6 The Queen of the Hearth Part 6

She had been at the Guru Ka Taal for 10 days and had never left the room. The matron whom she now called 'Maa' used to bring food for her. She was the first lady in her life to take care of her. She had met some kind teachers along the way but none of them showered her with so much love and kindness. So, though the matron didn't know it, when Jassi called her 'Maa', it was the highest honour she was giving to the old woman. But the matron could certainly see the girl was becoming attached to her.

During the day, Maa used to keep busy in managing the activities of the Gurudwara – mainly looking after its kitchen. In the evening, she used to bring her plate to the room too and sit with Jassi and talked to her. Bless her kind heart, she never tried to be nosy.

Occasionally, Maa used to rub oil in Jassi's hair, hands and legs despite Jassi's hesitation. "Your body suffered a lot when you ran like that. You need milk and you need this massage."

Jassi didn't remember her childhood but she was touched by how Maa looked after her. In the evenings, she also used to massage Ma's legs, hands, and hair at times.

Their relationship was new but it deepened some more every day.

On the evening of the tenth day, she said, "Jassi, I understand that you have been through a lot. I can see the trauma on your face. But Beta ji (Dear Daughter), how long will you lock yourself up here. You hardly get up from the bed. You need to come out of the room, make yourself useful, and find a new life."

Jassi's head shot up. "Please Maa. Let me stay here with you. I feel safe with you. I'll do anything but inside this room. I am afraid of going out. I am afraid to be seen by other people. They will be looking for me. If I get caught again, they will kill me." Her eyes started streaming.

The matron looked at her kindly. "Calm down, betaji. I did not intend to send you away. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like. This is the House of God. Wahe Guru will not let anything happen to you now. If He chose me to help you, I will. Eat in peace. We will discuss what you can do inside the room once we finish our dinner."

After dinner, Jassi told Maa that she could help her with the kitchen activities but she would not leave her room. She also asked Maa if she has some books to read.

"I only have spiritual books here. Near the altar. We have a small library though. We get Punjabi newspapers too. Would you care to read them?"

Jassi said, "I never learned Punjabi, Maa. I only know English and Hindi – with English slightly better than Hindi. Do we get English newspapers here?"

"No. But I'll see what I can do?"

From the next day, Maa used to bring her bunch of vegetables in the morning to chop and slice for the Langar – the free kitchen of the Gurudwara during the day time. She used to drop in around 11 am again to pick up the vegetables. She also used to bring some books to Jassi. Most of them were old classics in English which Jassi had already read earlier. But she was a beggar, not a chooser right now.

Having a book in hand seemed like a luxury to her. Soon, Maa brought some pens and a register for her. She was so delighted with the unexpected gift that she hugged Ma and jumped up and down.

The matron smiled at her. She had started loving this girl. She had never married and devoted her life to the service of Gurudwara. Jassi had become like a daughter to her. Jassi and Ma filled the blanks in each other's lives and had become bonded.

One day, Maa came running to Jassi with an old newspaper in her hand.

"Beta ji, see what I have here! This newspaper has your face in it. Read it up, quickly."

Jassi took the newspaper from Maa.

"Maa, it is a missing person ad. It says that I am missing and that anyone who shares details about my whereabouts to my uncle will get a reward." She trembled like a grass leaf.

"Please Maa. Don't let anyone know that I am here."

Maa's face fell. "Beta ji, you have been here for six months. I bring vegetables to you daily. I bring food to you three times a day. Shera roams around the place like he owns it. Of course, everyone in the Gurudwara knows that I have someone living with me in my quarters. I have managed to keep them away from you saying that you are senile and will bite the strangers."

Jassi looked at her face.

"I am sorry but I knew you were not ready to mingle with them. They have not seen your face and they do not know your real name. I call you 'Rani' (Queen) and told them that you are daughter of my distant cousin."

Jassi nodded in understanding.

"Maa, how old is this newspaper? Where did you get it?"

"A fruit seller came to the Langar today. I saw this piece on his cart. I do not know how old it is."

"My uncle might just be looking for me to send me back to Renny and Rajeshwar. I was their slave, Maa. Rajeshwar bought me from Renny who had kidnapped me. I don't want to go back to them, Maa."

"You won't", promised the matron. "Forget about it. You are safe here." She hugged Jassi and patted her head.

"Now I have to leave. You need to have a plan, Jassi. I am an old maid. You are a young girl. You need to make a plan to survive and thrive. You are more educated than me. Let me know how I can help you."

Jassi looked as Maa left her. She was just hoping that she could stay with Maa forever. She had never thought what would happen if Maa ever asked her to leave or if, God forbid, something happens to her.

She needs to pick up her pieces and become whole once again.