Chapter 6

The Tonga left him on the way. Haji thanked him. It would take at least an hour for the retreating sun to vanish, Haji told himself. The fed driver had asked him to walk through the narrow lane for a few minutes to find the bridge.
Amidst the huge trees and green foliage he finally saw the bridge. But it did not look similar. It was a little broader and made of stones. Haji had seen the dream enough times to realize that his bridge looked like being made of naturally fallen logs that could support one at a time. The kind that could get washed away from strong currents. He stood there tired at the centre of the sturdy bridge leaning down looking at the gushing river eager to meet the hushed sea.
“Hey you”. a villager shouted.
Haji stood back.
“What do you think you are doing” the villager closed on him.
“I am searching”
“Searching what?”
“I am searching for a bridge and a cottage”
The villager looked at him quizzically.
“Someone is waiting for me there”, Haji replied, “Is there any other bridge, I mean smaller”.
The villager still did not understand him but decided to like Haji
“There is one, but way up there”, pointing to the huge mountain. “But no one stays that side. It’s too scary there in the night” the villager warned.
Haji thanked him and walked towards the mountain.


Kulsum had a guest at her house that evening. Some one coming regularly to meet her and was eyeing Lajjo as of now. Chand Bi was a plump nagging lady.
“Where has your Miya gone” Chand Bi demanded to know.
“I don’t know” a curt reply from Kulsum, making her hair.
“What work does he have? And why did he say no to 5 paisa? Does he think he can make more than that, sitting doing nothing?”
Kulsum trying to change the topic “That’s a nice earring Bibi”
Chandbi was surprised with the comment,” is it not? Touching them, she said” when was the last time Haji got something for you, How much does he really care to get something for you. Saying no to 5 paisa like that. And Look at your kids, thin and frail as if they haven’t eaten for weeks.”
Kulsum heaved a sigh. Out of respect for the aged lady she had kept quiet but now her patience was being tested.
Chand Bi Continued. “He did not tell you where he went. You must be aware of what he does. These men are like dogs. Keep a tight leash on him. There is a big Tamaasha happening in the other village tonight. He must have gone there to see the Nautch girls dancing. I am sure he is there”.
“Stop it Bibi” Kulsum took the lady by her arm and pushed her out of the house.
“My Husband is my concern”, she defiantly said and closed the creaking door.


Haji had climbed tirelessly for an hour on the steep mountains, his eyes on the spot where the villager had pointed to. Amidst the green shrubbery he could hear the distant sound of the river. And then finally he reached a plateau to find his dream coming true……