The love story of a legendary flautist.

A worried passenger walked out of Hastings Station and asked a pedestrian for directions to the Old Town. The pedestrian continued to walk and said, “Not very far. Catch any bus from Havelock Road and you will be there in no time.”
He thanked him by looking over his shoulder and kept walking. The town’s atmosphere was very pleasant. The wind was whispering the rhyme of happiness. Love was evident and lovers were humming with joy. He stood at the crossroads and saw a bus coming. He hurried to the bus stop and got on the wrong bus. Not knowing where he was going, he sat on the window seat and started to enjoy the view. As the bus stooped, he walked to the driver and said, “Is this the Old Town?”
“You got on the wrong bus and came a long way. You need to go back.” The driver replied while switching the engine off. He thanked the driver, got off the bus and ran across the road. He checked the destination before getting on and said while paying the fare, “Hastings Old Town please.”
“We will be there on time. Now enjoy the journey.” The driver said while issuing the ticket. He sighed with relief, sat on the window seat and tried to enjoy the picturesque view. As the bus stopped, he got off and someone called aloud, “Mister Ayman, you are very late.”
“Yes, mister Nadhir, and I am very sorry. Please accept my apologies.” Saying that Ayman rushed to him. Nadhir kept walking and said as he offered him a can of drink, “I know you are, but I was getting worried sick. Now drink this and you will be in high spirits.”
“I don’t need any extra energy and I hate nightmares. I would be extremely happy if you drank it for me.” Saying that Ayman looked around with a happy smile. At that time, they stood in front of a restaurant. Nadhir opened the door and said as he walked in, “I was walking on the beach to enjoy the waiting time, but the drowsy ocean breeze discouraged me. Please say something exciting to encourage me.”
“We do many things for inner peace. We promise to sacrifice. We do yoga. We run in the park. We do many types of mental and physical exercises, but we don’t remember Allah.”
“I was surprised, but now I am worried. They told me you wanted to be a herdsman.”
“Yes, I was a herdsman.”
“You mayn’t know, but because of you, I am very anxious and ill at ease. Please say something to raise my spirits. I think you are a mystic.”
“Life is a blessing and full of bliss, but because of greed, we cry and pray for tomorrow to be prosperous. Sadly, as the sun rises, it’s today again and we walk aimlessly. Some are lovelorn, some are lovesick. I know you are lovestruck and I don’t want to be thunderstruck.” Saying that Ayman got the flute out of the bag. Nadhir looked at him with shock and said, “What is that?”
“Don’t you know?”
“I know it’s a flute, but what are you doing with it? Please don’t tell me you can play the love tune?”

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© Mohammed Abdulhaque