#pir road

[figurecollection]

[eyeoftheheart]

The breath of the Infinite blows through the soul. Wherever the soul spreads its influence, life flourishes. When the soul is eclipsed, leaves shrivel and cracks cleave the earth. Every unveiling of the soul is a healing and a resurrection. Since the soul lies at the core of all beings, in the end no one will be denied its balm. —Pir Zia Inayat Khan

Commentary on the following words of Hazrat Inayat Khan: The soul is the divine breath; it purifies, revivifies and heals the instrument in which it functions. On its return journey the soul shows the same phenomenon in a different way. From all the impressions of illness, of sadness, of miseries that the soul had experienced while on the earth and had taken into the spirit world, it heals its being and renews the tissues of that body that still remains with it after having left the physical body. It purifies it from all illness and its impressions, and thus renews its life in the spirit world in accordance to its evolution.

from #157 in Immortality: A Traveler's Guide Sufi Contemplations on the Road to the End of Time

[xxlelaxx]

Something went wrong again. I'm just so empty and sad

[writingoddess1125]

I am your Biggest Fan~ Pt. 2

WARNINGS: NON-Con, $mut, Face-Fuck, Spit as Lube, Hair Pulling, Dom!Buggy, Unprotected sex, DEAD-DOVE, Tsundare Buggy

Dirty Nasty $mut is below. Be warned ⚠️

I may have went overboard with the length- Also my first time writing $mut! Please tell me how I did and what you'd like to see next!

Buggy the Clown x GN Reader

Part 1: Biggest Fan Pt. 1

Buggy grinned as he stared down at (Y/N) keeping barely any space between the two of them as he bit up and down their neck. Listening to the mild hisses in pain and whimpers of fear- It was too sexy for him and made him want more.

"Captian!" A loud voice sounded making he growl and turn to see Cabaji. Holding his blades with some blood smeared on his face and costume.

"What do you want!?" Buggy Hissed in irritation.

"Sir, We have almost finished with the village. The Marines are sure to be informed" Ah right- this was a small village it wouldn't haven't taken long to pillage the place.

Buggy opened his mouth to speak but ended up getting a hard hit to his mouth as (Y/N) Slipped under his arms and tried to run. Buggy grabbing them by their hair with lightning fast reflexes yanking them back towards him- ignoring their cry for pain. Buggy growled at this as he glared down at (Y/N) before sighing-

"We set sail then, Get a move on!

He yelled at his first mate who nodded and dashed away to echo orders. Buggy gave a low chuckle at the performer, gripping their hair harder.

"Ill let you get that one for free since youre so damn cute Doll~ But looks like we are gonna have to rush our little act back to the Red Top~!"

He said cheerfully, her personality like a rubber ball constantly changing as he harshly flung them to the floor. Watching them trying to scramble for a quick second before he placed his boot on their back to pin them before looking around to for something to restrain them with. His eyes landing on the satin ribbons from the show. Snatching them quickly.

"Oh don't you love the irony~"

He grinned as he overpowered them with ease and tied the satin ribbons tightly around their hands and ankles.

"Let me go! YOU CANT DONT THIS YOU DIRTY PIR- MMHPH!"

They squealed as he shoved one of their lace fabrics into their mouth. Smirking at the sight and fluffing himself as a job well done. Quickly at the sound of the fire he grabbed the performer and tossed them over his shoulder, making sure to give their exposed ass a nice hard smack. Which earned him a angry squeal, before he took off.

Running out of the blood soaked bar and to the streets- It looked like what sidewalks in hell must. Blood, broken glass, fire and bodies- bodies of those who wouldn't be able to handle the long road of the show biz or audience left like animals on the street. (Y/N) screams muffled through the lace gag as they witnessed the carnage. Buggy laughing maniacally as he ran through those streets, sliding in the blood comically like this was another one of his performances. Seeing his crew rip the jewelry from the necks of people before either killing them or tightening harsh shackles to them.

Buggy skipped down the street till he reached his ship, Watching the new group of audience members being herded in like cattle to their final resting spots their seats. (Y/N) at this point sobbing as they were hauled away from the horror down to the Captian's room and tossed roughly on the large bed.

"Whoo! Just what I needed to get my Mojo back in seemed- Really got a full house this time!~"

He laughed, Taking off his hat and kicking his bloody boots off. Looking to (Y/N) and their pathetic form on his bed, shaking and with tears running down their cheeks

"Awww~ Baby No, No crying. I wanted to run that mascara a different way... tsk.. So messy"

The Captian grumbled, Grabbing his own little makeup bag and a hanky. He smiled down at them as he crawled towards them on the bed, Sitting before them making sure they were pinned with his legs as he chuckled at the sight of them under him. 'So cute'

He hummed as he wiped their tears away before opening the makeup bag.

"Now if you keep crying, I'm gonna have to keep doing your makeup all over again! And that's really gonna piss me off- So lets stop thay crying~"

Buggy said the last part darkly, (Y/N) staring up at Jim with pure terror as he smirked at the sight but nodded shakily. Sniffling through the lace gag as they tried to stop the tears from flowing.

"Good~ Very good sweetheart"

Carefully he reapplied the mascara and touched up the eyeshadow with what he owned which wasn't much. He pulled the lace gag from their lips and held their cheeks tightly with one hand and a firm grip

"Now stay still for this~"

He hummed, pulling out his favorite red and painted their lips perfectly. A wide grin playing as he saw his finished work, Placing another love bite to his newest toys neck but this time sinking deeper then before making (Y/N) cry out in pain as he broke skin. Pulling back to lick the blood from his teeth as he saw the mark.

"P-Please let me go- I don-"

He grabbed their face again (Y/N) flinching from his touch as he reached forward to fix their hair so they looked perfect.

"I-I don't want this- Please let me go- I'm begging"

Buggy almost rolled his eyes- if it wasn't for how adorable they were he would have slit their throat for how pathetic they sounded.

"Listen, Just so we are clear~ I am letting you live as MY plaything it's either this or I slit your throat and throw you overboard and I reeaalllyyy like you so I'd rather not waste such a pretty face"

He said with a smirk, watching the gears in the performers face as they realized the situation they were in. Giggling at the sight of realizing they didn't really have a choice, which was perfect. Reaching down to pull at the ankle restraints, tossing one peice of the satin ribbons to the side. However keeping the wrist one.

"Now nod if you understand-"

(Y/N) left their stomach sink- This was it... they either be this manic clowns play toy or end up like the poor villagers- in those shackles or worse.. They nodded shakily, Trying to hold back the want of breaking into sobs. Buggy clapped his hand happily and smiled brightly, those watercolor eyes swimming with pure joy at them understanding and in his mind agreeing- He kisses their cheek at this like a mock lovers and ran his hands down their form with a excited glee.

"You're perfect, I knew you were from the moment I laid eyes on you- So pretty and talented. And best of all you haven't even stared at my nose! I hate it when people do that, yet you never did... My name is Buggy.. Captian Buggy. I wanna hear you say it-"

He said happily, locking eyes with them again with his twisted smile. A unnatural yet beautiful smile on his lips as he stared at them.

"B-Buggy.. Captian Buggy"

They whispered back which earned another kiss to the cheek. His eyes racking their form as they sat there, one pasty on their chest, the remains of their costume with the added satin ribbons. He couldn't help but get aroused by their appearance again, chuckling darkly as he stared at them. Without saying a word he grabbed them roughly by the shoulders and pulled them off the bed, Setting them on their knees as he sat infront of.

(Y/N) Looked up at him with wide eyes, noticing the large tenting in his pants as he sat infront of her. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he wanted.. Buggy chuckled as he admired (Y/N) for a moment longer before undoing his pants- Cackling as his as his cock sprung out of his pants like a spring.

"Pop Goes the Weasal~!"

Buggy cock like the rest of him was large and unruly, the head a deep pink with a base of deep blue curls. (Y/N) looked up at Buggy again, seeing him smirking at their expression of seeing this part of him.

"Don't be shy now~"

(Y/N) nodded softly, giving a small tug on the restraints for a second of hope however there was no give so that was that- Leaning forward they parted their lips and took Buggy fully into their mouth.

Their nose brushing against the unkempt blue curls as they carefully ran their tongue over the organ. Buggy grumbling out gentle moans as he stared down at them, his pupils blown up with desire as he watched them. Laying kitten licks down his cock and coming back up to gently suck on the tip of his cock, While it felt delightful Buggy was greedy and of course- Wanted more~

Grabbing their hair harshly and smiling as he slammed them down fully on his dick, feeling them squeak and gag in shock. Setting his own pace as he roughly forced their head to bob at unnatural speeds, Moaning out roughly as he did so. His hips starting to thrust into (Y/N) mouth, enjoying the sound of the mild gagging and noises escaping (Y/N).

He looked down and saw with joy the beautiful mess he had created- (Y/N) face was red with tears, messy mascara running down their cheeks and their hair a tangled mess in his gloved hands- But it was their mouth. Oh those dirty lips wrapped around his cock staining it red with lipstick that damn near made his cum right then and there.

Yanking them off his dick he watched them struggle to catch their breath, a delicate mix of his precum laying on their tongue and mix. While (Y/N) looked up at him with those watery eyes that made him burn. In his eyes they looked like a masterpiece.

"Fuck~ I don't think I can last long with you looking like that~ Guess we gotta rush the performance Baby!~"

He cackled as he quickly pulled them up to their feet by their hair smiling at the sob that broke through them. Quickly he pushed bent them over the mattress, Smirking as he made sure to tighten the satin wrist restraints and smiled.

(Y/N) panted hard, they felt their face pressed into the plush bedding of the mattress and their eyes widened as the peices started to fall into place. Glancing back as they saw Buggy undoing his shirt fully and Tossing it to the side, As well as taking off the bandana that held his hair up. Letting it fall lose down his back with a relaxed sigh before meeting the gaze of (Y/N) again with a crooked smile.

Like the survival instincts kicked back in they scrambled against the bed trying to squirm away and kicked their legs wildly. Buggy cackled and presses his lower half against their ass essentially pinning them- Using his legs to trap their own against the wooden bed frame.

"N-NO! Wait-t!"

They sobbed out but Buggy was quick in grabbing their hair again and yanking their head back.

"Now Now Now let's not make a fuss!~ I do think we've already crossed the line of no return"

He said with a laugh, using his free hand to grab their ass and pulled to give himself a nice view an access. Forgetting he hadn't removed the thong from them yet- however no matter!~ he used his thumb to move the fabric aside and grinned, 'So smart!' Ignoring the squirming from the performer begging and trying to escape he spit at the open hole before him with a grin before positioning himself.

"Good enough~"

Purring as he started to inch his way in. (Y/N) choked back a cry as they left him inch his way in, He was too large- Unfairly so! It felt like they were being split in half. That toe curling pain that borders on pleasure shot through their body as air seemed to evade their lungs.

"That's it... Fuck"

Buggy growled out from above them, Grunting as he slammed the last of himself into them having grown inpatient to wait anymore. His hands left their hair, instead positioning themselves on their hips, feeling the dig of his gloved hands into the soft bruised flesh. With barely any time to fully adjust he started to move-

A deep growl rumbled through his chest as he started to speed up the time of his thrust, (Y/N) felt hot like liquid fire was being drawed from their core from the forced pleasure pulling our rugged breathless moans as if they had been made for that sole purpose. A broken chores of moans and groans leaving their bruised lips at Buggys ruthless pace, Buggy moaned out loudly as he felt them tightening around him his hips starting to shudder.

(Y/N) babbling out incoherent moans and whimpers at the harshness of the thrust and the feeling of a orgasm so close to breaking through them.

"F-Fuck Fuck!"

He roared out, Slamming himself harder into them with a thundering speed. Pressing his chest against their back as he panted in their ear, his blue locks edged with sweat sticking to his forehead and fanning around (Y/N) as they screamed out moans- fresh tears running down their cheeks staining the mattress below as a forced orgasm ripped through their form- their body quaking from the force of the orgasm that shot through their body- Buggy grunting loudly as he slammed himself into them fully and came.

Buggy panted hard afterwards, Releasing their bruised hip and pushing how blue locks from his face. A series of panted curses leaving his lips as he pulled out of (Y/N) marveling at the damage he had done. Seeing them limp and barely functioning he scooped them up and placed them fully on the bed, Spreading their ass again to marvel at his claim.

(Y/N) laid there panting, The ache between their legs making it impossible to get comforble especially with Buggy's rough fingers rubbing against their abused hole. The world started to fade to black from the exhaustion from the day but Buggy's voice echoed around them with his twisted chuckle.

"I can't wait for tomorrow's show (Y/N)~"

Tag List-

@honey-eyed-munson

[bleedingcoffee42]

Richard Winters, you are a delight. "Pictured here with two losers who didn't make it---I'm on the left." LOL. I'm sure the guy with the cast was on his way out since you did anything wrong at Toccoa and you just got kicked out. So was this a "One more picture for the road!" and Dick shows up with barely anything on? The broken arm guy even manages to wear half a shirt. And Richard "I remember everything" Winters doesn't remember the names of these two guys?

And then your choice of pictures for "Lieutenant of the 506 PIR!" is also a choice. The shorts got shorter? "Serve in Easy Company for two years." Richard, is that what you're trying to serve in these photos?

Excuse anything I said about Sparky in Currahee Scrapbook with his prize binoculars and winning smile in Frozen Hell Bastogne, he probably got the "Just use one YOU like, what's the army going to do, put you up against a wall and shoot you?" (Like 3rd Battalion who got stucco background.)

Anyhow, you're a delight, sir, as is your personal photo collection

We deserved more of pants optional Dick in Part 1 Currahee, for accuracies sake.

[educationalporpoises]

Before the Fall of Rome

Merry Christmas @blood-mocha-latte from your Secret Santa! (me) Hope you enjoy this fic, and your moodboards totally gave me the bug so I made one to go with this fic too :)) Rie, I had a blast writing this fic for you <33 Also here on AO3 Before the Fall of Rome, Luztoye, 2.2k, M June, 1949. There's a reunion on the fifth anniversary of D-Day. George and Joe meet again for the first time since Bastogne.

June, 1949

George was outside smoking, leaning up against a plaster column in the shade. He was on his second cigarette when a busted cream-colored Willys pulled up in front of the hotel and Babe Heffron got out of the front seat, opening the door for a lady in the passenger seat. The lady in turn pulled open the back door and held out an inconspicuous arm for Bill Guarnere to pull himself up to standing. On the other side, Babe did the same with Joe Toye. George recognized him, but the set of his shoulders, the way he carried himself, had changed from the man George had jumped with. 

Joe had a suitcase in one hand, a cane in the other, and walked purposefully towards the entrance to the hotel. George flicked the butt of his cigarette into the gravel drive and stepped into line with him, passing by the doorman holding the big door to the hotel.

“Hey Joe.” 

Joe grunted.

“Ballroom’s down to the right. We’re all staying on the second floor mostly, and there’s an elevator back here,” George said, trotting alongside Joe. At the elevator Joe set down his suitcase and waited for Babe and the Guarneres to catch up after checking into the hotel, shifting his weight to one side and smoothing out a crease in his pant leg where it caught above the knee. 

George remembered suddenly that this was the first time he’d seen Joe since Belgium, since the snow and the blood and as his throat tightened he smiled, wide, and said “I’d probably get you lost trying to find the room.” 

He left Joe standing in the hallway with his shoulders slumped and his mouth a thin line and went to help set up the ballroom. It was still mostly empty, only the guys that organized the reunion had arrived. George was only there because he’d caught a ride with Winters, who was chronically early and terminally helpful.

Winters was different in civilian clothing, his hair just beyond regulation length, his shoulders and his smile looser. George had stopped by his house in Nixon, New Jersey, a hulking, empty brownstone with a shiny Cadillac parked in the garage. Nixon (the man) had driven in from the city and cooked them dinner both nights, pouring George and himself liberal glasses of vintage wines and retelling the same stories of his childhood they’d all heard through Toccoa and the war. He’d fallen asleep in the back of the Cadillac as Winters drove them to Pennsylvania and told George about the different farms they passed by. 

“We’ve heard enough about cows, Dick,” Nix said blearily from the backseat, “Luz, what are you doing next?” 

“I liked hearing about the cows, sir,” George deflected. He’d told them about the last four years, taking care of his little siblings and the seasonal jobs around town he’d been picking up. But Nix had his number and knew George had no idea for his future. “I was thinking once Molly is in school I’d look into one of those job programs they have for soldiers. Learn a trade.” 

“Trade work is good, Luz. You know, I put myself through college wiring telephone poles. I must have wired half of Lancaster County by the end of it,” Winters said. He glanced in the rearview mirror at Nixon, and George watched his face twist briefly before he looked back at the road. 

In the ballroom Winters was directing Popeye and Tab in putting up a banner that read “506th PIR E Company” in a big red script, with “Currahee” underneath. Nixon was standing by a big table of food, some of it catered by the hotel, some of it brought by the wives and fiances of the men that had arrived. Nixon had made lemon icebox cookies the day before they left. 

“Luz!” Someone behind him called out as George tried to filch a cookie from under Nixon’s nose. He turned around, wiping powdered sugar on his pants, and saw Lipton, smiling around his scar.

“And, well, we’re not telling people yet but Angie is expecting,” Lip said in an undertone, after he’d filled George in on the weeks since their last letter. 

“Well tell her Uncle George is always available for babysitting. Lord knows your rugrats will be easier than the little Luzes.” 

“Everyone’s easier to manage than Luz kids. That’s why they keep you around at home,” Lip joked, “You keep them out of trouble and they keep you busy enough you can’t get into trouble either.” 

Lip made him promise to visit the boarding house before Angie gave birth, “Or we won’t have time to see you until the baby is in school,” and they made tenuous plans for the fall, before Lip went to talk to the other officers. 

George chatted with Popeye and Moore when he arrived, and pulled Johnny Martin into a hug when he arrived. The light grew into sunset, and eventually Nixon officially opened the bar, everyone yelling over each other which drinks they wanted. 

George had an Old Fashioned, in honor of the man himself, and another for confidence. By the time he was teetering between tipsy and drunk the sun had turned mellow and the room was hazy and dim. Men were dancing with their wives while others sat around talking. Winters made a brief statement standing on a chair, a glass of punch (miraculously no one spiked it) in his hand. 

“I was proud to lead you into battle five years ago and I am proud of all that you have accomplished in civilian life, and the futures you have earned. Currahee!” he said, and they all cheered, and afterwards all the men had toasted each other until George was pushed up on the chair and wished them all luck in their lives after the war in Sobel’s marching cadence bellow. He’d done Sink and Dike and a big German caricature, and then mimicked a couple of movie stars, yelling orders or repeating old jokes from the war, before he was let down from the chair and handed another drink. 

He watched Babe Heffron talking to Martin and his wife, a shadow hulking behind him. George went up to the shadow and tapped him on the shoulder. 

“Luz, can’t you see I’m in the middle of a conversation,” Joe grumbled, following George to an empty table.

“You hadn’t said anything in five minutes.” “You were paying attention?” Joe asked, his eyebrow quirked. 

“I just couldn’t see Martin with you in the way, wanted to get another look at his behind,” he said, and Joe smiled, a little. He tilted his head down when he did, as though it was a secret. 

He wasn’t sure how to approach the years of silence between them, but Joe cut through the awkwardness and asked, “So how many little siblings did you come home to?” and George got to tell him about Molly, who was three now, and his nieces and nephew, and being there to see baby Robbie walk for the first time. 

“You could’ve seen me walk for the first time too,” Joe said, the first time either of them made reference to the war, “Babe was there. He was trying not to laugh the whole time. Don’t know how he and Bill are friends, they never stop fighting.” 

“Philly’s still the same, then?” 

“Guess so. When I left the hospital I tried to go back to the mines, but I couldn’t stand long enough. They tried to give me a paperwork job but I don’t have a head for numbers,” Joe said, his shoulders up by his ears again. It was unspoken in the company that not all the boys could read as well as each other– Bull Randleman was the smartest man in the company, but he would dictate letters home to Martin. Joe had left school at twelve. George’s ma had made all of them finish high school, and he was glad for that now. 

“I’m um, I’m back in the city now. Taking some classes at the college. Bill’s wife helped me set it up, it’s free for GIs.” 

“That’s good, Joe, real good,” George tried to hide his surprise, “What are you learning about?” 

Joe spoke further into his beer, “History. When I got back I realized… We were part of something big. They’ll teach about us in school one day. I want it to be right.” 

George imagined Joe sitting in a lecture hall, arguing with the professor. 

“History is long. What’s the best part of it so far?” 

“We read a book about Roman generals. They led these campaigns across the continent– they wouldn’t’ve needed paratroopers. The soldiers just marched,” Joe looked up, “This one fella, well, I guess he was an opposing general, he marched his elephants over the Alps.” 

Joe’s laughter was low but bright, and George indulged another sip of his Old Fashioned, lest he think something untoward about his old friend. 

“Sergeant Toye, you will brush that elephant until he shines. Do you expect to go to war with dusty tusks?” George affected in Sobel’s voice, attracting the other men towards their table. 

Before Bill Guarnere and his wife (Frances, George reminded himself) went to bed he came over to shake hands with Joe and say goodnight. Joe took a minute for quiet words between them, while Frances politely invited George to visit them in Philly next time he was in the area. He got a sense that if she learned he’d been in Pennsylvania without gracing the Guarnere household he’d have a riot on his hands, and promised to call on them when he could. 

“G’night Toye, Luz,” Bill said, and took his wife’s arm as they went back towards the rooms. George looked away, and caught Nixon and Winters in the corner of his eye, standing close together. Nixon had his arm wrapped around Winters’ shoulders, and for a moment his hand cupped the back of his neck, thumb brushing the divot between his skull and spine. So it was like that, George thought, and wondered why an invite into their house had been so readily given. Nixon was not a cautious man, but he guarded the things he regarded as his– dogs, peaches, wine cellars. 

Joe caught him watching the officers, and he turned back to their conversation. 

“I hadn’t planned to come,” Joe said, “I haven’t talked to any of them since Bill and I were in the hospital together. But Babe showed up with Bill and Fran and they would’ve left me alone, but… My brothers weren’t in the war.” George nodded, Joe had told them about the various illness or necessary labor jobs that had protected the other Toyes. 

“I was lonely, I think. So when Babe showed up I went with him,” He said, and sat back, done with his piece. 

George said, before his brain could catch up with him, “Would you come with me now, if I asked?” 

Joe nodded, and pushed himself up from the chair. 

The prosthetic was easier to get off than he expected. Two buckles across his thigh, a snap connecting the harness to the wood, and Joe Toye was naked as the day he was born spread out across the floral pattern of George’s hotel bed. 

George liked to tease, liked to talk and bite and argue, and he hoped they would have time for that, in the bright, impenetrable future they now had, in this time after the war. But Joe was a simple man to please, and the noises he made when George put his mouth on his cock were almost as good as his growl when George teased him to a point of rage. And George liked it pretty fucking well when he let himself draw the blowjob out a little long, until Joe pushed down on the back of his head and said, “Suck.” 

Without speaking Joe curled himself behind George to sleep, his arm resting across George’s stomach. 

“Goodnight, Joe,” George said. Joe grunted. 

The next morning, after breakfast, George got back in Winter’s Cadillac, and went back East for the summer, waiting until Molly went to school and cleaning fish guts off his denim coveralls. He would receive letters in Joe’s stout, blocky handwriting, words scribbled out until everything was spelled correctly. In the fall he left again, and Joe Toye would pick him up at the train station. He would apologize for not having a car, and with his balance on the prosthetic he couldn’t take a bag from George either, but they walked together to the narrow apartment they would share until Joe got his teacher’s license. 

George would work for one of Joe’s cousins (he would come to learn there were always more cousins) in the back of an autobody shop, mopping floors and sweeping up the screws and bolts scattered around. Joe taught history, and at night he would read to George from the books he consumed rapidly, and George would tell him they were Achilles and Patroclus, even with Joe’s Achilles Heel and all. 

After the war, they continued.

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Young Love and Old Money

Summary: this series follows the story of Lewis Nixon and Josephine Wills and their trials, tribulation and love throughout WW2, including stories of their friends in between. Warnings: swearing, mentions of war, class prejudices Moodboards Masterlist

Meeting the Americans - Aldbourne, October 1943

The spokes of the wheels were a blur, individually working as one as they spun erratically. The chain rattled with each turn as the metal frame flew down the misted country lanes. The front wheel coasted to the right and bit at the soft mud that lay across the tarmac road, as it always did after some rain, but its rider barely noticed, hurtling around the winding bends. Josephine, until recently, hadn’t cycled these lanes for many years and yet the path was embroidered inside her mind like a well-worn, well-loved map. She knew just where she was going, as her legs pushed the bike forward, speed increasing with each turn. Josephine couldn’t remember the last time she had cycled towards her old home, it seemed strange calling it old for it was still her home and yet it was not at the same time.

The rooftop of Littlecote House could be seen from the road, its large pointed chimneys casting a dark shadow against the early October skyline. Josephine felt her grip on the handlebars tighten slightly at the sight of her home as she rode into the gravel driveway. Although she knew they would be there, it still caused her heart to ache as she watched groups of American soldiers pour into and out of her childhood home. Boxes of paperwork, ratios, and furniture were all being carted to and fro. Three large Deuce and a half trucks were parked on the once pristine, green lawn and several more jeeps lined the driveway. Josephine could see the shadowy figures of officers through the upstairs windows, busy with their days and ignorant of the lives they had destroyed for their new headquarters. She never knew why she did it. Why did she cycle here every morning to inspect her home? It’s not as if they would care what she thought of them or not. The Yanks were here and for now, they were here to stay whether the residents of Aldbourne and Ramsbury approved or not.

Josephine’s bike screeched to a halt, kicking up the gravel as she swerved to avoid two officers standing in the gateway. Both looked up, a little surprised at the woman before them whose cheeks were growing ever redder under their gaze.

“Can we help you, Miss?” The first one asked, his tall, slender frame towering over Josephine in a non-threatening but still authoritative way, while the other officer looked on with an amused smirk gracing his lips.

“No, I am fine… thank you,” Josephine replied, begrudgingly remembering her manners. The officer nodded, stepping back a few steps, a kind smile gracing his lips. His friend on the other hand seemed intrigued.

“Then tell me, Miss…” he paused waiting for her name, which Josephine knew she would not willingly give away to an American, Officer or not.

“What is your business here? This is the regimental headquarters and unless I’m mistaken you are not part of the 506.” The corner of his lips twitched upwards and his eyes seemed to shine at this victory. Josephine could only just resist the urge to slap his ridiculously attractive face, American or not she had to admit he was handsome. The Officer seemed to sense this dislike and his smile only grew wider, as if he knew he was getting under her skin.

“No your observations are correct, I am not part of the 50… whatever it is but…”

“The 506, ma’am. We are officers of the 101st Airborne Division, 506 PIR.”

Josephine could feel her fingernails digging into her palm in frustration, sweat beginning to trickle down her neck in an unladylike fashion. She swallowed, “Yes I am quite aware of who has stolen my house. Thank you very much,” she snapped, not meaning to sound as harsh as she did. The taller officer of the two, the one with the kind smile, seemed a little taken aback. His cheeks grew to match the colour of the hair on his head and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. The second officer too seemed a little shocked but soon regained his composure.

“Oh, so you must be part of the Wills family and as far as I know they only have one daughter so you must be Josephine. It's lovely to meet you, Josephine.” He bowed elaborately, waving his arm above his head.

“How do you…?” She began, looking even more flustered and hating the effect this man seemed to have upon her.

“I’m Lieutenant Lewis Nixon, ma’am. I’m the Intelligence Officer, it’s my job to know everything.”

Josephine bit back the growl that had been building in the back of her throat, swallowing any composure she had left she picked her bike up, stomping over to Lewis Nixon. “Well you can unlearn my name for a start Mr. Intelligence Officer because you won’t be needing it.” Josephine knew she should have stopped there. She shouldn’t have even gone there to begin with but she was so infuriated not only at these two American Officers but at everything, her family's situation, the war, having to come home from Oxford. Despite none of this being their fault Josephine continued, “You know no one wants you here. No one is Ramsbury or Aldbourne, hell I doubt anyone in England wants you over here. Do you realise that we have already been in this war for 2 years. 2 years and where the hell were you Yanks then, huh?” The red-headed officer straightened up, clearly finding the situation even more awkward than before. He opened his mouth to speak and Josephine already knew he was the type of man who was going to try and smooth over the situation but his friend was not.

“Oh yeah and what does a rich little girl know about war and suffering, I bet you’ve never worked a day in your life. You’ve grown up in a mansion in the English countryside, everything has been handed to you on a plate. I bet Daddy even bought you a pony. So yes, we Americans might be late in joining the war but at least we’re fucking fighting in it! What’s your contribution to the war effort? Oh yes, your stately home, boohoo.”

By the end of his outburst, Lewis Nixon's face was red and his chest heaving, whilst Josephine could feel tears beginning to sting her eyes. She knew both men could see them glistening in the early morning light but she was not about to let them see her cry.

“Good day gentlemen,” she carefully climbed back onto her back, pushing with her feet to move herself off the gravel driveway and began the slow but steady climb back up the hill away from her house with only the images of Lewis Nixon plaguing her mind.

The cottage was empty when Josie arrived home. She dragged her bike up the small cobbled pathway, avoiding the rose bushes that lined the edge of the path. The cottage was set back from the road, nestled amongst a small grove of trees. Josie considered it small in relation to Littlecote, it had small rooms, small pokey windows, and a small front and back garden. In fact, everything just seemed miniature compared to her old home. The cottage had been in her family for years, often rented out to the gamekeeper of the estate but after he’d signed up to the Army there had been no gamekeeper to inhabit it. Josie sighed loudly, slamming the door aggressively causing the frail windows to shake in their frames. She stormed up the steps to her room, the antiquated curtains shielding the room from any sunlight and casting a gloomy shadow over her. The floorboards groaned beneath her feet, aching under the weight of the years of use. She kicked off her shoes, discarding them in the corner and falling dramatically onto the measly single bed. How dare he speak to her in such a way? Who did he think he was? Lewis Nixon. His name seemed to run through her mind, haunting her for the remainder of the day.

Josie’s parents were currently in London on a business trip and so she had the house to herself. Normally Josie would have delighted in time without her parents' constant nagging and endless questions regarding her whereabouts. Since she left for university at Oxford each visit home seemed more tedious than the last and the rift only seemed to grow between them. Tonight, however, she wished they were there, even if it was just to distract her from the extremely rude yet dashingly handsome paratrooper that despite his mannerisms she couldn't stop thinking about. She could imagine him pressing her harshly against the wall, kissing her harshly, his stubble grazing her…

A sharp knock at the front door pulled Josie from her thoughts and she realised that she must have drifted off into a daydream. Darkness had consumed the room, an ivory glow peeked through a small crack between the curtains from the moon. Josie groaned, pushing herself off the bed as the sharp knocking sound came again. As Josie hurried barefoot down the neat, square steps, taking three at a time, she wondered if it was Jess or Jules, although neither of them would normally call this late at night. Jessica and Julian had been Josie’s best friends since they were in their early teens. They had spent nearly every day of their young lives together until Julian and his family emigrated to New England in the States. He constantly remarked that New England was never as good as ‘Old England’ and he insisted that he would not identify as an American, despite his normally Welsh accent sometimes slipping into an American twang. Jess on the other hand had grown up in a small cottage in Aldbourne where she lived with her parents next door to their small veterinary practice. She was always taking in some stray animal or another which is how Josie’s family had ended up with multiple dogs over the years. Josie had always admired Jess for her strong sense of justice and a need to help others which is probably how when the war broke out she trained to become a nurse with the Army Nursing Corps which is also how she came to meet Eugene, Easy Company’s medic. He was the only American Josie had ever warmed to. With his thick southern accent and shy demeanour, Josie had thought he fitted perfectly into their little group, not that she was allowed to tell him how Jess felt towards him but he did sometimes tag along to the local pub, The Crown which was generally considered the officer's pub but they managed to smuggle Eugene in any way.

Josie’s fingers enveloped the brass handle, tugging sharply at the door and allowing it to swing back on its hinges with a small scream. Had Josie been of an anxious or faint-hearted disposition she may have screamed also as she came face to face with the person on the other side. A rather bedraggled Lewis Nixon stood, shivering as the rain began to soak through his uniform and despite the weather being rather warm for October there was a fierce breeze tonight. Josie stopped dead in the doorway, her red painted fingernails digging into the oak frame, her mouth hung open like a fish and her eyes bulged in an unladylike manner. Lewis Nixon however didn’t seem to notice, his eyes never moving away from her face. Guilt was written all over his face and his bottom lip seemed to quiver, whether that was from the cold or his uncertainty she wasn’t quite sure.

“Hi,” he spoke slowly, his expression reminding her of the stray spaniel puppy that she had helped Jess raise when they were teenagers.

“Umm… hello,” was all Josie could muster, the confusion must have been evident on her face because Lewis quickly responded.

“I… I ummm came to talk. Could I come in?” Josie nodded, pushing the door wider and allowing the very soggy paratrooper inside, following the wet footsteps he’d left on the oak floor into the open kitchen. Josie shuffled past him, filling the aluminium kettle and placing it onto the hob before pulling two mugs from the cupboard.

“Would you like a cup of tea?”

“Please,” Lewis replied, his teeth chattering a little less than before. Whilst the kettle was boiling, Josie started the fire in the kitchen and ushered Lewis towards it, placing a blanket around his saturated shoulders.

“So, what was it that you wanted to talk about?” Josie asked, trying to keep her voice neutral, although the anger still boiled inside her from their previous encounter.

Lewis reached forward, taking her hand carefully between his much larger ones, rubbing his calloused fingers over her soft knuckles and tracing the veins that ran over the dorsal side. His dark eyes looked up to meet hers, his expression almost loving and Josie could feel her heart fluttering against her rib cage.

“Well…” Lewis began as the piercing scream from the boiling kettle rang out. Josie quickly excused herself, hurrying to take the kettle off the boil. She rushed to make the drinks, spilling some hot water on the side as she did, her mind already wondering what could be so urgent. Why would an officer come all this way in the dark and pouring rain to discuss something with her? When she returned Lewis was wafting his hands by the fire, his shoulders no longer shaking and his ebony hair was losing the last of its damp droplets. He smiled at her gratefully, excepting the cup and saucer and placing it on the small oak table beside him.

“I came to talk to you… well to apologise to you.” He took her hands once more in his, squeezing them reassuringly. “The way I spoke to you before was completely uncalled for and I have no idea why I acted in such a way. I brought shame upon my unit and I only hope that you will not look harshly upon all of the 101st due to my behaviour.”

Josie was once again left speechless, her lips poised around the rim of her cup as she froze. Was he really apologising to her? Never once had a man apologised for his actions before, somehow it always came down to being her fault despite that rarely being true.

Lewis Nixon looked at her expectantly, his gorgeous, rich, brown eyes shining in the light of the fire.

“Well, I am sorry too,” Josie couldn't quite believe she was saying this but her lips seemed to move despite her brain's complaints. “My behaviour early was atrocious and completely unlike me.” She knew this wasn’t necessarily true, she had always been known for her fiery temper but she had never quite so publicly humiliated herself as she had done that morning. “I am afraid I must be ailing for something and I sincerely hope you will accept my apology.”

The corners of Lewis’ lips twitched into an amused smile. “Well Ma’am, I fear I cannot accept your apology for you have nothing to be sorry for. Your actions were just and completely fair in this situation. I only hope I can make amends to you.” Josie blushed furiously, feeling the heat growing from her bosom up to her round cheeks.

“Well… I… umm.”

“How about dinner? Tomorrow night? I can pick you up,” Lewis asked, his normal confident facade returning quickly and the dazzle reappeared in his eyes, bright and exuberant compared to the guilty look he portrayed earlier.

“Well, I can’t see any reason why not…” Josie began, as Lewis jumped enthusiastically from his chair.

“Excellent. I’ll see you at 6.” Without letting Josie confirm the time, he barreled towards the door joyfully with Josie in hot pursuit. He flung it open wide, allowing the rain to batter its way inside and soak the drab hallway carpet.

“Oh and Miss Josephine,” he swivelled on the heels of his dark leather jump boots.

“Yes,” Josie replied, hating how pathetic and weak her voice sounded.

“Wear something red. I think it would be becoming for your complexion and it’s my favourite colour.”

And just like that Lewis Nixon disappeared into the night leaving Josie rather hot under the collar. How did this man have such an effect on her? She had barely known him 24 hours and yet her heart fluttered more for him than it had for any of the men that came before. Josie shut the door carefully, shutting out the night and returned to the kitchen for her cup of tea, images of Lewis Nixon appearing before her eyes as she sighed deeply. She only hoped that she would not dream of him too.

Tags: @georgieluz @iceman-kazansky @yeahcurrahhe-e @lieutenant-speirs @sharpshootershifty @liberteuniteegalite @msmercury84 @hbowardaily @doc-eugene-roe @blvestxr @dustyjumpwjngs @theflyingfin @jump-wings @kafka-ohdear @kmc1989 @merriell-allesandro-shelton @liptonwashere

Please let me know if you’d like to be add or removed from this series taglist.

[cytherealarsen]

🚨: Terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

In a tragic event, a group of pilgrims met with a devastating accident when their bus careened off the road and plunged into a gorge near Teryath village in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports indicate that at least ten individuals lost their lives, while over 30 sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred on Sunday. The bus, returning from the Shiv Khori cave shrine to Katra, a town renowned for the Vaishno Devi temple, was traveling along a link road of NH144A, navigating through dense forests and hilly terrain. Prompt response from locals and authorities led to rescue efforts, while security forces, comprising personnel from the police, Army, and CRPF, initiated a search operation to apprehend the assailants. The area, located 100 kilometers northwest of Jammu, has been cordoned off in response to the premeditated attack. Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma disclosed that the terrorists had orchestrated the assault, targeting the bus as it passed through the area. The driver was struck by gunfire, causing the vehicle to veer off course. Evidence, including bullet casings, was recovered from the scene, indicating the involvement of two masked assailants. Although the identities of the deceased and injured have yet to be officially confirmed, it is suspected that the pilgrims hailed from Uttar Pradesh. This incident underscores the potential spread of terrorist activities into previously unaffected regions, as Reasi district had hitherto remained insulated from the surge in attacks witnessed in neighboring districts such as Rajouri and Poonch. The Pir Panjal route, notorious for its rugged terrain, serves as a favored infiltration route for terrorists moving from the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri towards Kashmir. Intelligence sources suspect the participation of Illiyas Fauji, a former Pakistani army SSG commando turned LeT operative, along with two other militants from Pakistan who have evaded capture since the deadly assault on an IAF convoy in Poonch on May 4. This recent attack in Reasi follows a similar incident on May 13, 2022, when terrorists targeted a bus transporting pilgrims from Katra to Jammu using "sticky bombs," resulting in four fatalities and 13 injuries. The assault evokes memories of the July 10, 2017, attack on a bus ferrying Amarnath pilgrims, which claimed seven lives and left 19 others wounded. Despite facing heavy gunfire, the driver in that instance managed to safeguard 52 passengers. According to data from the Union home ministry, eight civilians have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir in the first five months of the current year up to May 31. Concerns regarding security have been heightened in anticipation of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, prompting Jammu ADGP Anand Jain to oversee security arrangements on Friday night. The review encompassed preparations not only for the annual Amarnath Yatra but also for the Mata Kheerbhawani mela, Budha Amarnath Yatra, and Shri Machail Yatra, emphasizing the establishment of joint control rooms to enhance coordination among all concerned agencies. The Amarnath cave shrine, nestled at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the South Kashmir Himalayas, is slated to host its annual pilgrimage from June 29 to August 19.

[cranberrymoons]

ooooh can i see some pir- [sees a sniper light on me] ROAD TRIP? [sniper light disappears] and then the pira- [gunshot]

a very belated wrap-up to wip weekend because I unexpectedly had the day from hell yesterday and didn't get much writing done rip

oh you want ROAD TRIP??? ROAD TRIP????

“Okay,” Eddie says, business-like once they’re settled in a vinyl booth with cokes in front of them. “So. Where are we actually headed?” Steve looks up from his menu, eyebrows raised. He balls up his straw wrapper and flicks it across the table at Eddie, watches it bounce off his forehead and into his drink. Eddie gives him a look as he fishes it out with his spoon. “I don’t know,” he says. “This whole thing was your idea. Where do you want to be headed?” Eddie makes a face. “I don’t know. I kind of just want to keep cruising around? Maybe we’ll figure out where we’re going as we go.” “I brought some cash,” Steve says. He flips his wallet open and thumbs through it. “Not a ton, but probably enough to get us to California or whatever if that’s where you want to go.” Eddie’s eyes flash on the other side of the table. “We really doing this, Harrington?” Steve smiles a little, raising his eyebrows. “I mean. We’re in a random diner in Illinois. I think we’ve already started doing it.”

[ducking and rolling] pirates? [warning alarm sounding in the distance]

Eddie tilts his head back to get a look at him, watching from beneath hooded eyes as Steve takes another step toward the bed until he’s close enough that Eddie’s fingers are able to reach out and catch around his wrist. He tugs him in, and Steve goes willingly, letting himself be pulled into position until he’s standing directly in front of him, one of his knees slotting up between his thighs. Eddie looks up at him, eyebrows raised, face softened by the warm glow of candlelight coloring the room. “Is this what you want?” he asks. His hand slides around Steve’s back to tuck ruck up his shirt where it’s tucked into his pants. “To be a pirate’s kept boy?”

[reavenedges-lies]

Tell us more about the Pride Parade!!

Oh my God so I'm sunburnt a little bit like my arms are extra crispy and my face is a little bit crispy where like my mask didn't cover all the way but like I had so much fun. So since our pride parade happens in October they're always giving out like a shit tonne of Halloween candy to everyone like throwing it at us from the middle of the road kind of nonsense so I got hit with a lollipop at one point. But like we saw the Phoenix Mercury which is the women's basketball team that was fucking amazing we got one of their pride bucket hats because they ran out as soon as they got to us and we only got one between the three of us. I got a NASCAR pride flag because they had a bunch of the NASCAR vehicles from PIR and the Firebird raceway, the sun's mascot was there I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a name he's just a gorilla but he was there which was crazy I've now seen him like 15 times in my life cuz I for some reason can't escape the gorilla. My mom had to get picked up by ems for heat illness not my fault not her fault it's just it happened. It took me like half the parade before I got an enby flag and then like 3/4 of the way through the parade before I found an Ace flag and the person with the Ace flag ran away before I could get a second one for Amanda. So like by the end of the day we ended up with like 20 Pride flags, a shit tonne of stickers, a condom which I left there and like 14 handfuls of candy. So all in all it was a good day but like we didn't get to stay for the festival after the parade so that kind of sucked but like I made at least three people's Days by staying till the end of the parade at 2:00 because at the very end of the parade there was a kid walking down the road with a non-binary flag and I saw their flag and I raised my little tiny one up and I was waving it furiously at them and the moment they saw my flag their face lit up. It was so precious and like they took the the cape flag that they had and they like lifted it up and was like fucking waving it as hard as they fucking could and it was the cutest thing so by far that was my favorite part of going and staying the whole time but like definitely next time need to park closer and like maybe chairs but like I didn't have an issue standing the whole time but like my feet hurt a little bit now from standing in combat boots all day.

[mahesh2904]

PLACES TO VISIT DURING THIS SUMMER WITH YOUR FAMILY

Summer is all about in our lives and childrens are getting excited for the summer vacation and as the temperature is rising will to going on vacation to travel the new places will is also rising here we have suggested some place to visit during this summer with your family so you can select the place and and your trip to beat the heat and relax. 

If you are planning for summer then which place is better than himalayas for your cool vacation so pen down your location that you can visit.

During travel with your family taking short breaks while you are on a road or on transit booking the hotel for full day don’t make sense for your short stay then hourly rooms brings you the solution on your short stay breaks which you can book via our website and app 

Let's start with the places that you can visit during summer 

Ladakh 

Going north is always a good idea to escape the heat of in-land city Ladakh, which is the northernmost region of India. For those who are looking for thrilling places to visit in India in the summer, Ladakh is perfect for them. With myriads of things to do and places to visit in Ladakh, you can be sure of an ultimate vacation. With the highest of the mountains, mesmerising lakes, spectacular views, and chilly weather, Ladakh is a perfect place to explore.

Nainital 

Perched at an elevation of 2000+ metres from the sea level, the glittering city of Nainital is surrounded by seven hills which also known as “sapta-shring” Nainital is the one of the popular place to visit not only that it is more known for its prestigious educational institutions and schools, which have stood since the British era. This place will give you pleasure during your visit. 

Know more about Nainital : 8 Amazing Places that can be Visited in Nainital

Manali 

You can’t talk of summer holidays in India and not mention Manali! Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, a summer vacation trip to Manali is rejuvenation at its best. No wonder the towering peaks and verdant terrains of Manali attract adventure travellers with heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering and river rafting; an absolute boon for those who favour active pursuits.

Know more about Nainital : Manali The Honeymoon Destination

Coorg

Coorg is also one of the famous Hill stations located in Karnataka, India. Want to enjoy the misty Mountains, or green lush carpets all around, or want to enjoy the beauty of nature at its best in Coorg, famous for its coffee plantation, spice estate, also for it Beautiful hills, and for its pleasing Climate. The flora of this place will definitely give you the amazing vibe during your travels. 

Goa 

Lying on the western coast, Goa is India's smallest state and unlike any other, known for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage listed architecture. Spread across just 3,702 km, Goa lies in the Konkan region. It is a far cry from the hippie haven or a beach getaway, and one of the only few destinations that is open 24x7. The laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts as many international tourists as it does Indians, or even more so. That you can enjoy 

Here are some places that you can visit with your family during the summer and during travel. If you are in need of the short stay then you can book your short stay with hourly rooms web and app.

[cayedbasit]

Complete Travelogue of KOUSARNAG – A Marvel of Nature

A nature enthusiast is usually fascinated by the daring trips to distant hill towns and lush meadows, and in recent years, the younger generation in the valley has shown a real interest in trekking. People find comfort while also releasing themselves from a variety of stresses and the hectic cacophony of daily life. So is our todays article all about “Kousarnag – A Marvel of Nature”.

This oligotrophic lake of Kousarnag is unquestionably a breathtaking work of art and a genuine wonder of nature. Kousarnag, In recent years, a lake with crystal-clear, emerald-blue water, dotted with floating chunks of snow, and encircled by majestic, snow-capped mountains has enthralled and drawn thousands of tourists.

Kousarnag Lake

How To Reach Kousarnag Lake

A high-altitude alpine lake that can only be reached by foot from the final motorable settlement (Aharbal), which is located at a height of about 3850 metres, is tucked away in the Pir Panchal mountain range in the South Kashmir district of Kulgam. Approximately two kilometres long and 500 metres wide, the lovely lake has these measurements. This oligotrophic lake is unquestionably a breathtaking work of art and a genuine wonder of nature.

The hike begins at the stunning and well-known “Niagara Falls of Kashmir,” the Aharbal Waterfall, which is accessible by a motorable road. Alternating between lush green meadows of magnificent beauty, clean water bodies, glacial mountains, and deep forests, the trail going up to the lake travels through a variety of landscapes. Every soul is energized by the amazing scenery along the route. To learn more please visit:

[jobustad]

Margallah General Hospital Jobs in Rawalpindi November 2024 Advertisement

Margallah General Hospital Jobs in Rawalpindi November 2024 has been announce through Latest advertisement MedicalStaff required for Margalla General Hospital Main Road, Pir Wadhai, Rawalpindi.Application are Inviting from Suitable candidates ,Vacancies details are Mention below.In these Latest Govt Jobs in Punjab both Male and Female candidates can Apply in these Jobs and can get these Jobs in…

[everythingkashmir]

Inclusion, not Exclusion

Jammu is Kashmir

CM Omar Abdullah must take the moral high ground to redefine J&K politics

By Faisul Yaseen

Assuming charge of the National Conference (NC)-Congress coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir following their INDIA alliance’s win in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, Omar Abdullah faces a knotty but critical challenge. The challenge is that of tackling the aspirations of Jammu’s Hindu heartland.

The region, a bastion of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), only elected BJP legislators and faces the prospect of being on the wrong side of the corridors of power. Since the BJP could not get its man to the governing seat, Abdullah had to balance the concerns of this politically important constituency while setting a narrative of inclusivity and equity that avoids the polarising dichotomy oft made at best by the BJP.

He did so by including Satish Sharma, an independent legislator elected from Chhamb assembly constituency of Jammu district, among the five ministers who were administered Oath of Office and Secrecy as part of his cabinet.

The road ahead is tough, but it is here that Abdullah has a chance to chart a different agenda – an agenda that should appeal not only to Jammu’s Hindu heartland but also respect the aspirations of traditionally marginalised regions such as the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal while also reaching out to the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The Hindu heartland of Jammu for all these years has become synonymous with BJP dominance. The party found fertile ground for its rhetoric of Hindu nationalism in this region, where development and identity-based politics, interwoven with issues of security, resonated deep within the population. However, after electing only BJP legislators, the fear of being sidelined looms large. Abdullah would do well to be cautious here. Let him not alienate the very important constituency but also ensure that he is different from the model of governance that the BJP seeks to preside over. Unlike BJP, which has enormously relied on majoritarianism across India to consolidate its vote bank, Abdullah must take the moral high ground.

He can tap into the Hindu heartland - not with empty words, but with a true expansive intent to win over their economic, social, and political anxieties. This might potentially do a better job in mending fences by rejecting the exclusionary politics which BJP has often used in mobilising its own base.

But that alone will not be enough, and only symbolic at best. Development in the Jammu’s Hindu heartland cannot be set against the needs of other areas, and past grievances should not be drowned by new goodwill gestures. Abdullah’s government can take one step forward toward inclusive economic policies for all regions so that Jammu’s sizable Hindu population feels not forgotten or singled out for special treatment at others’ expense. Perhaps the most injurious narrative that Abdullah needs to work much harder to break is the communal rhetoric routinely trotted out in political speeches in Jammu and Kashmir. A classic example was the plea for a “Hindu chief minister” or a “Dogra chief minister,” one that dominated governance as an identity-based battle.

Such appeals are usually phrased in the rhetoric of “regional pride,” but are intensely exclusionary and based on the politics of division. He should outrightly refuse the communitarian and even racist undertones and instead voice support for governance, which does not make subservience to the supremacy of one community over the other. This moment for him as a Kashmiri gives him the opportunity to be the emblem of the very ethos of the culture of Kashmir – erected on pluralism, tolerance, and the spirit of Kashmiriyat.

Outreach to both Hindus and Dogras would give Abdullah a chance to make an unequivocal statement that governance needs to be about competence, fairness, and development, and not identity. It asks for leadership that not only rejects the poisonous communal politics of “us versus them” but projects a sense of belonging to all communities.

It’s the enormous heart that Kashmiris have, and it can wake up in the form of building trust bridges under Abdullah’s governance, having dialogue with each and every section of society – and conversations around mutual respect and understanding, acknowledgement of the fears of the Hindu heartland but not letting it feed, and standing firm against forces that would seek to divide Jammu and Kashmir on communal lines.

Outreach to Jammu’s Hindu heartland is important, but Abdullah also needs to reach out to the long history of marginalisation of regions like Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal. Both these regions have suffered political and institutional neglect in the past at the cost of both Jammu's Hindu heartland as well as Kashmir valley. More often than not they have been too introverted and given a backstage in the apparatuses of state functioning in Jammu and Kashmir. For decades these regions remained victims of economic deprivation, lack of infrastructural development, and limited political representation. Abdullah’s government needs to ensure that people from these regions are brought out in public and voiced. No doubt, Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal have considerably contributed towards the cultural as well as the economic landscape of the region, their voices, however remain peripheral. Maybe Abdullah’s biggest task would be to make policies that uplift these regions and bring them into the mainstream of Jammu and Kashmir’s developmental framework.

Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare in such regions will definitely send the signal of a breakthrough from the past when certain regions were politically sidelined due to religious or ethnic characteristics of the population.

This political hegemony of the Hindu heartland of Jammu needs to be balanced with proper representation and distribution of resources for these relatively neglected areas. It is not only a political necessity but a moral imperative in addressing the expectations of the people from these areas. The government led by Abdullah needs to prove that this government stands for the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, not for the oft-noise-making-only regions.

An outreach to the Kashmiri Pandit community should be an important part of Abdullah’s governance. Displaced from their homeland for decades now, their alienation has only grown with time. Adding to their miseries, the community has gotten assimilated across different cultures and is losing the exclusive identity it was known for.

Unfortunately, this discourse about their coming back has been hijacked by self-proclaimed Kashmiri Pandit activists seeking a communal ecosystem portraying every Kashmiri Muslim as an extremist and the entire community as abetting their displacement. It has only made it tougher for both the parties to get real reconciled.

Abdullah has to move beyond the divisive narratives and reach out to the Kashmiri Pandit community. He must tell them it pains and hurts them but simultaneously dismantle the dangerous rhetoric that tries to demonise an entire community. Abdullah needs to tell the people unequivocally that this is not a matter of a physical resettlement in Kashmir but rebuilding those ties of trust and coexistence that once existed in the Valley. However, this outreach should be genuine. Reconciliation cannot be overnight work, but honest dialogue can initiate the healing process. The creation of arenas for conversation, discovery of real fears and concerns of both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, should start the slow yet necessary healings under Abdullah.

It is here that the high ground matters most, not in settling political scores but in goodness, patience, and understanding becoming a recipe for lasting peace. This is an opportunity for Abdullah to be a change agent in the political paradigm of Jammu and Kashmir, at a time when the region has slipped into communal and regional divisions. He can offer an alternative vision of inclusiveness without divisive politics like that of BJP.

Outreach to the Hindu heartland of Jammu, reconciling aspirations of Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal, and outreach to Kashmiri Pandits could set a new style of leadership in the region. The politics of exclusion must yield to the politics of inclusion. The politics of settling scores must cede to the politics of compassion. And the politics of division must yield to the politics of unity. And in all these, Abdullah from his acquaintance with the corridors of power can now change. The question is whether he will rise to the occasion and lead Jammu and Kashmir into a new era of equity, justice, and hope for all its people. After all Jammu is Kashmir’s. Jammu is Kashmir. 

Greater Kashmir

[clearholidaysindia]

Chharabra Village Tourist Spot in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Chharabra Village, nestled about 13 kilometers from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a serene retreat offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,250 feet (2,514 meters), this charming village is surrounded by lush pine forests and boasts stunning vistas of the Himalayas, including the Pir Panjal Range and peaks like Deo Tibba and Shali. Known for its colonial-era Wildflower Hall, which provides luxurious stays with panoramic mountain views, Chharabra is a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and natural beauty. The village also houses the summer retreats of high-ranking officials, adding to its allure. For travelers looking to explore offbeat places near Chharabra Village, this destination promises a unique and picturesque experience.

When exploring places to visit near Chharabra Village, you’ll find several captivating options. Just a short drive from Chharabra, Shimla offers an array of attractions, including the famous Ridge Maidan and Mall Road, known for their lively atmosphere and shopping opportunities. Another nearby gem is the Jakhoo Temple, perched on a hilltop and dedicated to Lord Hanuman, providing both spiritual solace and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The beautiful Kufri, located around 16 kilometers from Chharabra, is a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like horse riding and hiking amidst stunning landscapes.

For nature lovers, the surrounding areas of Chharabra have much to offer. The scenic town of Fagu, just a short drive away, is known for its apple orchards and serene environment. Additionally, the lush forests and pleasant climate make Chharabra an excellent base for exploring nearby nature trails and enjoying peaceful walks. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, spiritual sites, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, places to visit near Chharabra Village provide a diverse range of experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.

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Madhatop’s Tranquility Meets Khilanmarg’s Charm

The landscape of Kashmir is a symphony of natural beauty, where the tranquil atmosphere of lesser-known destinations provides a serene escape from the world. Among these hidden gems are Madhatop and Khilanmarg, two picturesque spots that offer both peace and adventure. Madhatop, located near Patnitop, is known for its verdant meadows and tranquil ambiance, while Khilanmarg, near Gulmarg, offers sweeping views of the majestic Himalayas. Together, these destinations encapsulate the diverse allure of Kashmir’s landscape.

The Allure of Madhatop

Madhatop is a serene hill station situated at an elevation of around 2,024 meters above sea level, just a short drive from Patnitop. This charming spot is enveloped by lush greenery, making it an ideal location for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. The cool, refreshing climate of Madhatop is a welcome relief, particularly during the summer months, when the plains are sweltering under the sun.

One of the most appealing aspects of Madhatop is its relative obscurity. Unlike more commercialized hill stations, Madhatop retains its untouched beauty, offering visitors an unspoiled natural environment. The region is characterized by rolling meadows, dense forests, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is an excellent destination for hiking and nature walks, with trails that meander through pine forests and lead to scenic vantage points.

Adventure enthusiasts will find much to love in Madhatop as well. During the winter months, the area transforms into a winter sports hub, with opportunities for skiing and snowboarding on its snow-clad slopes. The snow-capped peaks and frost-covered trees create a magical winter wonderland, making Madhatop a popular destination for snow lovers.

The journey to Madhatop is as rewarding as the destination itself. The winding roads that lead to this hill station offer stunning views of the Chenab River Valley and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, travelers can stop at various viewpoints to capture the breathtaking scenery. The road to Madhatop is also dotted with small villages, where visitors can experience the local culture and hospitality.

The Splendor of Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg is another jewel in Kashmir’s crown, known for its mesmerizing beauty and stunning vistas. Located about 6 kilometers from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg is a popular spot for tourists who want to experience the best of Kashmir's natural beauty without straying too far from the comforts of a well-established tourist town.

Khilanmarg is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peaks of Nanga Parbat and the twin peaks of Nun and Kun. The area is covered in a carpet of wildflowers during the summer, with hues of pink, purple, and yellow dotting the landscape. The air is filled with the fragrance of these blooms, creating an enchanting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

One of the main attractions of Khilanmarg is its location as a gateway to the higher reaches of the Himalayas. Trekkers often use Khilanmarg as a starting point for their journeys into the more challenging terrains of the Pir Panjal range. The trek from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg is relatively easy and can be completed in a few hours, making it accessible to beginners and families.

In the winter, Khilanmarg becomes a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. The snow-covered slopes of Khilanmarg are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The area receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, with the snow remaining on the ground until early spring. The natural beauty of Khilanmarg, combined with the thrill of winter sports, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kashmir during the winter.

A Journey to Remember

The combination of Madhatop and Khilanmarg offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of Kashmir. While Madhatop provides a peaceful retreat amid rolling meadows and dense forests, Khilanmarg offers a more adventurous experience with its stunning vistas and opportunities for trekking and winter sports. Together, these destinations showcase the best of what Kashmir has to offer, from serene natural beauty to exhilarating outdoor activities.

For travelers looking to explore the hidden gems of Kashmir, a visit to Madhatop and Khilanmarg is highly recommended. These destinations offer a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, making them ideal for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you are seeking to unwind in the lap of nature or embark on a thrilling trek through the Himalayas, Madhatop and Khilanmarg have something to offer everyone.

Planning a trip to these destinations is relatively easy, with both Madhatop and Khilanmarg being accessible by road from major towns and cities in Jammu and Kashmir. The best time to visit these locations depends on what you are looking to experience. For those who want to enjoy the lush greenery and pleasant weather, the summer months are ideal. However, if you are a fan of winter sports and snowy landscapes, the winter months offer a magical experience that is hard to beat.

Embracing the Beauty of Kashmir

In conclusion, the hill stations of Madhatop and Khilanmarg are more than just destinations; they are experiences that capture the essence of Kashmir's natural beauty. From the tranquil meadows of Madhatop to the breathtaking vistas of Khilanmarg, these locations offer a journey into the heart of the Himalayas, where every moment is filled with awe and wonder. Whether you are an adventurer, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking peace and serenity, a visit to Madhatop and Khilanmarg will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.