Betrothal

The mountains were filled with grey clouds today. The whole pasture and surrounding mountains were wrapped in thunderous sounds. Lightening and thunder could be heard in the distance.

It's been several days since Dilawar came, and she got sick. When she woke up the next morning, Aghan was gone for work and she was alone in the mansion.

But he arranged everyone to serve her and dictate her meals. Everyday the report was sent to him about her daily activities.

First day she didn't come out of her room, but by evening she was dead bored. She even tried to find loopholes for escape but it was to no avail. This wide mansion was a fortress .

She saw all the rooms one by one, the kitchen, verandas, the dining hall, balconies, gardens, even the Mardan khana (men's place ). Strangely no one hindered her. All the mansions here were divided into Mardan khana (men's place) and Zanan khana (women's place).

Mardana consisted of rooms where the men welcomed the outsiders or guests. Whereas only men from family or relatives were allowed in Zanana. All the female members were to live in Zanana and cannot enter Mardana. It was to protect the sanctity of women. No man can casually see a female.

Because the only man in here was Aghan so the rules were only applicated to maids. She was the anomaly. No one restricted her as she roamed the place. Even Dilawar came freely that day because not many people knew her existence.

It was cloudy today and soon rain started pouring. She had no wish to go outside and stayed in her room. Rakshee kept her company the whole time. She had grown quite fond of Ray (rakhsee).

She told her many customs and ancestors. For a young teenager, she knew quite a bit about culture and ancestry.

' Courage and loyalty is in our blood. In whole of the land you would not find a single man or woman who is coward or a betrayer.'

' The pride of a man, doesn't lie in lands or horses or even guns, but how many sons he have. Sons protect and strengthen the position of their fathe, especially if he has many enemies.'

' It's a custom to get betrothed from early ages, sometimes even before birth.'

' Betrothal is as good as marriage here. Even I (rakshee) got betrothed when I was young. My fiancé sells the harvest of the mountains in market.'

The little girl was so shy she turned beet red. And once she started blabbering, she didn't stop. Ayla listened with keen interest, she wasn't a gossip monger but there was little entertainment here, especially today.

" What does he look like? When did you get engaged? Do you like him?"

' He is the son of my neighbour, my parents got me engaged when I was 3. He is good looking and strong maybe because he has to carry things all day. But he fights with me all the time and annoys me.'

The little girl was blushing hard and even when denouncing him, her eyes sparkled.

' Even Agha says he is a bright talent. Agha says he will send him to city to manage some of his work. That's why I also entered school and learned as much as I can to help."

' You must be really proud then.'

' Ofcourse.'

Ayla wondered what's to become of her now. She didn't belong to this world. Why would they bring me here.

' This is your home now Ayla'

Aghan's words echoed in her mind. She sighed. If I was born here, then am I also have to live conservatively, abandon my passion arts, and just live my days as modern rapunzel.

Ahhh she didn't want this. That obnoxious man has gone to who knows where and I am here getting a crash course on the life here.

Is he also betrothed to someone?