KASHMIR, MARCH, 2022.
The morning moved faster than usual, indicating that the day would be eventful, and the sky hung low and gray. Late in the afternoon, I discovered Aadil in his room, sitting by the window, his brow furrowed. His fingers moved restlessly over the rosary beads in contemplation. Because the heavy velvet curtains were half-closed, the room was dim, and there was a perplexing wedge of daylight that fell on certain spot where Aadil sat, giving the entire scene a dreamy quality. I couldn't help but wonder if Aadil would recognize the true intent behind everything I was about to ask him to do, or if he would be shocked and upset.
As I stood there taking in the tranquillity of the moment while also feeling scared and worried, I caught sight of
of a dream I noticed Aadil, a much older and frailer version of himself, sitting in a dark green robe.
in the same location, looking more compassionate and generous than ever before, but with a permanent scar
on his heart shaped like me I realised two things at once: Aadil would spend the rest of his life here, and
in this home And that my absence had left a wound that would never heal. My eyes welled up with tears.
"Do you feel okay?" "You appear pale," Aadil commented.
I forced myself to smile, but the weight of what I was about to say kept me from doing so.
My tone was a little grumpy and less forceful than I intended. "Not at all. I'm thirsty, and there's nothing in this house to quench it."
"Would you like me to inquire with Aysha about what she can do about it?" Aadil inquired.
"No, because I don't have what I need in the kitchen." It can be found in the tavern. "You see, I'm in the mood to get drunk."
I pretended not to notice the look of bewilderment on Aadil's face and continued.
"Would you go to the liquor store for wine instead of the kitchen for water?"
"Do you want me to get you some wine?" Aadil inquired, cautiously pronouncing the final word, as if afraid of breaking it.
"That's correct. I'd be grateful if you could get us some wine. Two bottles would suffice, one for you and one for me. But please do me a favour. Don't just go to the barn and get the bottles and come back. Spend some time there. Speak with the people. I'll be waiting for you here. There's no need to rush."
Aadil looked at me, half irritated, half perplexed. I remembered the face of Yasir in Kulgam, who had wanted to accompany me but was too concerned about his reputation to take the risk.
His concern for other people's opinions had held him back. Now I was wondering if Aadil's reputation would hold him back,too.
But, much to my relief, Aadil stood up and nodded. "I've never been to a tavern and have never drunk wine." I don't believe drinking is appropriate. But I trust you completely because I believe in our love. There must be a reason for your behaviour asked me to do something like that I need to figure out why that is. I'll go get us some wine." He then said his goodbyes and walked out.I collapsed to the ground in utter ecstasy as soon as he left the room. Taking the rosary made of amber. I expressed Gratitude over and over for providing me with a true accomplice and prayed that his lovely soul would never recover from the inebriation of Divine Love.
