Shahida patted her on her back gently and said, ‘You have done what no one could do. You’ve got them freedom from Ismail. The girls, women and even men are feeling safe and secure now. I wanted to come and tell you that the womenfolk want to meet and thank you but before I could, you had left for the bazaar. Just look outside your balcony. There are so many people waiting to meet you.’

Bibi rushed to her bedroom and flung open the balcony door. Shahida was right. A horde of women looked up at her. She buried her face in her hands and then rushed inside to hug Shahida again.

‘Don’t be afraid, my child. Allah chose you. Ismail got what he deserved. The village is grateful to you. Just accept this as a reward and forget everything else,’ she concluded and gently pushed her towards the door.

As soon as Bibi climbed down the steps, the women came forward and stood around her. They then hugged her one by one. Most of them had tears in their eyes as if a major catastrophe had been averted and they were safe now. No one spoke about Ismail’s death but said: ‘Shukria, Bibi.’ After a while, they all went back to their respective homes. But they left behind small gifts, souvenirs and flowers, neatly placed outside Shahida’s door.

* * *

About eight months passed. Despite her best efforts, Bibi received no news about her family’s whereabouts from Major Virk or other sources. But she never gave up hope. She did small jobs, stitched clothes and saved money. Her sole mission was to travel to Pakistan and search for her family. Her acts of bravado and daily service at the gurdwara had made her a known face in the area.

One day, while walking back home, she saw a jeep abruptly pulling over to the side. Bibi recognized the driver in his dark-green turban. She went closer and cheerfully greeted Virk. There was excitement and exuberance on her face as if she were meeting a long-lost friend. She observed that an additional star had been added to his uniform. ‘You’ve lost weight, Sir,’ she complimented. ‘And you have forgotten us. Looks like responsibilities are weighing heavily on you.’

Virk was overjoyed to see her in good spirits even after what she had been through. Leaving the jeep behind with his driver, he began walking with her towards her home. He looked around at the shopkeepers and acknowledged their waving hands. ‘It’s so nice to be back,’ he said as he stepped on to the freshly painted wooden stairs leading to Bibi’s apartment. Once inside, he sat in the living room briefly and then followed her to the kitchen to find her preparing kehwa.