Day 1: The Beginning

May 1, 1676

Dear brother,

It’s been two weeks since you’ve departed from Dacca, leaving me, mommy, and dada behind. I know this is best for you. The United States is beginning to flourish, and we are anticipating your success. Mushu misses you a lot. He neighs and kicks a lot when I try and ride him. I know what you’re going to say. That because I’m 10, I shouldn’t even be trying to ride Mushu. I wish you were here. He refuses to eat anything we try to feed him.

You’ve missed more than you would think just from being gone for two weeks. There are so many traders here now. Mommy won’t let me walk around alone anymore because she’s afraid that I’ll be taken by someone and sold somewhere.

Yesterday, we actually visited Bara Katra. Remember how you always wanted to see it when you were still here, but dada never had the time because he has to work in constructing the Lalbagh Fort? Uncle came to town, and he took over for dada for the day when he took me and mommy to Bara Katra. Of course, we weren’t allowed inside since Shah Shuja, the prince, was occupying it. It’s so different from the outskirts of town, where we live.

This past days have been incredible. Dada has actually started bringing me to work. He says I’m going to have to take over for him in construction as he gets older since you’re all the way in the United States. Of course, I don’t mind. It’s not like I can do anything academic since I’m a girl. Even then, there are some men on the construction site that ridicule Dada for bringing me with him, but he doesn’t care. Mommy would prefer me to find a boy and get married and have children. But I like being able to be free even though all girls my age are stuck at home with their mothers. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl though, and Dada likes having me around to help grab little things that he needs.

I really miss you over here. I wish you had stayed home instead of going to this foreign place where you don’t even know anyone. But, it’s for the best. You must remember that when you start making money, you’ll send a boat for us to bring us to you. Life will never be the same without you here. I hope you respond soon…

With love,

Your sister, Chayana (and Mushu the horse!)