I was traveling on my bike from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari and I stopped at a fuel pump to refuel my bike. The guy at the pump was quite old but he was very amicable.
“Karnataka registration? Where are you coming from?” he asked.
“Bangalore-Kochi-Trivandrum, going to Kanyakumari.” I replied.
“From there?”
“Kashmir.” I replied.
“Be safe, son and enjoy Kashmir.” He smiled.
The bill was around 950 rupees, I took out cash and gave it to him.
“I am from Kashmir. It’s been almost 15 years since I went there. I wish you all the best and be safe. InShaAllah, you will enjoy it.” He returned the money.
“Just ride safe and enjoy Kashmir for me. Accept this as a blessing.” he replied.
Yesterday, sitting by the road and looking at the Kashmir valley, I remembered him. I am sure he would have been so happy looking at the view.
