All adults (the scientist, the historian, the sergeant, the warrior and the father) listened to the girl with amusement. They were deeply moved.
The historian asked a question to the father: "What is your branch?"
"I am a philosophy teacher."
"No wonder your daughter is so philosophical. What do you think about the meaning of life?"
"I would like to examine this from a naturalist point of view. Instead of directly searching for an answer, let's try to see what is out there."
"How are we going to that?"
"We need diverse samples which span dimensions of the meaning of life, the human life in particular. Today we are very lucky that we have an American soldier, an Al-Qaida mujahid, a woman scientist, a young student, an Indian historian, and me as a Pakistani teacher. Different beliefs, different genders, and different nationalities all mixed. Could not be any better. Dear historian, do you identify yourself as a patriotic person?"
"I am somewhat patriotic."
"Does patriotism bring any meaning to life?"
"Yes. It is required as a survival mechanism against enemies. I don't think we would need patriotism if peace was truly established."
"Dear sergeant. What is your duty in Pakistan?"
"My duty is to keep terrorist activities under control."
"If there were no terror, would your presence in Pakistan have a meaning?"
"Of course not."
"Dear mujahid. Can you tell me one thing which would bring the greatest meaning to your life?"
"To become a martyr in jihad against infidels."
"Dear scientist. Why do tigers matter?"
"Before the tiger species was extinct, they used to play a vital role in maintaining a balance between their preys and the vegetation."
"My dear daughter. Can you ask me a question?"
"OK let me think for a second. What would my mother say about the meaning of life?"
"Oh! That is easy. She always told me how much meaning you brought to her life. Now please ask one more question to any person you want."
"OK. Dear historian. What is the meaning of your presence here?"
"The meaning of my presence is to share my knowledge about the importance of the Pashupati seal."
The father said: "Thank you. I would like to ask a last question. Dear scientist. The asteroid is going to be very destructive. Does it still have a meaning?"
"I can think of two meanings. First of all, the asteroid brought us together which turned into a lecture I could never imagine.Second, high impact asteroid collisions eradicate many species but in the long run the nature recovers with a much higher biodiversity."
YOU ARE READING
The Return of Dragon of Mohenjo-Daro
Short StoryWhat would people do in their last 24 hours when an asteroid is about to hit and destroy life? This story is a last minute search for the meaning of life. It is a political and an environmental criticism melted in one pot.
