Chapter 118: Burning Houses
Rewari Kingdom, Salarpur village, afternoon of 7th March 1557
The village square buzzed with activity under the afternoon sun. The open area was surrounded by small houses and busy market stalls. On one side, the local madarsa stood out with its simple architectural design, a place where muslim boys gathered to learn and scholars taught. Nearby, a small mosque with its minaret slightly towering above the buildings stood as a landmark.
In the center of this bustling area, a crowd of local Muslims had gathered, their murmurs filled with concern and curiosity. At the heart of the crowd stood a middle aged figure, the Madarsa head’s brother maulvi Ahmad Shah. Dressed in a richly embroidered persian style robe, he carried an air of arrogance. Beside him, the young village police chief looked uneasy, sweating buckets nervously under the Maulvi’s intense gaze.
The Maulvi bore a stern face as he addressed the police chief with clear frustration. "Where is my brother? He’s been missing too long. What do you know about his whereabouts?"
The police chief trembled to response and stuttered, "Ha..Hazur (sir), don’t worry. The higher-ups are being informed. He’ll be back soon, I’m sure.."
The Maulvi’s brother cut him off sharply. Leaning in with a cold and menacing tone, he warned, "If you don’t find out where he is by sunset, things could get very ugly. Remember that."
The police chief bowed deeply with a pale face and quickly made his way through the crowd, his steps hurried and anxious.
As the crowd continued to murmur, the Maulana’s brother, Maulvi Ahmad Shah, tried to maintain control and calm. "Stay calm. We’ll find him. Keep your faith and stay vigilant. Lectures and namaz will continue as usual."
He dispersed the crowd and headed to the scholar’s chamber. Upon entering, he found the remaining maulvis seated on cushions, their faces etched with worry. They rose in unison as he approached.
One of them asked, "Have we received any news about where our Imam might be?"
Maulvi Ahmad Shah shook his head in grave expression.
Another maulvi, a middle-aged man named Zafar Ali, spoke up, "My youngest brother was with the Imam. Have you learned anything about his whereabouts?"