This happened more than half a century ago. Mishal was a very beautiful girl from a small town in southern Punjab. She belonged to a chieftain family. After her uncle's death, his son, Balaj Bakht, was accepted as the chieftain, and Mishal was betrothed to Balaj, even though he was already married and had a child. Despite this, Balaj's heart blossomed with love for Mishal. These were close family ties, and it was not possible to marry outside the family, and there was no other suitable match within the family for her.
At the time of the engagement, Mishal was twelve years old. She grew up quickly, and then her father married her off to Chieftain Balaj, with the wedding set to take place a year later. There was only a wall separating their houses. She could visit his house whenever she wanted, and he could also come to Mishal's house, which was his aunt's home. Their relationship was such that no one could stop them. Chieftain Balaj was an autocratic individual. His word was law in the village. Whatever he wanted would happen. Balaj was both proud and headstrong, emotional, and stubborn. His wife was well aware of these traits, so she didn't try to stand in his way. She was the honor of a chieftain, and her life and death were confined to the four walls of her home. She mentally accepted the bond between Mishal and the chieftain as a living reality but couldn't reconcile with it in her heart. Her tongue was silent, but her heart kept burning inside.
Mishal was to be the chieftain's second wife. This was an accepted fact, so the servants began to treat her as the chieftainess. Whenever Balaj came home, he would first go to his aunt's house, and Mishal, wherever she was, would run to meet him upon hearing of his arrival. Chieftains considered it improper to take their women outside the home. It was against their traditions and family honor. Despite this, Balaj, driven by his heart, often took Mishal to the city at her request, where she felt happy shopping for her favorite things. He wanted to lay the world at her feet. Clothes, jewelry, cosmetics – he wished he could bring down the stars from the sky for her. This attention made Mishal arrogant. She had great pride in the chieftain's love, believing that he would fulfill her every wish.
The chieftain's wife, Azat Khanum, continued to witness her husband's love with her own eyes, silently enduring it but seething inwardly. However, the marriage had already taken place, and separation was to occur a few months later. She felt helpless, silently wiping away her tears and then smiling as she entered the courtyard. Azat Bibi was very afraid of the chieftain, so she dared not say anything. Meanwhile, Mishal was young and bold, considering herself superior to her rival. She would walk with her head held high in front of Azat Khanum, trying to provoke her by conversing with Balaj in her presence. Azat Khanum, like a helpless woman, would swallow her cool sighs in her heart upon seeing all this. These sighs burned like fire, piercing through her chest and leaving holes in her lungs, making her a victim of TB. Now she was constantly feverish. The silent and stern protest of Azat Khanum had no effect on the chieftain Balaj. They say the sigh of the oppressed does not reach the Almighty. Perhaps even her silent sighs reached the throne, as Mishal's fate got trapped in the whirlpool of fate. Chieftain Balaj often had to stay away from home due to the affairs of his people. Whenever he was away from the area, Mishal would start to feel anxious, and she would start to wander aimlessly. Sometimes she would go from her father's house to her uncle's house, and sometimes from her uncle's house back to her father's house. In this way, she spent the whole day, restlessly wandering between the two households like a prisoner. She couldn't speak about her heartache due to her rival, nor did she ask when the chieftain would come, how many days later he would come, and where he had gone. Therefore, she relied on the servant boy who was born in the chieftain's mansion. These two servants were loyal servants of the chieftain from two generations.
In the courtyard of Chieftain Balaj's house, a strong wind was blowing. He was also raised in the same household. The women of the chieftain's house did not veil themselves from him. However, now that he was a grown man of twelve, except for extreme necessity, he was not allowed to step inside the house. When the women of the house needed something from outside or had something to say, they could speak to him from behind the door. One day, in a state of extreme boredom, while the chieftain was away in another region, Mishal heard someone's voice at the door and hurried to reach it. She knew it was Khanu's voice. She asked, "Khanu, what's the matter?" "Sardar Sahib said they are going to a friend's invitation and will return in two days. Inform the house," Khanu replied. "Alright, Khanu, I'll inform the lady." On this day, Mishal realized how important this servant boy was, as he always had news about the chieftain from outside. Now when the chieftain was away and Mishal started feeling anxious, she thought of talking to Khanu. She could relieve her heart's burden by talking to the elder lady. Only Nani, an elderly woman, was left now, who didn't allow Mishal to cough without concern. Sitting beside her, Mishal's heart felt comforted. Only one person, Khanu, remained, who was only two years older than her. He couldn't enter the house but could converse standing at the door. Mishal didn't veil herself from him, so she would fearlessly send the servant to ask about Balaj – where he had gone and when he would return. The boy would pass on the chieftain's news by whispering into Mishal's ear. Thus, Khanu became quite close to her. So much so that when he showed excessive concern about Balaj, he would be summoned into the room with the stone door. These rooms were connected to the chambers but had an external door, which was used to stoke fires during cold seasons. They called it a "stone room" or "stone chamber." When the family wanted to sit together, they would sit in this room, warming themselves by the fire and chatting. Khanu would sit on one side of the stone and listen to their conversation. When the father was not at home, the servant girl would tell him to call Khanu inside. Khanu would sit on one side of the stone, implementing the father's orders, while the servant girl would place the coffee pot on the stove. Mishal's hands would tap restlessly, and she would keep asking Khanu about Balaj, what decisions he had made, when the court would be held, and for what reason he had been summoned. Mishal had no malice or ill will in her heart. She just enjoyed hearing the news from outside. These things interested her greatly. The aim was that Khanu was a walking newspaper, and this was the very thing that attracted her to Khanu.
Mishal knew that her father wouldn't allow her to talk to Khanu, nor would the chieftain approve of it. However, she was a fearless girl, perhaps with a bit too much confidence in both her father and the chieftain's love. The servants warned her in hushed tones not to summon Khanu to the stone room. There could be trouble at any time, but Mishal would always reassure them that nothing would happen. Baba and Sardar Balaj trusted Khanu. They wanted him to be like their own children, but I insist that you don't tell them that I talk to Khanu by summoning him to the stone room. She didn't sit alone with Khanu on the stone; she always kept her special maid with her. She had instructed her that if she didn't hear the sound of Baba or Sardar coming, she should immediately inform me. I will tell Khanu to go to the garden. Madam Azat was also worried about this matter. She couldn't stop Mishal, but she had firmly instructed the servants that Sardar shouldn't be informed of this at all. Their lips were sealed. Their circumstances were peculiar. They could stop Mishal, nor could they say anything to the master, but they always remained apprehensive of impending disaster. Khanu's maternal cousin Jhaloo was also an old grudge bearer of the family. He didn't like the camaraderie between Khanu and Mishal at all. Many times he had warned Khanu, but he didn't give any importance to his aunt's son's words, to the point that once he even insulted him in a fit of anger. On this, Jhaloo swore that if he didn't obey the order to shoot Sardar, then he wasn't Jhal Khan. Khanu replied, "Alright, alright, I've seen envious people like you a lot. Mishal Bibi is the little chieftainess. It is my duty to obey her orders. If she values me, why do you get jealous? I don't get jealous, but you're thirty years older than me. You don't know the customs they follow, but I do. Your loyalty, one day, will lead you towards death. Shut up, you envious creature! Accusing Sardar doesn't shame you. The punishment of death is for those who behave badly, and we aren't behaving badly." Jhaloo became furious now. He replied that it would be revealed soon whether he was loyal or not. Now Jhaloo had understood his duty. On the day Mishal summoned Khanu for conversation, he would inform Sardar. The next day, when Sardar was about to make a decision about a dispute in another village, Jhaloo expressed in hushed tones that he also wanted to go, but he wouldn't go now. Why Jhal Khan? You always accompany me. What's wrong today? He said. I want to apologize, but I don't have the courage to say it. Speak up, speak up. You are my special loyal man. Fearlessly say what you want to say. Those who deserve punishment should be put to death. What do you want to say? Sir! The nature of dogs contaminates pure water. Sardar got up in anger. What are you saying? Why don't you speak clearly? Mr. Khanu and Miss Mishal have no connection. If this isn't true, then know that your head will be on the chopping block. Sir, I am present. Jhaloo said, bowing his head. You come two hours later today. I will meet you at the turn ahead. Think carefully, Jhal Khan. Sardar! If I made a mistake, crows will feast on my body.As soon as Balaj Bakht Khan left the house, Jhaloo took charge of overseeing Khanu. When half an hour had passed, the servant went to Khanu's quarters, where he was lying down in the sun. The servant gestured to him from a distance and then returned to the mansion. Khanu immediately got up and went to the outer door. He knocked. He was called to the stone room, where he sat on one side while the servant sat on the platform. The servant had placed the coffee kettle on the stove. Where has Sardar Sahib gone? Mishal's first question was. To the neighboring village, to settle a dispute. When will he return? The series of such questions continued as usual, fearing that Khanu might be inclined towards another woman. Meanwhile, the coffee was ready. At Mishal's command, the maid placed the coffee cup in front of her. Khanu began to take small sips. He said, "Madam, if you have any questions, ask quickly." Yesterday Sardar had assigned me some work, I have to finish it before his return. He went to the other village; he won't be back so soon. You sit, I have some other questions to ask you. There's no hurry. Today Sardar was feeling depressed. He left the house, but on the way back, he turned around and was lost in the journey back home. The servants were busy with their work. Nani went to her room. Mishal felt anxious when she was left alone. She was sitting by the stove, warming herself. When Khanu came, he left his shoes outside the threshold. He had already drunk the coffee. Today he was feeling an unfamiliar fear, he wanted to leave from here quickly. When he started to leave, Mishal also suddenly stood up. Her shawl touched the light of the lamp, and the flame flickered, then it fell, and the lamp fell, and she said to Khanu, "The water has spilled. Put a new wick on it and fill the water too. Do you have a new wick?" Yes. Now Aba lights the lamp; I'll get it now. He ran out and brought the wick. He placed a clay lamp with a wick in front of her and then held the lamp while saying to Khanu, "Take the water to fill it. Do you drink the water?" While these things were happening here, Jhaloo was standing at the turn. Seeing Sardar coming, he said, "You've come on time, now Sardar came forward, and the unfortunate man followed behind him." Here in the stone room, Mishal was asking Khanu whether he drank the water? This sentence was also heard by Balaj Bakht Khan from his ears, and seeing Khanu holding the lamp, he saw with his eyes, then blood came into his eyes. He called out loudly, "Azat! Bring my gun." The madam was in the ante-room, trembling at the sight of her husband's anger. In the meantime, Sardar called Jhaloo. "Come in and give me the gun." Hearing this, Azat Khanam quickly got up and ran to her room. She understood that today her husband was definitely asking for a gun with the intention of shedding blood. Jhaloo came in, handed the gun to Sardar, and went out holding the gun.Terrified, Khanu's hands dropped both the whip and the wick, and they both fell to the floor of the stone room, rooted to the spot, unable to move or flee. At that moment, a weak servant appeared, and Sardar thundered. Maai stepped aside. At the same time, Mishal found an opportunity and rushed out of the door, fleeing to her father's house. Whether they were wrong or right, Balaj Bakht Khan had no opportunity to think. He had seen Mishal, holding Khanu with the whip. Just this sight was enough to ignite his jealousy afresh. Mishal was his betrothed, his honor, and her servant was presenting him with the whip. What greater insult could there be? His jealousy erupted, and he cursed Khanu. "Wretch! Read the word; your death clock has started." He cursed, falling to the master's feet. He swore by his innocence and said, "Surely my innocence will be proven. I accept your curse. My innocence will be established." "You don't need to curse for me. She is inside my house. My eyes are watching you. Who gave you permission to enter my house?" In such tribes, there was a tradition of cursing. When there was suspicion of adultery, it was passed through the embers. These burning embers were called curses. According to them, the feet of the sinner would burn, and he would die, whereas if he was not a sinner, he would avoid burning and not die. "How did you dare to come inside my house and stand in front of my family?" He said, firing at Khanu. He fell, writhing in pain. The floor and walls began to be stained with Khanu's blood. Meanwhile, Mishal, running from the middle of the house, reached her grandmother's room, where she hid under the bed. She was sobbing, pleading with her shallow breaths, "Nani! Sardar is coming to kill me, save me." Nani couldn't understand what had happened. She said, "What's wrong?" "Why are you looking for him?" "I'll shoot you if you tell me." She roared like an injured lioness. "Whether she's a mother or a grandmother, she cares for her children." She said, "Kill me, but I don't know anything about Mishal." In the meantime, hearing the noise, Mishal's father, who had just come from outside, arrived there. He said to his mother-in-law, "Where is she?" "I'm her father, I'm anxious for her life. Trust me." Nani was forced and, pointing under her bed, said, "Son, swear! You won't hurt her." The father called out, "Mishal, come out. No one can say anything to you while I'm here. My dear daughter, come out. You're safe with your father." Mishal heard her father's voice, felt relieved, and trembling with fear, she came out. Her father took her hand gently and took her back to Balaj Bakht Khan's house.When they entered the stone room where Khanu's body was oozing blood, Mishal began to cry in fear and begged for mercy, "For God's sake! Don't kill me." Sardar aimed the gun straight but it didn't fire. The gun was empty. He reached out and drew a sword from the wall, looking towards Mishal's father, he said, "She was with the servant, I reached the top." "Son, my will is the same as yours. Whatever is in your heart, act accordingly." He handed the daughter over to Balaj Bakht Khan and went outside. Sardar threw the sword at him. Mishal caught the sword in her hand. Her five fingers were cut. The game of death continued for quite some time. The servants kept watching. Azat Begum kept screaming to spare her life. Khan said, "Get out, away, or else you too..." No one dared to stop Sardar's hand. She kept calling for help, but no one came to her aid. She kept swearing for love, swearing innocence. The strength of youth was there, but life was not easily released. There was also a lot of love for staying alive. Despite the repeated sword strikes, she kept resisting. In the final struggle of life, she exhausted all her strength, and then finally fell. In the final blow, Sardar slashed her main artery with the sword, and both bodies were thrown into a deep pit, and he himself presented himself to the authorities. After serving a four-year sentence, he returned. Even today, the room is present as a sign of that dreadful story, with blood stains on its walls. This blood belongs to two innocents who were killed simply due to misunderstanding.
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