In an incredible twist of fate, Lavanya, a resident of Kochi, Kerala, and her family were saved from a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, thanks to an unexpected delay caused by a meal they had at a local restaurant. Lavanya had come to Kashmir for a two-day trip with her husband Alby George, their three children, and other family members. Their planned itinerary included a visit to the picturesque town of Pahalgam, known as the "Switzerland of India."
The Fateful Decision to Stay for Lunch
While traveling to Pahalgam, Lavanya and her family noticed several panic-stricken horses running towards them, which raised their suspicion. Despite feeling uneasy, they continued their journey. They passed other vehicles coming from Pahalgam with passengers signaling them to turn back. At this point, they were still unaware of the unfolding terror attack.
It was then that Lavanya’s husband, Alby, decided that they would stop for lunch first before proceeding. The family had not eaten properly for two days due to the peak tourist season, and Lavanya recalls how they ended up at a local restaurant.
The dish they ordered—Mutton Rogan Josh—had too much salt and bone pieces that were difficult for her elderly parents to eat. When they complained, the restaurant staff insisted on making the dish again, which delayed their departure by one and a half hours.
How the Delay Saved Their Lives
This extra time spent waiting for the meal turned out to be a life-saving delay. As they were finishing lunch, news started spreading about the terrorist attack that was taking place just a few kilometers away in Pahalgam. Terrorists had opened fire, killing 28 people and injuring many others.
Had Lavanya and her family arrived earlier, they would have likely been caught in the attack. The delay caused by the food at the restaurant ultimately saved them from becoming victims.
Gratitude Towards the Restaurant Staff and Her Husband
Lavanya is profoundly grateful to two key factors for her family’s survival:
- The restaurant staff, who insisted on re-cooking the Mutton Rogan Josh despite their complaints.
- Her husband, Alby, who decided to prioritize a meal before continuing their journey, leading to the life-saving delay.
The Aftermath and Reflections
Upon learning about the attack from friends and family, Lavanya immediately decided to leave for Srinagar with her family. They planned to return to Kerala on April 25. Lavanya also expressed her admiration for the local people of Kashmir, who she described as incredibly sweet and hospitable. She emphasized that the locals were devastated by the tragic event and were deeply concerned about the future of tourism in the region.
