Daffodils of Death

1st Flower Seller: Wreaths are not in demand nowadays.

2nd Flower Seller: Neither people nor security forces are being killed.

3rd Flower Seller: Last week I made 25 wreaths, thinking that the Independence Day of India was approaching. I was sure to sell all of them but, unfortunately, I could not sell even one. Nothing happened that day. They are rotting in my room. I don’t think our good days will return.

2nd Flower Seller: Yes, nothing happened that day. Things have calmed down a bit.

1st Flower Seller: Hindus are also not dying. Even natural deaths have decreased. Not many Hindu marriages are taking place. Garlands are also not being sold.

2nd Flower Seller: I sold two bouquets yesterday, and that is all. A boy came to buy a slip of rose but his girlfriend took him away.

3rd Flower Seller: Even honeymooners go to other places. They don’t come to Kashmir anymore. Big hotel is almost vacant. There is only one couple from Bangalore.

1st Flower Seller: Hoteliers are also not buying flowers. What shall we eat if business does not improve?

2nd Flower Seller: Those days were wonderful. We would hardly find any flowers in the valley of flowers. Now, it is different. You can pluck as many flowers as you want but what will you do with those flowers?

3rd Flower Seller: I am thinking of going to Delhi. I will find a job in a factory. At least there will be a regular income.

1st Flower Seller: Have faith. Good days will come back.