સોનાની નદીની શોધમાં (In Search of the Golden River)

 Hello book lovers,

Today, I come with another thrilling part of I. K. Vijlivala's adventure series “સોનાની નદીની શોધમાં” (In Search of the Golden River).

Before reading this part, I suggest you go through the previous ones to catch up with the journey so far.

હીરાનો ખજાનો, લાલટુની ગુફ઼ાઓમા, ખોવાયેલા મિત્રની શધમાં, 

બરમૂડા ટીરેંગલ, 

અંતરિક્ષની સફર, 

Kokrai, a brave soul from Popuaa, New Guinea, joins forces with Alberto and Deek. They discuss a mysterious golden river located in Vagun, Africa. Deek invites his friends to revisit Africa, but sadly Etzel couldn’t join due to his father’s illness. Nevertheless, the group sets off again, filled with old spirit and friendship.

They are joined by Captain Smith, a sea expert with vast knowledge of oceans. The journey begins with excitement but soon faces a massive obstacle — a typhoon. It was terrifying. Captain Smith exclaimed, “I’ve never seen such a terrible typhoon in my life.”

The ship was damaged, and there was no land nearby. The captain and his crew chose to stay with the ship, but he forced the heroes to escape using life boats. In the chaos, Matadi went missing, but thankfully Jack helped find him again.

Our heroes reached land, but no one knew where they were. Kokrai saw a symbol on a local boat and recognized it — it belonged to the villagers of Popuaa. He was shocked to find his brother, whom he was separated from at age 10. Emotions ran high.

However, while moving towards the village, they were attacked by men from a rival tribe. But our heroes had guns — something the attackers had never seen — and they ran away in fear. Kokrai was reunited with his parents and other villagers, who still wore leaves for clothing.

The group took rest and had meals. But then, tragedy struck — Abira was bitten by a taipan, one of the world’s deadliest snakes. Luckily, a herbal remedy  was found to save her life.

Suddenly, Kokrai's family received news of his uncle’s death. The cause was unknown, but there was a village ritual where the dead could “wake up” to reveal their cause of death. During the ritual, it was discovered that Kokrai’s uncle had eaten a tasty but deadly insect. An old woman questioned the spirit, and the truth was revealed.

Kokrai’s father permitted him to continue his journey. Some local friends joined the adventure. They traveled via the Sirtej River and reached a Christian Missionary led by Father Alfonzo and his assistant Petric.

Our heroes rested there. When asked why they had come, they simply replied, “For adventure.” Later, Kokrai’s friends returned to their village.

The journey continued with Mr. Petric. The river and forest were breathtaking. Hesling saw something incredible — a nest of Kesoveri, a giant hunting bird. Curious, he approached, but was attacked. Petric had warned him, but it was too late.

They reached another missionary building — large and beautiful, mostly made of wood. Again, Petric warned them not to go further, citing the fearsome Vada-Man, a black magic sorcerer who killed people. No one who encountered him ever returned.

That night, two men whispered about a mysterious event. Deek and Maikale Kaka followed them and discovered gold being smuggled, hidden under wooden planks. In another room, two old people were tied up and crying.

The next morning, Deek and Maikale Kaka shared everything with the group. Petric warned, “Beware of Mr. David,” before they left. Matadi went missing again, this time controlled by the Vada-Man after refusing food. The group followed his footprints through rivers, forests, bushes, and snakes.

They reached a house where masked people were holding two captives, but when our heroes arrived, the kidnappers escaped. They learned about Satafin, a dark festival where the Vada-Man needed to kill two people to become immortal.

A warning message arrived: “Return home or be killed.” But it was written in a language only civilians would understand — proof it wasn't sent by the tribes.

They pressed forward to Vagatu village, where the festival was hosted. There, they saw the golden river, a majestic sight.

They found a village — completely empty. In one house, a person had died from a bullet wound. In another, a big hall where black magic was being practiced. Our heroes intervened — only Deek remained conscious; others fell asleep. Just then, Mr. David arrived and killed the Vada-Man.

When Deek removed the villain’s mask, he was shocked — it was Mr. Petric!

 “If gold rust, what shall iron do?”

— Canterbury Tales

Mr. David revealed all of Petric’s evil deeds. They returned to the missionary and rescued Mr. David’s parents, who had been tied up and crying. The group then returned to England.

But the story doesn’t end there…

While sailing back, they ran out of drinking water and fuel in the middle of the sea. After three days, everyone was weak and near death. Just then, Nikatatam appeared and gave water to Deek — although he was unconscious.

Captain Smith, who had been wandering, found them and rescued everyone. But he was confused — Deek’s lips were not dry, even after days without water. When he asked Deek, he couldn’t explain.

Later, when Deek reached home, he found a paper in his pocket:

 “I stopped you while you were falling asleep. It’s my wish that you visit Sadinia as soon as possible. I really wish to meet you soon.” – Mikataten

That means… a new mystery, a new journey, a new adventure awaits.