The Magical Flower of the East: Gul‑e‑Bakauli

Long ago, in the eastern lands, there ruled a king named Badshah Zain‑ul‑Malook.

He was as handsome as the full moon, famous for justice, bravery, generosity, and wisdom. In all his kingdom, there was no ruler like him.

The king had four sons, all of whom were highly educated, brave in battle, and noble in character. But by the special will of God, a fifth son was born—

a child whose beauty shone like the sun and whose presence seemed to remove darkness from the world.

The king was overjoyed and celebrated the birth with great happiness. He called astrologers and scholars and asked them to read the child’s destiny. After studying the stars, they named him Taj‑ul‑Malook.

The astrologers said:

This child is a fresh flower in the garden of the world.

He will gain great wealth and honor.

No one like him has ever been born, nor will there be another.

Even the world of jinn will obey him.

But then they added a warning:

There is one misfortune attached to his fate.

If the king ever looks directly at this child,

The king will immediately lose his eyesight.

The king was happy and sad at the same time. He ordered his minister to keep the child and his mother in a separate palace, far away from the king’s path, so that the king would never see him. The minister obeyed.

The King Loses His Sight

Years passed. Taj‑ul‑Malook grew up surrounded by comfort, learning knowledge, skills, and manners. One day, he wished to go hunting. He rode into the forest, chasing animals deep into the wilderness.

By fate’s design, on the same day, King Zain‑ul‑Malook also went hunting. While chasing a deer, the king unknowingly reached the same place where Taj‑ul‑Malook was.

The moment the king’s eyes fell upon Taj‑ul‑Malook,

the king lost his eyesight completely.

The royal courtiers were shocked and asked how this had happened. The king replied:

A father’s eyes should grow brighter when he sees his son.

But destiny works in strange ways.

My sight has vanished because of him.

In anger and grief, the king ordered:

Taj‑ul‑Malook must be banished from the kingdom

His mother must be assigned lowly palace duties

Without looking back, the king returned to his palace and removed Taj‑ul‑Malook from his heart.

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The Search for Gul‑e‑Bakauli (A Flower)

Great doctors and healers from many lands were summoned to cure the king’s blindness. After examining him, all agreed on one thing:

There is only one cure for the king’s eyes—

the magical flower Gul‑e‑Bakauli.

If this flower is found, even a person born blind can see.

The king announced throughout his kingdom:

Whoever brings Gul‑e‑Bakauli,

or even news of it,

will be rewarded greatly.

Time passed. The king cried endlessly, just as Prophet Yaqub once cried for his son. His eyes grew weak with sorrow, but no one could find the flower.

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The Princes Leave on a Journey

One day, the four elder princes stood before the king and said:

A true son is one who serves his parents.

Even if he risks his life, he earns honor in both worlds.

Allow us to search for Gul‑e‑Bakauli.

The king refused at first, saying:

I have already lost one son and my eyesight.

How can I risk losing you as well?

But after repeated requests, he finally gave permission. Ministers prepared money, animals, supplies, and guards. The four princes set out on their journey.

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Taj‑ul‑Malook Joins Them in Secret

While traveling, the princes unexpectedly met Taj‑ul‑Malook, who had been wandering alone after being banished.

He asked where they were going, and they told him about:

the king’s blindness

the search for Gul‑e‑Bakauli

Taj‑ul‑Malook thought to himself:

This is my chance to test my destiny.

He decided to join them secretly, not as a prince but as a traveler. He met their leader, Saeed, who was struck by Taj‑ul‑Malook’s beauty and manners. Taj‑ul‑Malook said he was a poor, lonely traveler with no family or support.

Saeed, impressed by his speech and character, accepted him as a companion and treated him kindly.

---

The City of Paradise and the Cunning Courtesan

After many days, they reached a city called Shehr‑e‑Firdous, ruled by King Rizwan Shah. Near the river, they set up camp.

That evening, while exploring the city, they saw a grand palace decorated with silk curtains and gold embroidery. They asked whose palace it was.

The people replied:

This palace belongs to Dilbar Likha Baiswa,

the most beautiful and clever courtesan of this age.

They were told that:

*No man left her house without losing his wealth

* She had a drum at her door

* Whoever beat it and paid a huge amount could meet her

Proud of their riches, the four princes went to her door and beat the drum loudly.

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The Princes Are Trapped

Dilbar Likha welcomed them with beauty, luxury, wine, food, and games. She suggested playing dice. Unknown to them, she cheated using a cat and a mouse trained to control the dice.

In just one night, the princes lost millions.

The next night, they returned—and lost everything:

* gold

* animals

* servants

* weapons

Finally, they gambled their freedom and lost.

Dilbar Likha imprisoned them along with many other princes.

Taj‑ul‑Malook’s Resolve

Taj‑ul‑Malook stayed outside this trap. Seeing his brothers imprisoned, he thought:

I must free them.

If I succeed, I will earn honor in this world

and reward in the next.

He went to serve a nobleman in the city and slowly earned money, patience, and wisdom—

preparing for the moment when he would challenge Dilbar Likha himself.

End of Episode 1 .... Continue...............

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