Chapter 1📚 Chapter One: A Strange Beginning
In the south of magical India, where the beauty of villages blends with its enchanting nature — the sounds of rivers flowing, and the rustling of the leaves of rubber and pine trees, and the roots of turmeric and the ancient, rooted black pepper like its inhabitants — along with the vitality and activity of the landowners from farmers and villagers, our story began.
In one of the large villages lived a Muslim merchant with his family in a big two-story house built in the traditional Indian style, filled with beautiful decorations. In front of it is a courtyard, and surrounding it is a tall wall with pink climbing flowers that preserve its secrets. It lies at the edge of that lively village full of markets, farmers, schools, mosques, churches, temples, fields, and forests.
His name was Ansar — a man well-known for his religious commitment, honesty, and clean trade. He traded in spices, textiles, livestock, and the crops of his village. He helped villagers market their goods and contributed to building his village as much as he could. His family consisted of his loving wife Amani, his mother Shahnaz, and his children: two daughters and a son — his eldest daughter Ayat, the middle son Aman, and his youngest daughter Mahir, nine years old.
One day, Mahir returned from school, happy and running toward home, saying: "Father! Mother! I succeeded — I succeeded! Look at my school report card. I’m the first in the class!"
Her mother opened the door joyfully, hugged her daughter, and entered the house quickly. Everyone celebrated and congratulated her.
Aman said: “Well done! That’s my little sister.” Ayat said: “My wonderful sister succeeded!” And the grandmother said: “Congratulations. She reminded me of your father when he succeeded.” Her father lifted her into the air and said: “Congratulations! This is the reward for your effort and studies.” And her mother said: “My beloved daughter succeeded. Congratulations, dear! Show me the report.”
Mahir then said: “Father, you promised you’d bring me a gift if I succeeded — and that I could choose it, whatever it is, right?” He replied: “Of course! I keep my promises.” She said: “I want a little elephant to play with.” He said: “Okay, I’ll bring you a toy elephant to play with. What else?” She replied: “No no! I want a real small elephant.”
Everyone was astonished and said together: “An elephaaant?!”
Grandmother: “Your daughter thinks she’s in a jungle and not like other girls. It’s her mother’s fault for letting her behave like boys.” Ansar: “Mother, please. Don’t start. What’s wrong with loving animals? What does this have to do with Amani’s parenting?” The grandmother rolled her eyes and looked away.
He turned to Mahir and said: “Why do you want a real elephant?” She said: “When we went to the circus last time, there was an elephant show. They were beautiful and kind. I was delighted and loved them, so I want a small elephant to play with.”
He said: “Well, since that’s your wish, I’ll make it come true.”
Everyone was surprised. Ayat said: “Father, are you serious? You’re going to buy her an elephant and bring it here? She really believes you!” He said: “Yes, I’m serious. I’m not joking. I promised her.”
Aman: “And when I ask for a car or motorcycle, you never answer!” He replied: “Because you’re reckless. Remember when I gave you my car and it came back looking like it returned from a war?”
Aman: “Yes, but…” Ansar: “When you become mature, you’ll get what you want. For now, focus on your studies. You’re in high school.”
Amani: “My daughter, ask for something else — a phone, a toy, a dress. That’s better.” Mahir: “No! No! I want an elephant, Mother, please!” Amani: “If you insist, I won’t stand in your way. But I must say — it has to be a trained, small elephant so it won’t hurt her. And someone must be hired to take care of it. I’m telling you from the start — what’s missing in this house is taking care of an elephaaant!”
Ansar: “Okay, you’re right. But Mahir — this doesn’t mean you neglect your studies after you get your elephant.” She replied: “Be sure, I’ll study harder than ever — even after Mahmoud arrives.” Ayat: “In the name of God — who’s Mahmoud?!” She said: “Mahmoud the elephant.”
While Ansar was watching TV, Amani asked him: “Why did you answer her so quickly and agree to something so bizarre so simply?” Ansar: “Because I love my children and I want them to have a beautiful childhood. I want them to remember their father who tried to make them happy with everything he had. They will grow up and understand how hard life is. These days will be the happiest of their lives.” Amani: “May God preserve you for them.”
And that’s what happened. On Tuesday morning, the three — Ansar, Mahir, and Aman — went. Mahir chose a small elephant standing in the corner, and her father approved her choice because it looked quieter than the rest.
They brought it home and placed it in the house's courtyard. Everyone was surprised and joyful at the same time — while Mahir was in a completely different world from sheer happiness. Aman waved his hands in front of her, and she didn’t respond. Then he said: “May God have mercy on you, Mother.” She gave him a light slap on the shoulder as she laughed…
To be continued.
