The beautiful lady stood at the corner of the bustling market of Calicut, known as Valliyangadi (big market), watching the hustle and bustle around her. Her almond-shaped eyes held a trace of sadness, an emotion which did not go with the brilliance of her red silk sari, her opulent gold jewellery and her air of elegance. The marketgoers stared at her, wondering what she was doing there. She did not belong there obviously, and as the stares intensified, she remained oblivious of them, enveloped in a mantle of sorrow, or so it seemed. One last glance and she was about...