In the quiet recesses of the heart, there exists a mystery that has confounded men for centuries-a creation so delicate, yet so resilient, that even a mere glance, if harsh, can unravel her.
She weeps not just with her eyes, but with her very soul...
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The sun shone brightly outside, the beginning of a new day in the new chapter of her life. Nazlae felt a quiet thrill in her heart as she folded the blanket and smoothed the bed. The gentle smile on her face reflected the newfound adoration she felt in this space.
After tidying up, she brushed an inexistent crease on her kurta and her smile widened as she took in the surroundings. The four-poster bed with its intricately carved wooden frame, the large almirah with its dark wood and brass handles, the demilune table beside the tall window with its delicate curves and polished surface seemed to tell stories of a bygone era.
Nazlae felt as though she had stepped back in time, into a world where elegance and tradition intertwined seamlessly. She was absolutely in love with this room, where every piece of furniture conveyed the tale of generation pasts.
Nazlae decided to steer her lazy morning into something more productive. As she walked downstairs to the grand hall, the clattering of utensils from the kitchen caught her attention, guiding her steps in that direction. The kitchen, like the rest of the house, spoke of the same old-world elegance that she had grown to adore.
Inside, Rashida Banu was busy preparing food, her movements efficient and practiced. "Assalamualaikum," Nazlae greeted from the doorway.
Rashida Banu paused, looking back over her shoulder. The smile Nazlae had seen on her face yesterday was there again, wide and radiating warmth. "Walaikumassalam," she replied, her response a stark contrast to Nazlae's calm demeanor.
Nazlae stepped closer, her eyes drawn to the sizzling sound of scrambled eggs in the pan. "May I help you?" she offered.
"You don't need to, Bibi Saheba." Rashida Banu declined respectfully.
On the contrary, Nazlae was caught off guard, she wasn't really prepared for such formality. "Instead, why don’t you explore the house? It is huge," she added, easing the moment, the hint of a smile playing on her lips. Nazlae, still a bit startled, returned the affection with a soft smile of her own.
Rashida Banu returned to her cooking, leaving Nazlae to explore at her own pace. As she wandered through the kitchen, her attention was drawn to an open door that led to the backyard. Stepping outside, she was met with a vast, open space. Aside from a few bushes huddled in one corner, the area was mostly barren.
Crossing her arms against her chest, she took in the emptiness around her, feeling a twinge of disappointment. But then, an idea sparked in her mind, bringing a gleam of excitement to her eyes. As she gazed around, she could almost see it—vegetable vines climbing up trellises, spinach flourishing in raised garden beds, the once empty space transforming into a lush, vibrant green oasis.
She continued wandering through the grounds until she stumbled upon a serene pond, a stark contrast to the barren area she'd encountered moments ago. Tall coconut trees stood sentinel around the circular pond, their shadows dancing on the water's surface. Curious, she approached closer, noticing the ghat made of rock stairs leading down to the water. But as she neared the edge, the damp, slippery steps gave her pause. With no swimming skills to rely on, she decided against taking the risk and turned away, not wanting to create a scene.
