A Dream Shattered: From Wedding Vows to Funeral Pyres in Just a Week

April 16: A destination wedding in Mussoorie.
April 19: A grand reception in Karnal.
April 21: A honeymoon trip to Kashmir.
April 23: A funeral.

In the span of a week, what began as a celebration of new beginnings for Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and Himanshi turned into a harrowing tragedy. The couple, hand in hand, had just begun living their dream, only for it to be shattered in the picturesque Baisaran valley of Pahalgam by a barbaric act of terror.

A chilling image from the aftermath captured the horror: Vinay’s lifeless body lying on a patch of brown earth, a black backpack toppled beside him, while Himanshi sat listless, dazed by the unthinkable.

In a heart-wrenching video from the spot, Himanshi recounts the moment. “I was eating bhel puri with my husband. A man came and asked if he was Muslim. When he said no, the man shot him dead.”

On Wednesday evening, as Vinay Narwal’s last rites were performed in his hometown of Karnal, Himanshi could only whisper: “We never thought this trip would turn into a nightmare.”

Just weeks earlier, Lieutenant Narwal had taken a 40-day leave for his wedding and birthday celebrations. The couple got engaged on April 4, followed by days of ceremonies, joy, and plans for the future. Friends say Narwal was eagerly looking forward to his 27th birthday on May 1 — an event they had planned to celebrate in style. Two days later, he was scheduled to report to Kochi, his base, with Himanshi by his side.

Outside his family home in Karnal’s Sector 7, remnants of recent celebrations remained. Decorative hangings, faded henna stains on the walls, and a garland of mango leaves at the entrance now stood in cruel contrast to white mourning tents and grief-stricken relatives.

“I never imagined my grandson would leave me like this,” said Hawa Singh, Vinay’s grandfather and a retired BSF and Haryana Police officer. “Since college, he dreamt of joining the armed forces. When he couldn’t clear the Combined Defence Services exam, he took the Services Selection Board and made it into the Navy three years ago.”

Vinay’s father, Rajesh Kumar, a Customs Superintendent in Panipat, and his mother, Asha Devi, a homemaker, are inconsolable. His twin sister, Shristi, who is preparing for the civil services, asked in despair: “What was my brother’s fault?”

Family members shared that the wedding with Himanshi, a PhD scholar who also conducts online coaching classes, had been arranged about two months ago. “His birthday was just days away. Now, that date will haunt us forever,” Vinay’s father said. Himanshi’s father, Sunil Kumar, added: “Days ago, I adorned her hands with henna and bridal bangles. Today, I have no words to console her.”

As Vinay’s mortal remains reached Karnal, slogans echoed in the air: “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vinay Narwal Amar Rahe”, and “Pakistan Murdabad.”

The cremation at Model Township Puri was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, cabinet ministers, and Navy officials. “The government stands with you. We will ensure swift justice,” Saini assured the grieving family.

Friends and neighbours recalled that Vinay had originally planned a honeymoon in Switzerland but, when denied permission to travel abroad, chose Kashmir instead — a decision that proved tragically fateful.

“The wedding went on for 10 days. He was such a bright, kind-hearted boy,” said Seema Sharma, a neighbour. “It feels like someone’s evil eye struck them. I can’t imagine the pain his family is enduring.”

Born in Bhusli village, Karnal, Vinay’s family moved to Sector 7 about 15 years ago. He studied at Saint Kabir School before earning his engineering degree in Delhi. A life full of promise, duty, and love cut brutally short.

Earlier on Wednesday, Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand and Assandh MLA Yogender Singh Rana visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. The Indian Navy also issued a statement expressing shock and grief:
“Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, and all personnel of the Indian Navy are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lt Vinay Narwal, who fell to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this moment of unimaginable grief.”