Bapsi Sidhwa

he formed the centre of a convivial group of eager acquaintances. A lick of dark hair marked his bronzed forehead

Confident, debonair, aware of all the stares drawn to him, he appeared marked for success

That was before the terror inspired by the military rulers had been accommodated by the cosy nepotism and escalating corruption that were to follow.

The theatre of war had shifted south to the Punjab plains.

That night we forgot to take our infant daughter Parizad from her cot when the sirens sounded for the third time

Propped up against pillows Cyrus gazes at me in the mirror

Hardly any civilian casualties—only officers and conscripts dying.’

I finally let go of the control I have exercised to keep the children and servants calm, and begin to sob. I shake so much I can barely hold the receiver to my ear.

‘What’s the matter, Jaan? Are you okay?’ Cyrus shouts anxiously, his exultancy sapped.

An Armoured Division is at the border guarding the city.’

The servants are carrying their luggage in