Virk realized the intensity of her insecurity. And she had her reasons to be so. Her face was now only a few centimetres away from his. He kissed her on her lips and held her tightly. Tense and embarrassed, she clung to him like a creeper and didn’t make any effort to free herself from his grip. ‘They know I like you. I have been talking about you ever since I first saw you. It’s just that I was always on the move. And for a military officer, duty comes first. You must know, dear Amrit, that come what may, I will always be there with you, always.’

Relieved by his response, Bibi slid her head under his armpit and settled in with him. She was soon fast asleep. A few minutes later, Virk got up and lovingly covered her with a blanket. He looked at her admiringly for a few minutes and then took the lower berth opposite hers. Before lying down, he said, ‘I don’t know how to pray, O God, but please accept my deepest gratitude and sincere thanks.’ Minutes later, he too was fast asleep.

They reached Delhi early the next morning. It was windy and there was a nip in the air. Everyone on the platform, including the coolies, was wearing sweaters but Bibi refused to cover herself with warm clothing. ‘I am happy without it,’ she told Virk.

Many smartly dressed officers were waiting to receive them at the station. Bibi happily accepted bouquets of flowers as she walked alongside Virk to the waiting car. She was impressed to see her husband being saluted by a battery of military personnel. Soon, they were on their way to her new home.

Bibi was awestruck as the car sped down the mostly empty roads of Delhi. Even though the city was yet to wake up, she was impressed by the colonial architecture, the wide roads and the beautiful buildings of Connaught Place. About half an hour later, their car came to a stop in front of a palatial house. Bibi continued to sit inside the car while Virk stepped out and pressed the doorbell. The night guard, who had dozed off in his cabin, came running out to open the large wrought-iron gate. Virk was about to sit in the car when he saw his mother coming out of the main door. She exclaimed with joy and rushed to meet her son. Virk too stepped out eagerly. ‘How are you, Ma? Didn’t go for your morning walk today?’ he asked.

Preeti Virk held her only son in a tight embrace and then looked at his face questioningly. ‘You’ve lost weight. Army doesn’t feed you or what? And how many times have I told you to inform us before coming? I would have come to receive you. You know I like doing that. Also, the tea at the platform tastes so good!’