The terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir not only shook the country, but changed the lives of many families forever. 26 tourists died in this attack, including N Ramachandran, father of Aarti R Menon, a resident of Kochi. Aarti shared the story of this dreadful incident, which gives a glimpse of the hope of pain, courage, and humanity. His story not only testifies to a tragedy, but also reveals the spirit of brotherhood in the soil of Kashmir.

The moment when everything changed

The beautiful Bisaran Valley of Pahalgam had a movement on that day. Aarti came to hang out with her father, six -year -old twin sons, and family. His mother Sheela stayed in a car. Suddenly the sound of bullets turned the atmosphere of laughter and happiness into mourning. Aarti told that first he felt that it was a voice of firecrackers, but the second bullet exposed the truth. The terrorists started firing indiscriminately. Aarti's father and son were passing through a grassland, when the attack took place. Remembering that moment, Aarti's voice trembled. He said, “A terrorist came out of the forest, he said something that we could not understand. Then he shot. My father fell next to me.”

Wandering in the forest and the battle of life

There was chaos after the attack. People started running here and there. Aarti hid in the forest by creeping her sons under the fence. For about an hour, she wandered in the forest, under the shadow of fear and uncertainty. His sons shouted with fear, after which the terrorist ran away. Aarti said, “I knew that Papa left us and left. I handled the children and tried to get out. My phone had lost the signal, but I tried to call my driver.” In this difficult time, Aarti's courage and mother's love became her strength.

The brothers of Kashmir

Amidst this tragedy, Aarti received precious support from two strangers of Kashmir, Musafir and Sameer. Both of them became like a family for him. Aarti said emotionally, “Musafir and Sameer became my brother. They took me to Morchery, supported me at every step. I was there till three o'clock in the night, and they stood with me. Their help gave me courage.” When Aarti was returning from Srinagar, he told Musafir and Sameer, “Now I have two brothers in Kashmir. Allah should protect you.” This moment reflects the culture of Kashmir, which keeps humanity alive even in trouble.