Peer Sahib was a young man under thirty years of age. He had inherited the guardianship of the tomb of an illustrious ancestor—respectfully referred to as Hazrat Sahib—who had made many converts to Islam in days gone by. Hazrat Sahib had lived in the open under a jujube tree. When he died he was buried under the shade of the same tree and his tomb became an object of worship. People came from distant towns and villages and it started drawing a handsome income in offerings. The mud and brick of the tomb was replaced by marble slabs and a red headstone with a niche for an oil lamp. Then a large brick courtyard was built to enclose it. And, finally, rooms were put up for the guardian of the shrine who was always chosen from amongst the descendants of the Hazrat Sahib’s brothers. The incumbent had to devote himself to the study of the Koran, the Traditions, Islamic law, and medicine. He also had to remain celibate, and succession went from uncle to nephew.

Like his predecessors, Peer Sahib spent most of the day praying and giving spiritual guidance to the men and women who flocked to the tomb. He did not know much about medicine, but since most of the people who came to consult him were more sick in mind than in body, he was able to minister to their needs His following, though largely Muslim, had also a sprinkling of Hindus and Sikhs.

Shunno had chosen a good day to call on the Peer Sahib. The three-day celebrations of the anniversary of the illustrious ancestor’s death had ended and the crowds had departed. There were only a few people sitting under the shade of the jujube tree which was alive with the twittering of sparrows. The tomb was draped in a green cloth on which were strewn rose petals and copper coins. The courtyard was littered with paper and crumpled plates made of leaves sewn together. Seventy-two hours of non-stop singing, dervish dancing, prayer, and sermon, had left everyone and everything exhausted. Shunno joined the group by the grave.

‘Peer Sahib is asleep. He won’t be up for a long time,’ said one of the women. ‘The anniversary of the Hazrat Sahib’s ascent to heaven ended yesterday, and Peer Sahib is very tired.’

‘I will wait. I have come a long distance from the city.’