A Fragment – Part 4
Jasper after losing his wife consoled himself with building up his business and with sexual adventures. He had greatly changed and was now rich and successful. From agriculturist he decided to insure farmers and food growers against crop failure. This quickly developed into all kinds of insurance. The business was profitable and suited Jasper’s rather unscrupulous nature. However, after a time he began to feel an emptiness in his existence and the memory of his wife was often in his thoughts. He decided to take time off and search for Barish. He would fly east and find Tom who might know of her whereabouts.
But Barish had vanished. Her only contact was a young man on a mysterious island. When she was again able to speak with Naman she was filled with despair. He told her that workers who came or were brought to the island were never allowed to leave. That was the rule and it was not to be broken. Naman’s news caused for Barish weeks of deep depression. Then in his visits he began to tell her the story of the place. The volcanic island which was now their home was named Ragba which comes from an Arabic word meaning ‘desire’. Lost in the Pacific Ocean it is little known except to the powerful and wealthy. From this Island they control financial institutions and markets world-wide. Also they are in close contact with scientists at the cutting edge of neuroscience, atomic research and biology. The leaders are highly intelligent and see themselves as guardians of an ordered world, saviours from the threatening chaos.
One evening Naman offered to show Barish some of the sights offered by Ragba. Portraits of men from countries west and east, north and south lined the walls of the spacious corridor that her room opened on to.. ‘This is the uppermost level of Ragba and you are privileged to be on it. Now follow me.’ What followed for Barish was like a dream in which she was carried along on whirlpools of gleaming colour and black shadows. A wide corridor revealed more paintings on the walls, abstracts and the latest from European masters. Naman was proud to have such treasures to show. But Barish only dreamed of escape.
They arrived at a broad semi-circular space. Above was a high dome in which a round window showed a star glowing in a violet sky. Then came a marble descent in two curving sets of stairs which met in the floor below. On this floor they entered a long corridor, dimly lit also with pictures on the walls. These were very different from those on the floor above. The few portraits seemed of sharp operators in search of their prey. One of them reminded her of Jasper wearing a top-hat with his right arm hanging loose and bleeding.
This corridor suddenly opened out with glass walls and doors giving access to a large concrete area outside on which a helicopter was standing.
‘The space we see is not only large enough for helicopters but also for small aircraft. There are hangars as well. It is an amazing achievement which we can be proud of’, was Naman’s comment. Barish gazed at a cloudful sky and longed to be part of it. On his next visit Naman explained the mystery of the appearing meals. ‘A partition in the wall can be opened and hidden cameras show your movements. Simple.’
Back in her room Naman revealed the purpose of the two lower floors. The upper of these is for secretaries, bookkeepers, technicians, engineers, artists, chefs and kitchen staff and all who keep the place going. They have their offices and living accommodation and mainly contact their boss up above by intercom.
The lowest floor is occupied by workers in call centres, cleaners, night watchmen and semi-skilled draughtsmen that advertise projects decided above. The work is mostly repetitive and boring which can cause depression and despair. Anyone suffering from these is given time off on the North Beach as it is called. If they don’t recover they are permanent residents there. Drugs help to pass the time.
On hearing this Barish suddenly paid attention. ‘You seem proud of this island where this goes on? You may have a loving father but he serves the devil.’ Naman blushed and was silent. His visits became less frequent. The room was no longer locked from the outside and occasionally when it seemed safe Barish would explore this building with its strange and malevolent atmosphere. It was now clear that she must somehow find a way to escape.
