The next day after fetching water from the banks of the Euphrates where there was yet again no sign of Shala, Akki returns home.
“I have a plan to help save Shala,” the son imparts to his father.
“What are you talking about Akki?” replies Duzi.
“Why not ask your brother if he can bid for her at the marriage market? As a merchant, surely he has enough to save her.”
“What’s this drivel? Your uncle is busy enough and needn’t be bothered with such folly. Now tend to your garden duties. Our legumes and onions are much too dry,” bluntly retorts the increasingly annoyed father.
After dinner, Akki joins Ahma in her room and conveys his plan to her, adding that their father is rather obstinate to the idea. To his amazement, Ahma is keenly sold on the proposal.
“Let me handle father,” assures the older sister.
“All right Ahma, I will ask your uncle Ammi-Zaidu if he’d be willing to partake in this foolishly daring escapade. But I doubt that he will accept,” replies Duzi to Ahma’s desperate plea.
Soon after, Duzi pays a visit to his widower brother regarding the bold scheme. At first Ammi-Zaidu appears reluctant to partake in the plot, yet eventually agrees to it with some trepidation.
The next day, Ahma and Akki pay Shala a visit to unveil the craftiness of their scheme, assuring the maiden of their uncle’s noble intention to help protect her virtue.
“Oh Ahma, I can always count on you to unchain my misery,” beams Shala with a heap of gratitude.
“You have Akki to thank for the plan,” responds Ahma.
Shala offers a warm glance to Akki who finally gets to meet his enchanting love interest. Trying to contain his elation to her reaction, the timid young man plays it coy. After detailing the physical appearance of their uncle, what he will be wearing and how he will bid for her during the auction, the siblings take their leave.