(This article was featured in the 'World Nomads' website)
The Adrenaline rush was purified when I was kissed by a strong gust of wind as if it wanted to welcome me to be a part of its journey. Yes, I had landed up on the land of Arabs! Before this amazing experience of mine, I had only been a part of the stories from childhood about the magical world of Genies. I had never thought of being a part of the reality lying underneath the covers of Wadi Rum -The Desert.
The sand was hot and the sun was cruel but the heat was nullified against the warmth of Bedouins who comforted my curiosity and innocence. I began my journey with Rashid, my guide. His long lustrous Dish Dash and kohled eyes had the mystery embellished with a promise of a happy beginning.
As Rashid offered his hand to help me climb up the sandy hill to enjoy the picturesque view of the sunset, we shared a smile that said a lot but not enough. He stood by me as I absorbed every ray and color of the sun till it faded like a flower of the spring. My heart filled with more desire to be loved like a sun. Rashid waited for me until I stole all the happiness from the sunset or rather waited for me to realize the beginning from this happy ending. His hand held mine like a bond never to be broken, as we moved down the hill.
My Shiny eyes kept trying to find the answers as I headed towards my camp. My dreamy desires were awakened by the whisper of Oud. I had already become numb by the magical powers of this place so far. The remaining sweet turbulence was initiated by the campfire and I could breathe only the intensity of this desert aura. I could hear my silence and all it had to say to me for so long. All the mysteries were being unraveled one after one. My heart was not a stranger anymore!
Also, to admire the bequest already endowed to me by this newly discovered 'land of lovers', I rejoiced at the theme, the Arak and grooved to the Arabic beats along with the utterly fierce ambiance of the Oasis. The heaviness of the light was
taken over by the poised night. The breeze sang a lullaby to me and the warm moon put me to sleep. As I opened my eyes, I heard Rashid calling out my name because now was the time to bid farewell to this dreamy land that embraced me with its magical arms. I slid the curtain aside. I couldn't find him but a Genie lamp kissing my feet.
Oh! So, this was the long seeked answer to all my questions! I looked at the lamp to unlock the answers it contained. It was a sad but a happy moment to realize that my love Genie Rashid was locked in it to stay with me forever!
-Written By: Priyanka Charak
