Bibi shook her head and lowered her gaze. But the experienced old man understood what she didn’t put in words and said, ‘It reminds me of an anonymous couplet, “Lafzon me hee pesh kijiye apnepan ki davedariyaan. Ye shar-e-numaish hai, yahan ehsaas ke johri nahin rehte [Describe only in words your claims of belongings. It’s a bazaar, this city. Jewellers who value sentiments, don’t live here].”’

Bibi looked impressed and nodded her head in appreciation. ‘Well said, Baba. You have just rekindled my hope. Thank you.’

After finishing her tea, she was about to get up to leave when Aleem Khan spoke again, ‘Recently, Muzaffarabad suffered a severe earthquake. A fundraising camp is being organized by a Sikh boy. His name is Jassi Lailpuria. I have also offered money for this noble cause. Since I did not have the cash handy, I’d asked him to give me some time, so he will come today. You should meet him. I am sure he will be able to shed some light on your situation.’

The tea vendor’s words filled Bibi’s heart with hope. Exclaiming with joy, she said, ‘Thank you so much, Baba. I am sure there will be some good news for me.’ Her feet were suddenly filled with new-found energy. At least there was some lead. She headed back to the gurdwara and straight to her room. She changed out of her soiled clothes and went to the laundry room to wash them. She stirred the soapy water with her hand, creating small bubbles. This brought a smile to her face. She gently picked up the biggest of them on her forefinger and admiringly said, ‘Please, Baba Nanak, don’t let the bubble of my hope burst!’

14

The next day, Bibi woke up early. The night sky was waiting for the first light of dawn to shatter its darkness. There was no one inside the gurdwara when she entered. She switched on the lights and was greeted by her own reflection in the tiny glass pieces that adorned the walls. She smiled and began cleaning and sprucing up the entire place. An hour later, she sat in a corner and closed her eyes. By the time she finished her prayers, the hall was filled to the brim with pilgrims. After her prayers, Bibi went into the community kitchen to help make breakfast for the worshippers.

Over the next two hours, she worked tirelessly, attending to people, serving food, washing utensils and sweeping the langar hall. Sitting in a corner, the old man, who had befriended her the day before, watched her with admiration. He closed his eyes and began praying. ‘Please grant and fulfil her wish, O Baba Nanak. She has no one except you.’