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100
Powerful winds of cold started. We began to tremble. They felt compassionate. They gave to us blankets to cover us up. The critical journey was now on; no lights, and very slow steps. We were journeying in dark. Pits, hard stones, hillocks, etc. came but we had to walk on.
One dacoit was walking in front and checking the way. After about an hour or so we saw lamps in darkness. We felt hopeful. But the dacoits discarded that side and went astray almost. We could detect that the dacoits felt worried.
At about nine, our journey came to a stop. The dacoits were expecting someone. We felt that now we will have an opportunity to rest. But then a dacoit came with something to eat, water, salt, chillies etc. We were instructed to rest after taking food.
But we were restless. The scene of loot was before our eyes. What plight must our mothers be in with their sons kidnapped! How painful must be their lot! Then also at a far off distance, was our firm faith and hope. The chanting of prayers of Shri Shankheshvar was filling our hearts with a unique fearlessness.
In the silent dead night sounds of horns were heard now and then. Very dim lights were seen and gone, giving us a hope, a vain hope of some car coming here. But coming of a car was only a vain hope.
At midnight we were awakened. We felt that we were marching now in the direction of a road at a far off distance. The dacoits halted when they heard sounds of horns. After some time a road came. We had to cross it and enter the fields on the other side. No rest was there for 3 or 4 hours later.