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Genre: Drama
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Some letters are cursed and some are longed. This letter was neither cursed nor longed it was expected. An addressee looked at the blue colored rectangular thin envelope with brown colored border. He felt its lightness, looked at his own address, imprinted in bold face type. He carefully read affixed postal stamps and printed logos. Curiously he summed the stamps value and converted it into Indian rupees, just for nothing. While doing so, he noticed dirty fingers’ marks on the back side of the envelope. He also saw its broken edges. He peeped into it and saw cream-colored paper. He was undecided to read it in the office or at the hostel. He hesitantly put into the table’s drawer. But instantly, took it out, and put it into front pocket of his newly purchased check shirt. Again, irritably he took it out and inserted it into upper pocket of the hand carrying bag. He did it carefully as it shouldn’t be damaged.
He decided. He ringed, a peon came. He told him a lie, he is not well. He headed to his hostel. He took longest route. Perhaps, pleasant winter weather induced him to do so. He left the footpath and crossed the road and walked on wrong side. The devised trick helped him to avoid acquaints’ interaction. He was neither happy nor sad. He was engrossed in his thoughts. In the mid of route, he halted. He chose a culvert. It was made of brown lime stone. He cleaned its surface with a push of his hand’s palm. He liked coordination of his thought and efficiency of his hand. He sat down. He took out cigarette’s pocket from the bag, unnecessary looked at its butt, and unintentionally read tiny letters on it. He took out envelope, but quickly put it into bag’s pocket. ‘Just hold on, finish the cigarette.’ He whispered to himself. But within a few seconds resolved that whatever matter envelope contains, I wouldn’t be emotional.’ He made a vow.
He took out the envelope from the bag, open it. But, he was halted by ‘Ram, Ram’ words. He look upward, and saw Ratan, a gardener of the hostel was there to greet him. He quickly, replied ‘Ram Ram’ got up and headed towards the hostel. He unconsciously corrected crease of his shirt, and untie the tie. He walked with same pace. He reached the main gate, bit quicker. He crossed the dinning hall, dedicated to the founding vice-chancellor. He took left turn in the corridor, he suddenly noticed his soiled shoes. He smiled, and murmured, ‘it is reward of taking wrong direction.’ He entered into room, changed the clothes. He took out the envelope from the bag, but felt tiredness. He went out to the hostel canteen, and ordered one cup of tea, but instructed the bureau to serve him at the room. He came to his room, and sat on study table. He looked at the enveloped. It was addressed to him.
Professor Dr. Gotam
Director
Ramanujan Computing & Cryptology Center, University of Adayar
Adayar
Madras
India
He appreciated fonts, and space between letters, words and lines, and even chosen format was attractive. He opened it to read. But knock at the door restricted him to do so. He kept it on the table, and went to open the door. Ramu a bureau of the canteen was standing at the door. “Chai, Sir.” Ramu said, and without waiting to be invited, entered the room and placed the tea at the corner of the table.
Gotam understood form Ramu’s eagerness and body language, he was in mood to gossip. So, he told him, “I will keep the utensils, outside the room.” It was an implicit instruction, ‘Don’t disturb me.’ Now, he was relaxed, he read the letter. It read:
24th December, 1978
Professor Dr. Gotam
Director
Ramanjun Computing & Cryptology Center, University of Adayar
Madras
Dear Dr. Gotam:
I have been advised by the Board of Directors’ president to inform you that you have been selected as a head of ‘Memory Project.’ Adephi, Maryland. The main collaborators of the projects are Marryland University and Research & Development Unit of USA State Department. So, you have collaborate closely with Dr. Goldsmith on research related to biology based futurology. In addition to that you have to design continued integrated learning programme for the arts and science faculties of Maryland University. During your stay here, you will get US dollars …… as a salary. And we will be able to provide you with office space, secretarial support and computer and other communication facilities and furnished house at the project place. Mr. Tony Robert, Administration Officer, will help you to purchase and maintain health policy and other obligatory requirements.
Let me appraise you that the invitation extended is valid for a period of three months beginning January, and will conclude on March 30, 1989. But somehow, your arrival is to be postponed or is delayed due to the required visa application process, please inform us so we may help you, accordingly.
Sincerely
Butterfly Rolland
Secretary to BoD
Memory Project
Adelphi, Maryland, USA.
