"I question Waris Shah today... to respond from his grave" "In the love-story... start a new chapter today" "It took the cries of one daughter of Punjab... to inspire you to write legends that provoked and hurt" "Millions of Punjab's daughters weep today... and implore Waris Shah" "There is only one truth in the universe, the name of God" "*WaheGuru..." "WaheGuru..." "*There was darkness all over But with the worth of Guru Nanak...* *the World was illuminated" "It happened in 1946." "The cruel monsoon was creating havoc" "The country's emotional cord was on the verge of being divided" "In the embers lay hidden the sparks" "If the nation was already on fire somewhere... it was on the verge of being set afire elsewhere" "Punjab was not untouched either" "That was just the beginning of the partition of the country" "In the name of Allah..." "Glory to Pakistan" "Hail Almighty..." "*I implore the poet Waris Shah... *to write about this tragedy from his grave...*" "Innocent children who had not even learnt their alphabets... were thrust into the fire of anger and hatred" "But like a flowing river, life too finds its own course" "This is one such story" "Only tte names of the protoganists in this story are make-believe... as for the rest..." "it's the naked truth" "Tighter still, Trilok!" "Kartar, is it 11 already?" " Oh yes, it is" "I've had it!" "Bloody ass!" "Wait there..." "Sorry, my foot!" "Where will you go...?" "You think I'm going to spare you?" "Stop there or you're going to die!" "Stop there!" "What happened, Trilok?" " So you won't stop...?" "Here I come then..." "Damn you!" "You think I'll spare you...?" "At least now say "Hail Motherland"" "I'm not sparing you...!" "Wait there!" "There's still no trace of your son" "The Sun is out and there's no news of him" "He must be coming any moment." "Why are you getting angry?" "Smile..." "He's helping the nation" "But he has no time to etend any help to me" "The lawyers are taking the youth on the wrong path" "Hello..." "I've just driven a constable tired... watch out" "That's all right" "Here comes your prince" "Ask Lord Mountbatton if he has the time to attend his sister's wedding" "Is Lord Mountbatton's sister getting married too?" "Idiot!" "I'm talking about your son" "Once things are settled, he'll surely come" "Know what, brother?" "Mother's taking a scolding for you since this morning" "Kooggi, our father's an old opt-repeated record" "Once he's stuck on something, he remains stuck" "God!" "Want me to call father...?" "Father..." "Don't do that, fiery Goddess!" " Oh no." "Father, brother says... he wants some tea" "The English have led our youth astray with free tea" "Don't anyone dare bring tea into this house" "Here you are" "Come well in time, brother" "Else, I'll nurse a grudge against you all my life" "Like my father, you too think I'm an irresponsible man" "Just get to the village." "I'll come on horseback after you" "Must I bring a fair maiden for you too then?" "Ask your father." " So I must." "Father..." "Father, brother says..." "What is the occasion today sir?" "On a big shopping spree" "After years I am going to my village." "I have a big family" "My daughter is of marriageable age." "I have responsibilities to shoulder" "Sir, should I write name of the city as Amritsar or Chattoani?" "Chattoani is our ancestral town..." "write that only." "Rest as God wills" "Madam, Sir has sent this for you" "How long will it take your Sir to come?" "Any time now" "Twelve anna please?" "The account is now clear." "Please take these four annas... and give it to your daughter as a token of my blessings" "It would be better if you gave it yourself" "Look!" "In business and dealings, you should not delay matters" "When your daughter comes home, I will definitely come to bless her" "Keep this" "Bye..." "Bye" "Major shopping is complete." "As for sweets and oil, buy it in Chattoani" "You don't worry about that" "Just go to Chattoani to see the boy" "And if you approve of him, give him sweets and money to seal the alliance" "This time I will finalize Puro's marriage and come... rest as God wills" "Kooggi..." "Kooggi..." "Hail India!" "Big Brother" " Hail India..." "Where is Kooggi?" "Like a little bird, she must be flying around somewhere" "My child, just see if Puro's father needs anything" "Aunty... my respects to you." " Long live Son" "He is an ardent follower of Gandhi" "Kooggi." "Where were you?" " I am right here" "My sweet Kooggi." "Do me a favour" "Yes" "Get some money out of our old father" "As it is, he has opened a free kitchen today" "If you try, I might get some money for party work" "You said "old man" to my father" "Kooggi..." "Kooggi." "*Blood is thicker than water..." "Father!" "Give me all the money you have in this jacket" "But, there is a lot of money in here..." "How much can you give me for my happiness?" "Here..." "You... take it all" "Really!" "She has really taken away the entire money..." "Puro..." "Tell me brother, should I spend all the money in free kitchen...?" " No." "No" "Fly around as you like." "In your in-laws house, you won't be able to do that" "*Take flight my dear Love Bird..." "*Take flight my dear Love Bird..." "*It is time to meet your mate..." "*Take flight my dear Love Bird..." "*In the warmth of the oven, you read love letter.*" "*The sparks keep flying, ...my love bird...*" "*Take flight my dear Love Bird..." "*Since eyes have worn wings..." "They fly over the rainbow of love*" "*I am immersed in your thoughts and cross distant horizons to reach you*" "*Take a flight my dear Love Bird..." "*I dress-up like him and ask my friend if I look like him*" "*It is time to cross the street..." "To meet your mate...*" "*In a palanquin, you will leave*" "*Take a flight my dear Love Bird..." "How long they are taking?" "Rajjo, call Puro and your father" "Puro..." "Father" "Kooggi..." "Don't let the marriage be sermonized till I reach there." "Promise me" "Puro..." "Daughter..." "May you always be happy." "Puro..." "Daughter..." "We are getting late" "Send a telegram when your examination dates are finalised" "Even if you have to miss the examinations, make sure you... reach before marriage" "Keep this money." "Don't give it away in donations" "Look after yourself" "Long live my son" "How are you feeling in Chattoani?" "Good" "It's not as big as your Amritsar." "That's why I like it more... empty lanes, few people, fields all over..." "In a wink, you can go from one end to the other end of the village" "Is this the only reason you like it?" "What else?" "Why?" "Isn't your mother here to find a groom for you?" "Tell Puro's father that the boy's name is Ramchand" "They belong to Rathoval and are my relations" "Very nice people and he is the only son" "They have vast tracts of land and own a big house and... you know, they have electricity in their house" "The boy is very handsome." "Your Puro will be very happy in that house" "But only if you like, tell me, otherwise... there is no dearth of eligible boys." "If you wish, I will initiate talks" "Nothing wrong in that" "Go along with some relations to see the boy" "Rathoval is so near from here." "If you like the boy... confirm the alliance." "After Puro's work is one, I will finish my work also" "What have you to do?" "Women in the village insist on holding prayers for the Goddess of fertility" "It is believed if she is appeased, this time I will be blessed with a son" "Brother Mohan!" "You must be seeing many white skinned officers in Amritsar" "Yes." "Sometimes." "I believe their ladies are very pretty" "Walk hand-in-hand with their men." " That is their custom" "To hell with their custom." "They have polluted our religion" "Mohan!" "Have you seen Mahatma Gandhi?" "No" "I hear he wears only a loin-cloth and nothing above his waist." "And Englishmen are very scared of him" "Mahatmaji is a top leader of Congress and the entire nation is behind him" "There it is... our Rathoval, turn left now" "Ramchand's Mother... are you listening?" "How often have I told you to speak softly when they are rehearsing music" "Oh!" "But how do I look?" "My God!" "The bride's people are coming to see your son and not you" "But it is only you who always taunts me" "Okay!" "Now wear the jacket, which my father gave you, because you have..." "* All are watching as *Sita steps into the pyre" "* Should she emerge unscathed, * she is a goddess * if not, a sinner" "* She whose very appearance * brings solace to all * still reflects fire in her image" "* We are mere mortals, * but he is divine" "* He who is against all ills * how could he be so silent" "* By walking through fire, * Sita won the faith of all" "* Though there was Rama, * with his arms open" "* Yet... that was the moment, * which marked her eile" "Whatever the circumstances, Mohanlalji, the country cannot be divided like that" "A handful of people from two communities cannot bring about this division" "My salutations" "Come, sit." "He is my son Ramchand." "He has received a letter of... appointment from the Lahore College, but he insists on teaching here." "Mohan... it seems you have only Gandhi's disciples in your fate" "Son, what are you doing these days?" "Translating Valmiki's 'Ramayan' in Urdu" "Having already translated Kalidas's 'Shakuntala' in Urdu, he is now bent on translating Ghalib's poems in Sanskrit" "My son!" "I hope you are only changing the language and... not the religion of the characters" "To me Valmiki, Kalidasa and Ghalib have common religion." "Only their language is different" "In every era, they have spoken the truth of their times" "Bravo!" "But young man, write some poetry in Punjabi also so that... we people of agriculture can learn something about culture" "Mohanlalji, enough of Maneklalji's tidbits." "Now what do you have to say?" "I like the boy" "You must be knowing, in our custom there is a system of echanging" "Your daughter comes to our house and our daughter goes to your house." "I believe you have a son of marriageable age" "He is studying law" "If you approve the marriage of my younger daughter with your son... then my son will be yours" "Don't worry." "We are not in a hurry for your reply" "Nothing like that." "I am happy with both the alliances" "That's the spirit." "Now get some sweets and give the boy a token" "Very good... good" "Look ahead" "Run... try to catch me!" "Please stop" "Try to catch." " Puro stop" "Stay clear of the path..." "I am learning... stay clear..." "O God!" "The chunari (scarf) got wet in water." "I was drying it up when..." "I warned you not to be rash." "But who listens" "You are bent on learning in a single day." "If the cycle was damaged we would have had it from Uncle." "Now get up" "Look!" "Because of you, I fell down" "If you do not know cycling." "Why do you do it?" "Now give me back my scarf and get away" "Tara..." "Just a little more" "The Goddess of fertility has listened to your prayers" "Brother!" "It is a boy" "Neelam..." "look Puro..." "your fiance is coming" "Seems like brother-in-law is coming" "Come here" "Hey!" "Romeo..." "listen" "Are you Ramchand of Rathoval?" " Yes!" "Why?" "Could I ask you something?" " Sure!" "Have you got engaged?" "Well, yes." " Then what will happen to me?" "Your nose seems all right" "If you wish, I can talk to my younger brother Laman" "What!" "Do I look like 'Surphanaka'" "That can be ascertained only after your nose is chopped off" "You are very stubborn..." "but at least meet your 'Janaki'" "In that case tell your friend to think again." "Because Ram and Janaki had eile in their destiny" "Did you hear, what your fiance... who writes the Ramayan in reverse way, has to say?" "For this Ramchand, this Janaki, what to talk of eile?" "Will even cross a river of fire" "Daughter!" "I hope you will not forget us after going to Chattoani" "No Uncle." "God bless you." "God bless you." "Take this" "Bye..." "Puro... how long will you take?" "Make it fast" "Rashid!" "Will you go around the girl wasting time or do something?" "Uncle!" "I am not getting the right opportunity" "Is there anything else?" " What else can there be?" "If you don't have the guts, tell me." "I will get her" "I have promised everybody." "If I do not fulfill it, tell me" "* Like weaving thread into cloth * the mother always dreams of * uniting her family" "* It is beyond me to eplain * why a daughter has to * leave her mother's home" "* All the comforts * and luxuries for the son * and a stranger's hand * for the daughter" "* On this eve of separation * one wonders why daughters * are born at all" "Puro..." "Yes Mother!" "There are not enough vegetables in the house and someone from your... in-laws' house may come any time to take your measurements" "Go with your sister to the nearby fields, get some ladyfinger... and make some sweet rice" "Yes Mother!" "What happened?" "Nothing." "I'll get it." "Come Rajjo" "Why are you in a hurry?" "Rajjo!" "Walk fast!" "I don't know why you walk so slowly" "Why are you afraid?" "Run Rajjo." "Run!" "Run" "PURO!" "Mother!" "Mother!" "What happened?" "What happened?" " Mother!" "Puro!" "Why are you bringing down the roof with your noise?" "What happen?" " Puro..." "Tell me what happened" " Mother... the fields..." "Puro's father!" "Puro's father!" "What happened?" "Will you go on crying?" "Tell me something!" "What happened to Puro?" "Look for her and bring her back..." "Puro's father..." "Bring her..." "My daughter... my daughter Puro..." "Look for her and bring her back" "Where do I search and bring back your Puro from?" "Where are you going Puro's father?" "The Police Station" "Will talk to the chief priest, maybe he can show us some way..." "The faith of Hindus..." "If you want the well being of your daughter, come with me" "Close the door" "Sit down" "Sahuji!" "A years-old score has been settled." "With interest" "Your daughter will be returned." "If you wish, you may report to the police" "We have more young men in our house" "It's in your interest to keep quiet." "Otherwise, we can tell everybody" "Look!" "I pray to you..." "don't destroy my daughter's life" "Aslam, show him the door" "Come!" "Will you or..." "Listen!" "Whatever you say, I am ready to do..." "I'll lick your spit... return my daughter... please..." "Your Puro is gone..." "your Puro is dead." "Get up Puro... get up" "My God..." "Forgive me for my crime" "But please come to your senses" "Wake up Puro" "My respects..." "Puro..." "Puro..." "I have come" "Puro..." "look I have come before time" "Rajjo..." "Brother..." "Any news of Puro yet?" "Where are you going?" "Police Station." "I will talk to the concerned officer." "Maybe we will get some clue" " Have you gone crazy?" "In a day or two, guests will start arriving in our house for the wedding" "How will I face them?" " You mean...?" "Son, once the wedding rituals begin, the wedding cannot be stalled" "This is the custom" "Mother!" "Whose wedding are you talking about?" "Now even if we have to marry our younger daughter, we will do that" "Mother..." "Father..." "What is the matter with you people?" "Puro is not traceable and you..." " Puro is dead for us" "Even if found, who will marry her?" "How will I shoulder her responsibility all my life?" "I am a father of three daughters" "Fate took away one from me and what about the other two?" "The one whose daughter is kidnapped, loses all dignity and self-respect" "If she does not get married today, the entire society will ostracise us" "The world is not as bad as you presume" "Don't you dare lecture me!" "Am I my daughter's enemy?" "Instead of being supportive, you are arguing with me" "If we suppress this now, it will remain suppressed" "Are people fools that they won't question you about Puro?" "I will tell them that she contracted the plague" "And has been sent to Lahore for treatment" "Or you suggest some other plausible lie... now we will have to live with this lie forever" "I don't agree with you" "I will not rest until I find Puro" "You dare not step out of this house, otherwise I will kill myself..." "After that, you do what you like" "My son." "I beg you." "Please support your father... and go to Shyamlal's house" "They must be preparing for the marriage" "Both of you remain calm and decide what to tell them" "Let this crisis blow over" "Do what you like." "But after your younger sister gets married..." "I beg of you." "Please save my honour" "Where am I?" "With me" "Who are you?" "Rashid." "I live in Chattoani" "Why did you bring me here?" "I... will tell you later" "Anyone there!" "Anyone there!" "Anyone there?" "* A basket full of bangles..." "* Laden with a load of flowers..." "* The illuninated palinquin * Brings the bride..." "* My brother riding the mare... * has vanquished Doaba * (The land of two rivers)" "* Bravo..." "Bravo" "* The courtyard echoes with drums..." "* The bridegroom rides the mare..." "* The mare dances with glee" "* Let anklets chime in the mare's feet * while the drums beat" "* Dance... * let the butterflies glimmer" "* Sisters all bring in the light * with henna on their fingers" "* Lovely matted hair, * silver rings... * the mothers rejoice * at the wedding" "* My brother riding the mare..." "* has vanquished the land of rivers..." "* Bravo..." "Bravo..." "* The courtyard echoes with drums..." "Kashmiri Shawls for sale..." "Come daughter." "Eat it while the sweet is fresh and hot" "Later!" "Now what happened." "Ever since I came you have been clamoring to eat." "Greetings" " Namaste..." "Is Shahji in?" "Yes..." "He is inside... come" "You stay out" "No one does anything for me, brother" "What is it?" " I want to eat some jalebis" "So go outside and eat." " If someone gave it to me!" "Why?" "Can't you eat it on your own?" "Can't you see?" "There's henna on my palms" "So that's how it is?" "If you were still a kid, I'd have surely fed you" "But now, only your husband can feed you... isn't it?" "Brother, I'm still a kid and I refuse to grow up" "Lajo... someone's here to meet you." "He's sitting in the courtyard." "Hurry" "Who could have come to meet me?" "Well?" "Who are you?" "Well..." " Well?" "And could you remove this strand of hair from my eyes please?" "God!" "Look at the way this girl talks!" "Lajo... that's your Trilok!" "Welcome, Trilok" "Lajo..." "Don't mind what she says." "She's still a kid" "When did you come?" " Right now" "Come, let's go inside" "Why are you torturing yourself?" "Come inside and eat something." "You have not eaten anything in the last two days" "Pity me." "Please leave me at my house" "Who will quench my thirst then?" "Rashid..." "Rashid..." "I beg of you..." "I touch your feet, take me to my house" "For the sake of your God!" "Even you must be having sisters and mothers" "My honour is in your hands" "Oh Sir!" "What are you saying Sir, we also have daughters, we can feel your pain" "Don't misunderstand me." "For the happiness of my daughter..." "I offer 4000 grams of gold and 20,000" " Rupees in cash" "You just give your approval" "What is your advice brother?" "Let's discuss it with Ramchand and his mother" "No father." "I pray nobody suffer such misfortune, but just think... whenever they see me they will think of their elder daughter" "And when their own sister looks at me what will she think of me... that I was her would be brother-in-law" "No father" "This relationship is not appropriate for their younger daughter" "Ramchand is absolutely right" "What right?" "This will only increase their problems" "Father!" "May I say something?" "Go ahead" "Father, Uncle's son Kirpal is also of my age..." "Why not...?" "If elder Brother does not agree?" "Why will he not agree?" "I will talk to him" "I am giving my darling daughter to them" "You rela." "I will talk myself" "And listen." "Don't demand a single penny from them" "And tell them for a minimum number of guests at the marriage" "When there is tragedy in their house how can we have celebrations?" "Brother-in-law Shahji wants you in that room" "Mohanlalji, I propose the marriage of my son Kirpal with your younger... daughter Rajjo." "First you solemnize marriage of Trilok and Lajo" "Do you agree to that?" "I agree" "Sir, it is quite possible that she might have eloped with her boyfriend" "Sir, I think you should investigate the matter" "Now, you are going to teach us what we should do" "Stop using the language of leaders with me" "Sir, you are compelling me to complain about you to the higher authorities" "Go and report to the highest authority." "Who comes here?" "Hey!" "Mister!" "Take down this gentleman's complaint and tell him to go away." "Go now..." "Trilok..." "My respects Father" "May you live long." "Where is Trilok?" "He has gone to Police station" "I had told him not to..." "Tomorrow morning you get ready" "The priest will come to solemnize our marriage" "Have pity on me Rashid" "Look Puro." "Nothing is going to happen" "Don't burden me with unnecessary sins" "I swear upon God." "I can't see you crying" "Swear by your god and tell me the truth, why you did this to me?" "Puro our relationship has bearings of past among our families" "But what will you gain by knowing?" "What had to happen has happened" "Entire life..." "I will not give you any cause for complain" "If you are so concerned about me, why don't you tell me?" "Puro, our Sheikh family and your Shah family have been on enimical terms... from the time of our forefathers" "Your grandfather, for the sake of Rs.500//- for which he had mortgaged our house levied interest and interest upon interest and ultimately acquired the house by a court order and displaced the Sheikh clan" "Not only that" "Their juniors insulted our womenfolk" "And your grandfather's elder son kept my grandfather's daughter... for three nights in his house by force" "All this happened in front of my grandfather" "At that time the Sheikh clan were in tatters" "All swallowed the humiliation helplessly" "But my grandfather made my father... and his elder brother to swear on the Holy Quran... to take the revenge for this humiliation" "Now in net generation... when the arrangements of your marriage started... my uncle's rage touched its crescendo" "They made me swear, infuriated my anger and... made me promise them to kidnap the girl of Shah's before she got married" "Puro, the very first day I saw you..." "God is my witness, I fell in love with you" "On the one hand is my love and on the other is the pressure of my family" "I kidnapped you but I swear I cannot see you suffering" "My Uncle kidnapped your aunt." "Rashid." "What is my fault in that?" "You have left me nowhere" "That is what I said." "But my Uncles were pressurizing me" "On their inciting you, you kidnapped me..." "Puro..." "I will lay all the comforts of the world at your feet" "I am not like your uncle... who threw away a girl after three nights" "Let me meet my mother just once" "Good soul!" "Now there is no place for you in that house" "No Hindu from their clan will even touch water of the Shah family" "Puro you have lived in my house for full 15 days" "But..." "I have only touched food and water in your house" "Who will believe this?" "Tell me who will, Puro?" "But I, as a gentleman..." "I will first marry you" "So have you done what you wanted?" "Now write a complaint to the Governor also" "Now let it be" "Today Lajo's brother is coming to take you and her" "From there, proceed to Amritsar" "I will take care of this place" "When I did not return home... what must have been the condition of my mother and my younger sister?" "They must be grieving and crying the same way my grandfather... my uncle and my father did when my aunt was kidnapped" "The police failed to trace them" "But how could they anyway?" "The police were bribed Rs. 500" "You know that today we are in a much stronger position" "The entire village is full of Muslims" "No Hindu can dare look into our eyes" "It's gratifying that their lives and properties are safe" "They are scared for their lives." "They cannot utter a word" "If they raise a finger against us... our men will not allow them to cross over the lake" "Have my parents gone back to Amritsar?" "No... not yet" "Where am I?" "How far away from my village?" "You are at the backside of Madhav-kiya well... which is across the village and in my fields." "Probably you are dreaming of going to your village" "Not now." "Let the atmosphere cool down" "Let six months pass by" "I will take you there also" "Puro... my child..." "Puro" "People will come to know" "My daughter... your luck..." "we have nothing to offer" "In a short while, Sheikh's men will reach here and kill all of us" "Father, take me to Amritsar..." "Take me to Amritsar..." "Take me" "Where will I keep you?" "Who will marry you?" "Your religion is gone..." "it is desecrated" "At this time whatever we say they will squeeze out every drop of our blood" "In that case you kill me with your own hands... kill me..." "Mother kill me with your own hands..." "I wish you were dead at birth." "Just go away from here" "Go away now... go" "Father." "The Sheikhs must be coming." "Your father and your brother will be annihilated." "They will kill all of us" "My daughter go... we gave birth to you... now do us this favor" ""Good soul!"" ""Now there is no place for you in that house"" "Puro..." "Puro..." "* Like weaving thread into cloth... * the mother always dreams * of uniting her family..." "* It is beyond me to eplain * why a daughter has to * leave her mother's home" "* All the comforts * and luxuries for the son * and a stranger's hand * for the daughter" "* On this eve of separation... * one wonders why daughters * are born at all * why a daughter has to * leave her mothers home" "I had told you so..." "let's go..." "The marriage of Sheikh Rashid, son of Sheikh Yusuf with Sheikh Hamida... is being solemnized with alimony of Rs. 11//- do you accept it... accept it accept it..." "Yes" "Why had they called you to the Police Station?" "Something about Puro?" "Your darling son had lodged a complaint" "Now, to take back that complaint I had to grease their palms" "I am thinking if I get a good price for this Mansion, I will sell it." "I don't want to stay here anymore" "Listen, I have nobody of my own here" "Neither mother nor sister and not even father" "That is why I have decided to shift to Sakkadali village... which is far away from here" "There, a distant cousin of mine has arranged a house for us" "If we continue to stay here, the news might spread... which might infuriate Hindus" "Here my Uncle will look after my fields" "Carry whatever goods you can." "The rest, we will see there" "And listen." "Your parents have safely reached Amritsar" "Damn you!" "Scoundrels!" "May you rot!" "May you have nowhere to go!" "That's another one in the cage" "She is a nice girl, Rashid" "The other day when I visited your house I saw her sitting like a lost soul" "Rahim's wife told me that she has become very friendly with her" "But you stupid." "You mend your ways" "The whole day you are singing Puro..." "Puro..." "Tell me, you must have given her some name at the time of marriage" "Mother" " You keep quiet." "Listen, you tattoo her name on her arm." "Then you will get used to calling her by that name" "No one will inquire or investigate" "Are you listening?" "Did you call me?" "Etend your hand?" "He will tattoo your name on your hand" "Madam, your name?" "...H ..." "Hamida" "Yes." "Her name is Puro..." "Yes Sir..." "I had lodged a report Sir but..." "as yet there is no information..." "I will be grateful Sir." "If you say, I can come to Lahore..." "Okay..." "Thank you Sir..." "Mother, shall we go?" " Look at this" "Here you are." " Let's go" "May I say something...?" " Yes" "How long you are going to torture yourself...?" "So what should I do?" "As far as father is concerned, Puro is dead" "Maybe I cannot feel his agony" "But how can I forget that she is my sister... and wherever she may be, she must be waiting for me?" "I am not able to do anything for her." "Mother also cries for her alone" "She stops me from taking any step to trace her" "I don't know what to do" "I will not stop you" "You must trace Puro." "After all, she is your sister" "But now you are not alone, I am also your responsibility" "I only request you to let things cool down a bit" "In haste, your efforts may go wrong" "Once we know her whereabouts, you can go yourself and bring her" "If needed, kidnap her" "Trilok..." "There is a letter from Rajjo On the 15th of the net month..." "Rajjo and her husband are coming to pay their obeisances at the Golden Temple" "You don't go away anywhere with your Congress Flag..." "I am warning in advance" "I had been to your house and came to know you are here" "I just received news from Delhi" "Every 'Area Committee' member has been asked to be on guard" "There have been stray incidents of violence between Hindus and Muslims" "The Government apprehends some escalation" "If something like that happens here... we will have to make all efforts to maintain peace" "In a short while, all members are gathering... in the District Committee's office" "I will leave now, as I have to also inform the others" "Rajjo..." "Father..." "Father..." "So you are back from Golden Temple?" " Yes" "Where is my son-in-law?" "He has gone to the market with brother" "I have returned from the market and now he has gone..." "Friends, apart from a handful of Muslim League leaders... no one wants a partition of the country" "Gandhiji has clearly told the British Government... that if the price of independence is partition of the nation... we do not want this independence" "We absolutely do not want it" "For centuries, Hindus and Muslims have been living together in this country" "Even the war of independence, we are fighting unitedly" "If the British government decides on partition... then the entire nation, remember, entire nation goes to jail against this move" "Friends, this is the time to remain united" "All of you say with me..." "hail the motherland hail the motherland... hail the motherland" "Trilokji." "Do you think there will be partition?" "If our leaders are prepared for a long fight for independence and... are ready to go to jail, there will be no partition" "Father was annoyed for your taking brother Kirpal to the party conference" "There is nothing new about that" "Do you have time to talk to me?" " Lajo give back the book" "First give me a reply" "Okay." "Did Rajjo tell you anything about Puro?" "She must have seen someone" "How do I eplain to you that Puro?" "You are hammering the same thing" "I feel you are very upset these days" "You get up in the middle of night... you have lost your sleep, you have lost your appetite." "No, everything is fine" "How do you say that?" "You eat only once a day" "And that too is not enough" "You take neither milk nor curd or any butter" "For what are you punishing me?" "Even otherwise, what good have you done to me?" "You are four months pregnant" "Four months?" "Eat a lot of almonds, milk and other nourishing food." "And don't take up any heavy chores" "I will take your leave." "May God bless you" "Rashid... my son..." "she is absolutely normal" "Still if there is anything, send a message through Rahim's mother" "I will come immediately." " Take this Mother" "What is this?" " Buy some sweets for your house" "May god give you a long life..." "God bless" "I am carrying the burden of your sin since the last 4 months" "* My pains are killing..." "* Spare me the agony..." "* I am destined to sorrows... * relieve me of destiny..." "* My pains are killing..." "* Spare me the agony..." "* Let's spread sunshine... * under a peepal tree..." "* Season changing heralds * arrival of Spring" "* The yellow sunlight drips from * the flowers of mustard" "* I am going pale with pain..." "* My pains are killing..." "* Spare me the agony..." "* I am destined to sorrows, * relieve me of destiny" "* Trapped she is" "* She cannot escape from home..." "* The old man keeps coughing" "* what is it that afflicts * this Spring?" "* The branch is bent * it cries out" "* My pains are killing..." "* Spare me the agony..." "* I am destined to sorrows, * relieve me of destiny" "My son." "God had willed otherwise." "You are very unfortunate" "How is she?" "She is a very brave girl." "May God bless her" "Can I see her?" " Go, my son" "Pray for her" "I will send the doctor for her" "Rest as God wills" "Write a letter as soon as you reach home" "Look after yourself." " Are you angry with me, brother?" "Silly girl." "How can I be angry with you?" "Brother..." "If you know anything about Puro please tell me" "Brother..." "That night a Muslim had come to our house" "I don't know him, but I have seen him in a group of Muslims of our village" "Wait there..." "at least take the clothes" "Stop there, mad girl!" "Did you see the mad girl of late?" " No" "She's pregnant" "What sort of a man must he be who..." "Must be an animal who brought her to this state" "She had no beauty..." "just a body" "That knew no senses." "Just a mangle of bones" "That's another cage" "The vultures have feasted on that too" "What happened?" " That mad woman..." "She was a Hindu." "And the Muslims took her son away?" "They converted a Hindu boy into a Muslim!" "Shame on us!" "The Muslims have conned us right under our noses!" "Forget it." "Who knows whose offspring of sin that baby is?" "What would we do with the baby?" "Worthless chap!" "It's a question of religion" "If it has to do with money... let's collect donations and give it to Mary." "She'll bring up the baby" "But at least ask Mary first." " Why won't she...?" "Let's give her some silver and then talk to her" "Things in the village are not very good" "People are suspicious" "What will we gain from this fight?" "Things will only worsen" "Let them take the baby away." "If that is what they want" "Whatever the baby's fated for, will happen" "Why didn't the Hindus think of it earlier?" "They could have taken the baby away and brought it up" "They could give him the love of his parents" "I'm the one who has been awake in the nights for si months" "I've worn out my nails working for the baby" "What good is all that talk?" "Why not?" "I was the one who made the baby taste honey first... and distributed sweets among the Muslims in the neighbourhood" "So that the baby must never think his birth was not celebrated" "Where were all these Hindus then?" "Rashid..." "Coming" "Come on." "The Village Chief has sent for you" "Wait here." "I'll come" "What happened?" "The Village Chief has sent for me." " I'm going with you" "I'm rearing the baby." "So I'll answer their questions" "You're not going anywhere" "He won't come alone." "He'll bring half a dozen Muslims with him" "Hello..." "Salaam" "So what do you intend, Rashid?" "Are you giving back the baby or aren't you?" "I dare...?" "It's God's gift." "Who am I to give it away?" "That's evading the subject." "Come to the point" "I picked up the baby in God's name" "Had I not got there in time, some dog might have carried it away" "Allah willed it to live" "All right." "If he's indeed tied to God, no one can break the bond" "What you should know is that his mother was a Hindu woman" "We can't tolerate you taking away a Hindu baby" "No, I didn't know whether she was a Hindu or someone else" "She ate from Hindu homes as well as Muslim ones..." "She was mad." "But you aren't, are you?" "You ought to have found the baby and brought it up right in the beginning" "When did I stop anyone?" "He's an infant." "My wife has spent six months toiling for the baby" "Now that the baby has been saved, you start thinking of him" "Fear the wrath of Allah" "You will bring him up in God's name, won't you?" "In God's name, I'm bringing up him too" "What am I getting out of it?" "We don't want this thing to worsen" "He means nothing to us, nor does he mean anything to you" "This is a question of religion" "And you mustn't stand in the way of religion" "You are unnecessarily endangering your life" "What if someone does any harm to you?" "We will not take responsibility" "So you had better hand over the baby to us" "And yes, you've been feeding the baby for so many days... you can collect payment for that" "Oh yes!" " Allah!" "We're sending two men with this woman" "They'll go to your place and bring back the baby" "We will perform the purifying ceremony on our own" "I request you gentlemen... to have mercy on the baby." "Let him be where he is" "My wife's looking after him as if she had borne him..." "We've shown you the way" "If you want your safety, get up and go like a nice man" "Or else, we know how to get things done" "All right." "As you gentlemen wish" "Hurry up." "It's getting late." "We've got work to do" "They're taking my baby away..." "Stop them...!" " Get a hold on yourself" "My parents, my brother, my son..." "they've all left me" "My son has left me..." "There is a letter from Rajjo's husband." "She is pregnant" "You go to Rathoval to bring Rajjo... and take Lajo with you" "She will stay for some days in her house" "Yes." "Go straight to Rathoval and come back" "Yes" "There is no need to stray here or there" "Yes" "You must be reading newspapers" "I don't have to tell you that the atmosphere is not good..." "Yes." "Hamida..." "Hamida..." "I am here" "How are you?" " I am fine" "May you live long." "May God grant all your wishes" "I will bring buttermilk for you" "Later." "First sit." "I want to talk to you." "What is it?" "In a couple of days my sister is coming." "After paying her respects at Baba-Shah's shrine... she has to go to a nearby village for the treatment of her eyes" "So what is the problem...?" "If it was a matter of couple of days, I would have gone" "But it may take 10 to 15 days there" "Rahim's wife does not take care of me... where shall she tend to my sister?" "That's why I came to you to request you to help me" "She is a poor widow with no one of her own" "Where does that doctor live?" "Not any doctor." "There is a small well, which is blessed by Saints" "It's a belief that washing your eyes regularly with the well's water cures all ailments" "Where is that well?" "There is a nearby village called Rathoval." "A Saint lives there" "He has made staying arrangements for the pilgrims near the well" "But... what are you thinking?" " Nothing" "I will go with her" "* Parting apart of hands * cannot break relations..." "* With lapse of time..." "* those moments cannot be forgotten" "We have reached Saint's abode" "* Friends have fallen apart..." "* I pray that friendship remain intact..." "Sister..." "You've to stay for 13 days for treatment" "* Who has not left * his footprints behind" "* Don't ask for whereabouts * of faithless one" "* Parting apart of hands * cannot break relations..." "* Friends have fallen apart * I pray that friendship remain intact" "* Friends have fallen apart * I pray that friendship remains intact" "There are still 10 days to go." "Why don't you just go around the village?" "What is the use even if I go around the village?" "Since you are in the village, you may as well see it" "Go around the fields, you will feel better" "If I feel like it, I will go" "Brother, whose field is this?" "Whom are you searching for?" "Why don't you ask clearly?" "We are visitors staying at Saint's abode" "I wanted a few cucumber;" "that is why I was asking" "What is there to ask?" "Take as many as you want" "* My footprints keep sweeping..." "* towards you" "* I am tried of running, * chasing rivers of time..." "* Parting apart of hands * cannot break relations..." "Brother, I've got definite information" "A man has disappeared from Chattoani, his name is Rashid Sheikh" "My daughter." " Yes" "The Saint told me that I could go now" "Ashraf will arrive tomorrow and then we will go" "But mother." "I have not yet..." "What did you say my little one?" "You have not completed your sentence" "What?" " Yes..." "Nothing" "I thought I could see him at least once" "But I have still not seen him" "I can't even inquire his name with somebody..." "How can I...?" "Why is nobody telling me if this is Ramchand's field?" "Daughter." "Are you all right?" "Yes sir." "Just feeling little giddy" "Are you from Rathoval?" " No" "I have come here from Sakkadali alongwith my aunt to see the Saint" "I wanted some grain, and wondered if I could meet the owner of the fields" "Look there, he is Ramchand." "Owner of the fields" "Go and ask him." "He is a very kind man" "If at all you ask him for grains, don't be miserly" "Now that it's harvesting time, you all have to work very hard." "Take more men" "Excuse me" "Look madam" "Who are you?" "What has happened to you?" "Is their any problem Madam?" "Anybody there?" "Can I do anything for you?" "Mother, I have come" "Rajjo..." "let's go my daughter..." "we are getting late" "Coming mother..." " Mother" "Lajo" "Mother, where is brother?" " Patience my dear" "Long live my son" "Brother" " How are you Rajjo?" "Brother" "Lajo." "How are you?" "Don't say anything" "Let me feel the silence of my brother" "You silly girl, you will never change" "And I won't" "Now tell me when will this eile be over" "When I find my beloved?" "Tell me about yourself" "I am with my husband but for me too, it is an eile" "I cannot say with certainty" "But I have a feeling that she was Puro" "Didn't you stop her?" "I did shout for her" "I wish I could stop her" "Perhaps she has lost faith in her own fate" "Even otherwise, with what right could I stop her?" "Now you tell me, do you have any information?" "There is news of a man disappearing." "Maybe this is the same man who..." "Trilok..." "What is this, I hear you are talking of leaving day-after-tomorrow" "Sir, father wanted us to return today itself" "But I have some important work that is why..." "Stop..." "Stop... there..." "that is Rashid's field" "Are you sure?" " Yes it is" "Aslam" "What happened?" "My cousin has come from the village" "From Chattoani?" " Yes" "So early in the morning?" "Anything wrong?" "He says there were piles of our harvested crops... tonnes of them" "Then..." "Somebody has burnt them" "What?" "The entire crop has been destroyed." " Did someone do it deliberately?" "Looks like that" "Who could be your enemy?" "I am going to Chattoani, will be back soon" "Have your milk." " I don't feel like it" "Uncle, tell me if you suspect anyone" "Who is he?" "I am ruined" "Come..." "Sir, he is Rashid Sheikh." " Do you suspect anyone?" "How can I suspect anyone sir?" "I mean any enmity with anyone?" "No Sir, can't say anything" "You mean to say that somebody burnt your fields just for fun?" "If we come to know anything we will inform you" "Look, I hope you people are not up to creating riots" "Sir, as it is we have been looted" "Okay" "If you have doubt on anybody, come to the Police station... to lodge a complaint." " Yes sir" "Why are you showing your anger on food?" "We are only telling you to eat your food and go" "It is not like that Uncle." "If I miss the afternoon bus..." "I won't be able to reach home even by evening" "Hamida will be worried, as I had told her that I will..." "Forget what has happened and think of the future" "Uncle, I understand that it was a joint brop and to make good your losses..." "I will not take my share of crops for the next two years" "I also have some cash with me." "If you want..." "Dear brother, you think of your loss." "Today he has only burnt your fields" "In future, he can cause more harm." " Why are you repeating the same thing?" "There is only suspicion but no proof that it was Hamida's brother... who set the fields on fire" "But my son, on the basis of suspicion... we can atleast file a complaint, so that the police is alert" "God forbid, if some other calamity occurs we could not be held responsible" "For God's sake." "Stop all this." "I am fed up of..." "You seem to be very sympathetic towards the culprit" "If somebody had kidnapped your sister, what would you have done?" "I have committed a sin..." "I have..." "I deem to suffer in punishment" "I am sorry for disobedience." "Good bye." "Rashid... brother..." "listen." " Stop it Aslam" "After all, it's our family matter" "Brother..." "It is because of you and sister-in-law that I did not say anything in front ofthe police officer" "But this issue will spread like wildfire How many wagging tongues can you control?" "You keep quiet, Aslam" "There is no need to take this issue to the police station." "Thank God, it's only our field which was set on fire" "If we encourage it, the entire village will be on fire" "And you... you learn to be patient" "And I warn if anybody utters a word about Hindu-Muslim in this respect" "Is every thing okay?" " Yes..." "Is food ready?" "Yes." "I will just serve you" "Did you get any news as to who burnt the fields?" "No" "Why don't you say something?" " There is nothing to say" "Hamida..." "Yes" "I heard a rumour" "What?" "I am not sure if it's true" "It is said, that a stranger had come into the village... he did not mix-up with anyone" "The villagers suspect that maybe he was your brother" "My Brother?" "It is not certain but the villagers told me that he was inquiring about me" "It's only their suspicion" "God knows what lies there in my fate?" "After a long time, somebody thought of me and that too in this manner" "Who knows, maybe he is responsible for the fire..." "Maybe, to give vent to his anger he resorted to this revenge" "Before doing that didn't he think even once what effect it would have on me?" "He has not forgotten you Puro" "His heart must be full of love and pain for you" "Maybe it's that pain and anger... which might have provoked him to light the field on fire" "You never know how much agony he must be going through" "I hope my brother does not get arrested" "Maybe somebody else has set the fields on fire and... he will be arrested on suspicion" "Just a little while ago you were worried about the loss of my crops and now you are worried about the one who might have destroyed my crops" "You are getting angry with me." " No Puro" "For the first time, I am feeling a little bit comfortable" "I am feeling a bit light..." "My brother... he must have become a big lawyer" "I wish I could see his face just once" "In the name of Allah..." "Rashid..." "Are you listening Rashid?" "Villagers are piling-up weapons." "They are sharpening them" "You too get ready" "In the name of Allah..." "In the name of Allah..." "Kill them... take them out... set it on fire... set it on fire" "What is all this happening?" " Our country has been divided" "Where am I now?" "Pakistan is our country now." " And the Hindus here?" "They will go back to their country India" "* All are the manifestation of the divine life" "* And we are all the children of God" "Hindus from most villages are going to India" "Same killings will take place here as elsewhere" "No one can trust anyone" "Whom don't you trust, brother." "Muslims?" "If you have so much faith..." "you stay back" "I am going back to India with my family" "Uncle!" "A rioter is neither a Hindu nor a Muslim" "Politics is not a poet's imagination" "The fact is that Hindus cannot live here anymore" "Brother." " Ramchand's mother..." "Brother give them as much money and gold as they want" "I will not allow the common kitchen of Hindus and Muslims to be broken" "Stop you... kill him..." "Kill him..." "Mother!" "Open the door, quick" "Ramchand!" "Your father!" " The situation is very bad." "Collect whatever you can lay your hands on!" "Lajo..." "Ramchand..." "Your father..." "Mother, if we are alive, we will trace him" "Punjab Boundary Force is here." "Hindus going to India, come back" "We are here to help you..." "don't be scared... come back please" "In the name of Allah..." "Mother!" "Mother." " Lajo" "Brother!" "Help!" "Save me someone!" "Listen!" "Who are you!" "What's happened to you?" "Come with me!" "In a nearby village there was a camp... of the Hindus... awaiting the arrival of the military... to take them across the border to India" "The camp was under the supervision of the army" "But in the night some Muslims would come to the camp, forcibly... take away girls... and would dump them back early morning" "For nine consecutive nights..." "I was forced to go with different people" "However, last night I dodged one of my captors... and ran towards the village" "In the morning I did not know what to do and where to go... that is why I hid myself in sugarcane field... and spent the whole day hiding and moving from one spot to another" "It's a sin to be born as a girl in this era" "Who is there?" "Salaam" " Salaam" "Any girl of infidels around the village?" "No." " Bye" "Ecuse me!" "From which village is this caravan coming?" "From Rathoval!" "Do you have any relation there?" "Listen, it's evening, going further is not safe." "We will camp here only" "Punjab Boundary Force is there to help you" "All the villagers are selling provisions to the Caravan." "Maybe this way even I can see Ramchand one last time" "Hurry up!" "Lest other villagers will sell grains to the people in caravan" "Don't be modest in demanding price and insist on jewellery instead of cash" "Today's currency may not be valid tomorrow" "Do you have jewellery!" "Give us that." "You don't have jewellery!" "We want that..." "Will you have water please?" "Do you need some grains?" "Yes." " Keep money ready" "In a short while I will get grains" "Puro!" "The caravan will leave early morning." "We must leave her there during the night" "If she reaches the caravan safely" " I will be relieved" "Should I come?" "It's good that people still trust women" "If you go along with her, people will comment" "Even otherwise, she is a victim of men." "If we miss this opportunity, you never know when she would go" "God willing." "Everything will be okay" "Come... hurry" "Sit down" "I have packed flour and oil" "Aren't you Puro?" "You still want to ask?" "Look, I am leaving this poor girl with you." "Take her along with you" "Maybe in India she'll find her parents" "Any news about my parents?" "They never came back after the marriage" "Marriage?" "Whose marriage?" "After your disappearance, your younger sister got married to my..." "Uncle's son and your brother got married to my sister" "After that, they never came back" "That means Rajjo must be in this caravan." "No!" "Recently your brother Trilok had come." "He had left his wife in her... parents' house and took Rajjo with him." "Had she been here..." "What do you mean ' had she been here'?" "Why don't you speak?" "What..." "My sister has been kidnapped by rioters" "You mean my brother's wife?" "Yes" " How?" "When we fled home, she was with us" "But in a sudden attack on our caravan... she was kidnapped in front of my eyes" "Is her name Lajo?" " Yes." "I heard this from mother at the time of engagement" "Puro..." "Try to locate Lajo" "I'm not sure whether she is dead or alive" "Her name is tattooed on her arm" "Write to me at Sakkadali's address." "Write me your address also..." "I will inform you if I get any news about Lajo" "You!" "Who are you and where are you going?" "I had come to sell grains..." "How much have you sold?" "Show me the money" "Here... bye" "You take rest now." "I will stand guard" "* O' my beloved country..." "* O' my beloved country..." "* Your lap is divided, your breast *bisected, your daughters ravaged... * your sons perished..." "* O' my beloved country..." "* Who will look after you, *tend to your fields?" "* Who will plant the green of trees?" "* Those evil have already *slaughtered the shades of trees" "* How will you flourish, *if not for us?" "* Don't haunt us if you send us away" "* Farewell, O' my country, *farewell forever" "* O' my beloved country" "Trilok!" "Have pity on me." "Till now I haven't asked you for anything" "Just find the whereabouts of Lajo" "You met Ramchand earlier in Rathoval!" "Didn't you!" "Yes" "I swear Puro!" "I will try my best!" "Maybe that will redeem me of my sins" "Aren't these goods plundered?" "No sir!" "Who will loot shoes?" "You are right!" "Where there are girls and other epensive things to loot... who will bother about shoes?" "I have heard in Rathoval there are girls of the infidels?" "God is above us!" "Only He can decide" "It is no laughing matter." "Father of the Nation has ordered to release all..." "Hindu girls." "Police are searching each and every village" "In echange of one Hindu girl to India, one Muslim girl will be sent here" "You are assuming as if I have hidden some girls in my house" "Haven't the boys of Rathoval hidden girls in their houses?" "Please tell the elders of the village to trace the girls... and inform the Government in the interest of the village" "I am definite of Lajo being in Rathoval and it is possible... that the one who kidnapped Lajo has also grabbed her house" "It's only by living in Rathoval that we can trace her." "But the problem is..." "I do not know anyone there" "Why don't we go and stay at the Saint's in Rathoval for some days?" "Nobody will suspect and I can go to the village pretending... to sell bedsheets from door to door and try to locate Lajo" "Bedsheets for sale..." "Bedsheets for sale..." "Old lady, you want bedsheets?" " No." "Bedsheets for sale..." "Bedsheets..." "Grandma, you want bedsheets?" "No..." "I don't." " It's very cheap" "But..." " Won't you go away?" "Bedsheets for sale" "Very clever women!" "Right now you were saying prices are dirt cheap and now" "It's not plundered stuff." "I made it with my own hands" "Do you think we are short of bedsheets in the village?" "First you gatecrash in the house and then show tantrums?" "Forget that!" "Whatever you wish you give me" " OK" "Very clever!" "A little leniency and you want to take advantage" "Everyone knows that people in Rathoval have acquired a lot leftover... stuff of the infidels." "My bad luck I still have to sell bedsheets" "Shut up." "It is the luck of the favored ones" "What you got as your share?" " Why you want to know?" "If you want to sell something, tell me, I will get you a good price" "By the way, this house also belongs to infidels..." "Will you go away or..." "Forgive me if I said something wrong." "If you need me..." "Just tell" "I come in this area every day." "Okay..." "I'm leaving" "All the Hindus of the village went into a big mansion" "There they stored huge quantity of grains" "One day all the villagers attacked the mansion... broke open locks of all the houses and became owners of that house" "Whoever had the strength became the owner" "But in Rathoval there are not too many big mansions" "You have not seen runaway Ramchand's Mansion" "It is in possession of my cousin brother" "In that case your brother must have reaped a big harvest." "Help me sell... some bedsheets to him." "God will bless you" "Ask anyone about Ramchand's house." "If possible, I will show you the house" "Did you arouse anybody's suspicion?" " No" "Now?" "Tomorrow I will again go to Ramchand's house and see... how long the old lady refuses me entry" "No." "Don't be in a hurry." "If needed we will stay a little longer" "Oh God!" "I told you we don't need anything" "Amma" " If you don't like don't buy." "What's wrong in having a look?" "Thank God!" "Can I have a glass of water?" "I'm thirsty since morning" "Forget water you can have 'Buttermilk'." "But why don't you go... and sell your goods in town?" "There people don't make cloth" "In villages everyone does." "Good soul - Get her a glass of buttermilk" "My God!" "Your daughter..." "Is she all right?" "Well..." "Get me some salt" "Come, I will feel your pulse." "You look so pale" "Get her some Magician's Band to make her normal" "She doesn't even talk to my son" "I have such a Magician's Band, wearing which... she will bloom like a flower" "Whatever you demand I'll give you, but get me that band" "No big deal." "God willing I will come tomorrow itself with it" "Now you know the best" "How do we proceed?" "The way you picked me up on the horse... show the same bravery this time also" "That's not difficult." "But after that what?" "We will think about that later." "You never know" "Ramchand may write a letter at Sakkadali's address" "As God wills!" "Amma!" "Isn't Amma in?" "She has gone to the fields" "You are Lajo, aren't you ...my sister-in-law?" "You are Puro?" " Yes...!" "Look be careful... before somebody comes listen to me" "I don't know anything You just take me away" "Precisely, that is what I have come for." "Now listen to me" "Take me away." "All my life, I will be your slave" "Where will I take you..." "Where?" "Now listen carefully" "If you don't take me I will die of agony" "Don't be a fool" "Tell me when do you go out?" "The old lady does not allow me." " But to the fields" "She accompanies me" " Listen!" "Today is Moonless night." "You come to the outside well where my... my... husband will be ready with the mare" "But how will I come out?" "When everybody goes to sleep take a chance and come out" "That man... atleast he drinks." "Somehow, I will make him drunk" "But what about the old lady who sleeps in the courtyard?" "Doesn't she take drugs?" "I haven't seen." " But somehow you reach there" "But I don't know your husband." "If you also..." "He will somehow manage to take you but together... we will not succeed." "Both of us will be caught." "But I haven't seen him yet." "Have faith in me and look at this for your satisfaction" "I will give him a ring of mine." "You can see it for his identification" "If I fail to make it this night?" "Then tomorrow, for three nights he will wait for you" "There are some noises around." "Maybe somebody is coming" "Make this ecuse of Magician's Band... you take me out every day and one day we will..." "No!" "That way we will arouse suspicion" "I want him to take you out of the village and even after that..." "I will make rounds of the village so that nobody suspects me" "I am really scared." "If somebody..." "Then what is there in our destiny will happen" "I will be a burden on you?" "This is no time for these talks." "I must go" "It's good the old lady has not seen me today" "Puro please take me with you" "Tonight... midnight..." "don't delay it till tomorrow" ""Tonight... midnight..." "don't delay it till tomorrow"" "Be careful" "How did Puro know about my whereabouts?" "I didn't even ask her." "Well, where was the time" "Today it's very cold." "I have laid your bed inside." "Go in and lie down" "It seems even before tying the Magician's Band... its showing its effects on her..." "Should I get you more?" "Today, you will serve me." "Go bring some more" "Sister!" "Are you Lajo?" "My identification?" "Allahditta's keep has disappeared, aunty" "My God!" "How is that possible?" "Surprising." "In the village around, there is not a single Hindu and... why would a Muslim do that?" "You are right" "What happened?" "Not even a dead body is to be found here" "Did you see that wretched girl?" "Who...?" "Where is your daughter-in-law?" "That desperate girl has run away" " My God!" "With whom..." "I had brought a Magician's band for her" "To hell with the band..." "Maybe she is taken away by some ghosts" "What are you talking?" "Who in this village will take her?" "She must have gone to the fields" "No look!" "It's already mid-day and she..." "But she's not a loaf of bread for someone to carry her away" "Exactly, who knows... she must have drowned in a well or fallen in a pit" "I have searched all the villages." "There is no trace of her body" "Forget that!" "Why are you worried?" "Some ghosts might have taken her" "I believe she must have got up and walked out of the house when some wild animal might have taken her away" "But there are hardly any wild animals around the village" "For us, thieves might have taken her." "But you eat something" "Okay!" "May God be with you!" "I am going now." "Listen!" "Who are you?" "Who is she?" "She is a bedsheet seller" "But I have never seen her before" "This poor girl comes selling every day" "Which is your village?" "Nearby village." "Roaming around villages, I make some money" "Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?" "Brother!" "What's the plan?" "Now you want to keep her in your house?" "What are you talking?" "Where are Hindus in this village?" "Hindus name is not written on anybody's forehead" "I will clear your doubts." "Look here, my name is Hamida" "Please go!" "He has gone crazy" "Never mind!" "If I get to know about anything, I will inform you" "A caravan of Rathoval had passed through this village..." "Did you see that?" "I met your brother also." "That's how I came to know about you" "Are you telling the truth?" " Yes" "But how did you recognize him?" "You had never seen him before?" "I had met him earlier also" "Where?" "In Rathoval." "The same day I came to know that my younger sister also got married" "And I did not get any news about it" "Even dead are remembered" "They solemnize their death anniversary." "But nobody bothered about me" "Does anybody remember me?" "Your mother cries a lot remembering you" "And my father?" " He also misses you" "I pity my mother." "Her daughter is as good as dead... and now... even daughter-in-law" "When you go there tell my mother to see my face as long as I am alive" "Where will I go?" "You will go there, to your husband, to your brother" "No sister!" "I am finished, now who will accept me?" "No Lajo!" "As long as I am alive." "I will not allow injustice to you" "What is your fault?" " What was your fault?" "Your people have not called you till now" "That is a different matter altogether" "How can your case be different?" "Did you come on your own?" "Yes Lajo but at that time, I was alone." "My parents did not have the courage... to face people and they suppressed their parental emotions" "Today not one but everyone is effected" "No Sister." "If I was lucky, than this calamity would not have befallen on me" "Nobody will come to take me" "I assure you your brother will write" "We will give him your address and he will take you back" "Today nobody is complaining, everyone is accepting... back his or her sisters and daughters." "Rashid told me, people from India... have also come in search of their kith and kin" "Some ladies have even given birth to children" "Earlier they were crying for one." "Now they will be crying for two" "I will not go anywhere." "How will I face them?" "I will serve you and eat whatever's there" "Don't humiliate me Lajo" "This is your own house, but, they will definitely accept you" "I will somehow make them accept you" "Are you happy here?" "I'm telling you at the back of Rashid, that after the first crime he committed... he has not uttered a single foul word to me" "If he was not with me, how could I have traced you" "He came to rescue me endangering his own life" "If that demon had come to know of it, he would have burnt both of us" "These people don't burn, they just bury" "Can I ask you something?" " Yes" "Do you still love my brother?" "It is late in the night, go to sleep" "Sir, going directly into the village can create problems" "It's better we call him outside the village under some pretext" "Rashid Uncle!" "Uncle, he wants to meet you" "He gave me this coin also..." "Okay... now I am going" "Can I meet him alone?" " Okay" "Puro..." "Lajo..." "Is everything okay?" "Come, sit near me" "Not there." "Next to me" "Has that old lady of Rathoval come to know of Lajo?" "Today Ramchand had come" "Here?" " Yes" "Accompanied by some Indian and Pakistani soldiers" "They are looking out for lost girls in villages and cities" "Ramchand met me alone" "Has he really come to take me?" "Silly girl, for what else would he be here?" "Has he come alone?" "Right now, yes." "But you don't worry" "Your people will accept you with grace and dignity" "I was sure Ramchand would come" "Hearing of your name he was emotionally charged... and could not contain his tears" "Even I became very emotional" "I have explained to him properly" "If we hand you over at this place, the entire village will get to know" "And who knows this news may spread to Rathoval" "I advised him to go back to Lahore and I will take Lajo to Lahore" "There I will hand over to them." " This is a very wise move" "Third day from today we will be there and he will also call Puro's brother... from Amritsar so that Puro can also meet her brother" "All the people coming from India are... sternly warned against consumption of alcohol" "Sir, there is no such name here" "If she comes please inform her... that her brother Ramchand is here in the cantonment" "I will be grateful for that" "If any Indian has any problem or complaint regarding their... wives and daughters, they can contact..." "Begum Tasadook-Hasan-Jahan-Aara-Nawaz and Begum Liyaquat Ali" "Both of them are present in the camp right now" "If madam Mridula Sarabhai is present in the camp... please report to the District Magistrate's Office" "Name?" " Kartar Singh." "Look Brother." "Never ill-treat Lajo, not even unwittingly" "Never..." "Indians going across the Border get ready." "The lorry is ready to leave" "Brother..." "I am indeed indebted to you" "I will never forget your favour" "If possible please forgive me" "Look Puro." "Listen to me..." "All Hindu girls are returning to their homes" "If you wish, Ramchand is still willing to marry you" "He realizes your misfortune and you can start life afresh" "No one will come to know" "Brother, Lajo is coming home." "You think in her Puro has also come" "Rashid..." "Rashid!" "Puro, you go back to your country among your own people" "Rashid, now only you are my truth" "For me this is my home Rashid" "This is my abode" "Let her go." "Let's not separate her from her house all over again" "Hindus going across the Border get ready." "Lorry is about to leave" "Close it" "* Whether a girl is Hindu or Muslim, *if she is rehabilitated in life... * that is rehabilitation of *Puro and her soul"