Time was passing slowly, and everyone was trying to keep up with it. Each person in the neighbourhood had become an elder, and the one with the most wealth and status became the leader. In the marketplace, the number of leaders was increasing day by day. Mahpali’s father, whose name was Dadallah, was a wise man. However, his two brothers, Mir Mahlab and Mir Pordel, were proud individuals. Sometimes they argued over water and sometimes over a piece of land. Mir Dadallah was always worried. He constantly told his sons never to fight because it would not end well. But his sons would reply, “Do you want us to be people who always keep their heads down and say nothing? Or like girls, wear knee-length clothes and stay inside the house? No, we cannot live like that, it is against our honour and pride. Anyone who interferes with our affairs will see us set our clothes on fire and defend our rights, and they will know who they are dealing with and what hole they have put their hand in.” Dadallah remained silent, knowing that the blood of his sons was young and fresh, and with time, they would cool down and understand. However, fate and destiny were standing far from them, mocking them. v
On the second day, Mahlab and Mir Lala’s son had an argument over water. They started quarrelling. Lala and his servant Shaban were together, while Mahlab was alone. The two of them caught Mahlab and beat him severely. Covered in blood, Mahlab went to Pordel and told his brother that Lala and his servant had beaten him. Pordel saw his brother’s blood and said, “A servant has beaten my brother while we are alive?” He took his gun and Mahlab, and they headed towards Bahut. They went, but Lala did not stop. As they were passing by the water channel near the cemetery, heading towards home, Pordel, without asking anything, fired the gun, tearing Lala’s chest and spilling his intestines. Shahaban ran away. Pordel chased after Shaban but could not catch him. Mahlab and Pordel both fled towards the mountains.f
In the town, streets, and marketplace, the news spread that Mir Dadallah’s sons had killed Bahut’s son. When Mir Bahut heard the news, he fainted. However, Lala’s relatives, friends, and close ones swore that they would avenge his blood before the end of the third day. They said, “If we cannot find Mahlab and Pordel, we will kill anyone else in their place!”.
Dadallah was terrified and didn’t know what to do. Hiding inside the house day and night was also difficult. He took his brother Shadallah with him and went to see Sheikh Kamber Jan. He placed his hands in front of the Sheikh and sat in front of him, lamenting for two days and nights. Finally, Sheikh Kamber Jan sent someone to Mir Bahut’s house with a message that they were coming over (for peace and reconciliation), but Mir Bahut refused. Again, Sheikh Kamber Jan sent someone to tell Mir Bahut that they would be his guests that night. Mir Bahut knew well what Sheikh Kamber Jan intended, but he could not refuse. A sheep was slaughtered and cooked for the guests. Sheikh, along with five cars, went to Mir Bahut’s house, with Mahlab and Pordel among them. When Mir Bahut’s close ones and relatives saw them, they were furious but couldn’t say anything because of Sheikh Kamber Jan. The guests were directed to the guest room, and the two groups sat facing each other.
Sheikh Kamber Jan said, “Dear Mir Bahut, we have come with a request. Mir, we are very distressed by the loss of your son, and these youngsters have acted foolishly. They made a mistake, and we must forgive them. You will not be left empty-handed. Your son is a martyr and will not return, but God has given you other sons, and you will not fall to the ground. If you want land, a wife, or wealth, say it, and Dadallah will give it to you. But Mir Bahut, we will not leave empty-handed.”
Mir Bahut replied, “Sheikh, you and I are in the same boat! But I cannot raise my children and have Dadallah’s sons kill them. No, in return for blood, I want blood. He has cut down a sapling of mine that had not yet borne fruit, and I will do the same to Dadallah’s sapling.” Sheikh said, “If you do not forgive, what do you intend to do?”