Hatim, determined to reach the Bath of Badgard safely, had full intentions of following the instructions that the old man had given him. Hatim walked on the path that he had been guided to follow. He was conscious of the warning that those who did not listen to their well-wishers had to face a life of shame and misery. However, when he reached the forked road, remembering that it was the right one, he turned towards it. Hatim walked rapidly for some time, but soon changed his mind. He walked back and started walking on the left road. He soon found himself amidst a forest full of undergrowth of thorns and brambles, which made every step he took strenuous. He had not walked a long distance, but his clothes were torn, his feet had blisters and he was exhausted. He bitterly regretted his decision of disregarding the old man’s advice.
The Forked Road
