How Did a Father’s Fears and a Son’s Duty Lead to Survival During an Iranian Bombing?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ravish's narrow escape from the bombing highlights the unpredictability of conflict.
- Family trauma compounded by the anniversary of a loved one's passing.
- Ravish's commitment to journalism despite personal risks.
- Perception of safety in Iran despite external turmoil.
- A father's pride and concern for his son's safety.
Lucknow, June 19 (NationPress) Ameer Abbas Zaidi, a resident of Lucknow, is overwhelmed with feelings of both gratitude and anxiety after discovering that his son narrowly avoided a bombing in Iran—mere seconds before the missile struck the building where he was employed.
Zaidi’s son Ravish has been working with a news channel in Iran for the past 15 years. Residing in one of the country’s major cities, he has established his life there along with his family.
Sadly, his wife passed away on September 23 last year, after which Ravish briefly returned to India before heading back to Iran.
“We tried reaching him, but couldn’t connect,” Zaidi shared with IANS. “Then a news channel reported that the building where he works had been bombed. That’s when we understood something dreadful had occurred.”
The attack on the building coincided with the anniversary of Ravish's mother's death, adding another layer of emotional distress for the family.
“As a father, my heart sank,” Zaidi expressed. “However, Ravish later informed me that he had stepped out just seconds before the missile struck. He survived by sheer luck. After the incident, he even returned inside to cover the news,” he added.
Zaidi mentioned that Ravish minimized the dangers during their conversation. “He said, ‘Humari kismat mein shahadat nahi thi, isliye bach gaye. Duty kar rahe hain (Martyrdom wasn’t in my fate, so I survived. I am fulfilling my duty),” Zaidi recounted.
“Interestingly, this attack occurred on the same day as my wife’s death,” Zaidi stated.
Despite the incident, Ravish has no intentions of leaving Iran.
According to him, life in major Iranian cities continues as usual. “He mentioned it doesn’t feel like a war zone. People are calm, the country is beautiful, and the Iranians are very hospitable,” Zaidi noted.
Airports in Iran remain closed amidst rising regional tensions, limiting any immediate options for Ravish's return.
While the situation is precarious, Zaidi expresses trust in his son's judgment but cannot help but worry. “He’s fulfilling his duty. I’m proud of him—yet as a father, I just want him safe.”
With regional tensions showing no signs of abating, Zaidi’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll and personal bravery that lies behind the headlines.