Ashraf Ahmad exhaled his breath with a sound and uttered….“Bahut Khoon Kharaba Ho Chuka….Ab Bas Aman Chahiye”.
His wife Ameena looked at him with pleading eyes, not to start that oft repeated monologue - “Us Waqt Ka Kashmir”….but she knows he will not stop, especially when a new set of ears were hearing him….a young guest from Delhi…..
“Shammi Sahab used to sit with us under that tree”, he points out towards a Chinar tree with shaking hands….remembering the legendary film actor Shammi Kapoor.
“This place used to be full of actors, film crew, spectators, tourists….it used to be great fun”.
Ameena knew her next chore….she pulled out the weathered cardboard album from the shelf which was filled with photos of film stars and shootings and gave it to Ashraf.
He lovingly touched the first photo….his face lit up and a faint but genuine smile appeared on his wrinkled face.
“You know, the Srinagar - Baramulla Road had very less traffic those days….and it was easy to shoot films….” He then hums the popular melody “Pukarta Chala Hun Main….” and for a moment, his walnut chair becomes the open jeep of the handsome actor Biswajit….inside the kitchen Ameena couldn’t help smiling….she pours the Kahwa in the cups and puts it on the table… “Apni Umar Dekho….” she smilingly comments; but Ashraf is not concerned. He is still strolling in his memory lane.
“ The superhit movie Arzoo….Sadhana and Rajender Kumar…. was mostly shot in Kashmir”, he says.
“Ae Phoolon Ki Rani Baharon ki Malika….” He hums this song looking towards the kitchen… “Gas Dafa (get lost)”…. She chuckles. The young guest from Delhi is touched by the chemistry of the elderly couple.
Ashraf's eyes become trance like as he turns the page of the album…. “We used to earn well from these shootings…. I used to supply Kashmiri cuisine to the whole crew….they loved it….there were so many others like me, earning well from transportation, selling shawls, fruits, dry fruits & vegetables and lending items for outdoor shoots. We also lent Shikaras and house boats for shooting and stay of the crew…it was a thriving business….”
“And so many tourists….hard to believe….my restaurant was always full….” He gets excited.
And then he reminisces going to the movie theaters at Srinagar where he and his friends while watching a movie would point out the locations where the scenes were shot.
His story continues till late eighties and then he comes back to his initial sad demeanor…..Ameena does not like this part.
“Ab Kahan Koi Aata Hai”, he laments. “….Shootings are over, cinema halls closed, tourism is low….three long decades have gone past….three long decades!” Sadness grips him ….but then he does it again….he starts humming the song from the film Bemisaal - “Kitni Khoobsoorat yeh Tasveer Hai, Mausam Bemisaal Benazir Hai, Yeh Kashmir Hai….Yeh Kashmir Hai….”. His smile restored but soon the needle of his gramophone gets stuck at the same spot once again…. “Bahut Khoon Kharaba Ho Chuka…Ab Bas Aman Chahiye”.
He turns a new page of the album and continues on the memory lane….. Ameena stares at the golden brown leaves of a Chinar from the window….and remember what Ashraf would often hum…. “Jab Gham Ka Andhera Ghir Aaye, Samjho Ki Savera Dur Nahin”…. She silently prays for peace...eyes gazing something distant but visible….peace & progress...Ameen ! Alhamdulillah !

“Ab Chalo Chalte Hain Nayi Dagar Par,
Bahut Ho Chuka Hain Sadmon Ka Safar,
Nayi Shuruaart Nayi Koshish Karen,
Bula Rahi Hai Humko Ummidon Ki Dagar”