Page 129 - Musings 2020

“Lady, we have reached THE PANEL. You must wait there until you are been called for”
Varun said
They both went into the waiting room. It was a room with more statues, posters, and screens
than people, advertising about how THE PANEL has changed the world post World War III.
She again went in her thoughts as there were not many people to talk to. While she was busy
in her thoughts, she heard her name being called. The receptionist asked them to go to the
meeting room as the discussion is going to happen there. She entered the room which was
dimly lit except for the projector and Varun who was standing there on the edge of the table
with many delegates already present there for the meet.

“Take your seat lady, we are waiting for you. So as you all know that the nuisance created by
rebels on the East is increasing day-by-day and it is raising security concerns for the West.
THE PANEL wants to know how your research can help the west safeguard its interest?”
“Sir, I think that we can’t destroy the rebels in their present form as their powers, although
less than ours, still can cause great damage to our society. And if we can destroy them in their
previous stage we can solve it but we will have to face slight damage due to the possible loss
of contributions made by their heirs for our development.” A delegate replied.

“It’s fine but as far as everyone knows it’s not possible to travel back in time, so how will it
happen?” someone asked
“Sir, there are recent observations of a worm-hole being opening for the first time from the
existence of humans. If we send signals to the West and THE PANEL existing at that time,
they will take care of the rest.” Jhanvi replied
“It’s not a bad idea but involves a payoff which I or THE PANEL are reluctant for unless
there are sufficient pieces of evidence against them. Jhanvi, I can’t find anyone more talented
and expert in war techniques than you. So, it would be nice of you, if you take this job to
collect enough evidence and send a report to us. However, if you fail to complete it, you will
be shot as we can’t risk our security.” Varun said
“I will surely do this” Jhanvi replied

***************

“Jhanvi, wake up you have been demoted to the East. The vehicle carrying you has
successfully crossed the envelope, covering the west. The envelope that is responsible for the
existence of the bright sun, chirping birds, and all the vegetation that you have seen there, is
not present here. You have to face the scorching sun, UV rays, pollution caused by the greed
of the ancestors of this land.” The old gate-keeper of The East said in a dull and low voice.

She entered the place which was covered by a dark sky, full of smoke from the chimneys.
There was death and sadness everywhere. No one was happy and just walked around with
their mouth and nose covered with their handkerchief. The river-water which used to flow
there is now full of waste disposed of by the city. There was no one smiling and laughing
there. She started moving silently across the street with the crowd of people returning from
their day’s work when suddenly someone struck him.

“Want to know more about the rebels and their leader, come to the lion’s den and ask where
the lion is?” the stranger whispered in her ears and faded in the crowd of people not to be
seen again.

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