A Promise to the Stars - Journey Begins: Chapter 2

 

Chapter 2

Istanbul was a beautiful city. Formerly known as Constantinople, the seat of the Roman Empire and Christianity in the East, it had kept itself strong throughout its 1,200-year history, despite going through numerous turmoils, sieges, wars, and natural calamities. With a long Ottoman history that saw an Islamic stronghold and one of the longest-lasting dynasties in world history ruling parts of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa for more than 600 years, Istanbul had become a potpourri of Western and Eastern civilizations. When Mustafa Kemal Atatürk became the first President of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, after winning the War of Independence from the Allied forces, he created a vibrant democratic country, giving equal rights to both men and women and putting strong emphasis on education for every citizen. While the West was still fighting for women's rights, Turkey had already put in place a truly inclusive democracy. Turkey had one foot in Europe and another in Asia, but it was ahead of its contemporaries in social liberties and basic human rights on both sides.

Walking down the cobbled roads of old Istanbul, Pari was amazed to walk over and around thousands of years of history. Sultanahmet, as this place was called, was truly an amazing place to be. Right on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait, it overlooked Asia on the other side while glowing proudly with its medieval churches, mosques, and markets.

Pari walked along the Bosphorus for a long time. It was very chilly and windy, and though she was well covered in woolens and a cap, the cold still managed to reach her bones. But strangely, she loved it. The cold sea breeze on her face made her feel calm somehow. She had gone through a storm and had reached here today. She enjoyed the calmness now.

It was getting dark slowly. Pari decided to find a nice cozy place to settle for the evening and have her first Turkish dinner. She crossed the road between two slow-moving trams and went down a street that had a series of restaurants. Each of these restaurants had pavement seating too, which she liked immensely. She chose one of the less crowded ones and decided to sit inside. Though she loved the November chill of Istanbul, she did not want to catch a cold and spoil her time here. A very smiling and extremely energetic manager greeted her and got her a table in the corner.

"Good evening. Are you from London?" the restaurant manager asked, smiling.

Pari laughed. This happened every time she traveled abroad. People assumed she was from every possible country but India. It was strange.

"No, sir, I’ve never been there. I am from India."

"Ah, India! Katrina Kaif! Beautiful! Nice!

Here is the menu for you," he said enthusiastically and handed over the menu to her.

"Actually, I was thinking if you would suggest something Turkish — simple and authentic. This is my first night here, and I want to start my vacation with some local food," she smiled.

"That sounds lovely, dear. Why don’t you try our casserole—veg, chicken, or fish?" he asked.

"Well, let’s try the chicken casserole then. And thank you for your suggestion," she replied.

Pari found the chicken casserole extremely delicious—nothing she had tried before—yet the taste felt somewhat familiar. She felt happy with her first dinner here, and after the food was over, she ordered a cup of Turkish tea and opened her unread book once again.

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