An Inverted View. Review on Can there be peace in a world of sudden terror

It was straight out of a Hollywood production.- exclaimed my friend, discussing the 11th September attacks.

Who do you think did it?- another enquired.

Got to be Osama!- the first one said.

America deserved what it got!- one more chap declared.

But why so many innocents? For Christ's sake, they were just ordinary people who worked hard for their families.- a hurt tone.

Wonder what the world is coming to!- brooded the first one.

At least now America will realize what India has been telling them. Just imagine, so many Kashmiris are suffering such terrorist attacks for almost two decades now.- a chap informed.

As I made my way back home, this discussion was ringing in my ears. In spite of being an Indian, I cannot say with conviction that the Kashmir issues ever hit me as bad as the attacks on America. I believe that was the power of visuals. Kashmir was a daily news in the newspapers. A topic for discussion over the morning cup of tea. Though I feel ashamed to admit it, a fact is a fact! Kashmir was never a part of my life. But the attacks on the twin towers shook many people like me out of their sleep.

Actually seeing was what made common men like me understand the real magnitude of this menace called terrorism.

All these thoughts raced in my mind as I was walking towards my home.

Hi Maddy- a voice called out. It was my friend Hitesh Patel. I was seeing him after two years. He had settled down in Gujarat.

How are you?- I asked warmly, as we embraced each other.

I am fine. I thought you have forgotten me.- he said, laughing.

Oh no!- I said- In fact, I was worried about you when the earthquake shook Gujarat.

See me.I am in one piece.- he chuckled.

Then we started talking in general about the earthquake. He told me about his experience over a cup of tea. I listened with awe to his narration. I thanked God that he and his family were safe.

After saying goodbye, I started walking towards my home again. As I made a stop at my regular shop to buy a cigarette, Bhai, the vendor, informed me that the price of the pack had gone up again. I cursed as I shelled out the extra six bucks.

The government has levied some tax.- he informed me.

But why does the common man always suffer?- I asked through gritted teeth.

That's the way it is- said Bhai- In fact, from tomorrow, the auto-drivers are going on strike. Cos they want there fare to be hiked, as usual!

I sighed!

Yes.they had to pay for the petrol. And who else but the common man would bear that cost? I remember once that my car tank had dried up. The petrol pumps in those days did not give the petrol in a can. So I had to borrow the petrol from an auto rickshaw driver. The fellow charged me triple the cost of petrol, saying that it was the business one litre of petrol gave him. I smiled wryly as I remembered this incident. I wondered how they go on strike every time the petrol prices go up by a rupee or two!

As I entered my society's gate, an acquaintance informed me that a house in our building was robbed last night. The thief got away with 12000 rupees in cash and jewellery worth 7000. I was petrified.

Any casualties?- I asked.

No. No one was in the house. They had left just two days ago. The thief must have known it.

Stunned, I reached my door, mentally deciding to cancel our one week holiday to Mahabaleshwar. As I sat on the sofa, my wife quietly gave me the daily post. I glanced through it.

What?- I almost screamed- how did the telephone bill come so much?

My wife said she doubted foul play, as the telephone man was not happy with the Diwali she had given him that year.

I gulped down a glass of water. Then she informed me that the watchman had told everyone that there would be no water for the next three days, and so we were supposed to fill the water for the day in the morning itself. Further I was told that I had a call from a producer who had terminated his contract with me due to some personal reasons, subjecting me to a loss of Rs.12000 per month.

I looked at my wife with a frustrated face.

The television was on. Some idiot was talking about some terrorist attack in some god-knows-which place. I switched the channel to some music show.

I needed a break.

I needed peace.

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