The Jungle

Jabid stood outside the hotel, conflicted emotions swirling within him after the heated argument with his parents. Seeking solace, he wandered into another room, only to discover a mother and her son peacefully sleeping. The juxtaposition of their tranquility heightened Jabid's frustration. Disturbed, he retreated from the unfamiliar room, finding his father absent upon his return. His father returned with food, unaware of the brewing storm. However, Jabid's resentment lingered, casting a shadow over the family meal. The palpable tension left his mother in tears, the aftermath of a familial rift that echoed through the hotel corridors.

Jabid, burdened by the weight of family discord, made a life-altering decision to leave his home forever. With a bag and phone in hand, he sought solace in the depths of a verdant jungle, surrounded by towering mountains and a vast, serene lake. Standing at the cliff's edge, he found a temporary refuge in the beauty that nature offered. In a moment of contemplation, his cherished possession slipped from his grasp and into the water below. Undeterred, Jabid descended the mountain, swam to retrieve the lost item, and as he emerged, he realized the symbolic significance of the incident. With a deep breath, he left behind not just a lake, but his past, choosing to embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncertainty, and the untamed wilderness that lay ahead. The jungle became his new home as he walked away from the echoes of familial strife, carrying only his bag and the resilient spirit within him.

Amid the shimmering waters, Jabid discovered a community of friends frolicking in the lake, their camaraderie echoing through the jungle. Despite the language barrier, their laughter and shared joy transcended words, creating a sense of belonging for Jabid. Embracing the newfound companionship, Jabid tossed his water-protected iPhone onto the ground as a gesture of trust, allowing someone else to safeguard his connection to the outside world. With a liberating splash, he joined his friends in a carefree swim, the vast lake becoming a canvas for shared laughter, untold stories, and a sense of unity that transcended the complexities he had left behind. The jungle, once a solitary refuge, now resonated with the harmonious symphony of newfound camaraderie. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the jungle, Jabid's yearning for his phone and bag intensified. However, the once-familiar landscape now seemed unfamiliar, and a realization dawned on him — he had lost track of the precise location. In his quest to reunite with his belongings, Jabid stumbled upon a gathering of friends engaged in rigorous training. The atmosphere buzzed with determination, and he comprehended that his newfound companions were being tested without external support. Despite the yearning for his possessions, Jabid faced a choice — to continue the journey alone or embrace the challenges alongside those who had become more than just friends in this wild adventure. The jungle whispered tales of resilience, forging a bond that transcended material belongings in the pursuit of shared strength and growth.

In the morning light, Jabid embarked on a desperate search to locate the spot where he left his phone and bag. The jungle, now seemingly labyrinthine, challenged his memory, and every turn led to a complex array of paths. Amidst his quest, an unsettling discovery unfolded — a lifeless body, solemnly carried away by a boat, surrounded by a group of solemn army officers rendering assistance. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over Jabid's pursuit for his belongings. As he navigated through the intricate trails, the jungle not only concealed his personal effects but also held secrets and stories that transcended his individual journey. The juxtaposition of his personal quest and the solemnity of the moment marked a poignant chapter in his wild sojourn.

Wading through the water with a companion, Jabid stumbled upon a harrowing scene – three robbers menacingly aimed their guns at a defenseless man. The air tensed with danger as the assailants noticed Jabid and his friend. Their attention redirected, the robbers approached, but to their dismay, found nothing of value with Jabid and his friend. The absence of loot spared them from harm, and the criminals, with a dismissive gesture, allowed them to continue their journey through the water. The jungle, once a refuge, now echoed with the echoes of danger, weaving unexpected threads into Jabid's odyssey. Alone in his aquatic exploration, Jabid swam across the lake and ascended a mountain, only to be met by the desolation of an untouched wilderness. The absence of any signs of civilization left him feeling disheartened, prompting him to resurface onto solid ground.

Seeking perspective, he ascended a tree for a vantage point, hoping to glean insights into his surroundings. However, his attempt proved futile. As he contemplated descending, a startling sight unfolded – a gathering of elephants, their keen eyes fixated on Jabid. Trapped in a moment of desperation, he clung to the tree until the majestic creatures gracefully departed, allowing him to safely climb down. The jungle, unforgiving and unpredictable, continued to shape Jabid's solitary expedition with each twist and turn. Relieved and grateful, Jabid awoke from his sleep, realizing the intense journey through the jungle, elephants, and robbers was but a vivid dream. Today being Jumma, the day of congregational prayer, he reflected on the surreal experience. Thankful for the release from the imagined hardships, Jabid offered heartfelt prayers of gratitude during Fajr. The vividness of the dream lingered, leaving him with a profound sense of appreciation for the reality he found himself in. As he prepared for the day ahead, the surreal adventure served as a reminder to cherish each moment and recognize the blessings of the present.