Srinagar, July 31 -- I called the shopkeeper on a Sunday. I wanted to buy a couple of Kashmiri silk scarves and had some time to spare. I wasn't sure if his shop would be open, but I decided to check.

Years ago, I had ordered a veil for my lehenga from him. Despite a lockdown at the time, he had gone out of his way to deliver it on time. I remember his kindness.

Now, after all these years, I found his number on Google and called. He said the shop was closed for the day but asked me to come by at 11 the next morning.

By 11:30 am the next day, I was at the shopping complex. He did not show up until around 12:15. Just as I was about to give up, he arrived.

I have noticed something strange about how the universe works: Answers seem to arr...