Allah Rakha responded immediately, ‘Why not, with pleasure.’ He then turned towards Bibi and said politely, ‘You’re most welcome to stay with us like a part of our family. Please follow me.’ He bowed, took a step back and turned towards the dark-green staircase. Despite his age, the alacrity with which he moved surprised Bibi. She followed him up the wooden stairs that led to the first-floor entrance. There was a bounce in her young feet. About ten minutes later, she came back by the same route. The old wooden structure creaked under her feet. She waited a moment for the old man to come down, bowed a respectful farewell to him and then walked up to where Major Virk was standing. Her eyes were no longer moist. There were signs of hope in her body language, energy in her stride and traces of impatience in her conversation. Without exchanging any words with Virk, she smiled at the jawan who was holding the vehicle door for her and sat inside the jeep. Virk remained quiet which allowed Bibi to regain her composure and re-evaluate her decision. A good half an hour into the journey, Bibi spoke. Her voice was calm and controlled, and she appeared happy. ‘When can I shift here, Sir?’

6

Days turned into months, but the distance between Pakistan and India only widened with each passing moment. Nothing happened for Bibi except that she found herself adjusting to a new life and surroundings. Her presence, though, created quite a stir in the small village. Stories of her beauty spread far and wide. And because she was alone and vulnerable, she became an easy target for the local ruffians who began eyeing her and following her on her trips to the gurdwara. They did not bother her though, because they were aware that she enjoyed military protection. She lived peacefully for the first six months.

One day, on one of his visits to the village, Major Virk informed her that his pultan was moving to Rajasthan. ‘Ma’am, I shall stay in touch but orders are orders.’ Bibi nodded, deeply saddened as she had begun to rely on him. Virk continued, ‘I have also received credible information that your husband and children are safe. They have shifted to an unknown destination to stay safe from the cops. They’re somewhere near Hassan Abdal.’ Tears sprung from her eyes at the mention of her family, and she quickly lowered her head. Virk noticed but didn’t make any move to placate her. Instead, he continued with what he had come to tell her. ‘There is something else too. The SHO was suitably punished for his act. He’s become permanently blind in one eye. Post the incident, he became bedridden for a long time and eventually lost sensation in his right leg. As a result, he was discharged from the police force.’ Virk paused, a little unsure of what he was about to say next.