They say, you find love only once in a lifetime. And if you find it? You are lucky. Love sure is beautiful. But what is love without pain and sacrifice? What is love without any tears and heartache?
I was looking beyond the window, when mother called, 'Rhea, come thither.'
'Here I come, mother!'
I passed the small hall, holding a small dining table for the family and 2 cupboards on the corners and few chairs for us or guests to rest on; nothing fancy, and headed to the kitchen where mother took steps to and fro, concerned. We were neither poor nor rich but now, ever since the confrontation the land is undefined and so are lives.
'Mother, you called me?'
She looked at me and said,' Dear I was preparing soup but we have nothing to cook. Your father is sweating day and night for us and I do not want to disappoint him. Will you go buy some vegetables?'
I nodded my eyes with understanding. 'Adrian is away to tend your father with work otherwise I would have him sent.' said mother. Adrian my elder brother, a handsome young man, inherited by glorious masculinity, sought his best to support the family so that we would not weaken. As a brother and son, he had not failed. He was my guard.
'I will go, mother, do not fret.' I looked at her and smiled, assuring her that she need not worry. My parents seldom sent me out after the war, because the men of the kingdom surrounding our place were vulgar and dissolute, rarely keeping their eyes off women, young girls, and girl children. It was such that women had to stay within the walls to cherish their dignity.
Mother brought me a scarf, tied it around my head shielding my face and chest. I was wearing a simple dress reaching my ankles but for a woman with innate curves, a piece of cloth could not hide, so I had to make certain that I did not initiate their feelings of lust.
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After my mother glanced at me for the last time and poured out all advice, she left me handing me a basket and some money.
I stepped outside, took a deep breath, and started walking as fast as I could: praying to God, every step I took to keep me safe. I walked the length of small houses that extended across the street and entered the crowds of the market to see shopkeepers shouting for sale, people walking here and there, talking loudly and a gathering of people sitting and drinking talking filth. Some armed men making their way with prostitutes who exposed their chest and some women stripping their clothes as they danced and sang. Oh God, have they no shame? I found it terrible to walk even when I was clothed.
I walked past until I reached the vegetable and fruit market. I saw men here and there looking at me and saying something amongst themselves; I lowered my head and walked towards one of the shops. God, why are they looking at me in such a wrong manner? Fear building inside me, I walked masking courage.
I walked to the old man, who sold vegetables, smiled, and said, ' Good morning, uncle! Can I have some vegetables, please?'
'Good morning! Yes, my child.' He took a few carrots, beans, and few more vegetables and asked me if it was enough. I nodded. He packed them in some cloth and handed them to me. I handed over the money saying, 'Thank you! Health to your hands!'
