tales of Suchita

Our story begins at a King’s desperate need of a son.

Though his father and forefathers were known to have taken many wives, King Sulaiman II was unmarried. Boyishly he had thought he didn’t need to submit himself to actions that the general populace indulged in. He was the King and thus, above the call of nature. He was, of course, mistaken.

After a bad fall from his horse one summer morning, he was brutally brought face-to-face with his mortality and the need to ensure his name and kingdom lived on even after his death. So, at the ripe age of forty, he started to seek a mate who could bear him a son. For his luck, he found one.

Ameen was a sweet girl of seventeen, not pretty, not intelligent but willing and poor. Her family had strong genes and it was proclaimed by the King’s healers to be certain to bear a male child. It had something to do with the shape of her hips, they said. Thus, the wedding was conducted and swiftly consummated. Prince Salim was born a year later and the kingdom was overjoyed for their King’s good fortune.

On the occasion of Prince Salim turning five, the celebrations began a month early. Many dignitaries were invited from far and wide. Taher, his wife Mariam and daughter Zahra were especially invited for the occasion. The King wanted Taher to read how Salim’s reign would be and ask Mariam to make him an amulet for protection.

Taher was a reader of portents who claimed the mystical spoke to him when he used his cards while Mariam worked with brightly-coloured crystals that she could energize as she wished.

Gifted as they were, Taher and Mariam travelled frequently, and were honoured guests wherever they went. They earned good and lived well; until what happened with the King.

Unfortunately, the portents for Prince Salim were most unfavourable. An accident, similar to the one the King had suffered but lived through would befall Salim and he would die a painful death at the young age of eighteen. Heartbroken King Sulaiman II would follow his son soon after; thus, bringing an end to an illustrious ruling family. Taher was truly skilled and if that is what Salim’s cards foretold, even Mariam’s amulet couldn’t save him.

Now Taher had read for many people, on many occasions, across many lands. He knew how to handle a reading when the results were unsuitable. However, here he had an obligation to not only tell the truth, but also find a solution for the King.

Mariam had come up with an opportune solution but before it could be presented to the King, Fahad, a man who despised Taher, sought a private audience with the King and said, “Sire, I have uncovered a plot so heinous I don’t even have the strength to disclose it to you.”

After much cajoling, promises for no retribution, he said, in-between gulps and tears, “Taher is going to lie to you my sire. His ambition has always overpowered his strength and mind. He has seen how prosperous Salim’s reign will be but he plans to spin a tale of death and destruction!”

Stunned though he was, the King laughed as he popped a grape in his mouth. “Now why would he do that?”

“He wants the throne sire!”

The King, ever suspicious and ever watchful of people plotting against him and his own, didn’t need to know anything beyond that. Since he had no reason to suspect treachery from Fahad, a trusted advisor, he sentenced Taher and his family to death.

Surprisingly, it was Fahad who helped them escape execution.

Taher, with Mariam and Zahra, was travelling south when the small family came upon an abandoned village. The hope that they would find food or shelter was rapidly diminishing and the three were desperately weary and hungry.

Angry and helpless at this turn of events Taher screamed, “What is the point of my powers if I cannot protect my family?”

As if in answer, the heavens opened their doors and poured out thunder, rain and lightning. With that lightning, came clarity. Taher’s father had given him a locket before his death. In it was a single seed – that of the Bargad tree. His father had told him that when his need was dire, he should plant that seed. It would help him.

Taher broke open the locket as Mariam searched in her bags for a green crystal to help with its growth. They sent a quick prayer and buried the two. Then the family of three huddled around it, either to be saved, or to die together, however the heavens portended.

With morning came bright sunshine and the Bargad tree, fully grown with its branches weighing heavy with juicy fruits. There was a stream a little way away with water so clear it perfectly reflected the sky above. The family, it seemed, had been saved.

Note: Traditionally, Bargad tree does not bear fruit. But legend says for Taher and his family, the tree bore fruit for many days and many nights. It has never borne fruit since the family’s passing.

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This is 2 of 26 Myths and Legends. To know more, click here.