The water-filled copper tumbler was still next to her, but her thirst had been quenched. She had found answers to her queries. She stood up, bowed and said, ‘Thank you, Panditji, your sermons have worked like magic, done wonders to my psyche. I am so grateful.’ She took her leave and made her way back to her house. She was already feeling better. There was renewed energy in her stride. She went straight to her bedroom and lifted the pillow. Underneath it, wrapped in a plain white cloth, was the kitchen knife. It again reminded her of all the atrocities life had thrown at her. She picked it up, dropped it in a waste bin and washed her hands clean. She felt happy. She was free from fear and violence. Bowing gently in front of the picture of her deity, she sought forgiveness and said, ‘Dear Lord, I cannot be violent and spiritual at the same time. I surrender to you. Please help me undertake this new journey and assist me in reaching my destination.’

About a month after Ismail’s death, the local police came knocking. They had found the badly decomposed body of a man whom they suspected was Ismail. Even though Bibi had been given a clean chit by the village head, the inspector decided to meet her and complete the paper formalities as her name had come up during his inquiries. He was dressed in civil clothes and was accompanied by her neighbour, Allah Rakha Khan. The meeting took place at Bibi’s residence. Inspector Jung Bahadur had heard of her beauty but was bowled over when he met her face-to-face.

Bibi’s very first answer to his question, however, took him by surprise. ‘Did you know Ismail?’ the cop asked. In response, Bibi nodded in affirmation and then went on to elaborate, much to the chagrin of Allah Rakha.

‘Yes, I knew him. He tried to molest me. I retaliated, attacked him with a kitchen knife and nearly burnt him with firewood. He was injured and jumped out of the balcony.’ Bibi deliberately stopped midway but didn’t lower her gaze. A visibly shocked Jung Bahadur began scratching his head. Given his vast experience, he was able to instantly build the scene and how it must have unfolded. There was honesty in her eyes, and he knew she was telling the truth.