We do not have any rule of going for a vacation every summer. However, this time it was different. We had been planning for last six months for our dream vacation. It was going to be a surprise for our daughter. Growing up, two things always caught my attention among the innumerable memories that I have from my childhood. A white metal ‘shikara’ kept in the showcase and my parents’ black-and-white picture in Kashmiri dress that was painted in bright colour. This, as everyone said, was heaven on Earth and who doesn’t want to visit heaven and be alive at the same time! So, this season, it was a holiday in Kashmir. Meticulous planning, ticket bookings, hotel bookings all checked perfectly, we waited for our daughter’s exams to get over. Then the day finally dawned. Boarding from Nagpur till landing at Srinagar, we talked only of Kashmir with so much of excitement. Finally, we would be seeing the beautiful scenes from movies, in reality. We got a colourful bouquet at the airport and a very warm welcome. We headed straight to the tulip garden that was to close the same day as rains had damaged the tulips. After a night of stay we headed for our next destination -- Pahalgam. Yes! The same Pahalgam. We had an option of the ABC tour (Aru valley, Betaab valley, and Chandanwari) or go to Baisaran on horseback.

 

I asked the cab driver, “Why not both?”, with a little doubt as I cannot ride a horse due to my health reasons. My questions did not end -- Does the horse walk fast or slow? Any jerky movements? Risk of falling? I keenly observed the tourists riding the horses and I was sure my doctor won’t allow this. The ABC tour was completed. We skipped Baisaran and started for Gulmarg. I realised something different was happening on the roads. It was increased military presence. My driver, who probably knew of the shooting, downplayed it. He said, it was a routine on this road. Then, the first call came from home. We were informed that there was a shooting incident in which one person was dead. When confronted, the driver admitted and said it was a ‘misfire’ from a rifle. Unaware of the details, we checked into the best hotel in Gulmarg. I was only interested in enjoying the view, but suddenly both our phones started ringing and did not stop till late night. By now it was all over the news. We still did not realise how serious this was. A few of the relatives wanted to see us on video call, not satisfied with mere audio.

 

The night was spent on pondering -- WHY? A mixed emotion of anger, sadness, and hurt overwhelmed us. Just imagine, all these people (the tourists) had planned so much for the trip, but ended up in a horrible tragedy. Next morning, we got a call from our travel agent. He had started from Srinagar to meet us. He was worried for us after hearing about the shooting. We read a lot of posts about not vising Kashmir ever again, posts about how helpful the locals were, bravado of a few pony men who saved the tourists, and hate speeches about Hindus and about Muslims. It was cowardly act of a few that spoiled the serene atmosphere of the valley. We are thankful to all the Government agencies for help. We registered ourselves with the Nagpur helpline, assured them that we were safe and would contact them if we needed any support. It was very comforting to know that someone was there to help. I was planning to write a nice memoir of my visit to this lovely place, that could have helped many to plan their visit. But, now, my heart bleeds for the sufferers. Now is not the time, and probably will never be. We pray for all the affected families. May God be with them in these difficult times and hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice soon. The wounds surely will take a long time to heal and the scars will remain forever! (The author is an optometrist)