KASHMIR - THE SECOND DAY (XVII)

Second day- 20th April, 2014

On second day we had a plan to go to Gulmarg, but our driver- Mr. Abdullah, at the end moment changed the plan and told us that we were going to Sonmarg. Anyhow that was also fine with us as we had Sonmarg also in our itinerary. Looking into our previous day experience, this time we were totally packed in our jackets and warmers and kept few woollen too in our bags in case we would be needing them in evening. Luckily it was sunny that day and there were no rains. We were heading towards Sonmarg, travelling through mountains and valleys and Abdullah bhaiya ("bhaiya" is used to address brother) playing romantic Aashiqui 2 songs (the taxi had an awesome pioneer music system).

At a point he halted at a waterfall with water travelling at a swift high-speed. That was such a beautiful start for the day. We clicked photographs (in various poses :-) ) and continued with our further journey. 

 It was approx. 2 hours journey. Abdullah bhaiya didn't have the breakfast, so he stopped to buy some chips for himself. We were sitting in the car and I was just looking around and suddenly my eyes got stuck at one point and I was not able to remove them. It was a house in a very dilapidated condition. I was tempted to get off the car to enter that house- not because of the house but because there was this cute baby, with red cheeks sitting in its verandah smiling. I immediately get off the car and told my friend to click my pics with that sweet little child. If I had a choice I would have adopted that child and bring her along with me.Her mother and sister were sitting inside the house and they were laughing and smiling and in a way were giving us a warm welcome. I asked the child's name- it was Shayena.  I could never forget the calmness, the serenity and the positivity of that child. By that time Abdullah bhaiya started honking and we had to rush towards the car.

 

We finally reached Sonmarg. There we realised that our taxi could not go further and we had to hire another taxi or horses to reach to exact Sonmarg. We were little pissed off as Abdullah bhaiya did not tell us all this before and we ended up paying a lot to the other taxi driver. The major problem was their Union system- there was no particular law as such regarding fares- it was upon us as to how efficiently we could bargain. Anyhow we reached the final destination- Sonmarg- and suddenly everything vanished, we totally forgot the thing, our moods were enlightened.  The whole land was covered in white snow like diamonds, the rustling water of Sindh river floating on a side, horses around-a beautiful sight. We played with snow like kids- throwing snowballs, floating in snow, slipping! 

While coming back we stopped at the river, had Maggie, omelette and coffee sitting on cane chairs on river-side and then retreated back to Srinagar. 

Everyone was damn tired except me :-). Everyone slept in the car but I was wide awake chatting with Abdullah bhaiya. It was election season in Srinagar and I asked him about his political views. To my amazement he told that they did not vote. They were totally against politicians and somehow had boycotted them. He in a sad voice said- "par wo to ek vote se bhi jeet jaate hain (but they even win by one vote also)". They were against army also. In Kashmir army rules. I noticed that there was army everywhere- in place of traffic policemen also. To lighten his mood I asked him about his girlfriend. He then joked " telephone ka bill bahut aata hai. Is baar 2500 rupaye aya. Bahut baat karti hai  (This time my telephone bill was Rs 2500. She talks too much)" and we burst into laughters. 

It was Sunday evening and I could notice that cricket  was favourite sport of kids there (its everywhere in India). Wherever I could see a plain plot, 15-20 kids were playing cricket there. 

Being a banker I noticed that there were not many banks there- all I could see was J&K bank. I asked Abdullah bhaiya and he told that there were few branches of other banks also but J&K was the most popular. He showed us J&K's Central Office (a beautiful brick-glass office) also.  

To end our day we went to Hazratbal Shrine (dargah)- a holy place. It contained the hair of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Being a girl I was not allowed to go from the front gate and I had to go from the back gate. I entered from the back gate and a policeman told me that I should cover my head. I took out my handkerchief and covered it. That man started a conversation with me- he was a polite, humble person. When I told him I was a lawyer he felt as if he had met one of his relatives. He shook my hand so tightly I almost got a jerk and he happily bade goodbye to me saying "phir aana (come again)". 

At night I was thinking about the whole day and the various people I met and somewhere I didn't mind paying that taxi driver more- I realised that tourism was their only source of earning and that too for a fixed season. Economy of Kashmir runs because of tourism. 

It was a memorable day. And while writing this blog I am realising that I am reliving those days.  

KASHMIR- THE FIRST DAY (XVI)

Four days have already passed, but I still get dreams- dreams of snow covered mountains, river floating on one side, colourful flowers and me in between all of this! These are the real dreams, the real- experienced ones. It was the most beautiful trip I ever had, this 5 days trip to Kashmir- indeed the heaven on earth! 

First day- 19th April, 2014

We boarded the flight at 7.30 in the morning and luckily I got the window seat. To my amazement I realised that I am sitting in air-plane almost after 5 years. In this one hour journey I kept looking out of the window- the view of Qutub Minar, the Lotus temple (which exactly looked like a lotus from top) was mind blowing. In around 45 minutes we entered Srinagar and the colour of the land started changing from brown to green and I realised that I was going to enter into heaven. We reached Srinagar and hired a taxi till Dal lake and our hunt for a good reasonable hotel started. Finally we got one in Rajbagh. We hired a local taxi for 5 days so that there won't be any headache of conveyance and which promised to take us to local Srinagar sight seeing, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and then back to airport. 

view from Airplane

Finally our first day of journey started- local sight seeing in Srinagar- it was cold and was raining cats and dogs. All tugged up in our woollens we first headed to Shankaracharya temple- a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It was at the hill top at a height of approx 1000 ft. I was sceptical to climb so many stairs but finally made it. I was curious as to how many stairs I climbed, so while coming back I counted them- total stairs up and down was 500. It was freezing cold and we had to take of our shoes to enter the temple- it felt as if we were walking on the ice slab. It was the small temple with a huge beautiful Shivling inside. From top of the temple we got the breathtaking bird's eye view of Srinagar (Unfortunately the camera was not allowed there because of security reasons). 

We then headed towards various gardens. Srinagar is a land of garden and shrines. We visited Chasme Shahi first- one of the Mughal Gardens, an idle place for a floriculturist! Ethereal water flowing from a dome was believed to be a holy water having all ayurvedic medicinal values good for health. People were filling that water in their water bottles. 

We then went to Tulip garden- month of April being the perfect time when all colours of tulips bloom. That sight was stimulating, rich in all sort of colours. I am still not able to believe that sight. It was unbelievable.  

After that we went to Nishat Garden and Shalimar Bagh (garden)- both unique in their own ways. It was still raining and we were forced to buy an umbrella. The sun was retreating and the temperature was decreasing. We had evening tea and late lunch in a local restaurant, our body shaking with cold and smoke coming out of our mouths. What was holding us in that cold was the sight in front of us- The Sunset at the Dal lake- stunningly picturesque.  

I realised:

Whatever happens... life doesn't stop...it goes on! I Experienced life in Kashmir!

FEAR! (XV)

All this while I was under an expression that nothing has changed and life is same as before, until I went out yesterday. We four friends planned to watch India-Pakistan cricket match at Sports Bar. The resto-bar was little far from my place. I reached home from office at around 6 and I had to reach the Sports Bar at 7. Initially I was little apprehensive to go, I don't know why, may be because of tiredness after office or may be the fear- the fear of going alone and coming back alone. It has never happened to me before. Earlier I was as fearless as a child, without caring about anything. But now I get afraid of little things and get hurt by small matters. My heart starts pounding if I have to cross the road alone or if am walking alone, my eyes become wet if somebody says a small thing to me, I easily get hurt.

The things have changed in many ways. I have to think 10 times before doing anything- what am I drinking, what am I eating, where am I sitting. Yesterday we didn't get space to sit in Sports Bar and we were looking out for other restaurants and because of me we have to change two restaurants as they were claustrophobic and smoky. 

As I had the car my friend told me to drop her at her place which was little out of the way from my house. But I had to refuse her as I was not confident in dropping her and going back alone to my house. It was just 10.30 at night and I was feeling afraid. Earlier even at 2 at night I was lionhearted.  

The reason behind this may be the protective environment which I have got in the last year- protective environment from doctors, family and friends. It was like I have just stepped out from my cocoon into the outside world and that's why I am afraid. But I hope and I surely know that soon I will overcome this fear and would be daring and spirited as before.

THE FIRST TRIP! (XIV)

I planned a trip to Jaipur (Rajasthan), the first trip after my treatment got over. The feeling attached to this trip can't be described in words. Its been two months since my treatment, and this road trip made me to forget everything and helped me to regain my confidence. Beautiful, colourful, majestic, royal- words are less to describe this pink city.

The six hours journey from Delhi to Jaipur, black smart car, highway, 80 km/h, clear sky, shining sun, breakfast at a dhaba and our discussions - everything was awesome about this journey. We stayed at MI (Mirza Ismail) road, the heart of the city. It took us a while to find a good reasonable hotel and ultimately we stayed at Hotel Natraj. A decent elegant hotel with all the facilities and nice service, it was fun staying at this place. 

The city is known for its forts- Amer fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall, Jal mahal.

Amer Fort

Hawa Mahal

As it was the festive season, Holi, the city was full of colours. We visited temples also to see the popularity of Lord Krishna at this festive season. People were clapping and singing bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna. The scene was divine. 

After getting down from auto for Albert Hall  (a museum having all the historical things) my friend stop at a tapri (a small shop) to have jaljeera. The sight caught my attention. There was a small kid selling this awesome jaljeera and neembu paani (lemon water). He was working with full enthusiasm. He was too small that he had to stand on a stool. When asked, he told that he was in fifth standard.  Probably after school he must be coming to sell jaljeera there.The sight kept me pondering for a while and made me think that my life is so comfortable and easy.

  

It was a three days trip, a trip full of peace, fun and laughter. While returning back from Jaipur, we witnessed a peaceful sight. On one side the sun was setting and on the other side the full moon has started showing it presence. A thought flashed in my mind:

If in life sun is setting on one side, don't be afraid as somewhere on other side the moon has already started reflecting the light.  

It was indeed a memorable trip.

ME MYSELF! (XIII)

Today I went to the hospital after a month for my port flushing. I entered that place and the past came flashing towards me. The nine months which I had spent there were in front of my eyes. Suddenly I had that feel of an achievement, the feel of the open air and a little water in my eyes.   

In morning when I was leaving the house, I remembered the face of a girl (must be of my age, around 26-27) whom I saw in the hospital in the month of June. Bald and beautiful, wearing a kurta, with long earrings, sipping a coffee, smile on her face and she was carrying an amazing aura. Whenever I was dejected and helpless I used to memorise her face. That gave me strength. She became an inspiration for me. I decided to be the same for others. So rather than wearing my loose pyjamas and a wig, I put on my black leggings and my favourite mehroon woollen kurta with the kajal on eyes. I decided not to wear wig or any scarf or hat. Smiling as always, I entered the hospital and I could feel people looking at me with admiration. I was feeling good about myself. 

WHAT NOW! (XII)

Jo beet gaya wo sapna sa lagta hai,
Ab jo aage ayega wo bhi ek sapna sa lagta hai!!

So when it has got over, I wonder what now!
It was like a dream, a long bad dream , I was awake, and I woke up to find myself, a new Me. 
I have joined office, have started my daily life and believe me everything is same, same people, same morning routine, same work, same targets as if nothing has happened, except me. Now there are no more morning office cries, no frustration, no tension and no overload. I go to office driving and singing now, no complaints of work pressure and enjoy my work. I think less about "what people are thinking about me" and do things which I like to do without giving damn to the society. 

I feel that I have become more compassionate towards people now. I am a law officer in a bank and my job involves recovery of NPA accounts. Earlier I used to be very strict with the borrowers, but now I have started considering their financial problems and in case they are genuine I try to give them rebate as per banking laws. I have started feeling for people. One thing I have realised now that this life is not easy and every person is dealing with some or the other problem, whether medical, professional, emotional or financial. I try to do what I can best do.

Whatever life gives you face it bravely
Stay happy and live fully





      

FREEDOM IS FINALLY MINE! (XI)

Today was the new day for me, a different day. I had to collect all my final reports of medical tests followed by the doctor's appointment today. I prayed to God to make everything normal now. I entered that place with a different hope today- a hope that things would be fine now, a hope that I would be free now.

I went to MRI department first. That was the major test. With my heart thumping I collected the report and immediately opened it. The only word which I could see in the report was "FREE".  The tears rolled down from my eyes. There were certain other medical issues- balancing and all because of surgery effect but then those were of no concern to me at that time. Then I went to bone scan lab. That was the precautionary test and the report clearly stated " no evidence of bone metastasis". Then the blood tests, CBC report, kidney report and liver report- all normal! These tests were like the worst exam I have ever given. And waiting for the result was the worst wait of my life. 

I went to my doctor then. Dr. D.C. Doval- he became like a fatherly figure to me during all this time. He looked at me, patted my back and said "O! You got your hat changed. (he always used to notice my hats)". He then said "You are FINE now. All the best. Just come to see me after three months." Thanking him I almost went dancing out of his cabin.

I am a free bird now......