Fear of the Unknown! (Bomb Scare)
Nancy, is the pampered darling daughter of Prof James and Prof Lilly, young couple on a long term international research contract assignment in a reputed university. A cute tall and slender girl shy of crowds, a favourite to teachers, she had a close circle of intimate friends in her school , was always at the number one position in academics, a role model to her school in her scholastic achievements. Ever since her family moved to the town as a toddler, she grew up in an elite community of the university campus without much exposure to the busy and crowded modern city life. After completion of her under graduate studies, she got selected by a prestigious university across the globe.
With a great zeal she is set out on travel that day to report to the new course of studies. Unusually she is nervous to leave parents and friends behind to an entirely new environment far away across the globe for the first time. Travel for twenty hours is a new experience she never had in life. As she arrives at the airport departure lounge, her mother has been advising her, “Take care my child, do not stir out alone in the new place, don’t believe strangers, keep contact with us always“; a volley of advises pouring on while she was trying hard to overcome the fear of the unknown. “What if I get hooked up to a deceiving cab driver on my arrival at the destination airport?, No I shouldn’t fall trap, pray God, I get a reliable taxi” “ I have heard of news item in that country, cases of violence on foreigners”, ………..”recent case of a french student got outraged of her modesty………” “ What to do if the roommate herself becomes one with the seniors in ragging? “I have read recent news of a junior committing suicide unable to bear the onslaught of ragging……..”
A whole lot of imaginary dangerous situations pass in her mind. She was unable to attentively respond to her mother amidst fear from the thoughts of possible threats. Her attempts to calming her mind and muster courage herself to face them were gradually failing though she puts up a bold face trying to show as if she is calm and composed. Her friends were waiting for her to check-in and return to lounge to give her a warm send off. Her dad was asking her if she has kept the travel papers safe and handy, if all her admission requirements are taken etc“; again a volley of quiries are pouring in from him.
Overwhelmed with all these interactions her mind was slowly becoming numb and unreactive, not able to concentrate on anything! She feels sad for her state of mind, she was unable to say few goodies before bidding goodbye to her parents and friends alike. She finally waves good bye to all, hugging her mom, leaves them all to alight her flight.
It was a heavy feeling all through the flight; the feeling of separation from all loved ones one side, the fear of the unknown on the other. It was a bitter travel time she had, unable to sleep or take food, becomes weak and worried.
The plane carrying them lands up at the destination airport on the foreign land in the local vee hours of the night. A strong rumour was spreading in the destination airport that they have received call of terror about the airport being one of many places bombs are planted. People were talking of bomb blast any time anywhere. Passengers were being subject to stringent security checks. Baggage were waiting for scrutiny before loading to conveyors at luggage delivery place causing delay. Dog squads were seen everywhere sniffing unusual items, and people here and there and move forward. An air of suspicion and fear in the minds of all in the airport makes them hurry up clearance to reach their destination to safety.
Perplexed by the rumour Nancy understands that there is rumour bomb scare, and people are surreptitiously discussing how to run to safety at the earliest. Observing all the tension and fear in the people around she gets frightened and tensed up to the core, shivering with fear. Unexpectedly she meets a new friend who was also going to the same university campus as Nancy goes, a new entrant like herself. She was no better in mind set, frightened to core and shivering due to the rumour. . After a series of security hurdles they stand in que for a prepaid taxi. Waited for taxi for hours but with the fear of bomb scare. People talk all types of possible attacks and their past experiences hush hush. A convoy of police land in front of the arrival terminus making the people more frightened. Amidst this scare Nancy and her new friend get into a cab, start commute to the destination. The cab zooms through the fast lane. An ambulance rushes past them continuously ringing alert bell to caution its right of way. An army convoy of identical bluegreen trucks, one behind the other were moving in a parallel line. All civilian traffic including their cab suddenly come to halt making way to the convoy. Unable bear all the happenings Nancy and her new friend were trying hard to muster courage, keep their cool.
On arrival at the university reception lounge they wait for the guide to take them to her room after registering in. It was early morning dawn sunrise time atmosphere was calm and quiet in contrast to rush and hubbub they underwent. Still the fear of the unknown was lurking in their mind all along , the rumour of terror attack made further intense. As the morning sun appears the TV in the lounge comes to life,
A breaking news item flashes. There is an announcement in the TV, the city police chief appears on the monitor. Nancy and her friend suddenly become alert to hear with attention the announcement. As their guide walks in the poliece chief congratulated the entire security personnel for their excellent demonstration of security alertness to the mock rumour purposely floated to check their alertness! Nancy and her friend felt a huge relief from the fear and trauma they underwent. It was a further relief from the fear and suspicion lurking in their mind as they were received by the guide courteously and led them to a pre decided hostel room custom designed with all facilities and comforts expected for a student.
On a reflection of the happenings in the immediate past they laugh for themselves their weakness of overdoing the “Fear of the Unknown!”
Creativity
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I like how you start by describing the main character. It makes me want to invest in her.
Thanks ‘holdcas’