Inside the mausoleum's sacred embrace, Mr. Smith, Amira, and Pariya found themselves surrounded by ornate rugs adorning the walls. A sense of hallowed stillness filled the air as their eyes fell upon the central figure—the ancient sarcophagus standing as a solemn testament to time's passage.
Observing the interior, Mr. Smith couldn't help but express his surprise. "Oh... Pretty small on the inside, isn't it?"
Pariya felt a flicker of annoyance, her pride for the mausoleum ignited. "Size may be deceptive, but this place holds immense significance. It's revered by people who embark on pilgrimages from far-flung lands to offer their prayers here!"
Mr. Smith's eyes widened with curiosity. "Wow! Is that so? What is this place's efficacy?"
Pariya's face reddened, her words stumbling out. "Well, it's not exactly about healing or long life. It's more... um... something else."
Mr. Smith persisted. "Something else? Can you elaborate?"
Feeling uncomfortable discussing the matter with a man, Pariya hesitated. She nervously twiddled her fingers. "It's a place where... women come to seek... um... blessings for..." Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
Suddenly, Karluk overheard their conversation from outside the mausoleum and stepped in to assist his clueless friend. "Mr. Smith! May I have a word?"
Outside, Karluk and Mr. Smith engaged in a brief conversation. "Horukia, the woman for whom this mausoleum is dedicated, is said to have borne 40 children in her lifetime. Women come here to seek blessings for fertility and childbirth."
Mr. Smith's face lit up with realization. "Ah! Now I understand!"
Upon hearing this, Amira's heart skipped a beat as she comprehended Pariya's unspoken intentions. Had the young girl brought her to this revered temple to pray for her own fertility? The thought sent a warm flush rushing to her cheeks. Did Pariya believe that she and Karluk...? Self-consciousness swirled within Amira's mind. Did others perceive the same possibilities?
Meanwhile, Mr. Smith, captivated by the unique cultural insights, feverishly scribbled notes in his notebook. "40 children! Absolutely astounding! I wonder if there's a deeper significance to this remarkable number!"
YOU ARE READING
A Bride's Story
RomanceIn a rural town near the Caspian Sea during the Russian conquest of Central Asia in the late 19th century, Amira travels across the mountains to marry Karluk, a young boy eight years her junior.
