The chhauni had known storms before.
Battles.Hunger.Loss.
But disagreement among brothers—that was rarer, and far more dangerous.
A Divided Circle
The Nihangs gathered in the open courtyard beneath the Nishan Sahib. No weapons were drawn. No voices were raised. Yet tension moved through the circle like a tight wire pulled too far.
"The villages ask for stronger protection," one Singh said."They want permanent patrols."
Another shook his head."That is not our way. We protect, then we leave."
A third added quietly, "But leaving creates space for return of violence."
All eyes turned to Arjanveer.
He felt the weight instantly—not of command, but of trust.
The Question of Permanence
Jathedar Jasraj Singh listened without interruption. When the voices settled, he spoke:
"Tell me—when does protection become control?"
Silence.
That was the question none wanted to answer.
One Nihang finally said, "When people stop standing for themselves."
Jasraj Singh nodded."And when do warriors forget they are servants?"
Arjanveer understood then.
This debate was not about tactics.
It was about identity.
Arjanveer Speaks
He stepped forward—not as a leader, but as a brother.
"We are not walls," he said calmly."We are bridges."
Some frowned. Some nodded.
"If we stay," he continued,"people may feel safe… but dependent."
"And if we leave?" someone asked.
"Then we must teach them how not to fall."
The words landed softly—but firmly.
A Difficult Decision
Jasraj Singh closed his eyes for a moment.
"From this day," he said,"we will not remain in any village beyond necessity."
A murmur rippled through the circle.
"But," the jathedar added,"every village we protect will receive training, tools, and guidance."
He turned to Arjanveer.
"You will oversee this path."
Arjanveer bowed deeply.
The First Resistance
Not all agreed.
That night, a senior Nihang approached Arjanveer privately.
"You speak well," the man said."But ideals don't stop blades."
Arjanveer met his gaze respectfully.
"Neither does fear stop tomorrow."
The man studied him for a long moment—then nodded once.
Closing
As the camp settled into night simran, Arjanveer looked at the flickering lamps around the chhauni.
Unity did not mean sameness.
It meant choosing the path together—even when it was hard.
The Nihang Order was changing.
Not weakening.
Deepening.
And the road ahead would demand more wisdom than steel.