Jeevan could taste freedom in the air. He was rejoicing in fantasy, dreaming of his future ahead.

“Kanyakumari express to Chennai will leave from platform no 6 in ten minutes.”

A lady voice announced clearly for the benefit of passengers in Villupuram railway station. However, it fell on Jeevan’s deaf ears.

“Son, once you reach College, call me. Even if you don’t like hostel food, don’t refrain from eating. And also don’t stay awake for long studying, get sufficient sleep.”

His mother was going on with last few departing words. But Jeevan did not pay attention to her. He was now spreading his wings of freedom having spent 18 long years in his small village.

A brand new life in Chennai was awaiting him. His long cherished dream of studying engineering in IIT was getting realized today.

As the train started to depart, Jeevan’s mother waved him goodbye. She stood anticipating him to reciprocate but Jeevan did not even turn in her direction.

* * *

“Where is the report that I asked for?”

IIT Vice Chancellor Deenadayal shot a glance at the report which was handed over to him.

“Mr.Narasimhan, for how long are you working in this college?”

“20 years.”

“In those 20 years, how long are you working in the placement department?”

“For the past 5 years.”

“So, in the past 5 years, what is your take on our placement activities? What are the company’s feedback about our student’s caliber?”

“Excellent. Multinational companies like Microsoft, Google, G.E are competing against each other to recruit our students. They are ready to pay crores of money as salary to lure our students. They have expressed high regards for our students.”

“I have studied your report thoroughly and let me tell you that I am not completely satisfied with it.”

“Why? What are you saying?”

“It’s been one week since I have been appointed Vice Chancellor. Each of my predecessors would have had a vision of taking forward this college to a certain level. Similarly, my vision is quite simple. I don’t want my college to be ranked one among the top colleges in the world. I don’t find attaining that to be serving any purpose. My goal is to make sure that each and every student studying in this college gets placed in a good organization earning a handsome salary. Do you understand?”

“I got it. But our college has achieved significantly in placing our students in top multinational companies. In fact, the report I gave you mentions that clearly.”

“I don’t think you seem to understand the full context. I want each and every student to be placed. Pay attention to the word every. According to this report, only 80% of students are getting placed. What about the rest 20%?”

“Those are students coming from villages. It is difficult for them to get placed.”

“Why? In the colleges that I have worked earlier, I have seen that all students are getting placed easily.”

“There is a vast difference in the situation prevailing here. Our college syllabus is tough compared to others. Naturally, these students have arrears which remain uncleared even in their final year. Furthermore, companies going to other colleges recruit even their mediocre students. But when they step foot in our college they have high expectations. They are interested only in top notch talent. These village students are not able to fulfill their criteria.”

“Dammit. Who asked these village people to come to IIT? Couldn’t they have joined any private college present in every nook and corner of this state. Better they get lost in some private college. Will this country prosper if such people become engineers? Wont the bridges they construct, fall? Won’t the software they write, crash?”

Sensing his anger, Narasimhan exited Deenadhayal’s room thinking it was best for him to be left alone.

* * *

Jeevan was searching for his room numbered 42, with suitcase in his hand. He felt good that the hostel looked more comfortable than he had imagined. When he reached his room, he found two beds. He deduced his roommate had not arrived yet.

He kept his suitcase in a corner and started tidying up the room. He turned back on hearing a voice “Hey dude! How are you?”

In his room entrance, stood a tall boy wearing stylish coolers.

“I am Goutham. What is your name?”

“My name is Jeevan.”

“Are you my roommate? I am bound to stay with you for four years from now. Hope you are a fun person to be with. I am from Bangalore. Where are you from?”

“I am coming from Andikuppam near Panrutti.”

His jaw fell in disbelief. “What? Is my roommate a town bred? What group are you in? Mining?”

“No. computer science.”

“I don’t believe it. What is your score in entrance test?”

“1150.”

“My score is 1850. I am also in computer science course. Are you coming from village?”

“Yes.” Jeevan said with hesitation.

“You people should be shot down. Do you know for how many years I have aspired to be in IIT? I have been to coaching class since I was in eighth standard. I would get up at 4 o clock in the morning and be ready for classes. I have worked immensely for 4 years. But you? You join IIT, that too in computer science course without even the slightest struggle.”

“You have been to coaching classes for 4 years. But in my village there is just one school. That too run by government. Most of the teachers will not come regularly. No electricity in home. I studied everything under candle light. How can you even compare me and you as being equals?”

“I cannot imagine staying with you under the same roof. I am requesting the warden to allot me a different room at once.” Gautham left the room seething in rage.

Gautham never returned to the room the entire night. Next day, a new guy named Basheer came to the room. It was evident that Gautham must have gotten a different room.

Both Basheer and Jeevan went together to their class. As it was their first year, students from all branches were put in the same class. Gautham and Basheer happened to be in the same class as Jeevan.

The students were busy in getting to know each other. Mostly they were curious about where they came from, what their entrance score was, among other things. Then, they ranked who was more pretty in their class.

Jeevan scanned the room for Gautham .

He was seen laughing and talking to a beautiful girl. He was able to make out that her name was Kavya from what he was able to overhear.

Jeevan felt something change within him on looking at her lovely face. He had not met a girl as gorgeous as Kavya earlier. He could keep gazing at her animated eyes forever as she was having a lively conversation.

Gautham had started to talk to her, right from the very first day. Was he capable of doing that? Jeevan doubted his own abilities.

Jeevan was unable to take his eyes off her. Suddenly, Kavya shot a look at Jeevan. She had guessed that Jeevan was staring at her intently. She said something to Gautham pointing in Jeevan’s direction. Both of them rolled in laughter and resumed their conversation again.

The class fell silent as math’s professor made an entry.

He taught about Fourier transformation that day. Gautham was seen answering every question he raised in the class.

Jeevan was unable to comprehend his lessons. He sat in his bench, placing his face on the desk in despair.

At that moment, he heard a stern voice in his direction.

“The gentleman who is sleeping in the last row may step forward and solve the equation on the board.”

Jeevan approached the board looking tensed. He couldn’t make a single word of what was written on the board. He took a piece of chalk in his hand but stood clueless as to what to do next.

“Gautham can you try this?”

Gautham came forward eagerly and solved the equation in a minute.

The professor turned to Jeevan and asked "What is your name?"

“Jeevan”

“From where are you coming from?”

Jeevan hung his head in silence.

“Sir, he is from Andikuppam.” Gautham announced in front of the entire class.

“What? From Andikuppam? Make a note of what I am about to say. This year definitely you will have arrears in my subject.”

Jeevan became the laughing stock of his class. He heard Kavya’s laughter louder than the rest.

Jeevan looked at her. He averted his eyes out of shame as soon as he met Kavya’s mocking glance.

He felt so humiliated. He controlled the tears ready to burst out any second. I don’t want this course, or this college. This is not the place where I belong. This is not fit for me. He walked out of the class as fast as his legs could take him.

He came to his hostel and called his mother immediately.

“Son, what happened? I thought you will inform me once you reach college. But no word from you for these many days.”

“As we don’t have phone in our home, I have to call our neighbor Girija Aunty and make her to call you. And she also thinks it as a disturbance. So only I did not call you till now.”

“Don’t worry about that son. Call me every week. Then, are you happy with your college? The course is easy right? How are your friends?”

Jeevan did not answer her. His mother sensed he must be facing some sought of difficulties.

“Jeevan, what is troubling you?”

“Everything is difficult here. All students here are brilliant. I am treated like a small bug when compared to their vast knowledge. I feel like running away from here.”

“Don’t talk like that son. Why are you worrying over it? Continue your studies as happily as you wanted it to be. You remember Grandpa's words that ‘Whatever work you do, do it with full involvement.’”

“I am unable to understand the lessons taught here, mom.”

“You must be frightened because everything seems new there. Be patient for a few days and work hard till you get a hang of it. Our lad Senthil joined in medical college last year. He used to rant how everything was in English and he couldn’t cope up. See now, he is studying well. Don’t lose hope son.”

Jeevan found some solace in his mother’s words. He came to his room to find Basheer talking to Gautham.

Basheer asked Jeevan “Hi Dude! Seems you were the hero of your class today!”

Gautham laughed at him, with a condescending look.

Jeevan couldn’t stand there any longer. He ran as fast as he could away from the hostel. He found shelter under a tree in the ground. He buried his face in his hands and cried for a long time.

* * *

Deenadhayal was at the Park Sheraton hotel's bar in Delhi, contemplating to order vodka.

A man of his age, approached his table and said "Please excuse me for my intervention. But I had reserved this table."

“Oh! Is it? I was assigned this table too. There must be some mistake. I will clarify in the reception.”

“It’s fine. I have no one for company. Hope you don’t mind me sharing the same table with you.”

“No not at all. Thanks, by the way, what’s your name?”

“Udayamoorthy. I am doing research in genetic engineering in Chennai.”

“Interesting! I am Deenadhayal. I am Chennai IIT’s Vice chancellor.”

“What is your purpose of visit to Delhi?”

“I have an appointment to meet the union education minister.”

“What a coincidence? Even I came to Delhi to meet the union health minister.”

“Regarding?”

“I want government’s approval for my research.”

“What kind of research is it?”

“I have to explain a great deal. Is it ok with you to listen patiently?”

“With pleasure. Please go ahead.”

“Nature has not created all men as equals. Each of us have some unique capabilities and skills. Especially intelligence varies from one person to another. In ancient times, a person bestowed with a strong physique was considered skilled. But in modern scientific world, intelligence is considered the front runner. The intelligence of all human beings are not same. One person becomes Einstein using his intelligence while another person belongs to the lowest strata of society. Scientists have discovered that 2 genetic sequences HAR1 and ASPM are responsible for determining one’s intelligence. My research is pertaining to that. I believe we can increase a person’s intelligence by modifying these genes. And I have achieved success by testing the same with animals. My visit to Delhi is to get the government to approve testing the same on human beings.”

“I am sure they would not have approved.”

“How did you find out?”

“Please don’t mistake me for what I am about to say. I think you have to put your research to garbage. Why has not God created all human beings with same intelligence? There must be some reason for that. The position which a man attains in this society is determined by his intelligence. This is a survival of the fittest world. How can you call it right when a person increases his intelligence artificially and wins over a man naturally bestowed with intelligence?”

“We are compensating for many of nature’s deficiencies using artificial techniques. People who are handicapped make use of artificial limbs all the time. Less beautiful women make use of plastic surgery to overcome their unattractiveness. My research is also along the same lines.”

“Your research looks more dangerous than all the above you mentioned. The consequences of this research looks grave to me. There will be no distinction in the society as to who is talented and who is not.”

“In our society, intelligence of a person is weighed in a wrong fashion. Intelligence is not an innate ability rather it is affected by his birth environment and the opportunities he is presented with. In fact, I find this society structure to be faulty; a village born person who has no educational facilities competing with a city bred person who has accessibility to good education, Deenadhayal.”

“This isn’t something which we can discuss and arrive at a conclusion overnight, Udhayan. Our thoughts seem to reflect our varied ideologies. Anyway. I wish your efforts won't see the light one day.”

Udhayan smiled “let’s steer the conversation to something less conflicting. shall we?”

Both of them were in a conversation for another couple of hours.

Suddenly Dheenadayal was reminded of his plans “Tomorrow early morning I have to catch a flight to Chennai. I have to retire to my room for rest. May I have your number? I will surely call you later.”

Both of them parted ways to their respective rooms.

* * *

Jeevan was sitting in Besant Nagar beach watching the waves crashing against the shore. It had been four months since he had come with flying hopes to Chennai. During these four months, only the first week he had been to class. After his humiliation that day, he resolved never to set foot in class again. As a result, he did not make any new friends. His daily routine was to come to the beach. He did not feel lonely as he admired the beauty of the sea waves and passed time watching the different people coming to the beach.

He was taken aback to find someone sitting by his side.

“I am sitting beside you for five minutes and only now you see me. What are you watching so intently in the waves?”

“Kavya? How did you come here?”

“My house is in Besant Nagar. When I feel bored I come here.”

Both of them remained silent. Jeevan couldn’t muster courage to begin a conversation with her.

“I am not able to see you in college. Why?”

“I don’t like it.”

“What you don’t like?”

“Everything.”

“Me?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know you were watching me without blinking your eyes in our classroom. Are you in love with me?”

“Nothing like that. I should be worthy of it.”

“I should be the person to decide whether you are worthy of it or not.”

“Gautham?”

“What about him?”

“I find him to be a more suitable boy for you.”

“For what? To fall in love with and get married?”

“No, to be your friend. He is from a well-off family. And intelligent too.”

“Are these enough?”

“What else do you want?”

“No, nothing. Where are you from? You told some place called Andikuppam. How will your place be like?”

“It looks just like a typical village.”

“Why are you in so much despair? My dad came from a small village near Tanjore. Now he has grown into a rich man by being successful in business. My mom comes from a wealthy family too. Right from my childhood, I used to go with my dad to my grandmother's house in village. Those days are so memorable. As I grew up, my dad stopped visiting Grandma. All due to my mother’s continued annoyance. So I was forced to spend my time in this wretched city. Everything is so fake here. Artificial food, emotions and people like Gautham.”

Jeevan still couldn’t reply her.

Jeevan noted down her address.

“Jeevan, I am sorry.”

“For what?”

“For laughing at you that day in class. Being with this bunch of people all the time, sometimes I do catch their habits, you can’t blame me.”

“it’s ok.”

“Don’t forget to come to my home tomorrow.”

* * *

In Deenadhayal’s room was seated the Artificial intelligence department’s HOD, Mr.Ramshankar.

“Ram, what I am about to tell you is something which is very important. If you can implement this with 100% success then our college will be the No 1 college in world.”

“Please provide me the details, sir.”

“The last ten years have been termed the golden age of Artificial intelligence. The days are not far away when we will have robots similar to human beings wandering around. In fact, we can expect robots far more powerful than human beings. I know that this research has bitten the dust previously. The reason behind its failure being not able to understand how the human brain functions. The first step in this research should be to understand how each neuron in our brain functions and how they communicate with other connected neurons to carry on a task. This has been carried out by Princeton University in America. To take this research to the next level, I ask you to head a project where we design a software to replicate the web of human brain's neuron system.”

“You have honored me by assigning such a groundbreaking task, sir.”

“We will start this by designing a small portion of brain called Amygdala, responsible for human emotions. You have three months’ time. People from CNN are coming here to have our interview regarding this project. Wish you all success, Ram.”

* * *

“I must have explained to you this theory at least ten times. Why are you not able understand it?”

“That’s why I refused to do combined studies. You need lot of patience to teach me.”

"Your mind keeps wavering a lot. When I am teaching you, you keep looking at the TV in next room. You are not fully paying attention to what I teach."

“See Kavya, I am from village. I cannot concentrate on only one particular thing like you city brought-ups. There will be at least ten different things going on my mind at the same time. There is no dearth of problems out there.”

“Don’t get me wrong. How dare you joined IIT? This is completely way out of your league. You studied in village and came here, for what? Only to waste your seat. If only this went to another deserving candidate then he would have made the best use of it.”

Jeevan stood up silently and got ready to leave. Kavya followed him to her doorsteps.

“Jeevan I am sorry. I apologize for speaking harshly. If you leave abruptly, I will feel very bad about myself. Please stay a little longer.”

Jeevan did not answer her and went out of her home without even looking at her.

Jeevan’s mind was like a raging storm. Who can I trust in this world? Everyone wears a mask and their true face is revealed one day. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice the speeding car when he crossed the road. The car struck him. Jeevan was wounded and blood oozed from his body. But luckily the driver hit the brakes at the right time. So Jeevan remained safe from serious injuries. Jeevan fainted from the shock.

The man behind the wheel got down at once and carried Jeevan to his back seat.

After a while, when Jeevan opened his eyes he found to be in a bed.

“I have done some first aid. Within a week you will be perfectly alright.”

“Who are you? Where am I ?”

“My name is Udhayamoorthy. You are in my home. You fainted when my car hit you. But it was not my fault. You crossed the road when the signal was red. Even when I blared my horn, you seemed not to notice it. Anyway, I apologize for the inconvenience caused.”

“Its fine sir. Are you a doctor?”

“I was a neuro surgeon. Now I am conducting research in Genetic engineering. Now tell me what is bothering you?”

“Why are you asking me this?”

“From the way you behaved so carelessly in the street, either you must be drunk or must be under great mental confusion. I know you are not drunk. Any love failure?”

“Nothing like you think sir.” Jeevan narrated his entire story.

Udhayan remained silent for a while, mulling over Jeevan’s story. Then he spoke “In this world where a human is preyed by another human, there are many affected people like you. I can put an end to all your problems provided I have your co-operation.”

“How is that possible?”

“I am currently involved in a research called Gene therapy. As a result, I can enhance a man’s intelligence.”

“This sounds like a mysterious story to me.”

“You don’t believe it, right? Come with me.”

Udhayan took Jeevan to the adjacent room. There was a monkey inside a cage.

“Give this Rubik cube to the monkey."

The monkey solved the cube within two minutes of getting it from Jeevan.

Jeevan was surprised out of his wits.

“Is this not a wrongful thing to do?”

“There is nothing wrong with this. In today’s world when a mightier person is able to crush a weakling, nothing is wrong. My research will create a heaven on Earth where all men are equal.”

“Will this experiment cause me pain?”

“What?”

“Are you going to operate my brain?”

“No, no. It is just one injection. You can feel the effects within a week.”

“Then I agree to take part in your test.”

“Excellent! Within one week you will have super intelligence. But do not show it off to others and make them suspect you.”

Jeevan nodded. Udhayan injected a red liquid from syringe into Jeevan’s veins.

“You will feel a little drowsy. I will drop you in my car at your college hostel.”

After an hour Jeevan was in his hostel room. He slept soundly.

As usual, Jeevan did not go to classes too. That evening, the watchman came to his room to inform him that a girl has come to visit him.

He wondered who it might be while descending the stairs. As soon as he saw it was Kavya, he retraced his steps back.

“Please wait for a moment. First hear me out, then arrive at a decision. I agree that what I did the other day was my fault. All the people around me behave like that. Even though I am aware of the fact that what I am doing is wrong, accidentally it reflects in my words and actions. I won't promise that it won’t happen again. But please try to understand why I did like that. I am not a person who is heavy headed. There is another soft tender facet to me. Try to bring that out of me. This is what I wanted to say.”

“Now what are you expecting me to do?”

“Please come to my home at 4 PM. We can study together.”

“I don’t require that anymore.”

“If you don’t come, then I will stop studying.”

“Feel free to stop studying, if you don’t want to.”

“You don’t know how adamant I am, I will surely stop studying.”

“Ok. Then I will come.”

That evening Jeevan and Kavya were studying together.

They were completing the entire sums one after the other.

“We need not work on this sum. Even our professor couldn’t work it out in class. He has promised to clear this next week by referring to another book.”

Jeevan did not pay heed to her and kept doing the sum.

“What are you doing?”

“Check whether this answer is correct.”

Kavya looked in her book and said “Yeah! This is the correct answer. I can’t believe this. How did you arrive at the answer? I can see you have improved a great deal compared to last week. Looks like you will overtake me soon. I told you right, that you can do it. If we make efforts, there is nothing which remains impossible.”

“Can you stop showering me advice?”

“All these are the effects of my intense coaching.”

Jeevan did not reply her but smiled inwardly.

Two weeks had passed. It was the last exam of the semester. That too a difficult paper on Artificial intelligence. All students wore an unhappy look as they exited their exam hall.

Jeevan searched for Kavya. She was seen talking with Gautham. He stood far away from them but managed to overhear their conversation.

“Gautham, how did you write this exam? It was quite tough. It will be a great thing if I am able to pass this paper.”

“I felt it to be easy only. I am expecting 95% and above.”

“You are the only one to say such a thing. All are talking of getting arrears in this subject.”

Kavya noticed Jeevan standing near them and waved at him. She came towards Jeevan.

“Hey, how did you do the exam? I think I might fail.”

“I have done it just fine. Let’s see.”

“Don’t worry. Everyone seems to have the same opinion that this is a difficult paper. what is going to happen if we fail in this one paper? You have done all other exams well right?”

“Hmm”

“Are you travelling to your hometown during vacation?”

“No”

“I am visiting Germany with my family. Let’s meet again when college reopens.”

Kavya waved Jeevan good bye.

One month later college reopened.

The notice board was crowded with people eager to know their results.

It seemed like almost everyone had failed in Artificial intelligence.

Kavya asked Gautham who was standing nearby "What about your marks?"

“I got above 90 in all subjects except Artificial intelligence in which I got 50 marks. That professor hates me, so only he has lashed out his revenge.”

“I got 52 in Artificial Intelligence. It seems the rest of the class had failed miserably.”

Jeevan was standing far off. Kavya asked him “Did you not see your mark?”

“No”

“Ok. Come with me, let’s see.”

Kavya caught hold of Jeevan’s hand and dragged him to the notice board.

“Wow! I don’t believe this. You have scored 100 in all subjects, even in Artificial intelligence. Jeevan you are a genius! I am feeling slightly jealous of you, dude!”

Suddenly, she kissed his cheek. He never anticipated that and stood there shocked.

Gautham was burning in jealousy when he witnessed what was happening between Kavya and Jeevan.

Deenadhayal was in his room going through some files when his assistant entered the room.

“Sir, two students want to meet you now.”

“Ok. Let them in.”

He deduced that if students wanted to meet him in person then the matter must be something serious. Gautham and Basheer entered his room and introduced themselves.

“What is the matter?”

“We believe some discrepancies have occurred in the last semester exams. We have come to report that.”

“Please explain in detail.”

“Basheer’s roommate is a boy named Jeevan. He must have seen all the question papers before the exam.”

“That is not possible.”

“All our question papers are in the computer server, right? He must have hacked into it and seen it.”

“How can you accuse him without any evidence?”

“From our college computer center only it is possible to hack the server. It happened on November, 10th. He must have used his own login id. If we get a list of persons who had accessed the server at that particular date, then we can conclude that Jeevan did this.”

“Ok. I will look into this issue. You may go.”

* * *

A week later, Deenadhayal summoned an urgent staff meeting.

“A pressing matter has come to my notice. A student named Jeevan had hacked into our server and viewed all question papers. I have also got confirmation from our system administrator that the server was indeed hacked. We have ample evidence to suggest that Jeevan was responsible for all this. We could trace this back to him using his login id. This is of extreme concern to me. What are your opinions on this issue? What may be our action on this matter?”

“That student Jeevan has come first last semester. But he has attended classes only for one week in the entire semester. He doesn’t seem to be a very brilliant student either. I came to this conclusion because he got single digit marks in the previously conducted term tests.”

“We should expel him from college. We must also notify the police.”

“No need to report to police, it is sufficient that we remove him from college.”

“Ramshankar, you have not uttered a word?”

“In my Artificial intelligence paper, only 3 people in the entire college have passed. Jeevan is one among them. He has got 100 marks in it.”

“So what? He has seen all the questions prior to the exam, naturally he got a centum.”

“That is of no use to him. Even veterans in the field of Artificial intelligence could not provide a proper answer to the questions I had asked in the exam. When I read Jeevan’s answers it was such a delightful surprise to me. I believe that he is truly innocent.”

“Don’t you think using modern internet facilities he would be able to arrive at the answers with a single click of the mouse?”

“May be. But the chances are slim. These questions are mysteries in the world of artificial intelligence. Nobody in this world can give an answer.”

“Ramshankar, do not unnecessarily cause confusion. Jeevan is a mediocre student. If only you had seen the way he remained clueless to the questions I asked him in my class, you wouldn’t be singing his praise now” chipped in the math professor.

Deenadhayal took in everybody’s opinions and thought for a while.

“Ok. Make arrangements for Jeevan’s parents to meet me tomorrow. After informing them, we will send Jeevan out of our college.”

* * *

Jeevan and his mother were waiting in front of Deenadhayal’s room. The apprehensive look on their faces was because they stood wandering why the vice chancellor had summoned them both.

When the assistant informed them that they can meet the vice chancellor, they knocked and entered his room. Deenadhayal asked them to sit down.

“From where are you coming, madam?”

“I am from Andikuppam village near Villupuram, sir.”

“Do you know what mistake your son has committed?”

“He is not that kind of a person, sir.”

“Last semester, he had hacked into our server and seen the question papers before the exam. Do you know what a big crime he has committed?”

“I am unable to understand what you are telling, sir. He was interested right from his childhood to study in your college. Even without proper food or water, he used to study very hard day and night. He used to solve big sums. There was not even a single soul to help him with that. It is only because of his own efforts he was able to make it to your college. As this an entirely new world to him, he would have faced some difficulties initially. But he is a clever boy. I don’t believe he committed any crime.”

“We have evidence to prove that he is responsible for hacking. So we have come to the decision of expelling him from college. This is your last day in college. Vacate your hostel room immediately.”

“Sir, why are you talking like this? Please don’t bury my son’s future. Son, why are remaining quiet? Explain to sir that you did not do this.” His mother pleaded to Deenadhayal.

But Jeevan stood there motionless, with his mouth shut.

* * *

Two days later, Deenadayal got a call from Udhayamoorthy asking for an appointment to meet him. He replied that he could come to his college in the evening.

At exactly, 6 that evening Deenadhayal welcomed Udhayamoorthy in his college.

“You have arrived punctually. Your time sense is quite sharp”"

“It is because the purpose of my visit is more important.”

“Tell me, what is the matter?”

“Two days earlier, you had expelled a student named Jeevan, right? I have come to talk about that.”

“About Jeevan? He did something wrong, so we had to take action on him. Therefore, we expelled him from college. What is to you?”

“I know Jeevan pretty well. He has not committed any crime.”

“He has hacked into our server and seen the question papers. We have supporting evidence too.”

“It is true that he came to the computer center that day. But he only played games using his login id. He forgot to log out when he left. After that, Gautham and Basheer had hacked into the server using his id.”

“Do you have proof to substantiate what you just said?”

“No”

“Then why do you speak such absurd things? Jeevan is a below average student. When he is able to turn into a college topper overnight, can you not guess that he is the culprit?”

“There are other plausible reasons.”

“Like what?”

“When we met last time in Delhi, I had briefed you about my genetic research, right? I used Jeevan for my test run on human beings. The effect of that test has made him an intelligent fellow.”

“What? I did not expect you to do this. What you have done is a criminal offense.”

“What is offensive here? A poor boy from village having endured numerous difficulties have come to the city with many aspirations. He was unable to compete with other students born with a silver spoon. He was made fun of day in and day out. Your educational system made a mockery out of him and shattered his dreams. What is wrong with my research which can flip your system for the better?”

“Udhayan, listen to this story about a little boy. He was born in a small village near Ramanathapuram. He was from a very very poor family. His father was a cobbler. His mother went as a laborer to cultivated fields. The boy had very meager facilities to study. But he had a never vanquishing desire to study. He studied with great passion. He joined an engineering college. He worked all night to meet his college expenses. He turned out to be a topper in his college. Do you know who that boy is?”

Udhyan shook his head puzzled.

“That boy has now turned into the person sitting in front of you. There exists no such thing which cannot be achieved by hard work. Best example is myself.”

“Only one among crores of people can achieve something great like you. There is no easy method of erasing the ups and downs in this society if we follow your ideologies.”

“I don’t wish to argue with you any further. You may go now.”

* * *

Next day there was a sensational news in newspaper and TV.

“A scientist named Udhayamoorthy has been arrested. He was involved in a genetic research to enhance human intelligence. As a result, even an ordinary man can turn into a highly brilliant man like Einstein. Even when government refused to grant him approval, he tested this on a student from IIT. The IIT Vice chancellor Deenadhayal has registered a complaint against him.”

In the next couple of hours this news was spreading like wild fire among all college students. Students quarreled among themselves, one group in favor Udhayamoorthy and others against him.

The people took to agitation on the streets. That was when the horrifying as well as unfortunate incident happened.

A student set himself on fire to show support to Udhayamoorthy.

Next day another student set himself on fire to punish Udhayamoorthy.

The government were unable to do anything to restore law and order in the state.

However, Deenadhayal did not mind what was happening around him and immersed himself in his routine activities.

One day, his assistant informed him that the Chief minister wanted to meet him. Immediately he left to the Chief minister’s residence.

“What is happening Deenadhayal? Your act has blown into a big issue now. Immediately you have to remove the complaint you lodged against Udhayamoorthy.”

“Will the problem be solved if I do that? There are many people against Udhayamoorthy too. Will they be pacified?”

“We will take care of those issues. It doesn’t concern you.”

“What Udhayan has done, is a law offence. If you pressurize me into doing this, then I won’t hesitate to contact the prime minister too. I hear talks going on that your government may be dissolved as you are incapable of controlling the law and order in the state.”

“Are you trying to threaten me?”

“If you corner me then I have no other option left.”

“Ok. You meet Udhayan and talk to him. You make him confess in his own words that his research is wrong, it will result in many unwanted harmful side effects and that he will discontinue it at once. If you can do this small favor at least, you will be blessed with saving many other innocent lives.”

“Ok. I will try my level best.”

* * *

Next day Deenadhayal met Udhayan in his cell in prison. He was surprised to see a calmness in Udhayan’s face as that of a saint.

“Do you know how much trouble is going on because of you? How many people lost their lives?”

“Big changes happen only through a revolution. You can refer to past history.”

“So many youth have lost their lives. Who is answerable to their families?”

“They are soldiers who sacrificed their life for a good society tomorrow.”

“The government will not leave you alone. It will cause more headache. They will make sure that your life ends within these four walls.”

“Why are you threatening me?”

“No I am not threatening you. You make a statement that because of your research there are numerous unwanted harmful side effects. I will make sure you are free man again.”

“First threatening, now bargaining.”

“I can also arrest your wife and kids.”

“I don’t have a wife or kids because I am unmarried.”

“I have not lodged a complaint against Jeevan till now. If you remain stubborn then you are leaving me with no other choice but to complain about him too.”

“You can try, Deendhayal. But before that you must find out where he is.”

“Have you kept him hidden somewhere?”

Udhyan smiled at Deenadhayal asking him to figure out.

* * *

Two weeks had passed. But still the violence rampant everywhere did not seem to reduce. Deenadhayal remained steadfast in his decision without giving in to government's pressure. He followed his daily routine as usual. He had an appointment with the Vice chancellor of Princeton university. Then only he remembered about the project going on under Ramshankar's leadership. He had forgotten to ask about its status among other problems. He sent word for Ramshankar to meet him at once.

In a few minutes, Ramshankar was in Deenadhayal’s room.

“Sir, there is a huge issue now. We realized that the principles on which this software was written are faulty. I am now directly involved in this project. We are working day and night to rectify the same. But I wonder whether we can resolve the issue amicably within the limited time available.”

“What? Do you have the slightest notion of how it will affect us? Media from all over the world are covering the role of our college and this research. If this news gets out then we will be the laughing stock of the world. As per the agreement we made with Princeton university, if we could not complete the project on the stipulated time, then we have to pay them the losses.”

“I don’t know what to say sir.”

“What kind of irresponsible answer is this? This can cause you to lose your job. Before you are sacked, I will be sacked. And you are here giving me some silly answers.”

“I have an idea. But you have let go off your stubbornness this one time. Then there is a possible way out of this situation.”

“What is it?”

“Jeevan”

“Explain how?”

“He is the only person who can successfully complete this project. If we can find him and make him work on this project then I will be relieved.”

“How can you be sure that he is capable of completing it?”

“He was able to answer the difficult questions I asked in semester exams, right? He must be surely capable of working on this project too.”

“No I can’t allow that. This is pertaining to my honor.”

“You decide which is of more importance to you? You honor or this college's wide gained respect?”

Deenadhayal thought for a while and made up his mind. He called the police to allow him to meet Udhayan.

Next day Deenadhayal met Udhayan in his cell. He narrated the situation he was in at the moment.

“I can definitely make Jeevan agree to help with your research. But I sense this is some sought of conspiracy to get him arrested. Is that so?”

“Please take a look at this letter, signed by the chief minister himself. If Jeevan agrees to work on this project, then you will be released, all charges against you will be dropped and Jeevan can continue his studies in IIT. This is chief minister’s promise to you.”

“Give me a mobile phone. I will contact Jeevan myself. In next half hour, Jeevan will be in your office.”

When Deenadhayal reached his room, he found Jeevan waiting for him.

“I want to meet Ramshankar sir. After I have listened to the detailed project description, I will confirm you the date in which it will be over.”

Ramshankar was asked to come to Deenadhayal’s room. When Jeevan was briefed about the project he said “If I were to solely work on this project, then it can be completed in a month. But with Ramshankar’s help it can be done in 20 days.”

“When is this project due?” Deenadhayal enquired Ramshankar.

“We have 30 days’ time.”

“Ok. You can start on the project at once.”

* * *

One month had rolled. Jeevan and Ramshankar completed the research successfully.

Deenadhayal and Ramshankar’s interviews were published in newspapers worldwide. IIT’s fame was spreading all over the globe.

Udhayan was released from prison too. So the agitations came to an end.

One fine day, Udhayan was browsing the newspaper in his hand when he heard the calling bell. He went to open the door and found Deenadhayal standing at his doorsteps.

Udhayan welcomed him inside and they sat comfortably on the sofa.

“I never expected you to pay me a visit. I thought your anger towards me will never diminish.”

“That is true. But I have come here for another reason. Jeevan has not come to college for a while. I came to you to know about his whereabouts.”

“I have advised him not to step out of college without completing his bachelor’s course. I thought he will be in hostel.”

“Can you contact him and ask?”

Udhayan called Jeevan in his mobile. But he did not make it through.

“I will talk to his mother in village.”

“Last month he came home. He introduced a girl called Kavya as his friend. He also said that they were planning to get married someday. I advised him to finish his course first. He said something like he was going to study life. I couldn’t make out much of what he said. He said he would never set foot in college again. I let him go as per his wish. He said he was going to try something new along with Kavya. I asked him to meet me once every year. I don’t know where he is at the moment. Weekly he makes a call and talks to me. Kavya also talks to me. That is all I know about him.” His mother explained.

As Udhayan cut the call, Deenadhayal thought of calling Kavya.

“Leave him alone. Let him be happy where ever he is.”

Deenadhayal let out a heavy sigh and left Udhayan’s home.

As Deenadhayal was near to the door he turned back and said to Udhayan “Don’t think you have succeeded with your research. In this world, everyone cannot become equal. Your philosophy faced defeat in Russia. China went on a different tangent. At last you will one day face defeat too.”

“I am not of the opinion that everyone can become equal in this world. Intelligence is just another tool. I shattered the fakeness this society has constructed by obscuring people from attaining intelligence. Intelligence is similar to a chisel. You can carve a beautiful sculpture or a simple stone based on the innate powers one has. This innate power is the differentiating factor among humans. This society can never shed off its disparities any time in the future also. I have to agree with you.”

Deenadhayal took leave from Udhayan without another word.

Udhayan had retired from his work and settled in Ooty buying a small house for himself. He thought of spending his last few days on earth in this beautiful nature’s paradise.

He made a habit of walking for an hour in the morning and then taking rest in a nearby park.

He noticed a small boy about 4 years of age playing in the park for the past one week.

That day the small boy had come to sit near him beside the park bench. Udhayan took out the Rubik cube from his bag and tried to solve it. It took him five minutes. Gone were the days when he finished it in 2 minutes. It was a gentle reminder that he was getting old each day.

The boy stared at the cube in his hand.

He signaled the boy whether he wanted the cube.

The boy nodded ‘Yes’.

Udhayan gave him the cube. The boy worked at lightning speed and solved the cube in a minute.

Udhayan was astonished at the child’s ability “What kind of super kid is he?”

Even when Udhayan shuffled the cube several times and gave him, he solved it all within a minute.

Udhayan probed further about him.

“What is your name?”

“Vishal”

“Where is your house?”

The boy pointed in the direction of a hotel.

“Oh! You are coming from a different city, is it? Where are your parents?”

“They are in the hotel room.”

“What is your dad’s name?”

Then he heard someone call “Vishal”. He swung around to see Kavya standing there.

“Vishal, what are you doing here? Whom are you talking to? Oh! Is it Udhayan sir? It’s been quite long since we last met.”

“Kavya! I never expected to meet you here. Jeevan?”

“I am staying together with Jeevan. It’s been five years since we got married. This is our only son Vishal. Jeevan will be delighted to see you, sir.”

Jeevan was seen at a distance approaching them.

Udhayan shook hands with him and hugged him fondly.

“Udhyan sir, what a pleasant surprise?”

“I felt very happy to know that government at last gave its approval for your research last month. I tried to call you, but I think your number has been changed.”

“Yes, Jeevan. What are you doing here?”

“I am travelling all around this world with Kavya and Vishal by my side.”

“What do you do for a living?”

“I don’t restrict myself to one kind of work. One day I am at Google corporation doing consulting, next day I am teaching in a village school. Some other day I will be driving a lorry. My life goes on, not bound by a single place or single work. I make enough money to travel far and wide.”

“Then how does Vishal manage to study?”

“We are a group of ten like-minded families travelling together. Each one is well versed in a particular field. We teach our children. This education we provide our children is to quench their knowledge thirst. There are no exams or marks involved. We try to create an amazement about our world in the minds of our young children.”

“What you are saying is completely fascinating. It is getting late now. How long will you be here? Can we meet again sometime?”

“We are leaving for Coimbatore airport in a while. From there we are going to Paris. Please give me your mobile number. I will for sure contact you frequently.”

“It’s my pleasure to have met you now. I wish you all success in your new efforts and lifestyle.”

Udhayan bid them good bye and started walking towards his home. His face was lit up by a smile.

“Deenadhayal, I have won. I have achieved victory only today. I have won!”

Non Fiction – The Future of Mind – Michio Kaku.

Hollywood Movie – Good Will Hunting