Imam notices Haya shivering and gently places his hand on her head, asking her to relax. Take a deep breath and think of me as either your father or a friend. Could you please tell me what is bothering you? You're not in good mental health. I'd like you to tell me about what happened to you that night.
Haya starts crying as she begins to speak. I have a strong memory from the past that appears to have faded. Even if I recall everything, I am unable to recall anything. I am aware that I am cursed. Haya cries, "I see flashbacks of a mystical man who gives me a bouquet of roses out of love."
Who is this magical man? Imam inquired. The Jinn (Ghost) who came to your house to meet you was a female. She wanted to speak to you as you freaked out and passed out. Haya stares at Imam with wide eyes and stated, the witch grumbled in my ear, "Remember me yet?"
Have you ever been to a haunted destination? Maybe a year or so ago? Enquired the Imam. Yes, we visited the Khyber fort. Haya described the experience as "horribly haunted." Please explain in detail. I'm curious about everything you saw or experienced. Imam was perplexed.
It was just another day when our family decided to take an adventurous trip to Khyber fort, which is located 6 hours from Jeddah. We were overjoyed when families and relatives decided to gather at our house during the summer holidays last year. As we packed everything we needed, it got late and dad yelled at us for wasting so much time.
We left for Medina city around 10:30 p.m., which is the most sacred place for us, as you know. We intended to spend the night there. In the morning, depart for Khyber city. When Dad reached the highway on his way to Medina city, the car ramped up a little as we talked about our terrifying experiences. Laila was in the car with me. Laila is my paternal aunt's daughter and also my best friend.
When Dad noticed the other cars in the family weren't following, he immediately pulled over to the right side of the track and turned on the hazards. I believe we've become disoriented. Dad said. It was pitch black outside, and the street lights were flickering along the way. Ali, you should have followed Yousef's car. This excessive efficiency bothers me. In a sulky tone, mother said. I figured she was scared also Laila was clutching my hand a little tighter than usual.
She was clearly terrified as well. Don't worry, we'll be there shortly, said the father. Uncle Yousef had immediately summoned him. Ali, where have you gone? We can't tell if you're following us or not. I couldn't find Yousef, and I'd never been on this route before. According to the signs, it will take us straight to Bader city. Don't worry, I've got a trick up my sleeve. Uncle Yousef advised, "Follow that and it will lead you to the highway." That's fantastic, I'll just do that, and I'll see you guys soon. Uncle, said his father.
As he pushed the accelerator, Dad said, "Buckle up!" Don't worry, girls, we'll be joining them soon. The street lights went out as we approached the shortcut; it was too dark, and a frightening mother mumbled. The surroundings were terrifying. I was terrified as well. Laila hugged me and hid behind me so she wouldn't have to look out the window. We started hearing very disturbing and frightening noises. Mother and Laila started crying out of fear since they couldn't identify the strange sounds.
Dad followed the track as nothing else was to be seen. Please pull yourself together everybody, said dad in a trembling voice. As I could see some light figures crossing the way and flying through, from the front screen. Mother began to pray loudly, oh help us, God, help us find the way and dad continued to calm her down as the car bumped through a speed breaker and we all screamed at the top of our lungs. It's alright shouted dad, calm down it was just a speed breaker.
Take a look! There's a car in the distance! Dad picked up the pace and followed the car, which took us to the main highway. Oh, at long last! We've arrived at the highway! God, thank you! Thank you very much! Cried, mother. What a dreadful experience it had been. Before trying to be over efficient and racing with the random people on the road think about having a family too. Please make sure to follow directions attentively, Mother taunted dad annoyingly! Are you girls okay? Mother turned back and held Laila's hand to console her for the worst ever experience as she was shocked. Oh, I feel dizzy too said mother dramatically!
It's okay Akeelah, pull yourself together. We drove about 18 kilometers further when we came across a gas station alongside the highway. From afar, we could see four cars lined up by the side of the gas station, all with their hazards on. Oh, I believe that's our family waiting for us, Laila remarked. Mother inhaled deeply and returned her taunt stare to father. Dad, realizing his fault, remained guilty and didn't react to any of the taunts, asked us to keep our cool because we were safe and back with the family.
Laila dashed out of the car and ran straight to her mother as soon as it came to a stop on the side of the road. We've been through hell, mother. Laila cried out, "What a horrible experience!" Laila's mother said, "Calm down honey, everything is fine now." Is it really that bad, Akeelah? She inquired, perplexed, of my mother! Yes, Nora, it was terrifying. We were not expecting a wrong turn to turn out worse. However, we are safe now. God is to be praised!
So that no one loses track, we must all stay together and follow Yousef's car. My father spoke up a little too loudly. Uncle Yousef added, "You're the one who should take this instruction seriously." And everyone burst out laughing.
Everyone stopped for a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant before returning to their cars to continue on their journey. In a maximum of three hours, we will arrive in Medina city.
By 3 a.m., we had arrived in Medina, the world's most peaceful and beautiful city. We reserved a hotel and stayed there for nearly four hours before continuing on to Khyber city to see the Khyber fort.
We all ate breakfast and left for Khyber city in the morning. On the way, I passed by a series of massive mountains. The passing camels and deserted dunes gave me the distinct impression of being in Saudi Arabia. I locked my gaze on those mountains, wondering what would happen if I was abandoned out here on my own. What would I do in that situation? As I was having negative thoughts, I noticed a tall woman with a flock of sheep. She came to a halt and waved at me as we passed by.
I stared into her green-colored beautiful eyes, completely astonished. I was curious as to what she was doing alone on a bumpy roadside. At almost 15 kilometers back and forth, there were no localities visible. As the car drove past her, I looked back in the rearview mirror to see if she was waving at me. I returned her wave with a heartfelt greeting. In the front seat, Mother was fast asleep. My father asked, "Why are you waving at the sheep?" when he noticed me waving from the rearview mirror. I'm waving at the sheep's owner, a lady. What? Haya, there's no woman back there! Dad exclaimed.
I turned around because I could still see her waving and smiling at me as I looked at him puzzled. I inquired, "Dad, she's right there." Stop looking behind you and ignore what you see, Dad yelled angrily. Dad increased the car's speed, which I noticed. Despite my father's warnings, I returned the stare. I was terrified and panicked when I saw the lady vanish and all that was left were the sheep, which I could see from a long distance. Mother was startled awake by the chaos I had created in that moment. What's the matter, Haya?! Stop screaming, you're making me uncomfortable. As Dad told her that I saw a lady waving at me and that it was a ghost, I couldn't say anything. Mother, too, was flabbergasted.
Just remember to recite the necessary prayers for protection Haya, as these locations are all desolate. Nobody lives here, so we can anticipate such events, avoid contact with them, or respond by waving. It's strange that such things happen in broad daylight. Anyway, don't worry about it because we're going to the fort for some fun and adventure. Enjoy the adventure and make these moments memorable.
I made the decision to disregard all haunted and paranormal activity. Though I couldn't stop thinking about how lovely that lady was and how my heart melted when she waved at me with the sweetest smile as if she desperately wanted to say something to me. I realized she wasn't human, but she didn't appear to be in any way dangerous or harmful. My desire to meet and speak with her compelled me to look for her the entire way. However, I was unable to see her again.