He remained silent for some time, then abruptly stood up and went inside his room. A minute later, he emerged with two glasses of water. Offering one to Bibi, he gulped down the other, took a deep breath and began, ‘I am quite touched and shaken by your journey so far. Deep inside, you are nursing serious injuries. Your mind and heart are unable to let go of the violence, bloodshed, the immeasurable pain and hurt suffered by you and your family. Thus this revolt within. But your soul is intact. These tears of repentance are a sign that you wish to return to the path of nobility.’

He paused, looked at her closely and continued, ‘Please remember, even the best of world conquerors ultimately realized that hate wasn’t the solution to their problems or success. Even though most of their desires were fulfilled by acts of war, yet they didn’t carry anything home. Except for our karma, we will go exactly the way we arrived when we were born, empty-handed. We reap what we sow. This is the basic law of nature. No one, howsoever big, can get away from this simple truth.’ Pandit Kaul stopped briefly, drank whatever little water was remaining in the glass and explained further, ‘I am not surprised that you survived two vicious attacks by taking on forces far more strong than you. Lord Krishna said, “If you don’t fight for what you want, then don’t cry for what you’ve lost.” Life itself is a series of tiny miracles. The lord makes a way when there seems to be none. On both these occasions, you were being attacked. You received help when you were helpless, defenceless, but willing to fight back. The fact that you have compassion even for people like the SHO and Ismail shows that you have forgiven them. That in itself is a blessing. The darkest hour of the night is the first indication of the bright sunshine ahead. I think you should look inwards and meditate. Each one of us has a separate path. And it appears to me that you will see yours very soon because of your desire to travel on one.’