Maria Samuel, a business woman from Mumbai and a Director of Gulmarg Ski Academy, had been often visiting Kashmir in connection to her business dealings. Contracting of Covid infection here made Maria to know more about Kashmir’s hospitality and to pen down her experience.
Safe Haven
Agar Firdaus Bar Roo-e Zameen Ast,
Hameen Asto Hameen Asto Hameen Ast
Kashmir, ‘Jannat’ to locals, muse to poets, most divine sanctity to tourists, and safe haven to me. People struggle to associate ‘safe’ to Kashmir and so did I. Being an entrepreneur gave me opportunities to travel the world. One of my visits was to Kashmir and I was enticed by its beauty. Afterward, I frequented the place and was mesmerised by the hospitality and love I have received from the people there. The love I experience there gives me a sense of security and assurance and therefore it grew on me and became my ‘safe haven.’
Covid19 pandemic has deconstructed our beliefs and lifestyles. It brought people closer and farther. One must isolate to protect/save the other. A human is a social being and quarantine shut one from the outer world. This isolation from human touch and words make one more sick than the virus itself.
I flew to Kashmir for a business meeting. A day before my scheduled return tickets I fell sick. From a common cold, I slowly started to show the symptoms of Covid-19. The thought of being covid positive never crossed my mind. When frail, frequently visited Kashmir became strange and confusing. The thought of not having family close made it more distressing and exasperating, but then the divine intervened in kindness.
As I was packing my luggage and getting ready for bed I had a runny nose which blocked my nasal passage making breathing difficult. I called in for a hotel attendant to get an antibiotic for immediate relief. Hotel attendant Ashique instantly left in heavy rain. That young man did not even pause to think about his gain or health, all he saw was a human in pain and in need of immediate aid.
My medication didn’t console me. I was annoyed and agitated. I realized I needed help. In that wee hour, I immediately phoned Malik Sajid, a familiar face and a true friend in this sudden unfamiliar place. He answered my phone and immediately connected me to his doctor who prescribed all essential medications. I called up Ashiq again and he left promptly to get my medicine without any aversion.
My medications weren’t improving my health. It started to affect my mental health. I was getting desperate and depressed. The darkness of loneliness was crowding my thoughts and suddenly I heard my phone ring. With all my might I reach out to the phone to answer. It was the health officer’s office, they called to inquire about my symptoms. After hearing me out, they organized an antigen test and gave me assurance and hope. Their words became light to my darkest thoughts on loneliness.
I was tested positive and the health officer’s office got me connected to the Covid doctor-in-charge, Dr. Nasser S. Unexpectedly and suddenly my health was in the worst condition. I was struggling to breathe. Dr. Nasser requested me to move to DRDO hospital, Khanmoh. I was apprehensive about my treatment and infrastructure and services at the hospital. Being a Mumbaite I’ve hooked up to Mumbai housing the best hospitals with quality services, facilities, and infrastructures. In my dilemma, I had to forgo all my prejudices and take in the assistance of professionals available.
To my surprise, DRDO was neat and hygienic with top-class facilities. I moved to reception and informed them I’m covid positive. I knew I would be shunned especially when I’m in a foreign land and I had prepared myself for the worst. The receptionist smiled and inquired about my health. I was delusional at her cordiality but deep within it became a declaration of my trust in them
I got admitted and doctors and nurses were attending to my health. From time to time I would get apprehensive but their service or words put all my thoughts to rest and I felt safe. My health kept fluctuating and abruptly I was struggling to breathe. The senior resident came to my aid and ran a few tests on me. He found a white patch in my right lung. All of a sudden I found the hospital director, Dr. RashidPara , beside me and he made sure I got the best of best.
Humayun Khan was the driver during my stay. All we had was a few days’ familiarities. He risked his own health and drove me to the hospital. Instead of driving back, he stayed back until I was discharged. My Farishta, who stayed beside me and gave an abode of big brother. His kindness was free of cost but was priceless to the receiving end.
Junaid Rather stayed on the phone taking immense care of my mental health and homesickness. Farzana Mumtaz made sure I wore a smile on my lips, easing my mother’s bones. Ubaid gave me the most comfortable stay and was only a call away from my needs. Abbas sir and Shafi sir went the extra mile so I could be at my comfort and recover to the fullest.
Shahid the canteen manager who made sure I get good food of my choice in the hospital.
“The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.” – Sarah Fielding
The act of kindness sprinkled at me gave me a sense of security and hope. My torments were erased with actions and words of known and unknown faces. I received some kindness today; it was rewarding and instilled my faith in humanity. Kashmir, my safe haven, thank you. I’ll be indebted to your kindness forever.