SUNDRI by Bhai Sahib Bhai Vir Singh

Translation by Bimal Kaur

PART IX

Reaching a clearing, Sardar Sham Singh signaled to his troops to stop. They dismounted and within a short time set up camp. The horses were tied to the near—by trees and given bowls of water and hay from the surrounding fields. Two Sikhs went to a near—by village in search of food.

Sardar Sham Singh spread a cloth on the ground, and calling Balwant Singh and Saraswati, asked them to sit down. Every Sikh in the group came up in turn to greet Balwant Singh with a warm hug and Saraswati with folded hands and ‘Gur Fateh I The skies echoed to the exuberant calls of "Gurbar Akal I"

Gradually, everyone became quiet as Balwant Singh began to narrate his painful experience. He was locked up in a dark cell and alternately tortured and brain washed with promises of enormous riches and comforts. But his worst suffering was at the thought of the Nawab forcing his sister into marriage.

In due time the two men returned from the village, empty-handed.

"There are few Hindus in the village and mostly Mughals, said one, "So, no-one is ready to give us food and water. We even offered to pay, but they are too afraid."

Sham Singh said, "Then bring two ‘Panch’ (head men) of the village.

"We have already brought them, Sardar sahib," said the second Sikh, pushing two villagers forward.

Sham Singh : ‘Why didn’t you give food, Chaudhary ?"

Panch: "The ruler of the land does not allow it

Sham Singh : "Khalsa is the ruler at present."

Panch: " How can we rely on the Khalsa - here today, and like the passing clouds, gone in the next instant !"

Sham Singh turned to his companions and said, "Some of you go into the village and bring whatever food-stuff you can find. But don’t touch the women and children1 or anything else besides the food."

He had barely finished speaking, when four Muslim women in "burqas" came slowly up to them. They were crying softly and had a 14 - year old boy with them. Using the boy as their spokesman, they requested the Sikhs, "Please, don’t hurt our men-folk We are ready to give whatever you need."

Sardar : "We only need food and water."

Women : "We will make the Hindu women prepare large quantities of food and send to you. But you won’t trouble our men, will you ?"

Sham Singh : "NO. We will also pay for the food, We don2t believe in harassing the people. Our fight is only against the tyranny of the rulers. Now, go quickly, take this money and send us the food, May you and your men live long I"

Soon, with contributions from each house - hold of :"flour" and "dal", wooden stoves were lit and cooking begun in large pots.

Meanwhile, the waiting Sikhs finished of f all the carrots growing in a couple of near - by fields.

As soon as the hot food reached them, they sat down and hungrily ate their fill. Now, it was time for them to move onwards. With energy they cleared the temporary camp and climbing on to their horses rode off like the soft breeze of spring and were soon out of sight.

. . . Continued to Part 10 .

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