All into the streets! # 19

19

In the evening, thousands of people gather in the main square. But despite the crowds, the vigor of the chants remains weak and hesitant; there is a fear of the Kazi's reactions. Understanding their anxiety, Nimaï proclaims his will to the undecided crowd with an energetic voice: "Have no fear, I will protect you! Let each of you light torches in front of your door, and let all who can join our movement! We shall sing in every quarter of the city, and I defy the Kazi to intervene!"

Provoked by Nimaï’s enthusiasm and assurance, a deafening tumult ensues. Thousands of torches ignite, setting the night ablaze. Their radiance illuminates faces transformed by an ardent joy. An army of musicians and dancers organizes. It divides into groups led by the famous Haridas Thakur, Advaita Acharya, Nityananda Prabhu, Srivas Thakur, and Nimaï himself. Urged on by the spirit of these notable figures, the people grow bold and, like a flaming human reptile, wind through the city streets. With the resurgence of the kirtana, the exuberance neutralizes the anxiety of even the most worried, and soon the entire movement plunges into a trance. The officials responsible for the crackdown hide away in their homes. Whether it is the Devil or the good Lord they have angered, it makes little difference to their souls, frozen with dread.

The jubilant riot now heads toward the governor's palace. Alarmed, he makes arrangements for his security. He is worried. As long as it was a matter of imposing his will on a few agitated citizens, he only had to call upon his guard; but when the entire city rises against his authority, who can protect him if not his God, the Almighty Allah? He could certainly use His protection at this moment! Among the demonstrators, some are stirred by a herd instinct. They have begun to ransack the gardens and windows of his luxurious residence. He distinctly hears the cries of protest being chanted against him. This preoccupies him more than is reasonable. And that expression is not an exaggeration, as you are about to understand…

Suddenly, the hubbub ceases. Someone calls him by name. As he does not answer, the same voice rings out repeatedly, thundering. His intuition bodes nothing good, but the persistence forces him to appear on the balcony. As soon as he appears, the silence that settles in oppresses the souls; the tension is at its breaking point. Even the rowdies stand still.

Nimaï is the first to break this unbearable calm: "Your Highness, I have come to you as the spokesperson for my people, and instead of welcoming me according to the usual etiquette, you barricade yourself in your palace. You certainly do not improve your image with such behavior. Why this contempt toward your fellow men? We want to know the reasons for your intolerance toward our religious practices. Have the courage of your convictions and answer us frankly!"

The Kazi, who could not back down, tried to find a compromise and said: "It is to pacify you immediately that I acted thus, for you came to me in a move of anger..."

The Kazi can see by Nimaï's manners and bearing that the latter has full control of his emotions and that he is dealing with a gentleman, even if some in the crowd behaved like ruffians. But given the mandatory and unpleasant orders he had issued, is he himself not responsible for this revolt? In Nimaï, he detects a cordial and distinguished nature. He therefore adds: "Now that you seem calmer, I am quite willing to meet you. I owe it to my good fortune to receive a guest of your rank. Please, come in; I am having the doors opened."

He means what he says. For a long time, echoes of messianic suggestions regarding him had reached his ears. His personal convictions forbid him from showing sympathy toward these claims, which he considers far-fetched; but since, despite himself, the moment has come to clarify these mystifications, he does not disdain the meeting. However, he is more troubled than ever. A shiver had run through his limbs when he first saw him in the courtyard, but the anguish gripping his gut has not dissipated. At this very moment, it overcomes him. Oh no, do not think this Muslim prince is a coward! No, this man is no weakling; he is a warrior. If he had to die in battle, he would do so with a smile. No, what bothers him is... But let us let him speak.

Next chapter : The Kazi, the Quran, and the Cows #20
Preceding chapter: Conflict between Muslims and Hindus # 18