After two days of feeling inadequate, and fighting with sickness, and dealing with a lot of negative energy outside and within me, I put on some purple lipstick and stepped out with a spring in my step. I stopped within 200 metres when I spotted some postcards. I felt a sudden urge to send letters to a few special people back home who are rooting for me and I wanted to write to them while I found this sudden positivity in me. I walked in and took my time to look for the postcard that felt most relatable to me and my journey. I chose two and asked the owner for the price. He said “twenty” for each and I asked what about stamps. His associate spoke to him in kashmiri language and said 30 rupees for stamp for both extra. I was confused at their own uncertainty and I couldn’t suppress a smile. Having known to not mince words, I asked him very genuinely, “Are you making a fool of me “. His owner interrupted saying “no no madam, you don’t pay for the stamps, it’s on me.” Just 40 for the postcards, that will be it.”I smiled and said ok, borrowed a pen from him and started writing. At first there was the usual small talk, and I was not able to focus on my letter at all, but then I learnt both of those gentlemen were from the beautiful valley of Srinagar and they had so much I could learn from. The owner had a kashmiri handicraft store in Leh, and a gemstone business in Goa. He even had roots from Chennai where his family has an art store in ideal beach resort, and hell, his wife studied in SRM University!At this point, we were too deep in a conversation between Chennai and Kashmir to venture back. After quickly making a mental note of places and kashmiri dishes to try in Ladakh, my eyes lit up as we spoke about food. They were amused and they offered me the kashmiri kahwa tea if I would like to have it. Now how could I say no? I told them I’ll definitely pay for it it though. At this point their faces dropped and talks of being a sister, a guest, a neighbor all began. I had no choice but to give in to this hospitality. The associate quickly came back with three cups of the golden liquid which tasted nothing like the market versions of it I’ve had. It was aromatic, warm and exotic all the same time. All this with the most warm kashmiri company I could have asked for.I thanked them for their kindness and offered to buy something from the shop for my mom or friends. They refused this obvious formality of mine and ask me to drop in anytime, for they were my brothers now. I assured them I will. :)This is the first good experience I’ve had since the time I’ve landed here and that is why travel is addictive and unpredictable and that is why one should never give up.Oh and btw, I gave him a 500 rupee note for the postcard and stamps which he politely refused to accept too saying he had no change. He said walk in anytime before you go to pay or more importantly remember us if you need anything at all delivered to wherever you are.I left inviting him and his family for a biriyani lunch at my place when he visits Chennai this year later.I walked out of the door after some tips on how to survive the cold which is applying Vaseline inside your nostrils as disgusting as it may sound, and by eating butter and bread first thing in the morning and drinking endless hot tea. :)Please go meet my kashmiri friend if you ever visit Leh. I’m leaving his co-ordinates here, a small favour to extend after the way his family made me feel in this strange place. 🙂