𝐌𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑, 𝐅𝐄𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃

CHAPTER ➎ • The Burning Train

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY To My Fellow Indian Readers. May The Country Grow and Prosper.
(Date : 15 August 2023)

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***This Chapter narrates some incidents which can be emotionally triggering . Kindly read at your own discretion***

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August 15, 1947
Lahore Province

12:30 A.M.

Khan Haveli was in chaos. It was the day of Independence. Finally Lahore is a separate land. It would have its own constituency under the rule of Khans as had been promised to them. But the reason for this utter chaos was disparate.

Sir William Claude, the governor of Lahore Province had put in order an immediate meeting with Khans in their place. At this odd hour.

Dilawar Khan was marching in the enormous passageway connecting the Baithak and the Haveli Gathering Hall. Occasionally looking at the painting of his father hung on the cream polished wall. Sardar Bahadur Khan, his father, was a dominant contributor in establishing the Opium business in Lahore, which took the Khans to the pinnacle of success. Dilawar Khan wanted to continue the legacy. After the fallout with Singhs and continuous tussle with Maliks, it was getting difficult. Winning the elections in Lahore would establish their lost monopoly.

"Bhuna Murg taiyaar hua ki nahi..? Aur angrezi sharab ki bottle nikalo William Sahab aate hi honge.." said Ruqaiya Dilawar Khan hastily.
(Is the roasted chicken ready? Take out English wine bottle, William Sahab will reach anytime).

Dai Amma was packing the welcome gifts for Sir William and his subordinates. The servants were busy rearranging the interiors of Baithak.

Discrete from all this, Nadia Anwar Khan was reading her memorandum to submit to Sir William for validating the legality of her NGO for last time.

Screech... The Wolseley Motor car with 'East India Company ' Logo halted at the front gate of Khan Haveli. Dilawar Khan and the accounts Manager Jamal Ahmad ran with bouquets towards the entrance gate.

Sir William with his four subordinates stood at the front gate visibly disturbed.

"Welcome William Sahab" Dilawar Khan handed the bouquet smiling.

"Thank you Mr. Khan, there was no need for this formality. Our relationship runs deep in time for all this." Said Sir William moving in, "however there is a crucial situation we need to take care of tonight itself. Before it gets out of hand. " Sir William warned.

Dilawar Khan got fitful with the sudden warning. He was already in a lot of stress pertaining to the current situation that anymore of it and he would probably collapse.

Sir William sat on the majlis floor sitting facing the french window. Drinks were served immediately. Snacks were placed on the centre table. Dilawar Khan sat opposite Sir William waiting for his further enlightenment of the grave situation, while Jamal Ahmad stood at the corner of the room waiting for future instructions.

"The Train that departed from Lahore filled with passengers reached that side as silent compartments of dead bodies. It is a crucial state of affairs Mr. Khan. We don't know what exactly happened midway. However it has gravely affected our relationship with that side. The retaliation riots have started. But, the main issue is-' Last Train To Lahore'. If my sources are to be believed, an attack has been planned. And if attackers become successful in it, then Mr. Khan, you might just forget the Lahore Constituency. If we won't be able to successfully bring the locals to their land, we won't be getting their support in future elections. Vladimir Clayton the Officer General has planned this attack and probably the one that happened on the people who went to the other side. You know the rules, if there is political instability, the power will be shifted to the British Government for another decade." Sir William stated the whole situation nonchalantly.