The sudden change in their expressions told Jassi what had happened but he still waited for their response. ‘Baba passed away just three months ago. But he was quite certain and repeatedly told us that come what may, Bibi will come to meet us. Please take us to our Ammi, we request you,’ Qasim pleaded with folded hands. Tears were rolling down his face in a steady stream like a small child wailing for his mother. But he couldn’t care less. Sitting opposite, Karim Zaid wasn’t looking any better, but was finding it difficult to express himself. This sudden development was too much for him to handle. Some stranger had just arrived at their home and told them what he had been waiting to hear all his life. His hands kept pressing the feet of the young sardar who was feeling overwhelmed and awkward by the respect that was being bestowed on him.

Seeing the patriarchs of the family crying, a few women too started sobbing. Jassi found it difficult to hold back his emotions. A lump was forming at the back of this throat. ‘I am so fortunate to be her messenger. Let me take you to her. She’ll be so happy to meet you!’

The brothers stood up with alacrity and ran inside to change into fresh clothes. Meanwhile, three younger women came out of the kitchen with trays laden with dry fruits, biscuits and snacks. ‘You have travelled such a long distance, Bhaijaan. Please have some lassi while Abbu and Chachu come back,’ requested one of them.

‘Please eat something. We will feel so honoured,’ said the other.

An overwhelmed Jassi was finding it difficult to process such pure, selfless love. He enjoyed the hospitality of the Zaid family till the brothers emerged from their rooms. They waited impatiently while Jassi finished. He burped loudly before standing up much to the amusement of the women. He then bid farewell to the family and left for Hassan Abdal with the Zaids’ car in tow.

To the two sons, the distance seemed twice as long. They cried and talked about destiny and their mother and exchanged stories from the past till they reached the gurdwara. As soon as they arrived, they rushed out and ran inside, only to learn that the group their mother had come with had returned to Amritsar the previous evening. Dejected and heartbroken, they hugged each other and sobbed uncontrollably. People gathered to watch the spectacle in utter disbelief.