Charminar

I stand in the middle of a busy, happy city. All around me, cars zoom and people laugh. I have four tall towers that reach up to the big blue sky, like four strong legs. Below my towers, I have big, open arches that feel like a giant hug. People can walk right through me to see the city on the other side. It tickles when the wind blows through my arches. I am the Charminar.

I was built a very, very long time ago, in the year 1591. A kind ruler named Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built me. His city was feeling very sick, like it had a big tummy ache. The ruler made a promise. He said if everyone felt better, he would build something beautiful to say thank you. And they did. The sickness went away and everyone was happy and healthy again. The ruler kept his promise. He built me stone by stone to celebrate. I was a happy building right from the start. I even have a small, quiet room on my top floor where people could whisper their thank yous to the sky.

Today, I am still a happy place. At my feet is a big market full of wonderful things. People sell shiny, sparkly bangles that jingle like little bells. The air smells like yummy snacks cooking. Families come from all over the world to see me. They smile and take pictures with me. I love to see the children pointing up at my tall towers. I am a reminder of a promise that was kept, a place of hope that brings everyone together. I love being a happy heart in a happy city.