Page 31 - Train to Pakistan

and sambas that Hukum Chand knew were exhausted.

‘Sing anything else you know,’ ordered the magistrate with lordly
condescension. ‘Something new and gay.’
The girl started to sing a song which had several English words in it:

Sunday after Sunday, O my life.

Hukum Chand exploded with an appreciative ‘wah, wah.’ When the girl
finished her song, he did not throw the fiverupee note at her but asked her to

come and take it from his hand. The old woman pushed the girl ahead.
‘Go, the Government sends for you.’
The girl got up and went to the table. She stretched out her hand to take the

money; Hukum Chand withdrew his and put the note on his heart. He grinned
lecherously. The girl looked at her companions for help. Hukum Chand put the
note on the table. Before she could reach it he picked it up and again put it on his

chest. The grin on his face became broader. The girl turned back to join the
others. Hukum Chand held out the note for the third time.
‘Go to the Government,’ pleaded the old woman. The girl turned round

obediently and went to the magistrate. Hukum Chand put his arm round her
waist.
‘You sing well.’

The girl gaped wide-eyed at her companions.
‘The Government is talking to you. Why don’t you answer him?’ scolded the
old woman. ‘Government, the girl is young and very shy. She will learn,’ she

exclaimed.
Hukum Chand put a glass of whisky to the girl’s lips. ‘Drink a little. Just a sip
for my sake,’ he pleaded.

The girl stood impassively without opening her mouth. The old woman spoke
again.
‘Government, she knows nothing about drink. She is hardly sixteen and

completely innocent. She has never been near a man before. I have reared her for
your honour’s pleasure.’
‘Then she will eat something even if she does not drink,’ said Hukum Chand.

He preferred to ignore the rest of the woman’s speech. He picked up a meatball
from a plate and tried to put it in the girl’s mouth. She took it from him and ate
it.