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One such person was 72-year-old Nazir Ahmed Khan, a resident of downtown Srinagar. He still remembers the sharp pain of the needle as he got his lover\u2019s name tattooed decades ago. \u201cWe both had each other\u2019s names inked,\u201d he says, a wistful smile crossing his face. \u201cI asked the artist to place hers on her shoulder so no one would see it.\u201d<\/p>\n
But their love story never reached its destined conclusion. \u201cShe was married off at a young age. I had responsibilities, and I couldn\u2019t marry her. Besides, she came from a wealthy family, and her parents objected to our union,\u201d Khan says.<\/p>\n
Even after fifty years, the tattoo remains. \u201cAt first, I told my wife it was my male friend\u2019s name,\u201d he continues. But as his children grew older, they pressed him for the truth. \u201cEventually, I opened up.\u201d<\/p>\n
His son, Waqas Khan, chimes in. \u201cAt first, I wanted him to remove it because it\u2019s against Islam. He tried different ways, but nothing worked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite everything, Khan remains resolute to this day. \u201cSometimes, I run into her. We exchange greetings. She was with her daughter the last time we met. We wished each other well,\u201d he says, softly. \u201cI have no regrets about this tattoo. I will die with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saqib Mugloo is a freelance journalist based in Indian-administered Kashmir.\u00a0<\/em>Follow him on X<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Buy your copy of Huck 81 here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram<\/a> and sign up to our newsletter<\/a> for more from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture.<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Support stories like this by becoming a member of Club Huck<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/em>
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