Anarkali

glow over the thatched roofs and the bustling town square. The air was filled

ven mat, watching her father, Junaid, expertly play a rhythm on his

to the music. She loved watching her father perform, an

aid, "Tonight, we perform for the village elder's daughter's

t smile. "I'm always ready," she sa

esigned box. "Here, dear, wear this necklace tonight. It

iful silver necklace adorned with small, colorful gemstones. She

. "You deserve it, my daughter," he said. "You have a gif

sure you will make us all proud. Just re

ousness. She had performed in front of the villagers be

heir way to the village square, where the wedding was already underway.

e stage and dance for the villagers. She took a deep breath, feeling t

t on the back. "You got this, my daughter,

forget to smile," she added. "You lig

s her parents. They had always supported her and enc

of calm wash over her. She closed her eyes, l

kali's powerful voice and Junaid's skillful drumming. They clap

mile on her face. She had always known that her daughter had a special talent, and

heering and whistling for more. Anarkali smiled and bowed, her eyes shini

rs chanted, urging Anarka

ore launching into another song. This one was a lively folk dance, a

g, and she felt alive when she was on stage. She glanced over at her father, who w

t man with a bushy beard, approached Anarkali and Junaid, a broad smile on his fac

oice booming across the square. "You and your daughter have outdone yourselves tonight. You

k you, Chief," he said. "It was our pleasure to play

, you have no idea how much your music meant to us tonight. It was as if the gods themse

hief's words. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, kn

" he said. "You are a true gem, a shining star in our village. Your dance was lik

ess wash over her. "Thank you, Chief," s

. "You and your father have a gift, a gift that brings people together an

said. "We will always cherish our music and our dance, and we wil

you will," he said. "And I have no doubt that your music and dance will c

Anarkali's performance. Anarkali smiled, feeling a sense of happiness and fulfillment wash over her. She knew that

h coins. "A small token of our appreciation," he said. "Please, accept i

hief," he said. "This is very generous of you. We are honored

are honored," he said. "You have brought joy and happiness

l performance. Anarkali smiled, feeling a sense of happiness and fulfillment wash over her. She knew that she an

up their belongings. They had brought a few instruments, including Junaid's

it from any scratches or damage. Shazia packed up the food and drink,

ake sure they hadn't forgotten anything. "Okay, I t

round Anarkali's shoulders. "Le

but she was also exhilarated from the perfo

ing and the occasional barking of a dog, Anarkali felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She

ia's shoulders. "That was a great night,"

Yes, you were wonderful," she

, feeling happy

illage, Anarkali felt a sense of relief wash over her. She w

heir hut. "Welcome home," he said, ges

Anarkali followed, feeling grateful for the warm a

r. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be - with her loving parent