Mukoli

Aman ki Asha (Hope for Peace)

---

---

What Moved the Judges

This piece grapples with Indian partition and issues of trauma, resilience, and those that want to do the right thing, closely linking to the journal’s mission related to peace and conflict and introducing readers to a diversity of traditions.

---

Asha had walked for so long that her legs forgot what it felt like to rest. “Keep walking. Keep walking if you want to live,” her father’s stern voice echoed whenever her pace slackened. She tried to keep her gaze at the sparse, unforgiving ground and put one foot after the other. She had to set an example for the twins, Kittu and Rajjo, who trailed behind her. 

Their bodies were concealed beneath layers of clothing. They wore two salwaars and their chest was wrapped in two dupattas. Though they walked through the night, only to take refuge in the morning, the excessive layers of clothing made every step a grueling challenge.

The unrelenting climate of Sindh, with its drastic temperature shifts, showed no mercy during the harsh winter months. The biting chill of night was replaced swiftly by the scorching sun, searing their skin under the harsh glare.

***

The day before, they had hidden themselves within the dense jungle, waiting patiently till the shadows weren’t visible anymore. Sleep should have come easily after walking through the night, but the relentless sun beat down upon them. Kittu quipped, “We can’t sleep at night. We can’t sleep in the day.” 

Rajjo nursed her sore feet and sighed, “I can barely see the path.”

Her father, Nandlal Kundnani, reminded them, “We are fortunate to be alive.”

Asha wanted to complain, “But, Baba— 

“Shukar karo. Stay in gratitude.” Her mother, Gunvanti said.

The grim reality hung heavily over them, but they understood that their plight was still better than what many others had endured during the partition. The riots on the 6th of December had left the Sindhi Hindus deeply shaken and their hope to co-exist in peace.

***

Before embarking on this arduous journey, Asha had been given a vial of poison and a few hours after dinner to pack her bags. At the budding age of thirteen, she knew what it was for.

After dinner, taking her younger sisters by hand, she instructed them to pack the clothes including their cherished Ajrak dupattas and topis. 

Their education had been disrupted by the partition of India, but their father arranged for their neighbor, Ramchandra Keshavdas, to continue teaching them at home. Ram worked with Asha’s father in the textile shop. They had become close like brothers. Nandlal wasn’t educated but wanted his daughters to be. Nandlal had reminded Asha to take the books, but as she packed them, she had a sinking feeling she might never study again.

As Asha packed her belongings, she overheard her parents speaking in hushed tones about everyone’s safety. They were thankful for Ram and his wife Tara join them. Though their words were muffled, fear was evident in their voices. They discussed hiding their gold jewelry under the Neem tree. Asha had already given her chain and earrings to her mother months ago. “Don’t ask questions at a time like this,” Guni had said.

Life had dramatically changed over the past two years due to the partition. Although Asha wasn’t responsible for the decisions made, she bore the weight of the consequences, much like countless others who had migrated to India, uncertain of ever returning. 

Asha watered her flowers with her eyes and the mug, a daily ritual from her school days. She noticed her parrot looking at her. She let it out of its cage, a birthday gift from three years ago. She kissed the parrot and urged it to fly away, but it stayed by the window.

At 12:30 in the night Asha sensed activity in the house. Her mother had been busy cooking kokis and packing it with the mithi maani, while her father filled water bottles. Her mother, with red eyes and tear-streaked cheeks, gazed at her without uttering a word. 

Asha understood. Her voice quivered, “I’ll wake up Kittu and Rajjo.”

Her mother nodded faintly with eyes lost in the void.

They had to leave their neighborhood in Jamshoro district quietly. Ram and Tara were already waiting at the door. Under the blanket of stars, they had planned to walk to Karachi port to embark on a ship till India. Asha had heard Guni say that they would have to walk for three or four nights. They had to do this if they wanted to live.

The terrain of Sindh was mostly sand and dry grass and the road in 1948 was neither paved nor illuminated like it is today. The threat of scorpions and wild animals was overshadowed by the fear of encountering people from the other side, who were angry and exhausted. They hadn’t covered much distance on the first night, but it was more than they had ever ventured in their lives. 

***

Tonight, they had begun their journey early with the hope of reaching Goth Boram before daybreak. Goth Boram, nestled near the Kirthar mountains, was renowned for its wildlife. Asha walked bearing her load of clothes and books, just like the twins did, but she also carried provisions for the journey. Her mother, on the other hand, bore all the utensils, while her father shouldered everything else.

Asha reflected on their morning conversation as they walked. While Guni and Tara prepared dinner, Nandlal had suggested, “Why don’t you girls continue your studies? Tara, you should join them.” 

Ram had retorted, “What could she possibly study and achieve?”

“Ram, you’re like a brother to us, and it isn’t a good idea to think like this. I believe education is crucial for this generation.”

Asha thought about the weight of her books but understood that education was important. She promised herself that if given a chance, she’d study with more zeal than before.

The moon illuminated the night, casting a silvery glow. Nandlal estimated the time to be around nine. The girls were usually in bed by this hour. It was easier to resist sleep today than yesterday.

He looked at Asha following Tara who was following Ram’s trail as carefully as she could guiding the twins behind her. Nandlal pondered what might have been if they had had sons instead of daughters. 

He briefly considered trying for a son if he reached India safely, but Gunvanti, had been through two unsuccessful pregnancies, Guni was getting old too. He was the youngest in his family of 7 girls. His mother had passed away a year after his birth. Maybe it wouldn’t be wise to put Guni through another childbirth. Also, anytime someone asked Guni about having boys or the next generation, she calmly said, my daughters will make me proud. 

Asha stumbled, and he called for a water break. Everyone gathered. Nandlal took Asha’s bag of books and added it to his own. Observing this, Kittu handed him her bag as well, and he accepted it.

Asha protested, “I can carry it, Baba.” 

“It’s alright.” He reassured.

Suddenly, rustling in the leaves disrupted their formation. Fear gripped them as they prepared for a potential encounter. 

Sindh was known for a lot of wildlife. Nandlal instructed everyone to pick up sticks and stones, in preparation. The noises grew stronger. Whatever it was, was coming closer and faster. Ram picked up two sticks and pushed Tara behind him.

“I can fight too.” she grumbled. 

The voices grew louder as if they were just few steps away, and the shrubs shook vigorously. Then, the bushes parted to reveal the group of chinkara which was more startled by the humans than the other way around. They bolted to the right of them.

Nandlal remarked, “This could mean two things. Perhaps a predator was chasing them, so we should hurry. Alternatively, they may simply have wanted to pass through, so we should hasten to let them continue on their way.” 

Kittu remarked, “So, either way we need to walk faster.” 

Ram agreed, “And be quieter.”

They resumed their journey in formation, guided by the moon. Several hours passed quietly until Tara let out a sharp scream, causing Asha and Ram to rush to her side. Tara cried, “Something bit my foot,” dropping her bags with a thud. 

Ram got the lantern closer, and Asha examined in the faint light. “I think you’ve cut your toe on a stone,” she concluded.

 Tara was in pain and shivering, “I can’t see the wound. All I feel is pain. And why is it so cold here?” she cried loudly.

Kittu couldn’t help but remark, “So much for being quiet.” 

Guni hushed Kittu and shared a knowing look with Nandlal.

Nandlal comforted Tara, assuring her, “It will be fine. Let’s take a short break.” Guni distributed Lola to everyone, Kittu and Rajjo accepted it hurriedly. Nandlal said he wasn’t hungry. Ram was busy tending to Tara and Asha was pressing her legs. 

Guni quietly closed her eyes and kept praying for everyone’s safety. Nandlal took a sip of water and tried to find answers in the sky. There were at least two hours till dawn. They could have walked for longer. Asha looked at her dad for answers. 

***

“Let me pick you up for some time and walk?  This isn’t a safe place.” Ram offered.

Asha chimed in, “I can help carry—”

Tara agreed as she stood up. Everyone gathered around her, taking her belongings, except for Kittu.

Ram took Tara’s right hand and positioned it on his shoulder. He bent down to lift her feet, but the bag on his shoulder upset his balance, causing him to fall backward and drop Tara. Asha and Guni tried to prevent the fall to some extent, but Tara began crying again. 

“Maafi, Maafi” Ram protested.

Tara continued to sob. Rajjo moved closer to comfort her and wailed, “I want to go home too. I’m tired, sleepy, hungry, and tired,”

Asha collapsed beside them, and Guni exchanged a glance with Nandlal. 

“That’s enough!” Nandlal declared, shocking Tara and the others.

“Tara, I think you can walk with Ram’s support. Let’s try to cross this area before we encounter any dangerous animals,” he suggested. Tara nodded, and Rajjo returned the extra bag she had taken from Tara. Tara accepted it quietly and balanced on her right foot. She held Ram’s arm and started walking.

Nandlal regained his composure, picked up his bags, and joined in. Silence accompanied them with the moon for the next few hours till dawn. Birds began chirping, and Asha turned to her dad. He solemnly said, “Let’s walk for another half hour. I think we’re almost through the mountains.” 

They reached a stream. “I think it’s best to fill our water here, cross the stream, and then find a hiding spot,” Ram suggested.

Nandlal agreed, and everyone quickened their pace. Kittu broke formation and raced ahead to wash her face. Asha filled Tara’s water bottle. 

They hurriedly crossed the chilly river, lifting their salwars to avoid getting them wet. Nandlal quenched his thirst and hunger.

As they reached a group of trees, Ram suggested it as a resting spot. 

Nandlal objected, “No, it’s too close to the stream.”

Kittu sat down on a flat stone. 

“Let’s go a bit further inside. Safety is more important than convenience.”

Ram concurred, “Yes, Bhai saab is right. We should prioritize safety. Let’s go.” He took Tara’s hand, and Asha took Kittu by the hand, with Rajjo quietly following.

After a few minutes of walking, Ram suggested another group of trees, and Nandlal sat down in response. The men started a small fire, and everyone changed their clothes, hanging their wet salwars.

Asha noticed a bruise on Nandlal’s hand and showed it to Guni, who had a similar but lighter bruise. Guni’s feet were swollen from walking. “Sit down, Ma. I’ll apply some oil,” Asha offered.

“It’s okay for now. It’ll get better in a while.”

“But we still have a long way to go.”

“Yes, but I can’t find the oil bottle.”

“Rajjo, you search,” Asha instructed. Just then, Guni felt dizzy, stumbled, and fell to the ground.

“Maaa!” Asha screamed. Everyone turned to see Guni. Nandlal gave her some water, and she opened her eyes, appearing somewhat confused. 

“You fainted,” Nandlal explained. “Do we have anything to eat?”

“Yes, a few more kokis. Mithi maani is all over.”

“Okay, then you eat one now,” Nandlal suggested.

“But the kids must be hungry.”

“I have a little of my lola, Ma. You can have that,” Kittu said. Asha and Tara looked at her in surprise. 

Kittu hugged Guni and asked, “Will you be okay, Ma?” Guni wiped her tears and Kittu’s as she ate the lola and fed koki to everyone.

Nandlal also had some koki and contemplated their progress. “We must be over twelve hours from Karachi Port. Do you think we can cover this by tomorrow morning? Or should we cook more? How are you feeling, Tara?”

Tara looked at Hira’s swollen feet and bruised hands. She looked down and said, “I can walk.”

“Thank you,” Nandlal said and yawned. “Let’s take good rest today and try to leave earlier. There will be plenty of ships leaving in the morning. We don’t need to cook anything now. Let’s sleep and prepare something for the night before leaving, with tomorrow’s breakfast on the ship.”

The family rejoiced at the idea, and finding comfortable spots around the tree stumps, they attempted to rest. Asha found a spot closest to Guni. Kittu and Rajjo each took one of Guni’s legs and lay down. Nandlal instructed Ram to get some rest, as he could easily keep watch now.

Rajjo lay wide awake with her restlessness. Nearby, Asha stirred as she felt Rajjo’s leg move.

“What’s wrong?” she inquired; her voice tinged with concern.

Rajjo sighed softly and admitted, “I can’t sleep. I feel like going down to the river.”

Asha understood the situation and observed that her father had also fallen into a deep slumber. “Let’s go quietly,” she suggested, extending her hand to Rajjo, and the two of them embarked to the riverbank.

The sun was turning a soft yellow, signaling that it was around 8 AM. Rajjo found a small bush and went behind it.

As the morning progressed, the weather grew warmer, and the sun’s rays danced upon the river’s surface, bestowing an aura of tranquility. For a moment, Asha found herself entranced by the wildflowers that had bloomed along the riverbank. She meandered amidst them, lost in their beauty, completely unaware of the approaching bullock cart.

***

Aman, a naïve 16-year-old boy, had lost his parents at a tender age, leaving him with the village and the mosque as his surrogate family. They had cared for him over the years, but now, he had grown into a capable young man who could tend to the farm and fend for himself, as well as his fellow villagers. Though his heart was in the right place, his actions sometimes betrayed a touch of clumsiness.

Night after night, Aman wrestled with insomnia, finding solace in the skies as he searched for his parents’ presence among the stars. In the winter months, his attention turned to poetry.

The sun gently warmed the land, Aman decided to begin his farm work early. As he approached the fields, his eyes fell upon a girl standing amidst a sea of blossoms. She appeared to him like an angel sent from the heavens, bathed in the morning sun that lent her hair an ethereal glow.

“Who are you?” Aman inquired; his voice filled with curiosity.

Asha, startled by the stranger’s presence, observed him. He wore a white kurta, a sweater, and thick pants, with a single stick in hand, and two bullocks following closely behind.

“Who are you?” he asked once more, his gaze fixed on her.

“No one,” she replied, her voice quivering, before turning and fleeing.

“Arre wait, please,” he called out desperately. “I believe you were sent for me.”

Startled, she halted and looked back, fear in her eyes. 

“I will do no harm, I promise.” 

Asha hesitated but soon realized that if she returned to her family, she might endanger them all, including Rajjo. She couldn’t allow that to happen. With a deep breath, she made the decision to stop. The stranger came closer but maintained a safe distance, and Asha discreetly eyed a nearby rock. If he made any threatening moves, she could easily pick it up. 

“What is your name?” he asked, his voice gentle.

“Asha,” she replied and held her necklace of vial with one hand.

“Asha, nice. What does it mean?”

“It means hope.”

“Nice. It should have been Shamairah. You are so beautiful,” he said, making Asha blush. No one had ever called her beautiful before.

“Are you new here?” he asked.

“No,” Asha replied, trying to come up with a better answer. “Are you new here?” 

“I’m Aman. I was born here. My parents died when I was 7. Maulvi chacha used to tell me that one day a girl will come, and I will be complete. Are you her?” he explained.

“I don’t think so. Can you please go from here now?” Asha requested.

“I feel like spending the rest of my day with you,” he said.

Just then, Asha noticed Rajjo walking out of the bushes and towards her. Rajjo could see the fear in Asha’s face but couldn’t see the stranger behind the tree. Asha spoke aloud, “I think you should go from here now.” 

Sensing that something was wrong, Rajjo went back in the bushes again.

“Why? I like your company. What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I don’t want to answer,” she replied.

“Okay, will you stay with me?” he inquired.

“No, I don’t want to,” Asha replied.

“Can I stay with you?” he asked.

“No,” she responded.

Did Asha really want him to go away? The answer was also no. She liked his presence.

“That ‘no’ was very weak,” he observed, making Asha smile.

“Your smile is very pretty.” Asha was not used to such compliments, but she felt as if Aman was sincere.

Aman took a step forward and asked, “Why have I not seen you before?”

Asha smiled. “I am from Jamshoro.”

“Where is that?” Aman inquired.

“About two days’ walk from here,” Asha replied.

Aman looked concerned and asked, “Have you come walking?”

Asha nodded, “Yes.”

Aman seemed puzzled, “Why?”

“To stay safe,” she answered.

Aman continued to question her, “Is it not cold at night? What if you die of the cold? What if animals attack you? If you don’t have a house, you are not protected at night. How are you staying safe?”

Asha stared at him while he asked more with concern. “So, will you be staying in Karachi with me?”

Asha asked surprised. “Are we in Karachi city? How far is the port?”

“You are in Shakkar Goth. I have never been to Port, but Chacha says it is a full day journey in the cart. So, stay here?”

Asha shook her head, “No, we are going to India.”

“Why?” he inquired.

“Because it is not safe for us here anymore,” she replied.

Aman seemed puzzled and said, “Right, it’s not safe, but wait, safe from what?”

Asha hesitated for a moment and then admitted, “I don’t know. From you?”

“I have never hurt anyone. Why would I hurt you? You are completely safe from me. If I have done any good in my life, I pray to Allah to allow me to spend the rest of my life protecting you,” Aman reassured Asha.

Asha felt that she could trust him, and as she looked into his brown eyes, she knew she was safe around him. She didn’t have to be protected from him.

“Thank you,” she replied.

Rajjo sat there quietly, unable to hear much but feeling very irritated. She wondered who that boy was and what Asha didi was doing with him.

Asha asked Aman, “Is my family safe around you too?”

“Of course,” Aman replied.

Asha then said, “Let me show you my sister,” and started walking towards Rajjo. Aman followed.

Rajjo was surprised to see Asha and Aman walking together. She thought something was wrong and shouted, “Run away, Didi. I’ll protect you.” Rajjo was already holding a stick, ready to defend her sister.

Aman was confused and asked, “What are you two afraid of?”

Rajjo looked at Aman, perplexed and sighed, “Lucky you. You don’t have anything to be afraid of. We had to leave our home because other people wanted to live there. If we wouldn’t move, they would harass us. They say there aren’t any empty homes.”

Aman said, “I am so sorry. You can live in my home.”

“Yes, that would be nice. We don’t have a home in India. I don’t know what we would do after going there,” Rajjo replied. Asha felt protected with Aman. She knew her father would need convincing, but this was closer to their home than India, and it would be easier to go and dig up the gold.

Asha and Rajjo looked at each other. “Why don’t you come to India with us?” Rajjo suggested.

Aman agreed, “Yes. I will have to ask Maulvi chacha, but I can do that. Don’t go anywhere,” he said and ran, calling his bullocks to follow him promptly.

Aman ran the whole way till the mosque. He found Jabez sitting outside with his gang. 

“Where is chacha?” huffing, he asked Jabez.

“What do you want? Is he going to feed you the food?” Jabez chukled.

“No, I want to tell him about a girl.”

The gang started laughing. “Does the girl know that you are still a baby?”

“What do you mean? I’m a man, and I will protect her and her sisters.”

“Where is she?”

“In the woods, near the lake. I take my bullocks there every morning.”

“Hey, weren’t you asking for Maulana, he is inside.” Blood had started running through their bodies and they decided to run and get the girls Aman was talking about. 

Aman was out of breath as he entered the mosque, anxiety evident in his eyes. He approached the Maulana, who greeted him warmly, “Hi Aman, meri Jaan. How are you?”

Aman’s words rushed out, “Chacha, I need your permission to go to India.”

The Maulana, looking surprised, raised an eyebrow and asked, “India? What for, my son?”

“There is a girl I met. She’s exactly like how you had told me she would be. She’s very pretty and I want to stay with her. She says she needs protection. She’s going to India.”

Maulana understood. He sincerely replied. “You cannot go to India.”

“Why not?”

“Who will look after your land what will happen to your bulls and your farm?”

“I don’t know. I don’t care. I need to protect the girl. You can take my farm for the mosque and my bulls. They are not mine. They are yours. You had given them to me.”

“You have never said these things before my child. You are very special to me and this village. It will be difficult to leave you.” 

The Maulana engaged Aman in a series of questions, with a glimmer of hope that the family would seize the opportunity to escape. Maulana believed Aman would eventually move on. After all, Aman was considered the village’s child, and the family might not readily accept him as one of their own.

Once Maulana couldn’t detain Aman any longer, he said. “I thought Jabez was waiting for me.”

“Yes, they were outside. After I told them about Asha, they left.”

Maulana understood. He bent down and told Aman, “I think Asha needs your protection now. Have you brought your bullock cart?

Aman nodded.

“Let’s go.” Maulana prayed for the safety of the girls. Jabez and his gang had done a lot of damage in the last few months. Aman couldn’t wait to see Asha again. 

***

Jabez and his gang reached the river, armed with sticks, knives, and other weapons, but to their dismay, they didn’t find anyone there. Like hungry animals in search of fresh flesh, but they couldn’t locate their preys. Jabez knew they would be fleeing from Karachi Port. Jabez found leftovers of the fire and knew they were on the right track.

***

Asha and Rajjo stood there for a few minutes until they realized the consequences of waiting along. They hurriedly returned to their family. Asha, with a sense of apprehension, was hesitant to face Nandlal, but she rushed into his arms. Nandlal, his brow furrowed with concern, was already awake and searching for them. 

Asha clung to him and cried, “Baba–a boy saw me.” 

“Are you okay? –” 

Asha reassured him, “Yes…b – But”

Nandlal woke everyone. “Let’s go.”

Sensing the urgency, everyone collected their clothes and other things. Asha couldn’t resist glancing behind, searching for Aman. Nandlal also cast furtive glances in different directions, filled with uncertainty. 

On one turn, Asha failed to notice a stick in her path and stumbled, uttering a cry of pain as she clutched her left foot. Her fall caused Nandlal to lose his footing as well, and one of the bags of utensils spilled open, sending steel pots clattering to the ground. 

“Are you alright?” Nandlal asked, breathless, as he rushed to Asha’s side. Kittu and Rajjo quickly came running, their breaths ragged.

Ram, setting down his bags, inquired, “Do you think someone might be following us?”

Nandlal replied, his voice tinged with concern, “I don’t think so. But we should remain vigilant.”

“Can we take a break.” Asha asked. She felt her cheeks blush, but it could be from the running. 

Kittu, catching her breath, agreed, “Yes, let’s hide quietly and no more running.”

“Alright, let’s collect these utensils and stick to our plan to hide until evening,” Nandlal decided.

Everyone got to work. Rajjo and Kittu searched for the scattered utensils, Tara rested with Ram, and Guni found a bottle of oil to massage Tara’s injured foot. Rajjo applied oil to Guni and Nandlal while Kittu tied up all the utensils.

“Just one more day, Sai. Just one more day.” Nandlal prayed and settled down to rest. 

Ram, who was keeping a lookout, heard some suspicious noises. Could it be possible that someone had followed them for over an hour? Unfortunately, it was. Jabez and his gang had indeed tracked them down. They were tired and uncertain about going any further, but one of the boys spotted a steel pan lying in a shrub.

“We are on the right track, Jabez Bhai,” he reported.

Jabez agreed, saying, “Yes, I don’t think they must have gone any further.”

Ram hurriedly woke everyone up. Tara, enraged and scared, screeched, but he quickly covered her mouth. “They are out there.”

Tara’s screech didn’t go unnoticed by Jabez. He ran in their direction and found them preparing to flee. Asha grabbed a stick, which Jabez used to push her down. Nandlal tried to intervene, but someone struck him on the head with a stick, causing him to fall. Tara, Kittu, and Rajjo were already pinned down by teenagers attempting to remove their clothing when Aman arrived.

Aman lunged on Jabez, but Jabez shrugged him off and threw him to the side, where his head struck a stone. “Aman,” Asha cried out.

Jabez taunted, “Oh, you like him? You will like—”

“JABEZ! Think of your own sisters.” Maulana’s commanding voice thundered. Hearing Maulana, Jabez immediately straightened himself. “This has to stop. NOW. This is why I had called you in the morning. Enough is enough.”

Aman winced, and his body twitched. Puddles of blood formed beneath him, and his body lay still. The afternoon sun reflected from the blood, hurt Jabez’s eyes.

A heavy silence hung in the air as everyone dropped their stones and sticks. Maulana struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke to Jabez. “This is what Aman wanted. Now, you will help them board the ship.”

Nandlal protested, “No, we will be fine.”

“I insist. I am sorry on their behalf.”

Nandlal began to speak but Maulana interrupted, “They will guide you till the port. You can go on this bullock cart. Please. Truly, forgive them. They weren’t bad kids. Time is such.”

Maulana looked at Aman and then Jabez, “This eye for an eye is leaving the world blind. Please, Jabez. This must stop. Look” Holding Aman close, he couldn’t stifle his tears. 

“How will you return? Chacha?” Jabez asked.

“I will take Aman’s body till Dargah. You all will come back walking. Let Asha and her family take Aman’s cart.”

On Jabez’s signal, the boys loaded the cart with all the luggage. All women sat down. Guni wiped blood from Tara’s lip. Seeing Rajjo shivering, Tara shared her blanket with her. 

“Will you be able to walk, Baba?” Asha asked.

Nandlal nodded. Jabez looked down and started walking quietly.  Soon, the terrain changed, and city emerged. As the sun began to set, they got closer to the port. Jabez got the tickets for everyone on a ship that would start in two hours.

Jabez bent down in apology. Nandlal opened his arms slowly and hugged him. Asha couldn’t control her tears like others. Aman had kept his promise. He said he was going to protect her till the end of his life.

---