Endless Voyage
Rise and fall of humanity
by
pradipkumar raol
&
prakash vaidya
Part - 12
United Chemicals was one of the foremost companies in Philadelphia. Its annual turnover amounted to 150 billion dollars. It had presence in many countries.
Peter Brown had joined first as a salesman in it. Within three years he was promoted to the rank of Area Manager. The owners wanted to open one more branch in Africa. For this, they wanted Peter Brown to visit South Africa and make primary survey and investigation. The company actually wanted to establish one mega manufacturing plant to produce new kind of medicine for aging problem and rejuvenation. In the jungles of ‘Congo’ one kind of trees produced thick fluid which was giving good results, for health.
It so happened that once, one of the directors of United Chemicals had gone for a vacation in Africa. There he enjoyed African safari and stayed in a remote village for some time. He observed that those particular villagers were enjoying very long life. Quite a number of them were above the age of 95. Upon inquiry to find out about their food habits he came to know that they were boiling this liquid called ‘Zemadaso’ and drank it as their Tea. He got curious and came back to Philadelphia with the samples and sent them to company’s R & D division. They found that it contained huge amount of antioxidant and other vital agents. The research went on for years. It was a major breakthrough. The drug was patented. Huge amounts of money exchanged hands both in America and Africa. Because of the economics it was profitable to manufacture the drug in Africa itself. Therefore, Peter Brown had gone to SA and completed his job of survey. When he arrived at the airport it was deserted and many flights were cancelled without apparent reasons.
However, he got a seat in a Trans-Siberian air lines. It was a small plane. He would have to break his journey from Airport. When the plane was in air he removed the curtain and saw that the sun was very bright and hot. Then he remembered the presidential address which was broadcasted at the airport. His thoughts moved to his home. His wife and children must be viewing the News Channels. Actually first time at the airport when he heard the news, he was too busy to stop and watch. But now he understood that what it meant by stopping of the earth. The sun was bright red and shining at 10:30 pm at night.
Till now his mind was filled up with thoughts of plant, finances, banks, traders, major Pharmacy out-lets etc. etc. but now the subjects changed. He could not think further, could not understand about the new development. He felt void in his mind. When he reached his home he did not realize.
At the house, things were exactly as he had imagined. Everybody was sitting in the drawing room, watching TV. He did not pay attention but greeted them anyway. He kissed his children and went to change his clothes. Suddenly he heard a cry of his wife, she might have gone to the Kitchen, and so it must have come from there. Everybody ran to the Kitchen. Mrs. Brown was shivering and she pointed at Kitchen platform. Lo, behold. There was a cockroach standing and spreading its antenna.
They all started laughing at her. The cockroach too marched forward assuming his victory over humans. Mrs. Brown now felt relieved and said, ‘Peter! God knows why I am so afraid of these creepy creatures?
The house-maid Bonnie said, ‘Okay now madam be calm and all of you please be seated at the dining table I will serve you the food. She had been with the family since two years. Her nose turns up slightly. Her mouth is small, and her compressed lips seem to suggest the strong which she possesses. She is not to be thwarted.
Everybody gathered around the table. Peter told them about his journey in Africa and the company. They also talked about news of slow rotation of the earth with much concern.
Junior Brown said, ‘How Nice it would be, if there is no night I will keep on playing football.’ They forcefully laughed at his innocence. After dinner they all came back to the hall and once again started seeing the news anxiously. NASA’s spokesperson was explaining about the extraordinary event.
Mr. Brown gave his opinion, ‘Looking to this, it seems a serious matter. We all could parish in matter of days. We will have to find out some ways to withstand this catastrophe. We might have to leave this place.’
Bonnie quickly suggested, ‘My mother is staying in the Romela Town, let us go there. It is a very nice little town.’
Mr. Brown replied, ‘Thank you for your suggestion and invitation, however, let we understand the situation first and wait in what direction the problem develops. Then if necessary we would definitely go there.’
Actually speaking the night had not fallen but they all went to sleep in order to take rest. But Peter could not sleep, he was shifting in bed.
‘Why are you not getting the sleep?’ his wife asked.
‘I am feeling tensed and nervous since I heard this strange news. Will we able to save ourselves? I am confused.’ Mrs. Brown caressed his head and said, ‘Peter, nothing has happened till now, then why worry so much? It is government’s problem. It is their responsibility to protect us. Bedside’s, they are investigating the whole matter and I am sure they will come out with a good solution. Why are you so afraid?
Peter scratched his head and said, ‘I really do not understand, but frankly speaking fear has gripped my soul, you know. I am restless.
She explained, ‘you do not worry, nothing will happen. Throw you fear away and leave everything to God. If it is going to happen it will happen. As it looks, this problem is out of our reach. All will be affected, so why worry now. Go to sleep. She put off the lights.
