Written By Yashvi Jalan (Grade 9)
A plethora of thoughts bombarded Henry’s mind as he swallowed an orchid circular pill. The pharmaceutical industry had launched this peculiar medicine a few weeks ago that eliminated one’s need for sleep that too without any negative side effects. In order for it to work, one pill had to be taken every day at sunset as its efficacy would wear off the following morning. Being an inquisitive boy, Henry had consumed it at nightfall. He wanted to test the effectiveness of the tablet so he crawled onto his bed and lay still. Hours went by, but he lay there gazing at the unlit intricate chandelier hung on the ceiling. Eureka! The drug was working.
Henry’s enthusiasm knew no bounds but he was befuddled thinking about how to utilise such a huge span of time. A moment later, he gave a witty smile and immaculately accumulated his scattered books. It was his science examination tomorrow, so he decided to revise a few leftover sums. The clock ticked by and the rays of sunlight cut through the darkness. Henry, who was as exuberant as if he had just woken up, went to school confidently. He was thunderstruck at seeing his grades flourish.
Now he could have his own sweet time. Each night would be eclectic in itself. He would either entertain himself with a thriller movie or complete his unfinished tasks. He considered medicine to be a boon in disguise. Not only was he performing extraordinarily in the academic sector but also his co-curricular results were praiseworthy. Henry was grateful to the druggists who had designed such an impressive drug.
Months went by, but soon Henry felt that something was missing. He lacked the ability to process his emotions, re-surface his deepest desires, incorporate memories and solve problems. His creativity and originality were not developing. The hues of colour in his life began to diminish. Instantly he realized that the solution to these rising difficulties was to dream and he could no longer do that. The capability to dream is God’s gift and cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence or human inventions. In order to fulfil your passion and interpret your future, one has to dream. Since that day, Henry threw away the plastic packaging of the tablet that took away the most precious thing in life.
“Having a dream is what makes you alive” – Mary Tyler Moore
Featured Image Courtesy – Isha Foundation
