Virk flew in for a few hours to perform the last rites but went back the same night. ‘A lot is happening on the front. What has happened can’t be undone, but I have responsibilities. My country comes first, Amrit. I have to go back,’ he said before taking the midnight flight to the base camp.

A week later, Bibi received more sad news from Kashmir. Shahida had passed away in her sleep. Putting on a brave face, Bibi went back to Kashmir and returned two days later after performing the last rites.

Despite these tragedies, Bibi’s faith in the Divine didn’t waver. She became strong spiritually and spent more and more time in prayer and meditation. In order to stay productively occupied, she shifted to Khem Karan and began teaching at the army school as a volunteer. With every passing day, it became clear to her that Pakistan would attack India. But nothing could force her to go back to Delhi. ‘My dear husband is fighting on the front. The least I can do is stay close to him. I have no one else now,’ she argued and anchored herself firmly.

* * *

Khem Karan

Shelling on the Punjab border intensified with every passing day. At the army’s request, some villagers in surrounding areas began evacuating their houses, but a large number refused to move out. ‘It’s still peaceful out here, no bombing,’ they insisted. ‘When it gets out of control, we will shift,’ said the panchayat chief in a firm tone. ‘We will stand guard too and help you,’ said others with patriotic fervour.

The army tried its best but failed to convince them to change their mind. This news reached Bibi’s ears. She saw the delicate situation and decided to step in. Secrecy of her going to the villages was maintained but whispers travelled faster than Bibi’s jeep, carrying the saga of her bravery. As she stepped into the large compound where the villagers had gathered, the atmosphere became joyous. Her radiant face and genial smile endeared her to all immediately—men stood up and clapped appreciatively while children danced about her. Many touched her out of curiosity or just to feel her skin. The womenfolk garlanded her and sang songs of welcome typical to their region. It seemed like the people of Khem Karan were overjoyed to find the fighter Bibi Amrit Kaur amidst them.