Jassi could see the commotion that broke out from his vantage point. Many women came out from different directions in the house and gathered around Qasim. They looked perplexed and visibly shaken. Some were openly crying. Some were so baffled that they dropped whatever they were holding, the clang adding to the din. Finally, a man who must have been Karim Zaid came out.

‘Where, where, Bhaijaan?’ His scream was louder than that of his elder brother, his excitement more intense than all the others assembled in the veranda. Qasim Zaid suddenly realized that he had left the messenger at the main entrance. He ran back to where he had left him, held his hand and ushered him in. ‘Please, you’re most welcome, son. You are like an angel to us, who has brought us such great news. I have waited for this day my entire life. We’re very grateful to you.’

Jassi climbed the steps and walked towards the assembled family looking at him expectantly. Escorted by the brothers, he was made to sit on the large, colourfully decorated traditional charpoy. Tens of small brass bells were hanging from it, giving it a festive look. The brothers sat on the floor on either side and began pressing his knees and feet, much to Jassi’s embarrassment. Taken aback by the strange behaviour of the two elderly men, the women appeared shocked at first, but when they got to know the gravity of the news that the stranger had brought them, they too fell in line.

‘Tell me, son, where is my Bibi Ma? How is she? Does she remember us? Can you take us to her? We will be forever grateful to you, will give you whatever you wish in return for this one favour!’ Karim Zaid said excitedly. Qasim Zaid was so overwhelmed that he burst into tears.

A few older women rushed towards Qasim and placed their hands over his shoulders. ‘Please control yourself. You will meet your Ammi very soon.’ One of them then looked at Jassi and said, ‘We are indeed grateful to you for this long-awaited news. My husband and I have always prayed to Allah for her well-being. How is she and where can we meet her?’

Jassi hadn’t quite expected such an emotional outburst. Holding himself together, he managed to say, ‘Bibi is well and in good health. She has been desperately searching for you all and her husband, Sakhiullah Sahib. I met her at Hassan Abdal and promised to do my best in locating you. For the past four days, my brother and I have been dialling every possible number of your community. Finally, last evening, we got your address from Farhat Zaid. My brother asked me to leave at the earliest. And here I am. Can I also meet Sakhiullah Sahib, please?’