Mumba Devi, who was used to the saline water, wanted to spend some time in the fresh waters. It was said that Mumba Devi had already seen Enki’s mother, Nammu, who lived in Bahrain where the Arabian Sea met the saline Persian waters. The fusion of the water was called Nammu by the Sumerians. It is said that Enki had had sexual intercourse with his daughter, Ninsar, as well as his granddaughter, Ninkurra. One reason for his sexual acts was considered to be his soul’s loneliness. Enki was symbolic of the life generated through the fusion of water and earth. Mumba Devi was very interested in hearing his stories from his daughters. Enki would invite Mumba Devi for a visit each fall equinox. It was believed that the day would come when evening would enter the night and a red moon would shine in the sky, that is when all his daughters would appear together.

‘The day when the sun will dip in total darkness, day and night will be equally divided, that is when the moon will turn crimson and shine in the sky. That will be the first day of the world’s end. Albeit, it cannot be said what will be the length of Qayama’h [day of reckoning].’

When Maulabax read these lines in one corner of his room, his spirit shivered with fear.

A feeling of fear also ran down Asrar’s spine when he came near the girl. He spread the umbrella above her head. When the girl looked at him, he was sure he would get scolded. He stood silently. The girl looked into his eyes. The wind was strong in the rain. There was soft music in the flow of these winds. Asrar and the girl were now unaware of the wind, the rain and the music. They just stared at each other.

Asrar noticed that the kohl in her eyes had smudged, the lipstick had come off because of the rain but her lips were still red. Beautifully red. Her eyes weren’t big but had a magical flame within them. He thought that he would apologize and inquire why she was getting drenched in the rain but suddenly a strong gust came and his umbrella flipped inside out. He bent down on the floor to mend it. Seeing him struggle, the girl started laughing. He looked at her, then fixed the umbrella and stood up.

‘I’m really sorry, I went into a shock looking at you.’

She said nothing in response.

‘You were getting drenched in the rain for such a long time. I was looking at you from inside the dargah.’

She still said nothing.

Asrar was confused by her silence. ‘I thought I should tell you that the rain is going to increase in intensity.’

‘Okay,’ the girl said.

‘If your family members are inside, shall I call them?’

‘I’m alone.’ She corrected herself, ‘I mean there’s no one with me.’