adityasam
07-20-2010, 09:51 AM
Since i typed everything in capitals in my word processor. i changed it to sentence case and looks a bit awkward but still you can make a read out of it.
The Devastation
1(a)
I
T was the coldest winter morning and our little village, nalchik, in the south-west corner of england was completely enveloped with white and soft snows. It was only the early november of 1920 and the winter was at its stinging worst. It was 8 am in the morning and my father, was sitting in his old arm chair, with his morning cup of coffee, gazing at the workers who were sprinkling salt on the snow-laden roads. He was in a relaxed mood. His relaxation was interrupted when alfred, our house keeper, came running hurriedly through the foyer
“there ‘s a telegram sir” said he
“from ?”
“i don’t know sir” he said and left the room
As my father was glancing through the telegram, he started becoming restless and was immersed in deep thought. Then he just flung it into the drawer of the table that was close by his hand.
I was watching all this from a fair distance having my breakfast along with my brother andrew. After that we had to leave for school.
Just then my father immediately summoned alfred,
“sir?” Asked alfred
“alfred i want mr. Sobers here as soon as possible”
“yes sir” saying this he hurried away to call the policeman.
But just as i heard the name sobers, my nerves got a sharp tingling and then i slowly approached my father
“father, is something wrong?” I asked in a cowardly tone
“there is nothing to worry about thomas, i just wanted the policeman for personal security” my father said
But just as i was about to take my satchel and start off to school, my father said
“thomas, there would be no car to drop you to school, you will have to walk, and i insist you leave right away as i don’t want to see that wretched headmaster of yours about punctuality.”
“yes father, we shall start off to school right now”
My father actually wanted to get us out of the house as soon as possible, because he didn’t want us to see the inspector. However he gave a reasonable excuse, our headmaster. The headmaster of any school in england was harsh, inhuman and wretched, rightly called by my father.
1(b)
(change of narration)
J
Ust as my children left for school, alfred came in with the inspector.
“sir, here is mr. Sobers” alfred said
“thank you alfred” i said and then alfred left the hall.
“pray take a seat mr. Sobers” i said
“thank you mr.lineker” he said
I walked across to the table where i put the telegram, picked it and handed it over to the man.
After sobers completed reading the telegram
“hmmm….. So how may i help you sir?” He said mildly.
“did you see who sent me the telegram……, zacharias quelch; i don’t even know this man and how is it he knows my complete name, terence jacob lineker” i exclaimed
“i agree, sir, but since you are a rich man you have to face the fact that people will try to get their hands on your wealth” he said
“but the place i live is almost virtually unknown to the outside world” i said
“but you cannot hide your wealth sir, even if you live in the darkest corner on this planet “he said
“then why would that man threaten me to rob me or shoot me down”
“there could something which you possess which attracts this man to commit such a crime”
“well, my business dealings are only with day-to-day medicines and certain drugs”
“sir, you might be aware that criminals, are very much attracted to drugs”
“yes i know that and the drug that i think, would attract these vagabonds would be my unique product, mantiquine”
“it’s effects?” Sobers asked
“well, it decreases the rate of synthesis of the subcutaneous fat in all the parts of the body except the chest and stomach region. The newly formed layer is very hard and impervious….”
“and it would be useful to the criminals for its bullet resistant nature, right?” Sobers interrupted
“yes you are right inspector. But it has its own side effects, that will affect the consumer in the long run” i said
“ it’s a dangerous narcotic and it should be used only under extreme cases.”
“who cares sir, all they want is protection from the police force, particularly the hard bullets used by the police” he said
“yes, but a diplomatic way of asking me would have been better” i quipped
“i agree, but drugs like these might require permissions and licenses from the government and it cannot be possible to obtain any for these people at least” sobers said
“inspector, please inform the commissioner as soon as possible, i have to protect my family and my factories”
“i am sure the commissioner will look into your matter with utmost care” he said
“thank you inspector” i said
“my duty” after saying this he placed the telegram on the nearby table and left the hall.
1(c)
S
Obers had informed the commissioner. The commissioner of our village was geoffrey lloyd, the mighty geoffrey lloyd i should say. He was a man with grit and with an intelligent head over his shoulders. He was fully loaded with the perfect manly characters, he was always smartly dressed, well-groomed and his military bearing demanded instant respect.
Later i went to the police headquarters.
As i went in to meet the commissioner, i just asked him about the case and he said that he would deploy his men to protect my 3 factories.
“mr.lineker, i also assure you that my men will destroy merciless lowbrows” the commissioner said
“hmmm….. So the gang name is merciless lowbrows” i said
“yes mr.lineker, and this man zacharias quelch heads the gang; a vicious criminal who has countless criminal charges against his name; murders, abductions, gang wars, name it and you will have it against his name” he snarled
“hope your men can handle these ruffians and i want your men to protect my unique drug, mantiquine”
“leave your worries behind mr.lineker, my men will make sure that each and every drug and medicine of your factories are protected”
“thank you commissioner” i said and left the place.
I felt the conversation with him was comforting and firmly believable.
1(d)
A
Bout a week later i received a letter from my old and best friend, wayne paseus. The letter from him enquired about my health and children. Wayne also wrote that he was inaugurating a new factory, his 4th extension of famglam in clestishire, which would produce apparel and my presence there was a must. But with such threatening conditions, it was almost impossible to attend. But forbidding would hurt him as we were childhood friends and were bonded intimately for upto two decades and i valued friendship profoundly. I needed time to think. Later i called alfred and narrated the circumstances to him. He said
“i reckon going to the ceremony would be better as you can see your friend after a long time and me and the servants will be here to take care of the house, sir.”
“but alfred, what about the children?” I asked
“i insist you take the children along sir” alfred said
“the commissioner and his men will be up to the task of safeguarding your factories. So there is nothing for you to worry sir” said he
“hmmm…. So i can safely leave for clestishire along with andrew and thomas”
“sir, i will write to you about the state of affairs in the house” alfred said
“surely alfred and i will send a reply back to you about the ceremony” i said
Three days later when we were about to leave for clestishire,
“alfred, take good care of the house, i am leaving now” i said
“absolutely sir. Have a happy voyage” alfred said
Alfred gave a warm send-off and we left for clestishire on november the 17th, 1920.
1(e)
3
0 hours later, when we reached clestishire, we were warmly welcomed by my friend wayne paseus. He welcomed us and showed us the new factory he was setting up, which was almost complete and was preparing for it’s opening ceremony which was to be held on november the 21st, 1920.
It was late in the evening and i was reading a book, it suddenly struck to me that alfred would send a telegram about the state of affairs in the house. If alfred would have written the letter, it should have been delivered to me, but its non-delivery, walloped a ray of fear into my heart. On the other hand i just said to myself that alfred, 76, might have forgotten to write the letter. But still the fear element in my heart did not die out.
The opening ceremony was to held after 2 days. My mind was always constantly thinking about merciless lowbrows, the factories and my house. But even after all those days, i did not receive any letter from alfred which invariably amplified my worst fears. However when the ceremony time was nearing and when we were in the nucleus of the ceremony my fears had disappeared as i was completely engrossed in it.
The ceremony was a grand affair and many people were invited. There were various presentations, from various styles of dancing to the most popular british game of bingo, card games, singing and a few games were also held for the children. It was an august moment for me when both andrew and thomas were winners of some of the games that were conducted for them. On the other hand, there was only misfortune for me as i failed to win any of the games i played. Even having the worst of fears in the heart and still getting absorbed in such a delightful occasion cannot be a surprise because the magnitude of joy of the party outweighed the fears.
1(f)
T
He next day we were to return to nalchik.
I had been anxiously waiting for this very moment from the instant the party was over. Part of me was looking forward to seeing my home again; part of me dreading what i might find since there had been no word from alfred.
Wayne accompanied us to the station.
“it was a really great party, wayne, the dances, the music, the games absolutely wonderful……” i said
“it was my pleasure.”
“but now we have to go.”
“i know, my friend. We will meet again soon. I hope you reach home safely and find things are as you left them.”
Wayne’s words echoed inside my skull like a dire warning throughout the journey, clacking off each rail like pistol shots.
I could hardly find the will to sleep, and as we drew closer to nalchik i became more and more perturbed.
There was a grayness in the sky, as if smoke from numerous fires had condensed into a steely canopy covering the village. The streets were empty, lifeless, and as i neared our house it seemed that i already knew what would await us.
There was nothing, absolutely nothing to show where the house had once stood. All that remained were a few twisted beams, heaps of crushed slate and the overpowering stench of burning. There was no sign of any of the staff, except for alfred; lingering in the shadows like a ghost. He was trembling and frail, and greeted us like a whimpering dog, expecting to be whipped rather than petted. My worst fears had been made real.
“what on earth happened, alfred?” I asked, traumatized by the destruction revealed before my eyes.
“what shouldn’t have been allowed to happen has happened, sir” he said
i was dumbstruck. I felt totally out of my senses
“and what news of my factories, are they still whole?”
“i am sorry sir. I fear the worst. One of quelch’s men warned me they intended raiding the factories as well.” He said sadly
i reached out a hand to touch his stooping shoulder, turned to my children and told them i would return as quickly as i could. I had to see for myself what damage, if any, this fiend had caused.
The sight that greeted me is too horrific to put down on paper even now. Patches of blood stained the fields where policemen had been cut down. All my ambition lay in ruins before me. I was disconsolate at the carnage. I had lost everything; my home, my factories and my livelihood. There was nothing left to salvage; no mantiquine, no drugs, not even the raw materials. Any hopes of resisting the lowbrows had backfired; my display of courage had only added fuel to the fire of zacharias’ greed.
I rushed home to offer what comfort i could to alfred and my children. But it was difficult to control my mounting anger and frustration.
It was with a heavy heart that i explained to my old servant how things had now come to pass, and what insecurities might lie ahead.
He had worked for me long before andrew and thomas were born. There was an intimate attachment that held us together far greater than any bond between master and servant. I could never let him leave us and have to fend for himself. He had been like a mother to the children since my dear wife had passed away.
“alfred, there will be countless miseries ahead of us, but we will somehow survive. Even if we find ourselves dragged down to the level of the lowest in society we have the spirit and courage to rise above it again one day.”
“the comforts and dignity you have afforded me have been more than i could ever have wished for, sir. Now i shall deem it an honour to continue to serve your family, for i firmly believe you will emerge from these dark days intact. It is inevitable” he said
i could not deny him those few scraps of dignity he now clung on to. Of course he would stay with us.
My children who stood beside me throughout our discourse did not question me once. They could see with their own eyes that our lives would never be the same again. Silently they accompanied me and the old man as we picked our way through the snow-laden streets towards the city’s slums.
There would indeed be dark days ahead. But i knew i possessed the resolve to emerge stronger than ever. I prayed that my two boys would also be up to the task.
The Devastation
1(a)
I
T was the coldest winter morning and our little village, nalchik, in the south-west corner of england was completely enveloped with white and soft snows. It was only the early november of 1920 and the winter was at its stinging worst. It was 8 am in the morning and my father, was sitting in his old arm chair, with his morning cup of coffee, gazing at the workers who were sprinkling salt on the snow-laden roads. He was in a relaxed mood. His relaxation was interrupted when alfred, our house keeper, came running hurriedly through the foyer
“there ‘s a telegram sir” said he
“from ?”
“i don’t know sir” he said and left the room
As my father was glancing through the telegram, he started becoming restless and was immersed in deep thought. Then he just flung it into the drawer of the table that was close by his hand.
I was watching all this from a fair distance having my breakfast along with my brother andrew. After that we had to leave for school.
Just then my father immediately summoned alfred,
“sir?” Asked alfred
“alfred i want mr. Sobers here as soon as possible”
“yes sir” saying this he hurried away to call the policeman.
But just as i heard the name sobers, my nerves got a sharp tingling and then i slowly approached my father
“father, is something wrong?” I asked in a cowardly tone
“there is nothing to worry about thomas, i just wanted the policeman for personal security” my father said
But just as i was about to take my satchel and start off to school, my father said
“thomas, there would be no car to drop you to school, you will have to walk, and i insist you leave right away as i don’t want to see that wretched headmaster of yours about punctuality.”
“yes father, we shall start off to school right now”
My father actually wanted to get us out of the house as soon as possible, because he didn’t want us to see the inspector. However he gave a reasonable excuse, our headmaster. The headmaster of any school in england was harsh, inhuman and wretched, rightly called by my father.
1(b)
(change of narration)
J
Ust as my children left for school, alfred came in with the inspector.
“sir, here is mr. Sobers” alfred said
“thank you alfred” i said and then alfred left the hall.
“pray take a seat mr. Sobers” i said
“thank you mr.lineker” he said
I walked across to the table where i put the telegram, picked it and handed it over to the man.
After sobers completed reading the telegram
“hmmm….. So how may i help you sir?” He said mildly.
“did you see who sent me the telegram……, zacharias quelch; i don’t even know this man and how is it he knows my complete name, terence jacob lineker” i exclaimed
“i agree, sir, but since you are a rich man you have to face the fact that people will try to get their hands on your wealth” he said
“but the place i live is almost virtually unknown to the outside world” i said
“but you cannot hide your wealth sir, even if you live in the darkest corner on this planet “he said
“then why would that man threaten me to rob me or shoot me down”
“there could something which you possess which attracts this man to commit such a crime”
“well, my business dealings are only with day-to-day medicines and certain drugs”
“sir, you might be aware that criminals, are very much attracted to drugs”
“yes i know that and the drug that i think, would attract these vagabonds would be my unique product, mantiquine”
“it’s effects?” Sobers asked
“well, it decreases the rate of synthesis of the subcutaneous fat in all the parts of the body except the chest and stomach region. The newly formed layer is very hard and impervious….”
“and it would be useful to the criminals for its bullet resistant nature, right?” Sobers interrupted
“yes you are right inspector. But it has its own side effects, that will affect the consumer in the long run” i said
“ it’s a dangerous narcotic and it should be used only under extreme cases.”
“who cares sir, all they want is protection from the police force, particularly the hard bullets used by the police” he said
“yes, but a diplomatic way of asking me would have been better” i quipped
“i agree, but drugs like these might require permissions and licenses from the government and it cannot be possible to obtain any for these people at least” sobers said
“inspector, please inform the commissioner as soon as possible, i have to protect my family and my factories”
“i am sure the commissioner will look into your matter with utmost care” he said
“thank you inspector” i said
“my duty” after saying this he placed the telegram on the nearby table and left the hall.
1(c)
S
Obers had informed the commissioner. The commissioner of our village was geoffrey lloyd, the mighty geoffrey lloyd i should say. He was a man with grit and with an intelligent head over his shoulders. He was fully loaded with the perfect manly characters, he was always smartly dressed, well-groomed and his military bearing demanded instant respect.
Later i went to the police headquarters.
As i went in to meet the commissioner, i just asked him about the case and he said that he would deploy his men to protect my 3 factories.
“mr.lineker, i also assure you that my men will destroy merciless lowbrows” the commissioner said
“hmmm….. So the gang name is merciless lowbrows” i said
“yes mr.lineker, and this man zacharias quelch heads the gang; a vicious criminal who has countless criminal charges against his name; murders, abductions, gang wars, name it and you will have it against his name” he snarled
“hope your men can handle these ruffians and i want your men to protect my unique drug, mantiquine”
“leave your worries behind mr.lineker, my men will make sure that each and every drug and medicine of your factories are protected”
“thank you commissioner” i said and left the place.
I felt the conversation with him was comforting and firmly believable.
1(d)
A
Bout a week later i received a letter from my old and best friend, wayne paseus. The letter from him enquired about my health and children. Wayne also wrote that he was inaugurating a new factory, his 4th extension of famglam in clestishire, which would produce apparel and my presence there was a must. But with such threatening conditions, it was almost impossible to attend. But forbidding would hurt him as we were childhood friends and were bonded intimately for upto two decades and i valued friendship profoundly. I needed time to think. Later i called alfred and narrated the circumstances to him. He said
“i reckon going to the ceremony would be better as you can see your friend after a long time and me and the servants will be here to take care of the house, sir.”
“but alfred, what about the children?” I asked
“i insist you take the children along sir” alfred said
“the commissioner and his men will be up to the task of safeguarding your factories. So there is nothing for you to worry sir” said he
“hmmm…. So i can safely leave for clestishire along with andrew and thomas”
“sir, i will write to you about the state of affairs in the house” alfred said
“surely alfred and i will send a reply back to you about the ceremony” i said
Three days later when we were about to leave for clestishire,
“alfred, take good care of the house, i am leaving now” i said
“absolutely sir. Have a happy voyage” alfred said
Alfred gave a warm send-off and we left for clestishire on november the 17th, 1920.
1(e)
3
0 hours later, when we reached clestishire, we were warmly welcomed by my friend wayne paseus. He welcomed us and showed us the new factory he was setting up, which was almost complete and was preparing for it’s opening ceremony which was to be held on november the 21st, 1920.
It was late in the evening and i was reading a book, it suddenly struck to me that alfred would send a telegram about the state of affairs in the house. If alfred would have written the letter, it should have been delivered to me, but its non-delivery, walloped a ray of fear into my heart. On the other hand i just said to myself that alfred, 76, might have forgotten to write the letter. But still the fear element in my heart did not die out.
The opening ceremony was to held after 2 days. My mind was always constantly thinking about merciless lowbrows, the factories and my house. But even after all those days, i did not receive any letter from alfred which invariably amplified my worst fears. However when the ceremony time was nearing and when we were in the nucleus of the ceremony my fears had disappeared as i was completely engrossed in it.
The ceremony was a grand affair and many people were invited. There were various presentations, from various styles of dancing to the most popular british game of bingo, card games, singing and a few games were also held for the children. It was an august moment for me when both andrew and thomas were winners of some of the games that were conducted for them. On the other hand, there was only misfortune for me as i failed to win any of the games i played. Even having the worst of fears in the heart and still getting absorbed in such a delightful occasion cannot be a surprise because the magnitude of joy of the party outweighed the fears.
1(f)
T
He next day we were to return to nalchik.
I had been anxiously waiting for this very moment from the instant the party was over. Part of me was looking forward to seeing my home again; part of me dreading what i might find since there had been no word from alfred.
Wayne accompanied us to the station.
“it was a really great party, wayne, the dances, the music, the games absolutely wonderful……” i said
“it was my pleasure.”
“but now we have to go.”
“i know, my friend. We will meet again soon. I hope you reach home safely and find things are as you left them.”
Wayne’s words echoed inside my skull like a dire warning throughout the journey, clacking off each rail like pistol shots.
I could hardly find the will to sleep, and as we drew closer to nalchik i became more and more perturbed.
There was a grayness in the sky, as if smoke from numerous fires had condensed into a steely canopy covering the village. The streets were empty, lifeless, and as i neared our house it seemed that i already knew what would await us.
There was nothing, absolutely nothing to show where the house had once stood. All that remained were a few twisted beams, heaps of crushed slate and the overpowering stench of burning. There was no sign of any of the staff, except for alfred; lingering in the shadows like a ghost. He was trembling and frail, and greeted us like a whimpering dog, expecting to be whipped rather than petted. My worst fears had been made real.
“what on earth happened, alfred?” I asked, traumatized by the destruction revealed before my eyes.
“what shouldn’t have been allowed to happen has happened, sir” he said
i was dumbstruck. I felt totally out of my senses
“and what news of my factories, are they still whole?”
“i am sorry sir. I fear the worst. One of quelch’s men warned me they intended raiding the factories as well.” He said sadly
i reached out a hand to touch his stooping shoulder, turned to my children and told them i would return as quickly as i could. I had to see for myself what damage, if any, this fiend had caused.
The sight that greeted me is too horrific to put down on paper even now. Patches of blood stained the fields where policemen had been cut down. All my ambition lay in ruins before me. I was disconsolate at the carnage. I had lost everything; my home, my factories and my livelihood. There was nothing left to salvage; no mantiquine, no drugs, not even the raw materials. Any hopes of resisting the lowbrows had backfired; my display of courage had only added fuel to the fire of zacharias’ greed.
I rushed home to offer what comfort i could to alfred and my children. But it was difficult to control my mounting anger and frustration.
It was with a heavy heart that i explained to my old servant how things had now come to pass, and what insecurities might lie ahead.
He had worked for me long before andrew and thomas were born. There was an intimate attachment that held us together far greater than any bond between master and servant. I could never let him leave us and have to fend for himself. He had been like a mother to the children since my dear wife had passed away.
“alfred, there will be countless miseries ahead of us, but we will somehow survive. Even if we find ourselves dragged down to the level of the lowest in society we have the spirit and courage to rise above it again one day.”
“the comforts and dignity you have afforded me have been more than i could ever have wished for, sir. Now i shall deem it an honour to continue to serve your family, for i firmly believe you will emerge from these dark days intact. It is inevitable” he said
i could not deny him those few scraps of dignity he now clung on to. Of course he would stay with us.
My children who stood beside me throughout our discourse did not question me once. They could see with their own eyes that our lives would never be the same again. Silently they accompanied me and the old man as we picked our way through the snow-laden streets towards the city’s slums.
There would indeed be dark days ahead. But i knew i possessed the resolve to emerge stronger than ever. I prayed that my two boys would also be up to the task.