Rachna Vinod
Subba had always been a passionate traveller. The idea of exploring new places, experiencing new cultures, and indulging in the serenity of unfamiliar landscapes fuelled his spirit. Yet, there was one destination that had always remained out of his reach: Kashmir. For as long as he could remember, Subba had been fascinated by the beauty of the region, its snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and the poetic charm he had heard so much about. Despite his best efforts, every plan to visit the “Paradise on Earth” had been thwarted by circumstances beyond his control. Work commitments, personal emergencies, and even the weather seemed to conspire against his dream. But he never gave up. He knew that one day, he would make it there.
One day, talking to his close friend and neighbour Venky, Subba shared once again his burning desire to visit Kashmir. Venky, a man of simple pleasures, listened patiently, as he always did. He understood Subba’s yearning for adventure, though he himself had never felt the same pull toward travel. Venky encouraged Subba to act, reminding him that life was too short to keep delaying. His words gave Subba the push he needed, filling him with excitement and a sense of assurance that nothing would hold him back this time. In the heat of the moment, Subba impulsively invited Venky to join him.
Venky chuckled. He had never been one for long trips. His shop, nestled in the heart of their bustling neighbourhood, was his world. He loved the conversations with his diverse clientele-people from all over the world who brought with them stories of distant lands. Venky lived vicariously through them, content with the connection he felt to places he had never seen. In his own way, he was a traveller too, but without ever leaving his shop. He was happy where he was, surrounded by the steady hum of life that passed through his doors. He had his reasons to stay behind-closing the shop meant no business or income for those days. Subba understood. Without pushing further, Subba began making preparations for his long-awaited trip. Venky advised Subba to book his stay in advance, but Subba, ever the spontaneous traveller, dismissed the suggestion, confident he’d figure it out upon arrival, as he always did.
Early one morning, Subba boarded a flight to Kashmir, his heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. The air felt crisp and cool as he stepped out of the plane, and the snow-capped peaks in the distance welcomed him like realisation of a long-awaited dream. The day stretched ahead of him, full of possibilities. He quickly found a decent place to stay, much to his surprise. The friendly receptionist at the hotel informed him that then going-on election season had caused a wave of cancellations, with many tourists avoiding Kashmir due to the political situation. Subba had barely noticed the election news while planning his trip, but now that he was there, the reality of it hit him. What if something went wrong? What if violence broke out, and he found himself trapped in the middle of it all?
His excitement dimmed for a moment as fear crept in. The image of Kashmir as a peaceful paradise clashed with the uncertainty of the political unrest. What if his long-cherished dream was tarnished by conflict? But as Subba settled into his room, he realized that his love for travel had always been about embracing the unexpected. Every trip had its challenges, but those challenges were what made the journey meaningful. He had come to Kashmir not just for its beauty, but for the experience-the full, unfiltered reality of a place. With renewed determination, Subba decided to step out and explore, trusting his instincts.
He wandered through the streets of Srinagar, soaking in the vibrant culture, the mesmerizing views, and the kindness of the people. Despite the political tensions, life went on, and Subba found himself in awe of the buoyancy and beauty that coexisted with uncertainty. Life persisted in its relentless rhythm, as if defying the uncertainty that loomed over it. Subba, in the midst of this upheaval, couldn’t help but be captivated by the perseverance of the people around him. Markets bustled with daily activity, children played in the streets, and the warmth of family gatherings continued unabated.
There was a quiet, unspoken defiance in the way life carried on. Amid the chaos, Subba found himself pausing to appreciate the simple beauty that still flourished-sunsets painting the sky with their fiery hues, the laughter shared between friends, and the small acts of kindness that seemed to glow brighter in such times. In this juxtaposition of beauty and fragility, Subba saw a testament to the strength of the human spirit, finding solace in the enduring, ordinary moments that refused to be overshadowed by fear.
As the days passed, his fears subsided, replaced by an appreciation for the depth and complexity of Kashmir. The trip became more than just a visit to a beautiful location; it was a reminder of the unpredictability of life. Through persistence and openness, fear and hesitation gave way to shared experiences, empathy revealing vulnerability leading to profound and meaningful connections. Subba returned home with a story far more memorable than he had ever anticipated-a tale of beauty, risk, and the discovery that the true essence of travel lies not just in reaching a destination, but in the journey itself.
Full of excitement from his trip to the valley, Subba eagerly told every detail of his adventure to Venky, his closest confidant. His voice was animated as he described the winding paths, vivid landscapes, and surprising encounters that had made his journey into the unknown so memorable. From the moment he stepped into the valley, every experience felt new and exhilarating – whether it was the unexpected hospitality of the locals, the quiet beauty of hidden waterfalls, or the quiet thrill of discovering untouched corners of nature.
Subba didn’t just tell facts; he painted each scene so vividly that Venky could almost see the shadow of the sun on the valley or hear the rustling of leaves in the cool breeze. Venky listened intently, his eyes shining with joy, fully immersed in the excitement of Subba’s story. Though they hadn’t been there themselves, Venky could feel the emotion of connected travel through Subba’s vivid descriptions which revealed profound insights and unique perspectives on the journey, where beauty and uncertainty were starkly juxtaposed. A visitor to an unfamiliar place often has the same apprehension as the visitor to that place about the visitor’s intentions. Reflecting on the mutual uneasiness that comes with embarking on an unknown journey, Venky felt a sense of pride and joy in witnessing another chapter in his friend’s series of adventures.
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