Riyaz reached the shade of a big tree and called out for Jawahar Singh. “What’s the matter, Riyaz Bhaiyya?” Jawahar Singh asked as soon as...
Riyaz reached the shade of a big tree and called out for Jawahar Singh.
“What’s the matter, Riyaz Bhaiyya?” Jawahar Singh asked as soon as he came out.
“Let’s go. Everyone must be waiting for us.”
“Yes, it’s useless to wait here any longer. Pandey Ji will safely escort those people to Lucknow.”
Jawahar Singh moved closer to him and said, “Pandey Ji is near a bunch of banana trees and is coming this way.”
“Pandey Ji is preparing food for us, but it will be a hassle to carry it.”
Before Jawahar Singh could say anything, Pandey Ji arrived and asked, “What’s the matter? Why didn’t you sleep? I already ordered the guards to be alert.”
“Pandey Ji, we’ll take your leave now,” said Riyaz. “Subedar Sahib must be waiting for us.”
“But Bhaiyya, I have had some food prepared for your journey. Why don’t you wait a little longer?”
Riyaz apologised profusely, but when Ram Tirath Pandey would not accept any excuses, he said, “All right, when we pass through here tonight, we will pick it up.”
Pandey Ji made him promise before allowing them to leave. Jawahar Singh called out to his companions, who emerged with rifles slung across their shoulders. Riyaz said, “Pandey Ji, remember that the firangs are at our mercy. There are women...
