Page 93 - Love Story of a Commando

windows and ornate pillars were reflecting the fresh varnish. The
snowcapped mountains were glowing in the sunlight, the chinar trees were
standing tall in their golden glory, while the cold air smelt of saffron harvest.
The chinar trees were changing their colours and turning a dusty shade of
red before shedding their leaves. The typical Kashmiri autumn day felt more
pleasant than usual.
This is the Kashmir of our dreams and it is not an illusion anymore.
The good days are here. The future generations would prosper, and the
bloodshed will be a thing of the past. I smiled as the Kashmir of my country
leapt before me in its full glory.
The halting screech of the black Mercedes interrupted my thoughts.
We stepped out of the car and saw a huge crowd gathered along with Mr
Khan. He presented the prime minister a gorgeous bouquet of fresh Kashmiri
flowers, which he humbly accepted only to pass it to his staff.
The prime minister was deep inside the security bubble and NSG
guards with masked faces were marching, waving their guns. We were
walking just a few steps behind him. I was happy in spite of all those black
uniforms around me. I smiled and glanced at the Tiranga inside the school
premises ready to be hoisted by the prime minister.
What a rare honour!
But suddenly there was a shift in the air. And next second, there was
a loud bang. An explosion!
There was a whistle of splinters as the glass from the school windows
exploded and a suffocating mix of powder and dust covered the venue. We
were blown off our feet. Before I could make out what had happened,
another smaller explosion went off somewhere in the school building.
And then I understood what had happened.
It was an attempt to assassinate the prime minister!!