The Charade

“I’m going to call the Panchayat and then you can say what you want in front of them.”

“Why the Panchayat Sardar Timur?” Basheer sought clarification, not so much for himself but so that others could hear what he would say next. “You are the Sardar. Gul is a kammi kameen, less than dirt, he’s a nobody! Your decision should be enough.”

Sardar Timur nodded thoughtfully. “So, you think that I shouldn’t trust the Panchayat? Or that this matter isn’t right for their consideration?”

“I see no reason to take this to them.”

“Ask these people. How do they feel about it?”

Basheer turned to the crowd and announced Sardar Timur’s wish to refer this matter to the Panchayat. He also used this opportunity to remind them all of Sardar's power and authority.

They seemed to be confused and undecided, a bit unsure. Basheer waited for the voices to die down, then turned, appeared pensive, and then took it upon himself to announce the verdict. There was no room for error.

“We all have full faith in your judgment and decision, Sardar.”

“Then my decision is to call the Panchayat, I need you to gather them instantly and let them decide this little bastard’s fate, not me.”

“As you wish, Sardar. I’ll do as you command.”

He smiled. This approach would make him appear just and fair, it was the diplomatic response. He was mindful of the changing political climate–the Governor and Chief Minister of the province were paying special attention to the dissemination of justice at all levels, especially at the grass-root level. Referring the matter to Panchayat was the safe way to go, in case a cover was needed in the future for the punishment meted out to this family. In his mind, the verdict and punishment were very clear.

He handed the leash to Basheer and disappeared inside the sprawling Haveli, the grand compound was an imposing sign of power and influence that his family had enjoyed for many generations. Sarah Khanum and Farah followed him quietly. Farah, now bruised and deprived of food, glanced at her mother, she was anxious and laden with guilt because of what she had allowed to transpire, but too fearful to do otherwise. Sarah Khanum saw the look and pushed her back into her room, locking the door.