On Day 2, we visited Gulmarg. The entire day went past enjoying the snow and doing all snow activities.
On day 3 we headed for Pahalgam from Gulmarg. Almost the entire day went in travelling from Gulmarg to Pahalgam… And I was thinking it’s been a sheer waste! Reaching our Pahalgam hotel at 4pm, I realised we won’t be able to do any sightseeing so felt a little dejected. I asked the hotel staff if we can visit the nearby village. They said definitely.
So went out to explore. Met this gang of men and told them how fascinated I am about the Kangri they carry inside their Pheran and also the way they wear their Pheran- without using the sleeves- had a hearty laugh clicked a few pics and went ahead.. houses.. stables.. horses.. one or two faces from here and there… Then saw the kids playing cricket.. the girl quite pro in cycling went past them and gave a sweet smile as she crossed us… The boys were busy playing cricket.. but this little one was on his own- not part of the rest of the gang he perhaps didn’t have a ball so was playing with snowballs. He would pick up some snow, make a ball and play with that. I asked him to show how he plays- he made a ball, threw it in the air and smashed it like a pro and we had snow all over us!! I wish I could click his shot a little better, but could capture his expressions which was equally captivating! We went further ahead and saw this pretty young lady with a baby girl in her lap- coming towards me with all smiles- I asked if I can click her- she said not her but can click her daughter and then asked – akhrot loge? And suddenly the window behind her opened and another one asked akhrot loge? I said, nahi akhrot nahi lungi abhi…Then they asked showing my boys who are they, said my sons- and they wouldn’t believe – tum to ek jaisi lagti ho- well I definitely don’t look their age but this sure made me smile.. next question was one that I got by then used to answering – after hearing the same countless times- Gharwala nahi aya? A woman with her children travelling to places- still not that common I guess! I offered the child a chocolate n was about to make a move, the lady asked Chai piyoge? I said chai nahi piti hoon but aapka Ghar dikhaoge? She took me inside… Met her family.. 4 generations living under one roof.. the grandmother looked old but strong n active.
The entire family gathered, and we got chatting. They showed me how the food is cooked in choolha the men n women with the Kangri and specially women so pretty. I clicked a few pics but pat came to this request – pls don’t share pics on Facebook… They again insisted on Kahwa which I didn’t have the heart to turn down. They invited us inside… Made us sit comfortably, put a blanket on the boys and placed a kangri inside that!
As we got talking.. I shared about myself they shared their life and stories. I could so very well since we were getting comfortable, they were gradually less hesitant… They were not at all pushy about selling walnuts… But so warm n loving and perhaps never met a tourist who would be interested in their life or spending time with them. But it was such an enriching experience for me. We spoke at length.. When I asked them if I can share their story n my experience on Facebook with their house pics, they said you can even post pics of men just avoid pics of the women of the family… I bought some walnuts as i was soo moved by their gesture! But then when I was offering some money to the children- they refused! Pat came a reply humne kahwa pilaya uske liye tum Paisa de rahe ho… I explained how we offer something to the children when we meet them first.. and that I would never disrespect them by offering money for the kahwa… They were so happy to know that! N I was so happy to see this honesty and self-respect among these ladies- my belief strengthened- the divisions are all superficial… Deep down we all are the same… Ek hi mitti ke bane huye… finally when I felt we need to head back to hotel, they were so much in love with us that they wouldn’t let us leave .. tumhari bohot yaad ayegi- was her last word – will remember this meeting n her words.
A day that I was thinking is a sheer waste – turned out to be one that left a mark in our memories – my younger one said – this was such an amazing experience!
When your children start seeing things in perspective… enjoy the experiences as is- aah that’s another reason to believe it went well!! This trip is sure going to be one of the memorable one’s for more than one reason!! And seeing Kashmir – the real Kashmir – the people n nature n history- It’s so much fun!
