huEman (The True Colour) (Chapter One)

 huEman (The True Colour) 

 

It was a fine summer day in July 06, 2021. Judy Richardson, a renowned scientist and philanthropist, was working in the laboratory. She worked in a famous scientific institute of Paris named Science for Life Foundation which had already garnered acclamation from different corners of the world.  Suddenly, the laboratory manager, John Smith, contacted with her over the intercom. "Hello, Miss Richardson", said he. Judy replied, "Hello, Mr. Smith. Is there any emergency? What is the reason behind this untimely call?" John told that the dean of the institute wanted to hold an urgent meeting with all the experts in the afternoon. So, she was requested to postpone her experiment for the time being and get prepared to join the meeting. Then, he disconnected the call. Judy could presume the reason behind the assemblage. She came close to one of the windows of the laboratory room. and gazed at the point where the vast sky and the green field merged. She relieved a big sigh over the worsening situation. The present monster was ready to devour as many people as it could. Still, human beings were getting disintegrated. The vast sky made no complaint to lean with the field as she observed. However, the human beings were not ready to compromise with their class consciousness. Judy thought perhaps the slogan "United we die, divided we survive" was effective for the time being. But how long would it rule?

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# Some exciting facts of Batanes: 

 Batanes is a province of islands and the remotest area of Philippines. It is the northernmost province in the country and also the smallest, both in population and in land area. The capital is Basco which is located on the island of Batan. The weather is absolutely unpredictable and the underdeveloped mode of communication is quite dominant here. People either use motor bikes, motor cars, or walk on foot to go from one place to another. It is also noticeable that the way people lead life is absolutely modernity-compromised. They exchange fish instead of pesos to buy  something even today. Still, they believe that everyday is a journey and the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and not to overthink about the measures which are adopted to reach the goals of the journey. The people living in the islands work on their own lands and preferred to eat what they grow.

 It was the morning of the 7th July, 2021. A couple lived in one of the islands with their only son named Gopalam. They were commonly known as Papa Ed and Mama Em. Gopalam was only 8 years old. In the island where the couple lived, there was a landlord whose name was Mr. Debris. This person was regarded as God in the eyes of the islanders because they believed that their landlord would decidedly do something so that they all could get a chance to expose themselves to the outside world and get all the facilities.  They also believed that the person who had compromised all his comfort for them was surely an agent of God.  Nobody knew from where Debris had come. When all the people were suffering from a water-borne disease a few years back and their herbal medicine did not work, Debris emerged like an angel to them as the medicine he gave them recovered all. In this island,  he had built a mansion for him and owned a personal motor car. The people gave him revenue along with some gifts. Most of the gifts were from the products they grew on the farms. Debris had an old servant who stayed with him always received the gifts on his behalf.  It was told that Debris always remained busy with thinking about the steps by which he could make the life of his tenants better. The people had no complaint about it. Rather, they felt proud of Mr. Debris. Whenever, their sons became 12, they sent them to their landlord because he assured them to make their sons "eligible" for the outside world.  Though nobody knew why Mr. Debris chose only the boys of this age group, the question peeped through their mind. What could be the actual reason behind Debris's obsession for this particular age group? WHY?

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Judy's sleep was disrupted by a call in the midnight. It was Smith. "Can you hear me, Miss Richardson?" he asked. "Clearly", replied Judy. "Miss Richardson, we have successfully arranged 50,000 vaccines more for our next project. Isn't it great? You can start your journey for Easter Island tomorrow morning. Don't worry about the plane ticket. I've already booked it for you." 

"But how many vaccines do we need for our destination?" Judy asked. "As far as I am concerned, only 3300 people live there. So, around 5000 syringes will be enough." "That sounds great." Then they disconnected the call. Judy always cherished the wish of visiting Easter Island which is situated in Chile to witness the delicacy of the 900 statues.

# Some exciting features of Easter Island: 

It takes 26 hours 37 minutes  to reach there by plane from Paris. The 900 iconic, world-famous statues are the main attraction of the visitors. The economy of this island mainly runs on tourism though anybody has the faintest idea about the construction and purpose of the statues. It is still a matter of mystry.  

 

Judy's responsibility was to organise a vaccination programme there since this place is included in the list of non-vaccinated regions. In the meeting which she attended on 6th July, the dean commanded them to complete the whole vaccination programme within 6 months according to the government's order. So, Judy Richardson was entrusted with the responsibility of making a short visit to ten different remote areas of the world and ensure that the residents of those areas were vaccinated. Easter Island was the first destination of this project. She was quite delighted for being a vital part of this magnificent mission. As a philanthropist, it was her duty to extend her hand of love, affection, and cooperation to the deprived people and do something to eliminate the thick border of discrimination between the binary opposites, upper class/lower class, white/black, man/woman, and many more. In this way, the night passed. Judy, headed towards the airport at 6 o'clock in the morning. 

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Gopalam was playing with his friends in the field in the morning of 10th July, 2021. Suddenly, they came closer to a colossal bungalow of Mr. Debris.  He just gazed at the unusual appearance and the mammoth size of the bungalow. He always felt that this property of their landlord was standing like a big giant to devour not their flesh, but their freedom. This bungalow had been built by some of his pre-acquainted masons whom he bought with him for this task when first arrived here. It took several months to build the bungalow and a bigger part of the field was blocked due to the construction. Gopalam could not tolerate the sound made for the construction. Still, nobody told anything because everyone worshipped Debris, but Gopalam had an aversion to him. The bungalow was royal blue in colour, the robust pillars were engraved with stones. If someone saw the pillars from outside, they would mistake it with some fleshy arms swelled with bruise. The windows were made of thick black wood and looked like small doors of a prison. Furthermore, the whole roof was surrounded by thick fences. As a result, sunlight could hardly penetrate through the layers.  So, all the flowers on the flower pots were already dried out. Mr. Debris did neither sprinkle water on the flowers by himself nor appoint any servant for this task. Gopalam heartily wanted to know what Mr. Debris did in his room all day long. Why he did not even attend the cultural programmes of their land? WHY? 

Suddenly, he remembered that he had to return to home with some medicine herbs. A new guest had arrived at their house yesterday and she was severely wounded. His parents were taking care of her. 

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When Judy opened her eyes, she discovered her in a cottage. An old couple was standing in front of her. Judy had a severe headache. She could not remember how she had reached here. The old woman was trying to mitigate her pain by fanning her. She said, "Dun't put pressure on your head. Take som rest." The old man said, "Last nit we saved you from the wreckd iron cage. It waz totaly broke and we burnt it. There waz a man with you already dead and we, the people of this island, buried him." "Wrecked!" exclaimed Judy with terror in her voice. "O my goodness! My mission is shattered," she burst out into tears. 

Judy recovered gradually and developed a good bonding with the family. The couple treated her as their daughter and she was happy to have a little brother like Gopalam. Gopalam accompanied her all the time and Judy taught him many things. All the time he said, "You are much beatiful than you lukh. Your blu eyes, gold hair doesn't mean only your outta beaty but also the purity of your soul."

One day, Papa Ed, Mama Em, and Judy sat together for holding a significant conversation. Judy started first. "Well, I think I have to tell you everything now." said Judy. "Yea," replied Mama Em. "We'll be glad help you if you need," she added. "Actually, I am a scientist who is in charge of the project 'Remote Vaccination.' I have to visit different remote areas of different countries and ensure that all the residents of those places have a rudimentary knowledge about vaccination and get the vaccines." A pin drop silence was reigning in the house and everyone was listening to Judy carefully. Judy continues, " I was supposed to go to Easter Island in Chile. Everything was arranged there for me. I just needed to contact with the manager of the tourism company after landing in the Chile airport and a tour guide would lead me to the island. Unfortunately, my plane lost its track and crashed due to the foggy weather and the rest is known to you." "How unluck!" Papa Ed said. Judy further added, "Now, I need to contact with my team as soon as possible. My phone is already out of charge and there is no such arrangement in your house to charge it. What can I do now?" Both Papa Ed and Mama Em became worried hearing all these things. They were exchanging look, but could not suggest anything. Suddenly, Papa Ed exclaimed with joy and said, "You dun't need to wary. Our lord Mr. Debris will help you. He iz a very gud man and help everyone. He haz big brain." So, Judy agreed to meet Mr. Debris in the next day.  

Gopalam always gazed at Judy's smartphone and tried to understand what it was. Judy told him that it was a multifunctional device which was used for communicating with others, taking photos, checking temperature, attending classes, playing games, and so on. She also took some photos with Gopalam before the phone ran out of charge fully. Remarkably, Gopalam loved Judy whole-heartedly, but he had a strong repulsion to this device. He thought that it was like a chain around one's hand. To Gopalam, nothing could replace playing with friends in the field, studying physically, or cherishing memories in one's heart. Judy's restless concern for charging the phone truly irritated Gopalam. 

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On the next day, Judy and Gopalam started together for Mr. Debris's house. On the way, Gopalam expressed his intense curiosity about Mr. Debris's mansion. Judy did not pay much attention to his words since her whole-hearted focus lied on one thought. She was constantly asking herself how to get back to her team and finish their task with success. Her thought was disrupted by Gopalam when they reached their destination after 10 minutes. Judy observed that three guards were there to protect the mansion. She approached the guards and explained her reason to come there. Then one of the guards went inside and returned after a while. He told that Judy could go inside, but Gopalam would not get the permission. Gopalam did not make any complaint about that and Judy went alone inside. As she stepped in, she felt that she had come to a world which was abysmal. Moreover. the aura of this world seemed eerie to her. She found a man sitting on a large sofa and reading a book which hid his face. Judy presumed that person was Mr. Debris. So, she said, "Good morning, myself Judy Richardson." The man was silent. Judy continued, "I'm a scientist and incumbent with the responsibility to ensure the Covid-19 vaccination of the inhabitants of the remote parts of the world. Actually, I was supposed to go to Easter Island, but my luck did not favour." "Now, I need your help, Mr.Debris," she added. "Sit down," the voice replied. Then he pressed a button attached to the sofa on which he was sitting and an old man appeared.  Judy became a bit surprised when she saw the old man because that old person seemed familiar to her. The old man, too, felt hesitation make eye contact with her and also felt diffident while looking at her. When Mr. Debris was making a gesture conversation with his old servant, Judy looked around the drawing room. The whole room was loaded with furniture engraved with aesthetic designs. She could not resist herself from glancing at the mesmerising platinum showpieces which had shimmering appearance. For a second, Judy felt that she had come to a place where luxury was boundless and she forgot about everything of the outside world such as her project, the purpose of meeting with Mr. Debris., the Covid-19 situation , and all other issues. In fact, she was lulled by the glittery of the interior of Mr. Debris's house for some moments. 

All the belongings gave a clear indication to the character of their occupant. Judy heartily realized that something was fishy. Mr. Debris was tremendously addicted to worldly possessions. Judy foreshadowed that it was quite difficult for Mr. Debris to think anything else except his belongings. Then why the people of this island were always ready to extol him?

"You are Miss....", a grave voice said. This time the man put the book on the table and Judy could see his face for the first time. Though he was wearing a traditional dress like the other islanders, a watch of Tissot was shining on his hand. He had a bearded face which was totally contradictory to his clean forehead. Judy, somehow, felt that the rugged beard was fake. However, she did not think much about it. She directly got into the main discussion. "Mr. Debris, everyone of this village venerate you as a pedant and they have suggested me to come here and talk to you about my problem," said Judy. "How do you want me to help you, Mrs, I mean Miss. Richardson?" Debris asked flatly using fine English. When Judy was about to reply, a boy of twelve came to serve them tea. The teapot and the cups were absolutely brand new. The boy was wearing a local outfit and moving his limbs in a weird manner. Judy asked him his name, but no reply was made. Furthermore, she observed the boy carefully and noticed his reddish eyes. Mr. Debris made a wave in the air and the boy left the room instantly. All these incidents made Judy more and more uncomfortable. "What do you want from me now?" asked the solemn voice. Judy replied that she was in a dire need of charging her phone so that she could contact with her team. She said, "Actually, my phone has run out of battery. So, I cannot communicate with my colleagues for a long time. The inhabitants of this island are still lagging far behind from making themselves acquainted with the concept of electricity, but they have told me if anyone can solve my problem, it is only you." 

Debris said in a commanding tone, "Give your phone to me." As soon as Judy handed her phone over, he stood up and went upstairs without saying anything. He was striding in such a manner as if he had been smashing something up under his feet.  Judy did not know why she felt that she knew the violent rhythm of these footsteps. Debris came back 20 minutes later and returned Judy's phone to her. To Judy's utmost surprise, her phone was fully revived. The battery was 100%.

Judy was about to tell something, but Mr. Debris stopped her harshly by saying, "I would be appreciated Miss Richardson if you go now." Though Judy felt quite absurd, she did not tell anything because she did not want to waste time. 

 

(to be continued.......)