Page 268 - Musings 2020

Anirudh: ( in a heavy voice, with tears in his eyes ) How long have I waited for this day!
Where have you been all this time? I have been dying to meet you since ages!

Jayant: Calm down. It’s okay. I’m here now.

(Wiping his tears and takes a deep breath)

Anirudh: Yeah, bhaiya. Let’s have some tea together, I made it for us.

Jayant: Look at how much you’ve changed since we were together last time. What have you
been up to, Ani? When was the last time you got a shave?

Anirudh: Bhaiya, doing this project has been the worst decision of my life. I never knew it
would end up so badly. My whole life and career have been reduced to dust. They won’t let
me talk to anyone except for a few co-workers. I’ve been praying to God, to grant me one
final glimpse of Radhika, Mom, Dad, You…

Jayant: Didn’t you know about any of this before?

Anirudh: That letter from the Ministry, you remember? That said that I was selected for an
award by the Government for my research in Nuclear Physics… It was much more than that!
They wanted me to work for them on a project, a top-secret one. It even seemed easy by what
they told me about it initially and I agreed. Since then, I’ve been exhausting myself over this
almost every day, EVERY DAY! I’ve spent streaks of sleepless nights thinking of how to get
this thing right, but this just doesn’t seem to end at all! They won’t let me get out of here until
it’s done! Not even call anyone! I just wish this never would’ve happened!

Jayant: But Ani, you are great! What’s been the matter?

Anirudh: This project of theirs, that they are so hopeful of… requires more people and they
just don’t get it! It’s as if the Universe has conspired against me for no reason!

Jayant: Is it so bad? You once scored more than your teachers back at College. They called
you Einstein, buddy. I’m sure you will figure your way out of this.

Anirudh: But bhaiya...

Mom and Dad: Yes, Ani, beta. We believe in you.

Anirudh: Mom! Dad! When did you arrive! What a pleasant surprise! It has been such a long
time. Thanks bhaiya for bringing them with you!

Jayant: No problem Anirudh. I knew you would be happy seeing them after such a long
stretch of time.

Mom: Beta Anirudh! How have you been? I missed you a lot!

(Anirudh touches the feet of his parents to seek their blessings before proceeding with the
conversation.)

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