The Poor Merchant

 

khaled

The Poor Merchant

In a large and bustling city, there was a young vegetable seller who worked tirelessly every day, striving to become the biggest merchant in the country. His financial situation was quite difficult, forcing him to work all day and, in the evening, pull his cart back to his distant home outside the city.

One day, after finishing his work as usual, he took his cart and headed home. He prepared a simple dinner—just eggs and bread. As he was about to sleep, he was startled by someone knocking on his door.

He wondered, “Who could be knocking at this late hour, especially since I live in such an isolated area?” Then, he heard a young woman screaming, begging him to open the door.

The young man, Khalid, quickly got up and opened the door, only to be shocked to find a beautiful young woman desperately pleading for him to let her inside.

She rushed in, and after about five minutes, she finally managed to calm down. She then told Khalid that she had been kidnapped by a dangerous gang but had tricked them and escaped by pretending to need the restroom. As she ran through the dark streets, she saw the light from Khalid’s house and ran toward it.

After telling him her story, she insisted on leaving immediately to continue her escape. However, Khalid, being kind-hearted, suggested that she stay the night in his home, promising to personally escort her to safety in the morning.

The young woman hesitated, feeling slightly fearful of Khalid, but she had no better choice. Suddenly, Khalid put on his coat and told her that he would sleep outside near his cart, leaving the house entirely for her to rest in comfort.

The woman was astonished by his words, and a sense of relief washed over her. She realized she was in the presence of a brave and noble-hearted man.

The next morning, Khalid accompanied the young woman back to the city. Along the way, she asked him to stay with her until she safely reached her home and met her father.

Upon arrival, Khalid was shocked to discover that the young woman was the daughter of the city's ruler and the wealthiest merchant in the country.

As they entered the grand palace, they found her father in tears, desperately giving orders to his guards to search for his daughter.

The moment he saw her standing behind him, he turned around in disbelief before embracing her tightly. Overjoyed, he listened as Maryam recounted the entire story—how the gang had kidnapped her, demanded a ransom, and how Khalid had sheltered and protected her with utmost respect.

Wanting to reward Khalid for his bravery, the father supported him and helped him become one of the richest merchants in the country.

khaled and maryam

Some time later, Khalid met Maryam again and confessed his admiration for her, expressing his desire to marry her.

She accepted, and they had a happy and fulfilling life together, with Khalid remaining the true hero in his wife's eyes.