Your smile is like the sun,
Bringing light to every day,
I am blessed to be with you,
Forever and always,
Come what may.

"Baba, you have read it wrong. It says, 'The decision is to be made this week. We request all young men to prepare and gather tomorrow at empire gates, and will remain stationed until a decision is made'."

"Ya Allah Khalid, you scared me wallahi. You are losing your sight, Habibi." Ammi almost cries out, her hand covering her heart.

Even I was scared for a moment until Usman read the paper correctly himself. But the fact remains that there is a good amount of chance that the war will happen given that our religion and empire are threatened.

"Usman, are there any other details written down?" Abu Bakr asked and pulled the paper out of Usman's hands, his eyes eager to find the answer themselves. Saif came to Abu Bakr's side and looked into the paper as well.

Three towers looming over one piece of paper, it seemed hilarious to me at how tiny the parchment looked in their hands.

I too move to stand in front of them, supporting myself on the tip of my toes, trying to see what was written in the paper but could not catch a word.

Huffing, I lowered myself.

Saif noticed my behavior and raised an eyebrow, "You want to see?" I nodded eagerly.

"Go get me water first." Immediately I ran into the kitchen, grabbed a vessel, and poured water into it.

On the same foot, I ran back to where my three brothers stood. "Here! Now can I see?"

Saif took the vessel and started to drink slowly.

Abu Bakr raised his head from the paper and cocked it to the side, "Bring me water too." Sighing, I took the vessel from Saif, went to the kitchen, and came back with a filled one, handing it to Abu Bakr.

"Jazakallah."

"Can I see now?"

"Get me water too." Sending a nasty glare toward Usman, I took the vessel from Abu Bakr, went to the kitchen, and came back with a filled one.

They were messing with me on purpose.

"Here."

Usman took it and handed me the paper. Finally!

Skimming through the paper, whisking all the information written in my head, I looked back up at my siblings, "So, will all of you be going early in the morning?"

"That is right." Something heavy clamped on my chest. What was this feeling?

"And how lon- how long will you be there?" Abu Bakr shook his head.

"We are not aware of that yet."

I nodded slowly.

So if they are leaving early in the morning tomorrow . . .

"How long does it take to get there?"

"A few hours, why are you asking this many questions?" I once shared my thoughts with Abu Bakr as well and he just laughed it off but he knew I was not joking yet he never said another word about it.

"Just wondering. Will you be going on horses?"

"Obviously." Our family was not poor, as a matter of fact, we all had our own horses. The fact I have been riding horses ever since I was a child in diapers was an understatement.

I hummed in answer and handed them the paper back.

The rest of the night was spent with my brothers hurriedly getting their things together and packed for the big day tomorrow.

Ammi and I helped them in what we could while Baba was digging up his old things, looking for things to give his sons.

I hope he does not get back ache afterward, which is highly likely.

Ammi also tried to persuade Saif to stay back and not go but he was determined to join his other two brothers for jihad. I understood why she wanted at least one of her sons to stay back but all of them were so focused on their goal that no one could accept her wishes.

My heart plummeted even more.

"Ammi, I am going to bed."

"Allahafiz aziziti." I nodded and with a grim look on my face, I went to my room, closed the door, and slipped under the covers of my bed.

Unknowingly, a tear slid down my cheek, and soon a sob cracked out of my mouth.

This heavy feeling in my chest, the source unknown made me feel sad, worried, and frustrated.

What was this?

Why was I feeling this way!? Did the news of my brothers leaving did not sit well with me? The fact that they may not return, did it scare me? Or did the fact that I could not be a part of it as well break me to pieces?

::

"Abu Bakr, take care of your brothers. Come back safe and sound. Remember, I love you and I hope to see my shehzades (princes) very soon so come back as quickly as possible." Ammi caressed every son of her one by one and I felt my eyes water.

As if last night was not enough, I was on the verge of tears again.

"Hoorain, you going to greet us or what?" Looking at Abu Bakr from under my lashes, I nodded slowly.

"May Allah protect you all."

Abu Bakr smiled and took me in his arms, followed by Usman and Saif. "You all are squeezing me," I mumbled and Usman let a laugh.

"Hug us all you want, you will be missing it very soon."

"I don't doubt it."

"Take care of Ammi and Baba, My beautiful sister." Abu Bakr mumbled and patted my head. I could only nod, scared if I spoke, tears would escape my eyes and a sob will break out.

Hoorain, you do not have to cry. You will be seeing them very soon!

All three of my brothers mounted their horses. Saif gave me a wide smile and I returned it with equal joy.

"Allahafiz, keep us in your prayers." And with that, they left. I could only watch their leaving backs.

"Ammi, I have to go to the bazaar, will be back soon."

"Ok aziziti, bring me eggs on the way back." Nodding, I hurry into my room, grabbed my long robe, and pulled it over.

Quickly pulling on my shoes, I left for the bazaar.

My hands were shaking from excitement as my mind continued to plan about what I decided.

Even though my last night was spent in shedding tears, I had made a very difficult decision. A decision that eased my tears and pounded my heart.

Walking in the crowded bazaar, I stopped at one shop that had the things to my taste.

"This dagger, how much?"

"20 silver coins."

"20! That's too much. I'll give you 10."

"What you speak is obnoxious. How do you expect me to give it to you in that little amount."

"13" I raised the bargain by a little.

This man was messing with the wrong lady!

"18"

"13"

"15"

"Done, I'll give you 15. Wrap it up in a paper." The man huffed and grabbed the dagger with such a broody face, packing it up, meanwhile, my eyes fluttered to other shops nearby. Maybe I will catch something of interest.

This place was already crowded since the news of war had thrown everyone in turmoil and people in the society were purchasing things before they ran out.

My eyes stopped at one person in particular. He had his face covered with a cloth and a hood up on his head. The reins of his horse were tightly clutched in one hand. He was striking a deal by the looks of it.

On his back were two big swords strapped to his muscular shoulders and it seemed as if he too was preparing to join the battalion.

His bare shoulders showed just how strong he was.

As if feeling my stare, the man snapped his gaze at me and my breath hitched. Immediately turning my head away, I took the dagger from the grim shopkeeper and turned in the opposite direction, quickly walking away.

The situation was so embarrassing! He caught me staring, he must think I was a creep!

Stupid Stupid Hoorain! Who stares at a stranger like that!?

With my head lowered, my small legs were taking me as far as they could, as quickly as they could only for me to bump into a random stranger.

"Huff!" My ankle twisted and I fell on my lady cakes.

I just gathered more embarrassment on hand.

Rubbing my forehead, I opened my eyes to find the random stranger grabbing my purse filled with money and running away. My eyes widened.

"Thief! Thief! Someone stop him!" I shouted, starting to chase the man myself.

Unbelievable! How can he steal -

"Hey stop! Give it back!" My lungs were starting to clench and my breathing shortened yet I did not stop.

I can't believe I lost him. Argh! What am I going to tell Ammi!?

Only if I was not distracted by the man!

Ya Allah help me!

How I imagine the bazaar man at the top.

Ehe! Who was the man Hoorain saw at the bazaar? 🤔 Main character vibes?

I see.