The Royal Indian Navy mutiny started at the Bombay Harbor on 18 February 1946 and ended on 23 February 1946. The revolt spread throughout British India, from Calcutta to Karachi, and involved over 10,000 sailors across more than 60 ships and 20 land bases. It started in protest against meagre living conditions and food, but has since been recognised as a revolt against the 'British Raj' and imperial rule.
Meera heard the metal gate open as she pulled the last of the laundry from the jute rope. Abu is back, she thought as she smoothed and folded the white cotton shirt and then laid it on top of the folded clothes sitting in the wide, shallow wicker basket. But why is he late, she wondered. Her father was the unit officer in Saddar Town, so he often worked late during the end of the month, 'alphabetising papers,' as he laughingly called it. But he usually sent a messenger home to let them know not to wait for him and have their dinner.
It had been a warm day, perfect for drying clothes, sunny and not humid. The sun was beginning its descent. In half an hour it would be time for the Maghrib prayer. She looked in the direction of the ocean, imagining the deep blue of the Persian Sea and enjoyed the cool, light breeze that picked up speed as the sun went down. She loved the colors of Karachi sunsets. Soon the sky will be a rainbow of red, ochres, and oranges before the darkness will finally begin with the azan. Her dupatta fluttered as she bent to pick up the basket and she went inside, eager to greet her father. She entered the house through the kitchen door and was greeted by the scent of cardamoms, cloves, and black tea. Her mother was making them chai.