As if jolted from a deep slumber, Bibi opened her eyes and looked at him. She gave him a slight nod to acknowledge his sympathy. Her cheeks were flushed and there were shadows under her eyes. Her gaze shifted and fell on Major Virk who was walking in her direction. She placed the mug on the tray and got up to meet him midway. She greeted him with folded hands. ‘Good morning, Ma’am, hope you slept well,’ he said in response.

Bibi nodded gently and smiled but her face gave away her plight. She looked away nervously, scared that his gaze would open the floodgate of her emotions. The major was quick to notice and empathized with the situation she was in. Without making it obvious, he stopped a few feet away and briefly paused before beginning the discussion.

‘I was wondering if we could leave for Tunda in an hour so that you get ample time to go around the village? I have served in this part of the Valley for the past two years and have found the villagers to be very innocent, humble, lovable and friendly. Post Partition, a few Kashmiris shifted to the other side of the border to be united with their loved ones. Their houses are still lying vacant. I would like you to take a look at the place. And if it suits you, we could help you settle down there.’

Bibi nodded but avoided making eye contact.

‘All right then, I will come to pick you up at the right time. And here’s a shawl for you, Ma’am. It’s not the best, I am afraid, but it will give you adequate warmth.’ Without waiting for Bibi’s response, Major Virk saluted and turned to walk away.

Even though Bibi was quite used to the cold, she was in dire need of warm clothes and immediately wrapped it around her. The shawl felt good—as if someone had embraced and comforted her. She was with people she could trust.

Exactly an hour later, Major Virk arrived in his jeep followed by two escort vehicles. He was behind the wheel, dressed in a starched military uniform. An adjutant, a young lieutenant, sat on his left. He stepped out, saluted and opened the rear door. The men in the other vehicles too disembarked in a hurry and stood to attention. As soon as Bibi settled in, the men got into their respective vehicles and drove in the direction of Tunda.