saw a young lady standing on the quay. She was half sitting on a light blue scooter. The young lady was dressed in a summer red dress, black boots and a black leather jacket. She had a helmet under her arm, matching the scooter. Another helmet was lying on the saddle. The young lady looked searchingly through large sunglasses at the people coming off the boat. Amir smiled when she took off her sunglasses and smiled broadly at him. Although it was not agreed, she wanted to see him already. Like him, she could not wait for their actual date.
Amir walked up to her and said: “Hallo Hübsche” (Hello, beautiful). Catherine said surprised and after hesitating for a moment: “Shubh din sar, jaisa ki aap yahaan agyaat hain, aapako yaatra kee aavashyakata ho sakatee hai” (Good day sir, since you are a stranger here, you may need a guided tour) Amir played that he thought for a moment and replied: "Is shahar ka vyaktigat daura karana mere lie vaastavik khushee hai”(It is my pleasure to give you a personal tour of this city). Enthusiastically, Catherine reached for the helmet from the saddle and put on her own helmet. She deftly pushed the scooter off the stand, started the engine and sat down. With a nod she signalled to Amir to sit behind her. Amir had to see where he would hold on, he didn't dare to hold Catherine by her waist.
Catherine steered her scooter between the other traffic and, like a true city guide, started telling them all sorts of things worth knowing about Jedu-ó-Kuiĵ. They drove along the Grand Trade Building, the theatre and the city hall. All stately buildings and of high architecture. Amir was impressed, but actually he paid attention to the beautiful voice of Catherine. When Catherine had driven to a viewpoint, near the lighthouse, from where you could overlook the boulevard of the city, they dismounted. Catherine invited Amir to use one of the binoculars to look over the sea. Many tourists try to look at the Fifth Isle, but it is too far away to see it. Catherine walked to the kiosk to buy a postcard. While she was making her purchase, she looked at Amir. He was looking through the binoculars, only not at the sea, but at her. She looked strangely and gestured questioningly. Amir was caught out and turned the binoculars away, pretending to look over the sea again, and peered at Catherine.
They walked through the park together. Side by side, but neither of them dared to go hand-in-hand. They both knew that they could feel the tension. At a coffee shop, they each got a cappuccino. They walked on together. Catherine chatted while Amir took a sip. Milk foam stuck to his upper lip, but before he noticed, Catherine did. She stopped Amir from walking and removed the milk foam with her finger. Immediately afterwards, she continued walking. Amir remained standing spellbound and felt his upper lip with his hand. Catherine had touched him. He then quickly walked on, taking another sip. Now on purpose he left the milk foam on his upper lip. Catherine saw that he had milk foam on his upper lip again and stopped Amir. She removed the milk foam and walked on. Amir was enchanted.
A little later, Amir sat on a bench listening to the beautiful voice of Catherine. He did not really hear what she was saying, but he had a song in his head:
| Adarani | Transliteration | Translated in Common Tongue |
|
हम्म.. |
Bin puchhe mera naam or pataa |
Don't ask my name and address.. |
