SwaSan FanFic (TOL)

CHAPTER 9

The sweltering heat did nothing to ease their comfort. Swara could feel their uneasiness and pain but there was no escape. The migrants who had escaped the civil war that was ravaging their country had nothing left back at home. Having lost everything, their only way to save themselves, was to cross the border. Though the camp was overflowing with people fleeing from the war in their country,they were provided with basic necessities like food and clothes.The stifling and tropical heat in the eastern part could provide little relief to these homeless people. Babies were malnourished and crying with hunger, women had little clothes to cover themselves up and men looked lost and anxious.The authorities who were managing the camp tried their level best to provide food and clothes and maintain a record of the migrants' identity but each day the camp got more than a hundred knocking on the door.They looked battered and ill.

Elsewhere in our country, the media and Politicians were howling themselves hoarse by questioning the Government in allowing refugees into the country irrespective of their religion.The right wing made their opposition loud and clear and the left wanted to know the economic viability of giving refuge to these people. None of them cared for the plight of these helpless people. 

Swara arrived two days ago with Viren and his team to do a feature on these refugees and the camp that was sheltering them. Seeing the condition of these migrants, she felt helpless and distressed. How do you help someone who lost everything in life and had no will to survive? The militants had taken over their country and waged a war against anyone who went against them. International peace organizations and other countries could do nothing but watch helplessly as the rebels overthrew the ruling government and took over the reins. Viren and Swara tried to talk to some of these refugees who looked educated enough to know what was happening in their country. After two days,the team got a clearer picture of the situation in their country. Swara,Viren,their senior camera man Alex and his assistant Pawan lent helping hand in the camp to organize things but every day the chaos increased with more influx of people. The team was leaving this evening back to Kolkata and Swara had some more hours to collect as much information as possible. She was trying to get a teacher to talk about the troubles his countrymen faced in their home.Half way through his description,he broke down and confessed about leaving his old parents behind. His guilt and pain was palpable and that was when she noticed that there were very few old persons in the camp. It would have been difficult for them to trudge along in the dark, escape all the hurdles and cross their territory. No wonder that these people were heartbroken, guilty and in anguish.

Viren and Swara finished their interview,recording and notes by evening Four. Since the camp was on the outskirts, it took them nearly two hours to reach their hotel. All of them were in a solemn mood after witnessing the devastation and loss that a civil war could do to its people.They took the 7 pm train back to Kolkata. In the train, they discussed about the camp.
'You know, in spite of all the corruption and complacency of our Government, I am happy that they do not pick up arms at the drop of a hat.' Viren opened up the conversation
'You are right. Though we have enough provocation, we do not get into warfare. We should thank god for such small mercies.' Alex said, buying tea for all of them from the Railway canteen boy who was serving in the coach.

'Yeah, those who are sitting in air conditioned rooms and screeching about our incompetency in responding to Political aggravation do not care about the repercussions that a war or conflict can cause. Look at these people! Can you imagine losing everything you have worked for in life? It must be devastating for them.' Viren replied echoing the pain they all witnessed in the camp. Swara could not digest the fact that they were compelled to leave behind, not only their homes but also their loved ones. How could one get through life with this baggage of guilt and grief?

She listened to the conversation that Alex and Viren were having, getting an insight into the political policies of countries. Her mind was playing the scenario that she witnessed in the camp repeatedly. After talking to several people in the camp, she realized that nothing was permanent in life. It was unpredictable. She was emotionally drained after watching and talking to these helpless people. Why do people fight? Why can't everyone live peacefully?