6th August 1947 — A Nation Held Its Breath
Lahore, Delhi, Calcutta, Karachi, Amritsar — every city’s sky carried a silence heavy with uncertainty, as if time itself had hidden in a deep shadow. When the first rays of the sun slipped into the streets, the doors of the markets were half-open, but the doors of hearts were tightly shut. Everyone was waiting — for an announcement, a decision, or perhaps a catastrophe.
Lahore: Children of Hope and Chalk Flags
In the narrow, dim lanes of Lahore’s old city, children had begun to shout the name of Pakistan aloud.
Schools had ceased functioning; most teachers were either preparing to migrate or sitting quietly, paralyzed by fear.
But the children—those fearless souls—were drawing Pakistan’s flag on the walls with chalk, holding inked crescent flags in their tiny hands, chanting:
"We will take Pakistan… India will be divided!"
Karachi: Waiting at the Edge of the Sea
In Karachi, the port was growing restless. One side saw cargo being loaded onto merchant ships; the other, people gazing out to sea, awaiting either a new dream or a final farewell.
The morning newspapers reported the failure of last-minute talks between the Congress and the Muslim League — partition was now certain.
Delhi: The Final Files of Empire
In Delhi, an unusual stillness hovered around Viceroy’s House.
Lord Mountbatten and his staff were finalizing the grand separation.
Questions filled the air:
Who goes where?
Which city to whom?
What portfolio for which officer?
Hindu and Muslim officers exchanged silent glances, their eyes heavy with anxiety.
Amritsar: Fear Between Departures and Arrivals
In Amritsar, the air grew heavier with each passing moment.
At the railway station, the arriving passengers trembled.
Departing ones cried.
In Sikh neighborhoods, eyes watched Muslim homes.
Women buried jewelry.
Men hid knives behind walls.
Everyone knew something unspeakable was coming.
A Day of Silence Before the Storm
6th August 1947 was a day when even time stood still.
Every moment waited for news.
Every home prepared for separation.
Every heart clung to both hope and fear.
It was a day when the entire subcontinent held its breath.
One decision.
One line.
One silence.
One scream.
The Silent Soldiers of Freedom
That day too, the soldiers of freedom remained awake—
Some in the streets,
Some in the caravans,
Some deep within their dreams.
They were waiting —
For a homeland,
For dignity,
For freedom…
Written by Kashi Chauhan — Karachi
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