章 166: For our Kashmir

Kashmir kingdom, Srinagar, morning of 24th march 1557.

A lean but tall man, wrapped in a shawl, strolled through the bustling markets. The surrounding buildings, crafted from wood, often towered two to three stories high. As a key city along the Silk Route, the market buzzed with traders and travelers. The scene was a vibrant blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Persian influences. Streets were lined with clothes, dried fruits, and local vegetables.

People mostly wore loose-fitting, knee-length tunics called pherans, paired with matching pyjamas.

The mysterious man navigated the narrow, busy streets, pausing to pay an old vendor for a fresh apple. The vendor offered change, but the man's firm gesture and knowing wink elicited a smile from the vendor.

Taking a crisp bite of the apple and savoring its sweetness, the man continued his stroll towards Dal Lake.