Hatim on his journey towards the deserts of Hawaida saw a beautiful river. He stopped there to drink water and wash away all the grim and dirt. The water was clear and refreshing. Colourful fish were swimming near by; down the river big fish were roaming carelessly. Hatim was quite mesmerised. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a big fish appeared in front of him. It was half human and half fish–a Mermaid. The Mermaid caught hold of Hatim and took him deep into the water. Hatim was surprised to see an elaborate palace under water. The Mermaid tempted Hatim with all the luxuries so that he might stay with her; she even tried to scare him. When she realized Hatim was determined to reach the deserts of Hawaida as soon as possible, she carried him back to the surface of the water and let him continue his journey.
Hatim Tai in Deep Water
