Title: The Banyan Tree’s Witness
A Short Story by Faraz Parvez (Pen Name of Dr. Arshad Afzal)
Characters:
- Chaudhry Gulbaz – A feudal lord, ruthless and cunning.
- Shabnam – His rebellious daughter, in love with a commoner.
- Raju – A humble potter, deeply in love with Shabnam.
- Muneer Kaka – An old storyteller, wise yet powerless.
- Jameela Bibi – A midwife, the village’s silent observer.
- Baba Fakir – A wandering Sufi, the voice of conscience.
- Iqbal Thanedar – A corrupt police officer, Chaudhry’s puppet.
- Sajjad – Raju’s loyal friend, a blacksmith.
- Dilawar – Chaudhry’s brutal enforcer.
The Banyan Tree’s Witness
The ancient banyan tree at the heart of Chamanpur had seen countless love stories bloom and wither under its shade. Tonight, it stood silent witness to yet another chapter in the village’s history—a tale of power, love, and betrayal.
Shabnam, draped in a deep-blue shawl, tiptoed past the courtyard, careful not to wake the sleeping hounds. Her heart pounded like the distant drumbeats of a wedding procession. The world beyond the haveli’s walls was dark, yet the path to the banyan tree was etched in her mind.
There, under its sprawling roots, waited Raju—the potter with hands that shaped dreams out of clay.
“You came,” he whispered, eyes glistening under the moonlight.
“I had to, Raju. They will marry me off tomorrow,” Shabnam replied, her voice trembling.
Before he could respond, a pair of rough hands grabbed Raju’s shoulders. From the shadows emerged Dilawar, flanked by two men with torches.
“You thought you could steal Chaudhry Gulbaz’s daughter, potter?” Dilawar sneered, twisting Raju’s arm.
A cry escaped Shabnam’s lips. “Let him go, Dilawar!”
“A broken arm will teach him his place.”
A crack echoed through the night. Raju groaned, falling to his knees.
Shabnam lunged at Dilawar, but he shoved her aside.
“Take him to the haveli,” Dilawar ordered.
The Haveli’s Judgment
By dawn, the whole village gathered outside the haveli. Muneer Kaka stood beside Baba Fakir, both shaking their heads in sorrow.
Inside, Chaudhry Gulbaz reclined on his charpoy, smoking a hookah. His mustache twitched as he gazed at the bruised Raju.
“You dared to touch my daughter?” he thundered.
Raju, clutching his arm, raised his chin. “I love her.”
Chaudhry’s laughter boomed. “Love? A potter dreaming of a feudal’s daughter? Iqbal Thanedar, lock him up. A few days in jail should break his illusions.”
Shabnam stepped forward. “Abba, if Raju is punished, then so am I!”
The room fell silent. Even Chaudhry was taken aback.
Jameela Bibi, standing by the doorway, whispered to Baba Fakir, “This girl has the courage of a tigress.”
The Revolt
As Raju was dragged away, Sajjad, the blacksmith, rallied the villagers. “How long will we live in fear? If Raju falls today, whose son will be next?”
Muneer Kaka raised his frail voice. “The banyan tree has seen centuries of oppression. Let it see resistance today!”
For the first time in Chamanpur’s history, the villagers stormed the police station. Iqbal Thanedar, faced with a mob, had no choice but to release Raju.
By dusk, Chaudhry Gulbaz watched in disbelief as his own villagers defied him.
“Your reign is over, Chaudhry,” said Baba Fakir, stepping forward. “The banyan tree has spoken.”
For the first time, Chaudhry felt fear.
Epilogue:
Raju and Shabnam did not run away. They stayed, fought, and built a new life in a Chamanpur that no longer bowed to feudal tyranny.
And the banyan tree stood tall, witnessing yet another tale of love and revolution.
Author’s Note:
“The Banyan Tree’s Witness” is a tribute to the undying spirit of love and resistance in the face of oppression.
Faraz Parvez (Pen Name of Dr. Arshad Afzal)
