Page 26 - Train to Pakistan

‘That is good. You must keep an eye on Mano Majra. It is the most important
village on the border here. It is so close to the bridge. Are there any bad

characters in the village?’
‘Only one, sir. His name is Jugga. Your honour confined him to the village.
He reports himself to the lambardar every day and comes to the police station

once every week.’
‘Jugga? Which one is he?’
‘You must remember Juggut Singh, son of the dacoit Alam Singh who was

hanged two years ago. He is that very big fellow. He is the tallest man in this
area. He must be six foot four—and broad. He is like a stud bull.’
‘Oh yes, I remember. What does he do to keep himself out of mischief? He

used to come up before me in some case or other every month.’
The subinspector smiled broadly. ‘Sir, what the police of the Punjab has failed
to do, the magic of the eyes of a girl of sixteen has done.’

Hukum Chand’s interest was aroused.
‘He has a liaison?’ he asked.

‘With a Muslim weaver’s daughter. She is dark, but her eyes are darker. She
certainly keeps Jugga in the village. And no one dares say a word against the
Muslims. Her blind father is the mullah of the mosque.’
The two drank their beer and smoked till the bearer brought in lunch. They

continued drinking and eating and discussing the situation in the district till late
in the afternoon. Beer and rich food made Hukum Chand heavy with sleep.

Chicks on the veranda had been lowered to keep out the glare of the noonday
sun. The punkah flapped gently to and fro with a weary plaintive creak. A
feeling of numb drowsiness came over Hukum Chand. He got out his silver
toothpick, picked his teeth and rubbed the toothpick on the tablecloth. Even that

did not help him ward off sleep. The subinspector noticed the magistrate
nodding and stood up to take leave.

‘Have I your permission to leave, sir?’
‘If you want to rest, you can find a bed here.’
‘You are very kind, sir, but I have a few things to attend to at the station. I will

leave two constables here. If your honour desires my presence, they will inform
me.’
‘Well,’ said the magistrate hesitantly, ‘have you made any arrangements for

the evening?’
‘Is it possible for me to have overlooked that? If she does not please you, you