…"Look at my little boy, all grown up!" Mum pulls me into a tight hug as she usually does when she really gets overtaken by emotion.
I wouldn't blame though as even I myself am quite jolly. I mean, I'm finally ten years of age!
Now, you may be wondering what makes ten so special?
Well, I'm glad you asked. You see, according to our legislation, children who reach the age of ten are partially held liable by law. Therefore, to promote personal and metal progression throughout adolescence into adulthood till marriage, children at put to study. This normally occurs either through apprenticing under a senior in the trade till they certify you and you can commence your own works from then on or if you're a bit privileged and you get sent off for schooling in an institute. These establishments are predominantly for the affluent and gifted boys (it is seen as a waste for a woman to study as that is a deterrence from their maternal duties). The reason why I say predominantly is due to the recent change in legislation, going back 2 years, which now allows women and the less privileged in society to attend under the pretext that they just like the other students pass the entry exams. This isn't however a significant step-up as most women and working class people down can't afford basic education or aren't allowed to study hence the prevalence in illiteracy and innumeracy amongst these demographics.
Those who are fortunate enough, get in due to special circumstances like a sponsor or through networking commonly, which aids this preliminary level study or a succession crisis wherein a woman has to take temporary charge of affairs until another male heir can take over. Regardless, should they pass, they are allowed in.
As to why the new rule was passed is due to demand. Due to the recent state-wide epidemic, many people passed away, even those among the rich. With such a low percentile of society being wealthy anyways, this epidemic decreased it more which took a toll on the number of workers across all sectors. Even now, we are still suffering from staff-shortages , hence the new rule. If the country could utilise the masses including women and the workers for professional roles, they could quickly get the number of staff in all sectors stable once more. Now as for whether this law will be abrogated when professionals stabilise is up for debate.
This new rule I will comment on however has led to much controversy and discrimination. Many nobles view this as degrading and consequently many who do join unfortunately get abused by students and even teachers too on occasion.
My stance on the matter is that this is a revolutionary advancement to our protocol and is bound to get the country flourishing. The question as to why they hadn't done this sooner baffles me but regardless that's a matter for another day.
As I begin dreaming about my new grown up life, my father taps his cup to draw our attention.
"Today we celebrate the coming of age of my eldest son Harith. He has been a bright lad ever since I could remember and I hope he continues to bring honour to this household. All the best wishes for the future!" My father finishes and a toast is given along with my younger siblings all cheering for me in glee. We are a family of 6 siblings you see. My eldest sister who preceded me in age by a great deal of ten years. and then my 3 three younger brothers along with the most recent addition of my baby sister. My brothers cheer me on while my mom tucks my baby sister in for bed. I look to see my eldest sister, Faatima, smiling. She has always been a reserved young woman for as long as I'd known her. Very submissive and silent in her own thoughts.
This is not to say that she didn't get along with us all, rather she was like a second mother to us. I recall fond memories wherein she would bath us, tell us bedtime stories and play with us. I recall a major portion of my childhood with her. I think to myself sometimes as to how she could ever be so forbearing with us all these years? The best reason I could come up with is that she was a wet nurse. She would tell us all of the children she had nursed and how they were during that time. She had said some were a hassle whilst others were like angles! Due to such an occupation, we have had many children come in during our youth and despite such a tender age, have many close friends whom we had formed during their stay and those ties still exist. My elder sister is really wise and always gives us advice. From among these advice, the most notable she would always repeat has got to be how everyone that comes in is like family to us.
"As we would treat our own, we ought to treat them." She would say.
On many occasions, I would nag why but I seem to get it now. We had truly made friends that cherished each other like my own close companion Hamza. The two of us go way back and we still are intimate to this day. The kinship between us is so strong, that we would often even confide in each other regarding personal issues! That in itself is an invaluable asset if you ask me…
Sorry, pardon my ramblings. I just get so caught up when it comes to my childhood.
Anyways, as I ponder about the words of my father, the gravity of the situation dawns upon me. I am now an adult! (well, partially.)
I would have to carry myself as such and keep the integrity of our progeny in mind. I shall have to study diligently so as to become someone great in the upcoming years and gain financial independence or else I would never be anything in life. The prospect of studying for such and such years only to end up in a labourers' job appeared abhorrent and shameful. 'I will succeed!' I told myself. I will reach heights for myself and not for anyone else. Besides, "the one who truly reaps the fruit of his labour is the one who tends to it" is what they say.
We had a massive feast in which many dishes were presented. From kebabs to spring rolls and many other cuisines which I was unfamiliar with. The maids we have in the house are of many nationalities hence the variety. They were all really good.
After I'd had my fair share, I bid everyone good night and headed to bed. I found Shareef there waiting for me. "I know it's a bit late but I got something for you."