Love Waves Part 1

Numerous golden flowers whirled down onto Dal Lake's rippling water and spread widely in palatial form—a cascade of golden soft petals descending upon the mesmerizing paradise of Kashmir. Firoja's gaze fixated on the golden leaves, becoming ecstatic with nature's love. Every day, Firoja arrived at Dal Lake by sikara to sell colorful flowers to various customers. In the queue, many houseboats remained stationary, buoyant on the ripples. The distant hilly ranges adorned themselves with golden flowers—an amazing sight, truly amazing.

As Firoja approached the Rocky jetty, vehicles and pedestrians crossed the Boulevard Road. From the sikara, Firoja yelled, "Who will purchase my beloved flowers?" Some people descended and inquired about the rates of different flowers. Firoja, with exquisite politeness, provided them with the different rates. Satisfied, they purchased many soft, fragrant flowers.

A man named Irfan stood about three or four meters away, gazing pleasantly at Firoja. She possessed exquisite beauty: blue eyes, a sharp nose, a radiant face, and a cascade of curly hair. She made an illustrative impression on Irfan's retina and his keen senses. Firoja appeared as a golden rose amidst the various colorful and fragrant flowers—an attractive and vivid image that Irfan artistically painted in his mind. Suddenly, Firoja's blue eyes met Irfan's black eyes, creating a true connection of love. Gradually, Irfan descended and asked, "Will you give me a bouquet of red roses with pink lips?"

"Why not?" Firoja felt a deep connection with the words "pink lips." Blushing, she handed Irfan a bouquet of red roses. Their hands touched, igniting a spark—a true connection. Irfan asked, "I love you so much. When can we meet again?" Firoza replied politely, "Tomorrow, for sure." Firoza observed him—a gallant figure with an erect posture, gracious demeanor, Kashmiri tikolo nose, and a stylish hairdo. It was truly amazing, directly reflected in her eyes. Amidst the surroundings gradually becoming hazardous, the flow of peace and natural love remained significant for human life.

After a while, Firoja returned to her hilly hamlet named "Gulgum," situated far behind Dal Lake, nestled on the lap of a hill. Her dear mother Khusbu and father Basir had been living there for about twenty years. Firoja was now sixteen years old. When she was about six years old, she used to accompany her father Basir to Boulevard Road at Dal Lake to sell various colorful and fragrant flowers. But alas! Eight years ago, her beloved father passed away. Since then, Firoja had been selling flowers alone. Sadness always enveloped her fate, but she never allowed it to dampen her spirit. Firoja loved her mother dearly. As she stepped into the house, filled with fragrant aromas, Firoja shouted, "Ammi!"

Naturally, her mother Khusbu came joyfully and embraced her daughter, showering kisses on her affectionately. After a while, they both sat on a soft sofa. Noticing her daughter's excitement, the perceptive mother asked, "What's the matter, Firoza?" Firoja hesitated for a moment and then said, "Nothing, Ammi." Her mother persisted, "Something is evident in your eyes." Finally, Firoja smiled and said, "Ammi, a determined young man named Irfan confessed his love for me."

"No, no, my sweet daughter. First, Irfan must propose to you. There might be something hidden behind the veil," Khusbu stubbornly opposed. "Ammi, I am sure he is genuine. His eyes reflect crystal clear sincerity," Firoja insisted. "Well, I want to meet him and understand your feelings and impressions," Khusbu finally conceded.

On the other side, Irfan returned to his house near Boulevard Road and shared the news about Firoja with his parents. They, too, pondered deeply on this special revelation concerning their beloved son. Irfan's father, Imtiaj, owned two hotels, and his mother, Amina, was a housewife.

At night, many people roaming beside Dal Lake were mesmerized as different colorful ripples reflected in their eyes. It was truly amazing, merging everyone into celestial pleasure. Time passed in its usual clockwise motion, and the night transformed into dawn, bringing forth the morning with flapping wings.

With excitement, Irfan made his way to Dal Lake as usual. The lake was adorned with golden leaves reflecting on everything. The smiling leaves floated buoyantly on the rhythm of the water, resembling Kashmiri songs. Irfan looked around, especially at the spot where they had met the previous day, but he couldn't see her. Time passed as usual, but Firoja didn't arrive, and Irfan couldn't control his mind.9 Disheartened, he returned home, scowling at his own acrimonious fate. He pondered over what had happened and the actual incident behind the curtain.

Days turned into weeks, and about ten days went by. On the other side, Firoja's beloved mother fell ill and went to see Dr. Akhtar Hussain. She brought the doctor to her house, and after careful examination, he prescribed various tests. Two days later, the doctor returned, and Firoja showed him all the reports. After reviewing the reports, the doctor explained that Firoja's mother was seriously ill due to unusual indigestion. He advised her to rest while Firoja took care of all the household chores and administered the prescribed medicines. Firoja understood the situation clearly and paid the doctor's visit fee before he left.

Days turned into weeks, and both Firoja and Irfan faced challenging times. Firoja diligently took care of her mother, while Irfan, disheartened, visited the lake daily but returned without seeing her. He couldn't comprehend what to do next and gradually withdrew into himself. About a month later, Firoja came to the Boulevard Road beside Dal Lake by sikara to sell flowers. People came as usual to purchase flowers. Confused, Irfan arrived there, longing for the fresh morning air. Suddenly, he spotted Firoja amidst the crowd. He couldn't believe it—after a long trail, Firoja was there!

Their minds connected, yearning for love, shedding tears that brought them closer. The golden ripples of Dal Lake struck again and again, reflecting the love between the two true lovers. As the crowd gradually dispersed, Irfan hurriedly approached Firoja. A sudden gust of cold breeze brushed Firoja's face, and when she looked up, she was stunned to see Irfan. Their four eyes locked like glue. The whirling cold breeze enveloped them affectionately. Irfan tried to say something, but Firoja placed her index finger on his lips, leaving him astonished. Firoja extended her soft right hand to grasp Irfan's hand, and without hesitation, Irfan stepped onto the wooden deck of the sikara, holding her hand. Firoja turned the sikara toward her village, Gulgum. Initially, Irfan couldn't comprehend the situation, but Firoja explained, "My Ammi wants to meet you. You can't ignore this matter."

Embracing Irfan, Firoja navigated the sikara. They were thrilled with heavenly joy, like an electric shock of bliss. Irfan kissed her frequently as they floated in celestial bliss for about an hour until they reached the edge of Dal Lake. Anchoring the sikara, they made their way to Gulgum village behind the hill. Striding on a rough, stony, winding narrow path, they arrived in the village about an hour later. Gulgum, a beautiful hamlet nestled among high hills in a pleasant lap of nature, greeted them. Finally, they entered Firoja's sweet home.

Khusbu, her mother, had been eagerly waiting for them. After a long wait, when she caught sight of them, she became extremely excited. Both Irfan and Firoja touched Ammi's feet, following Indian tradition. Khusbu served them food and water, and they embraced the sofa to relax. The ceiling fan whirred above, and after a while, Khusbu inquired, "What's the matter, Firoza?" Firoja hesitated for a moment and then replied, "Ammi, this is the young man

On the other side, Irfan returned home and shared the details of Firoja's house, their gracious hospitality, and other aspects with his parents. Imtiaj, his father, suggested inviting them to their house as a gesture of gratitude. Irfan agreed and promised to bring them the next day.

In the early morning, Irfan set out to bring Firoja and her mother. Three hours later, he returned with them in his car. Imtiaj and his wife warmly welcomed them into their house. Imtiaj's wife, Amina, softly inquired about them, and Khusbu provided detailed responses. Amina had prepared delicious Kashmiri dishes in advance. Irfan called everyone to the dining table, and Amina, Khusbu, and Firoja joined Imtiaj near the table.

They distributed the Kashmiri dishes, one by one, and earnestly began their meal. After about half an hour, they finished eating, and Irfan attentively helped Firoja and her Ammi with towels to wash their hands. Irfan's mother then had her meal and washed all the utensils afterward. Everyone rested on the bed, and at around 4 p.m., they woke up and discussed Firoja and Irfan's marriage. Both families decided on a sacred date and time for the wedding ceremony.

Love Waves Part 2

Both families were delighted with the decision, embracing the bond that was about to unite them. Time moved steadily, its rhythm ticking away as dusk gave way to night. Irfan, driving his car, accompanied Firoza and her Ammi to their serene hamlet. After a three-hour journey, they reached Gulgum, where Irfan bid them goodbye and headed back to his destination. Meanwhile, Firoza and her sweet Ammi drifted into a peaceful sleep, their dreams painted in vibrant hues, their minds carried into the tranquil depths of the ocean.

But the calm was short-lived. The black night grew ominous as dark clouds gathered, and the once serene atmosphere turned volatile. The wind howled, trees swayed violently, and the air was charged with foreboding. Lightning zigzagged across the sky, and rain lashed down, covering the Kashmir Valley in a freezing embrace. Amid the chaos, danger silently crept closer.

At midnight, two masked intruders armed with guns forced their way into Firoza’s home. Her Ammi, who had awoken for a moment, froze in terror at the sight of the men. At first, she doubted her senses, but when one of the intruders raised a warning finger and gruffly ordered her to stay put, fear clutched her heart.

"Who... who are you? What do you want?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

"Silence!" barked one of the intruders, raising his gun. "Move, and you won’t live to regret it.”

Ammi’s heart pounded in her chest. She could do nothing but watch in horror as the men moved swiftly toward Firoza’s room.

They sprayed something to render Firoza unconscious, bound her with cords, and disappeared into the darkness. As they sped away in a vehicle, Firoza's Ammi, overwhelmed with shock, broke into desperate sobs, tears cascading down her cheeks.

Ammi immediately called Irfan. "Firoza’s gone! They’ve taken her!" she cried, her voice shaking with despair.

"Stay where you are, Ammi," Irfan said firmly. "I’ll handle this."

He raced to the nearest military barracks and found Colonel Arjun Singh.

"Colonel Sahib, they’ve taken her!" Irfan burst out, barely able to contain his anguish.

"Calm down, Irfan bhai," the Colonel said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Tell me everything."

After listening to Irfan's account, the Colonel nodded with resolve. "We’ll find her. I promise you." Turning to his men, he commanded, "Prepare the vehicles. We’re moving out immediately." With precise orders, his soldiers mobilized, armed and determined to bring Firoza back.

Using satellite technology, the soldiers pinpointed Firoza's location—a wooden building in Pattan near Srinagar. In the dead of night, military vehicles sped towards the site. Once there, the soldiers surrounded the house and initiated a strategic attack. Stones were hurled at the windows to create a diversion, prompting the terrorists inside to fire back. The standoff was fierce, bullets ricocheting through the air.

"Stay alert!" the Colonel hushed. "We take them alive if possible, but don’t hesitate to neutralize the threat.”

Two soldiers broke into the building from different directions, engaging the terrorists in an intense gunfight. After forty-five minutes of relentless firing, they managed to eliminate two assailants. However, gunfire continued from the first floor.

"Cover me!" shouted one soldier as he and his partner ascended the stairs.

Moments later, they cornered the remaining terrorists. "Drop your weapons now, or you’re dead!" one soldier commanded, his voice like steel.

Fearing for their lives, the men complied but initially denied any knowledge of Firoza. When interrogated with extreme measures, they revealed that Firoza had been taken to the border in another vehicle. The Colonel, acting swiftly, set a new course of action.

After a tense pursuit, the soldiers intercepted the vehicle carrying Firoza. A firefight erupted as the terrorists tried to retaliate, but the soldiers overpowered them. As silence descended, they cautiously approached the van. Inside, they discovered Firoza hidden in a cage beneath the floorboards, bound and frightened. Carefully, they freed her, giving her water and reassuring her until she regained some composure.

Firoza was taken to the military barrack, where the golden morning sun cast a hopeful glow. Irfan arrived shortly after, tears flowing as he embraced her.

"I thought I’d lost you," he whispered.

"You’ll never lose me," Firoza replied, her voice trembling but filled with emotion. She had a hidden anguish in her voice, still alert, still under threat—almost faint and pale.

Both families were overwhelmed with relief. However, Firoza, shaken by her ordeal, was admitted to a nursing home for thorough medical and psychological care under the attentive supervision of Dr. Piyali Mukherjee and her team.

Weeks passed as Firoza gradually recovered. With the help of music therapy and constant support from her loved ones, she began to regain her physical and mental strength. Eventually, she returned to Irfan’s home, where both families decided on an engagement date.

The ceremony was a grand celebration. Irfan slid a diamond ring onto Firoza’s finger, and she placed a gold ring on his. Amid claps and cheers, guests indulged in a lavish Kashmiri buffet. The joy of the occasion spread like wildfire, but beneath it all, the memories of the harrowing incident lingered.

The media hailed the bravery of Colonel Arjun Singh and his soldiers. During a press conference, the Colonel revealed that the terrorists had kidnapped Firoza to pressure the government into releasing two notorious criminals. The operation had been a success, but it was a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict.

As the families prepared for the wedding, security around them remained tight. On the 25th of December, under the shimmering lights of the Celest Hall near Dal Lake, Irfan and Firoza tied the knot. It was a celebration of love, resilience, and unity. Guests from all walks of life blessed the couple, while the families distributed woolen blankets and food to the less fortunate outside the hall.

Addressing the gathering, Colonel Arjun Singh shared a profound message. 

“This union symbolizes love's victory over hatred. Let us embrace peace, respect all differences, and unite with compassion. May this wave of love ripple across nations, fostering harmony worldwide.”

As the night ended, the love story of Firoza and Irfan stood as a beacon of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit of love and resilience amidst adversity. - Dilip Rakshit

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