A Bride's Story

Chapter 54: Guest

"Welcome to our house," Sanira announced proudly, gesturing towards the bountiful spread. "Please help yourself. Go ahead and dig in. The food's still warm."

Seated on pillows, the men, elders, and children gathered around the table, engaged in lively conversation as the women served dish after dish from the bustling kitchen.

"Lamb, venison, fruits, fish, and all sorts of freshly baked bread," Mahatbek remarked, surveying the impressive array of delicacies.

In the midst of the feast, Mahatbek turned his attention to Nikolovsky, curious to learn more about his family. "You said you have a daughter?"

Nikolovsky paused, his expression briefly clouded with memories. "We have five daughters, so arranging the trousseau was quite a problem," he revealed, drawing sympathetic murmurs from the men.

"That would be difficult indeed," Mahatbek acknowledged, his respect for Nikolovsky growing with each revelation.

"But somehow we did manage to get them all sent off properly," Nikolovsky continued with a hint of pride. "Though thanks to that, we were left with pretty much nothing."

"It's impressive that you even managed to gather that much," Mahatbek remarked, admiration coloring his tone. "Where'd you get that much silk?"

Meanwhile, Akunbek seized the opportunity to inquire about his granddaughter's progress. "It'll be Tileke's time soon enough. How's her needlework coming along?" he asked Yusuf, eager for reassurance.

Yusuf exchanged a glance with his wife, Seleke, who offered a subtle cue. "It's... coming along," he replied cautiously, understanding the importance of the task at hand.

"The sooner, the better," Akunbek concluded firmly, his thoughts already drifting towards future preparations.

Observing the exchange, Karluk nudged Mr. Smith with a hint of amazement. "Five daughters? That sure is something."

Mr. Smith, feeling slightly out of his depth amidst the familial chatter, could only offer a bewildered smile.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the evening settled in, Mr. Smith found himself seeking clarification from Karluk, the young man he had grown fond of during his stay. As Karluk diligently tended to his horse, Mr. Smith couldn't help but voice his curiosity.

"What they were talking about back then..." Mr. Smith began, his tone earnest. "What was that all about?"

"Back then?" Karluk echoed, momentarily puzzled by the vague reference.

"During dinner," Mr. Smith clarified, hoping to jog Karluk's memory.

"... About the trousseau?" Karluk ventured tentatively, piecing together the fragmented conversation.

"Yes, that's it!" the Englishman confirmed eagerly, his pen poised over his notebook in anticipation of new knowledge.

Karluk paused, considering how best to explain the intricate customs of his culture to his foreign friend. But before he could formulate a response, he noticed his wife, gracefully navigating the courtyard with a handful of silks.

A smile tugged at Karluk's lips as he realized Amira would be better equipped to elucidate the concept to Mr. Smith. With a gesture, he called her over, knowing she possessed the wisdom and patience to convey their traditions effectively.

"The linens are important," Amira began, her voice gentle yet assured. "You have to start preparing them early."

Mr. Smith furrowed his brow, his confusion evident as he struggled to grasp the significance of the conversation. 

Karluk's gentle prompt spurred Amira to delve deeper into the intricacies of their cultural tradition, recognizing the importance of clarity in bridging the gap between their worlds.

"When you marry," Amira began, her voice steady and measured, "the bride brings a large amount of linen with her as a dowry. This includes items like towels, swaddling cloth, and even larger pieces like bedding. Traditionally, all of these linens are adorned with embroidery, a task that often begins in childhood. By the time a woman reaches marriageable age, she is busy crafting her own wedding gown, among other preparations."

"I see!" Mr. Smith exclaimed, his pen dancing across the pages of his notebook to capture Amira's words. "So, carpets and the like."

Amira gently corrected him with a patient smile. "Not carpets," she clarified. "Linens."