Path Of Nostalgia

In Gregorian Calendar: 28th June, 1723

"And this is the last one..." I fold the last dress into the carpet bag and give out a huff. That was quite the load.

And today is the day of my departure.

I sit back on my bed to take a break. My room is comparatively small, but adequate and in good taste. There's a line of books, some fiction and the others about science, history and other subjects. I have my small study table as well, where I write, read, paint and craft useless things. There is no school for girls in Aden, so I just read by myself.

My family basically fled from the native country, but we aren't living so bad lives. We did take our money, although falling in debt, and the emir is a good friend of my father. Fatma is quite a rich girl, her family full of politicians. Sometimes, I envy her, but at most times I am glad of having a good ally.

But it is not as good as the life I was leading back in India. My father was one of the captains of 'Alsharikat Albayda', or 'The White Company'. It was a royal mercenary band, founded by Sultan Aurangzeb. Its main focus was to keep an eye on the European traders and their fortresses. From baba I learnt how to throw in punches and kicks, use swords and knives in combat.

It so happened that my real uncle, that vile creature, accused my father of a crime he never committed. He tricked my father and brought false witnesses, saying he was a spy for the British. Alamgir, or Aurangzeb, the late Mughal sultan, died long before, but his successors hated the Brits just like he did..

And so my father chose his neck over his property, and fled. We came to Aden by bribing a ship of privateers in Surat. His properties were claimed by my "uncle". Why call him uncle anymore in the first place?

It must be odd that a girl from a good family went to the market running after a boy who started showing off his gymnastic skills. My family is odd anyway.

I eye my sword on top of a rack. A broad saber with a red hilt. It's blunt, but dangerous all the same. My parent's main wish for my future was to join the army. Women were allowed to do so, and participate in tournaments, in big cities like Delhi about forty years ago, but it is still looked down upon. As for myself, I really haven't decided on what I want to be, but there's high chance I'll just end up fulfilling my parent's wish.

And that, is the whole story of my past and why I am in Aden now. Well, I've always wanted adventure, at least I have it now.

"I see you're very excited for your little trip to Persia," my mother says.

I simply nod. I know my mother is not happy. She sighs. "You know I hate having you away."

I think for a moment, and a blunt question comes to my mind. "I do have a question, why is he taking me though?"

"That's exactly what I asked your father! What did he say? He said that Kasim wanted a companion with Fatma because he doesn't feel safe keeping her alone. Does it sound believable to you? He has a whole network of spies and assassins."

I remain quiet. Then speak afresh, "if you really feel skeptical, then tell him I'm not going." Out of experience, I learnt that trusting my mother was better than trusting my father in many occasions.

"I can't- your father owes him money. It would turn things bad if we refused the emir when we nearly lost our lives back home."

"Kasim is a good man, you know, and of such high position. He won't do anything bad..." I reply, trying to reassure my mother, but I am not so sure myself and my voice proves it. You can't make someone buy something you yourself can't show your belief on...

In the afternoon, after a good lunch cooked by my mother, I stand at the gate with the carriage before me. I am wearing a blue cotton dress with silver embroidery. One of my favourite. A locket hangs by my neck.

I look upwards. The sky is dark already. A storm is coming soon.

"Did you forget something? Your shoes? Hairbrush?"

"I didn't, I didn't."

"Be a good girl and try to act smarter than the goat you already are." My father instructs.

"Hmmph, you'll have a lot of fun, staying away for a month," Eitizaz says, or more like grumbles. I am a bit surprised that he said anything to you. He only bickers with himself.

"Obviously, staying away from you would give me a peace of mind." I reply, rolling my eyes, but hug him all the same.

The horses stamp and snort. "Come on, we don't have much time!" Kasim shouts.

After an almost teary goodbye, I get myself seated on the uncomfortable cushion. With a whistle, the carriage starts heaving. I keep my eyes glued to my house, until the last speck of the tiled roof sinks in the midst of other buildings.

Kasim and I chat a bit. He seems to worry for some reason and cannot talk much.

"You know, Razia, this could be a great opportunity. If you catch their ruler's eye, plenty of doors will open for you."

"What does that mean?"

"It will be your path of glory!"

I only nod. I don't get what he means by "catching the ruler's eye".

"...So where's Fatma?"

"She's at port. You'll see her soon."

I continue reading a book, the only thing that gives me peace of mind, and when I get bored, I let my mind drift off to a memory in Surat.

...

"What is that building over there, baba?"

"Err, that's a hospital for cows and insects "

"What!"

"Don't be surprised. You'll see more here in Surat. These hospitals are run by the Jains."

"Hmmph, I like that it's close to the sea and all, but I like my hometown better, it's so grubby here!" I exclaimed.

"Hush!"

"But- when are we going home?"

He sighed and shook his head. "Maybe never."

We all sat on a bench by the tea stall. I always were the fast drinker and began walking around while baba and Eitizaz were finishing their tea. Something caught my eye.

WANTED

HENRY AVERY

GUILTY OF PIRACY, KIDNAPPING, ARSON AND PILLAGING THE ROYAL GANJA DHOW "GANJ-E-SAWAI"

...

Henry Avery. This man's name shall never leave my memory.