The next morning, Bibi and Virk came down together to talk to Allah Rakha and Shahida. The aged couple was standing on the landing, smiling joyously and looking content. Bibi bent low and touched their feet. It was now Shahida’s turn to get emotional. She looked at Virk and said, ‘We were so anxious when you went up to her house yesterday. Till date, no one has dared to do that except one person who paid a huge price for it. But when you didn’t come down, my heart said that my daughter has finally found a suitable match. We are so happy. Please come in, son. Khushamdeed [Welcome]!’

Virk entered first, followed by Bibi and the aged couple. Bibi went straight to the kitchen and began preparing kehwa. Shahida entered a few minutes later, and the two women hugged each other. ‘At last our prayers have been answered. We feel so blessed that we will be able to see you off to your new home. What a fine gentleman he is. I am sure he will also prove to be a great husband. Now please go inside and sit with Abba. I will bring the tea.’

Bibi did as she was told and went out to the living room to find Virk in a deep and serious conversation with Allah Rakha. She sat next to the old man, diagonally opposite Virk, gazing at him lovingly. ‘I have a request to make,’ Allah Rakha said. ‘We would like you to marry our daughter at the gurdwara in the presence of the entire village. We are too old to travel. Please accept our humble request.’

Virk looked at his shy bride-to-be and smiled in affirmation. ‘I agree, Baba. But I have a small request too. I am here just for a week, and I want to take her along with me when I go. Can you help me with the wedding arrangements? I don’t have enough time to call my parents, even though I know they would have been delighted to be a part of their only son’s wedding.’

Allah Rakha responded instantly, ‘Of course we can!’

‘And we will!’ added an excited Shahida as she emerged from the kitchen. ‘But till then, you will stay on the first floor and Bibi with us.’ A shy Bibi stood up to help Shahida with the tray she was holding. It was laden with bowls of dry fruit and empty tea mugs. Shahida went into the kitchen and came back with a copper kettle that had a long spout. Together, the two women served tea and snacks.

‘I agree, Ammiji,’ Virk responded. ‘Thank you for the accommodation. It’s quite helpful.’