In the village of Talhak, near Kandahar, there once lived two brothers: Wali Muhammad and Ali Muhammad.
The days of their life passed happily. Each of them had a child. Wali Muhammad has a beautiful son, Shadi, and Ali Muhammad has a beautiful daughter, Bibo.
Shadi and Bibo grew up together and loved each other deeply.
Years passed. Shadi grew into a handsome, slender young man, and Bibo was so beautiful that it is impossible to describe with a pen.
One day they went into the forest for brushwood. It was a hot day, the sun was shining brightly, swallows were playing in the sky.
They came to the forest. Then Shadi looked at Bibo, and his heart began to flutter with love for the girl. Her beautiful eyes were half-closed, her scarlet lips were smiling, and her black braids shone like silk.
Shadi turned and went into the thicket away from Bibo, so as not to see her beautiful face. But some unknown force forced him to return to his beloved. Sighing, he stopped next to her, but didn’t know what to say. Finally, Shadi could not stand it, bent down to Bibo’s little ear and whispered:
- Beloved, kiss me just once, and I will be the happiest person in the world.
– My dear Shadi! Let alone kiss you, I’m ready to give my life for you. Not now.
– But why, my beloved?
A blush of embarrassment filled Bibo's cheeks, and she whispered:
“After all, an uncle can give his daughter as a wife to his nephew; the Afghans have such a custom.” Ask my father to give me to you as a wife! Then we will kiss every day and no one will say anything bad about us.
- Oh Bibo! Why think about what will happen tomorrow? Tomorrow is in God's hands. Kiss me now!
Bibo shook her head and ran off into the forest, flashing the whiteness of her pearly teeth in farewell.
Shadi was left alone. Sad thoughts took possession of him. “What if Bibo tells his uncle about everything?” – the young man suddenly thought. He got scared and decided not to return to his home. “I’d better go wherever I can!” - Shadi thought and walked out of the forest onto the road. He walked and sang a farewell song:
Farewell, Bibo, my love! I'm afraid to return to my father. I decided to go to Isfahan, to distant foreign lands.
Bibo heard this song and rushed to look for Shadi. The girl walked around all the hills, looking for her lover, but Shadi was already far away. She returned to the village all in tears, fell on the floor and could not say two words.
The mother saw how Bibo was suffering and asked:
- Bibo, my tender daughter, who is the reason for your tears? Open up to your mother!
And then, bursting into tears, Bibo told her mother everything that happened.
The mother thought about it, and then came to the father and asked for advice. The father approached his daughter, stroked her head, and began to calm her down:
- He will return, daughter! Just wait for him. Believe me, it won't be long before you see your Shadi again.
But her father’s words did not help: day by day Bibo turned pale and melted like wax.
And Shadi, as he left his home, walked forward along the road until he reached a high mountain
Kuhidav. He entered the village of Dilaram and saw many camels there. Then he approached the caravan bashi, bowed to him and said:
- O Kurbashi, don’t you need a person?
- Where are you from? – asked the caravan bashi Taj Mohammed Khan.
“I am from Talhak, oh lord, and my name is Shadi.”
- Good name! – the caravan bashi laughed and, looking at the slender young man again, said: “Okay, I’ll take you.” I am from India myself, and now I am going to Isfahan. Serve me faithfully and I will be kind to you. Agree?
“Of course, I agree, oh lord,” Shadi answered happily.
And a few hours later the caravan set off. Shadi walked next to Taj Muhammad Khan and thought about what awaited him.
The caravan walked for a long time. The sun hid behind the hills. The humpbacked shadows of camels ran along the ground. And then night fell. And Shadi became sad, because he remembered his native land and his tender beloved Bibo.
Meanwhile, poor Bibo lay on her bed, looking at the distant stars, and they seemed to her like the beautiful eyes of her beloved. She did not drink or eat, and slept only a little - the rest of the time she thought about her beloved. She composed poems to her lover and whispered them to the wind, thinking that he would bring them to Shadi’s ears.
One day a joyful father ran in to Bibo and said:
- Daughter, my tender gazelle, quickly run to the gate! There is a caravan from India, maybe Shadi is going with it!
Bibo was delighted, jumped out of bed and ran to the gate. She sat there, propped her head in her hands and began to look at barely noticeable black dots in the distance. Bibo's heart sank with excitement. The bright sun hurt her eyes. And she still sat and waited.
Now the caravan is coming closer, now the screams of the drivers can be heard, but Shadi is still not visible.
So the caravan passed through the entire village, and Bibo did not meet her lover.
Bibo felt the bitterness of separation even more strongly. Her poor heart sank, and she sang softly, looking after the departing caravan:
O caravan, don’t go, wait! Tell me where is my beloved Shadi?
Will he never return?
I’ll die then, exhausted by melancholy!
So Bibo sang and fell to the ground, sobbing.
Several more years passed. And then one night a dusty messenger knocked on the gate of Wali Muhammad's house. Without saying a word, he handed the letter and galloped away. Vali Mohammed unfolded the paper, and tears welled up in his eyes with joy. The letter was from Shadi. On beautiful paper, the son wrote lines of love, and his first words were to Bibo:
“Oh beloved, let the words of my greetings reach you! I am healthy and strong as before. Only my heart hurts from separation from you. I live in Isfahan, like a rich prisoner, and I yearn for you, my love. :
O my father, shadow over my head, forgive me for everything and kiss my mother. I became a famous and rich merchant, now I trade with India. I don't know if I'll come back to you. But if you, my dear father, want to see your son, then my joy will know no bounds.”
Wali Muhammad came to Bibo and, without saying a word, placed Shadi’s letter at her bedside. The girl read the letter and immediately blossomed like a rose in the May garden.
And while Wali Mohammed was getting ready to set off, Bibo wrote a tender letter to her lover and brought it to her uncle, begging him to quickly deliver the letter to Shadi.
And so Vali Mohammed set off on his journey. He walked for a long time and finally reached the noisy and rich Isfahan.
In this large trading city, Wali Muhammad found the house of his son. He marveled at the beauty and wealth of this house: the walls were high, just like in a palace, and a servant stood at the gate.
Vali Mohammed approached the servant and asked him if Shadi Khan was at home.
-Who are you and why do you need Shadi Khan, a stranger?
Wali Muhammad smiled and quietly answered:
- I am the father of Shadi Khan.
The servant was embarrassed, bowed to the master's father and, muttering apologies, led him into the rich chambers. Then the servant reported to Shadi Khan that his father had arrived.
Shadi was incredibly happy, rushed to meet his father and fell on his knees in front of him. The father began to cry and raised his son. They sat in the rich chambers until dark, telling each other about everything that had happened. Then Shadi took his father to the best chambers and ordered his servants to carry out all his orders.
Several days passed. Vali Mohammed rested and enjoyed himself.
And then one day he asked his son:
- Well, son, are we going home soon?
Shadi frowned.
“I won’t go with you, father.” Forgive me for the impudence of my words.
- Why?
“I’m ashamed in front of my uncle,” Shadi whispered barely audibly.
Wali Mohammed laughed.
- Well, if only this keeps you in Isfag-ie, it doesn’t matter! Take my word for it, your uncle is not at all angry with you. Vice versa! He wants you to come back quickly. And Bibo? After all, she can’t wait for you! If you don't come, I don't know what will happen to her.
Shadi was delighted and decided to go home with his father.
They saddled two hot horses and set off early the next morning. Shadi rode and sang:
Faithful horse, run quickly,
Don't spare any effort on the road!
Heart beats like a bird
I'm going to my Bibo.
Now the mountains are becoming more visible,
Behind the expanse of fields, -
Rush, my horse, without getting tired
I'm going to my Bibo.
So, without stopping anywhere, they reached Farah in the evening. Here father and son dismounted and ordered the servants to quickly feed the horses. But just as they were about to move on, Shadi suddenly saw Taj Mohammed Khan. The friends greeted joyfully, but the joy of the meeting did not drive away the sadness from the face of Kara-van-bashi. Shadi noticed this and asked:
- What's wrong with you, friend? What sadness oppresses you? Taj Muhammad Khan looked sadly at Shadi and said to him like this:
“My friend, I forgot documents worth one hundred and fifty thousand rupees at my brother’s house.” I'll be lost without them. I ask you, go to India now, and then you’ll have time to go home. Do as I ask, and I will forever remember this favor.
Shadi thought. And Taj Mohammed Khan said goodbye to everyone and, without saying another word, galloped off towards Isfahan.
Then the father approached his son and said to him:
“My beloved son, for an Afghan, a friend’s request is sacred. But listen to me and do this: rush faster than the wind to Talkhak, see your mother, see your Bibo, and then ride to India and fulfill everything that Taj Mohammed Khan asked you to do.
Shadi agreed with his father's wise advice, jumped on his horse and drove him so that the wind whistled in his ears.
Without mercy, Shadi drove his faithful horse until he stopped at the gate of the house where Bibo lived.
-Whose house is this? – Shadi shouted menacingly. And he himself turned white with excitement.
Bibo's mother came out to the threshold, looked at the dusty rider and answered:
- Who are you? And where are you going?
The woman didn't recognize Shadi! After all, so many years have passed since he left! Over the years, Shadi has transformed from a thin, timid youth into a strong, brave man.
However, Shadi recognized Bibo’s mother and, hiding his joy, replied:
– I am a wanderer and am going to India. The road has tired me. Would you, O woman, order me to bring me a hookah?
Bibo's mother looked carefully at the rider, and her heart began to beat faster. “How similar this handsome man is to Shadi! Isn’t it him?” – the woman thought and rushed to Bibo’s chambers.
“Daughter, there’s a horseman standing at the gate!” He looks a lot like Shadi Khan! Go give him a hookah.
Bibo rushed to the fireplace and began to fill the hookah. She wants to light it, but the hot coals keep falling out of her hands. After all, her tender fingers are not used to pain, to fire!
The girl did not notice how Shadi carefully entered the room and stopped at the door. Only when he began to sing quietly did Bibo shudder when she heard the gentle voice of her beloved. Shadi sang to her:
You light the hookah for me, My Bibo, And you burn your hands for me, My Bibo, Leave the hookah and better look around, My Bibo, Your gaze is brighter than a hot fire, My Bibo.
As before, you are beautiful and tender, My Bibo, And if you are faithful in your love, My Bibo, Let the nightingales sing to us until the morning, My Bibo, I am now destined to have the joy of meeting With my Bibo!
Screaming with joy, Bibo turned around and answered:
My beloved, you brought me happiness! But I’ll answer your question: Look, I lit a hookah for you, And it’s filled with rose petals.
With these words, Bibo stepped forward and clung to the powerful chest of her lover.
In the evening, the joyful Shadi Khan came to his house, and his mother’s happiness was great when she saw her son return.
He put on his best clothes and sat by the window, waiting for his bride, the beautiful Bibo, to be brought to him.
He waited until midnight, but Bibo was never brought to him.
Shadi was surprised and saddened, but decided that perhaps it was not right to bring the bride to the groom on the first night. But no matter how much he reassured himself, his heart was heavy, because he had not fulfilled his friend’s request!
The next morning came. Wali Mohammed arrived and was even more delighted to see his son sleeping on his palang in his home.
Shadi Khan heard his father's steps and woke up.
- Shadow over my head, my beloved father! - he said. “I waited all night yesterday for my fiancée Bibo to be brought to the house, but she’s still not there.
- Don't be sad, son. Believe me, by evening Bibo will come to you and become your wife.
And again the painful hours of waiting dragged on. Shadi was completely exhausted and lost weight in these two days. The heat of the day has already subsided, the sun has hidden behind the sharp peaks of the mountains, but Bibo is still not there.
And when evening came, Shadi Khan frowned and said to his father:
- Goodbye! I did as you told me; but you see: everything is in vain.
- Wait a little longer, son! - the father begged. “I’ll now run to Vali Mohammed myself and find out what’s the matter.” He promised me to marry Bibo to you.
But Shadi Khan was adamant. He saddled his horse, jumped into the saddle and prepared to leave. At this time, Bibo ran into the yard, grabbed him by the stirrup and began to cry bitterly.
Shadi got off his horse, bowed down to his beloved, and she wrapped her tender arms around him, like a vine wraps around a mighty tree.
– I agree to everything, my love! Kiss me as much as you want, just stay. It was my mother who delayed me because my wedding outfit was not ready yet.
“No, Bibo,” Shadi answered sadly. “I’ve been waiting for you for two days, but I can’t wait any longer.” A friend's request is a sacred request. And honor for an Afghan is most valuable.
And no matter how much Bibo begged Shadi Khan to stay, he never agreed.
He kissed Bibo for the last time, jumped on his horse and rushed off into the darkness of the approaching night.
After long days of travel, Shadi reached the wealthy city of Quetta. Taj Muhammad Khan's brother, Baz Muhammad Khan, lived in this city. Shadi came to his house.
- Hello, Baz Mohammed Khan! May the days of your life be blessed!
– Hello, O Shadi Khan, whose glory resounds everywhere! Why did you come to my house?
And Shadi told him that Taj Muhammad Khan had forgotten important documents here. Baz Muhammad Khan quickly found these documents, returned to Shadi and told him this:
“I will be mortally offended if you leave without staying in my palace.”
- But Taj Mohammed Khan is waiting for me!
– Not of great importance, it can wait another day. But then I’ll give you such hot horses that you’ll get to Isfahan twice as fast.
And Shadi Khan had to stay in the palace and stay for a day or two.
And Baz Mohammed Khan left Shadi in his palace not without intent. He had two beautiful daughters, and he dreamed of marrying one of them to Shadi.
Having learned about this, Shadi only smiled sadly, because his heart belonged to Bibo. He dreamed only about her alone days and nights, he yearned for her more and more.
Finally, having said goodbye to Baz Muhammad Khan, Shadi went to Isfahan. He reached a small town and there fell off his horse from fatigue. And at night he developed a fever. He somehow slept until the morning, and at dawn he hardly got into the saddle and moved on.
Shadi Khan galloped along a deserted road, and green circles kept appearing in his eyes. But, clenching his teeth until it hurt, he drove further and further.
But soon his strength left him, and, before reaching Dila-ram, he fell off his horse. Shadi lay motionless for a long time until he finally came to his senses. Shadi Khan looked around and saw: there was no one around, only some ancient ruins stood by the road. Shadi crawled there, lay down on the damp ground and forgot.
How long he lay there or not is unknown. But when I woke up, it was already night. It's quiet around, deserted. Only the huge wings of unknown birds rustle menacingly in the night sky. Shadi forgot himself again, and when he opened his eyes again, it was a hot afternoon. And again there is silence all around. And not a single soul knows that he lies here sick and alone.
Shadi Khan felt that his death hour was coming, and bitterly thought about his life. And when he remembered Bibo, tears welled up in his eyes.
Finally, at the end of the fourth day, he heard the clatter of hooves somewhere nearby. Shadi screamed with all his strength. He hears: the rider has stopped. Then he came up and bent over him. Shadi Khan whispered barely audibly:
- Traveler, do as I ask, and Allah will send you happiness in life.
“I’m listening to you, O wanderer,” the man answered quietly, because he saw that he was talking to a dying man.
“Hurry up, go to Talkhak and tell my beloved Bibo where I am and what’s wrong with me.”
Shadi Khan rose on his elbow, looked at the man with huge eyes full of pain, and asked:
– Will you do as I ask?
The man nodded his head, jumped on his horse and rushed to Talhak. He arrived there at night and rushed to Bibo's house.
- Get up quickly, Shadi Khan is dying at Dila Rama! His last words were about you, Bibo.
Without getting dressed, Bibo rushed towards Dilaram. She ran for a long time and finally reached the ruins where Shadi lay. She leaned towards him, pressed her lips to his face and said, bursting into tears:
- Darling, what’s wrong with you, answer me! I am ready to give my life for one look from you!
Shadi sighed quietly and whispered:
- Goodbye, my love, goodbye, Bibo! We'll never see each other again. Kiss me goodbye.
Bibo bent over him and began to kiss his face. And when she rose from the ground, Shadi Khan was already dead.
Bibo stood as if made of wood over the body of her beloved, and then knelt down and closed his eyes.
Then all the relatives came running. People rushed to Bibo, began to console the sobbing girl, and she asked them only one thing:
- Leave me alone! Let me be with my lover for a little while. And then do what you want.
The relatives agreed and, walking quietly, went outside.
Then Bibo lay down next to Shadi Khan, pressed her lips to his face and covered herself with a blanket.
After some time, the relatives returned and saw: Bibo was lying next to Shadi Khan and was not moving. Then Ali Muhammad whispered:
- Get up, dear! You can't help the grief here. But Bibo did not respond. Once again AliMuhammad repeated his words, and again Bibo did not answer. Then he bent over his daughter and pulled back with a loud cry. Tender Bibo died.
And they buried their lovers side by side in the very place where they slept their last sleep. Instead of ruins, a beautiful tomb was built here, and people still make pilgrimages here.
This is the end of the true story about Shadi and Bibo. And may Almighty Allah forgive them, and us, and all the faithful.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru