When the customary cocktails went on well after lunch hours, Bibi became worried. She was closely watching her husband raising toast after toast. She walked up to him and despite being a few drinks down, he was all ears, ‘Take care of your body, dear hubby, it is the only place for your soul to live!’ Virk nodded and smiled in return and then, bowing gently while the assembled officers and their wives watched, placed his glass on the table. Okay, it was time! He glanced at the logistics officer standing across the bar and gestured to him. It was time to stop. So no more refilling of glasses, and the music was stopped too. The atmosphere changed and the glasses vanished from the hands of the guests. Lieutenant General Rajendra Rathod, the northern army commander, walked in and took the centre stage. Holding the ceremonial baton in his hands, he began addressing the gathering.

‘My dear General Virk. It is such a proud moment for me to see you climb up the ladder. We all know what the tricolour means to you. We all know how you wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to Hindustan. While I would like to compliment you for your sincerity, loyalty, hard work and countless, most productive initiatives, I would also like to share with you that, from now on, a serious responsibility rests on your strong shoulders. Our friends next door are engaging in a serious misadventure, which can have far-reaching consequences. If this is allowed to continue, it could lead to a warlike situation. As the western army commander, it is quite comforting for me to see you at my right hand, in charge of the tactical and offensive operations, especially on the borders of Punjab. Till date, you have not let the grass grow under your feet. It is therefore a privilege for me to stand with you shoulder to shoulder and prepare for any eventuality. It’s such a big relief to just have you around. Welcome on board, General Virk!’

The large and beautifully decorated mess, filled to the brim with officers of all ranks, erupted in applause. However, the commander’s speech did wipe the sheen from the faces of the women. Possibilities of war and the resultant bloodshed and death of innocent people made them emotional. But having suffered the Partition, they knew well the real meaning of the term ‘occupational hazards’. The sit-down lunch began soon after. Maintaining the protocol, Bibi sat next to the army commander’s wife, while Virk sat next to the GOC-in-C. The long centre table glittered with silver salvers and fine porcelain. Vases filled with roses and an array of dishes added to the setting. Stewards serving the seven-course meal stood attentively in sparkling white uniforms and matching gloves behind the guests. Their movements were synchronized with the military band playing martial music on the balcony overlooking the dining hall.