Unravelling the Mystery (part -1)
In the heart of Mumbai, where the city’s vibrant pulse reverberated through crowded streets and towering skyscrapers, stood the sprawling headquarters of “The Chronicle.” A beacon of truth in an era clouded by misinformation, propaganda and different motivated news in support or opposing certain characters, and false or fake news is the rule of the day, the building’s glass façade shimmered under the relentless gaze of the sun, a testament of true journalism and ethics and not bowed down to any pressure. The residents took it for granted – the story that came out every morning in the chronicle was authentic and reliable.
Within those walls, the air thrummed with anticipation—a symphony of ringing phones and clacking keyboards echoing through the expansive newsroom. Adorned with headlines of triumph and tragedy, the walls bore witness to the unwavering dedication to journalistic integrity that defined the publication.
Amrita, a final year student of mass communication in a highly reputed college in the city was ecstatic about being selected for a three-month internship at The Chronicle, a very rewarding opportunity. As she crossed the threshold into the bustling newsroom of “The Chronicle,” a mix of excitement and nerves danced within her. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the scent of ink filled the air, creating a sense of comforting familiarity. She observed the organised chaos around her—the journalists, editors, technicians and photographers deeply engrossed in their work, a symphony of activity. Amrita went straight to the Editor’s room and the PS told her to wait. After some time she was called in by the Editor. He was a person who may be in his late fifties with a white beard and a bald head, a spectacle of a cylindrical lens resting on his nose with a black rope attached to it. Amrita, said “Good morning”.He told her to sit and asked why she was there. Amrita showed her internship papers and he nodded. He said, if you want to be a journalist or in the field of mass media, you have to promise certain things to yourself and you better leave the profession as situations compel you to go away from what you said to yourself. He smiled, gave a handshake welcomed her to the chronicle family and called the assistant editor to make necessary arrangements for Amrita and brief her about her duties.
Finally settling down at the corner desk assigned to her, Amrita’s mind raced with possibilities. She envisioned the stories she would tell, the voices she would amplify, and the truth she would uncover. Despite the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders, she felt a sense of purpose and determination taking root within her.
At that moment, surrounded by the buzz of the newsroom and the support of her colleagues, Amrita knew she was exactly where she was meant to be a storyteller. As Amrita crossed the threshold into the bustling newsroom of “The Chronicle,” a mix of excitement and nerves danced within her. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the scent of ink filled the air, creating a sense of comforting familiarity. She observed the organised chaos around her—the journalists, editors, and photographers deeply engrossed in their work, a symphony of activity.
Navigating through the busy workstations, Amrita felt a surge of anticipation building within her. This internship meant more than just a career stepping stone; it represented a chance to make a lasting impact through storytelling. With each step, she absorbed the vibrant energy of the newsroom, her determination strengthening with every heartbeat.
As she met with the Editor and other senior staff members, Amrita felt a sense of validation and excitement. Their encouragement and guidance fueled her passion further, instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility towards the craft of journalism. She tried to meet everyone in the different sections to understand how things were moving and to her delight, everyone unless very busy tried to mentor her as far as practicable. Amrita found, that there exist a selective group of people who are investigating journalists, working on some very confidential matter that is known to only a very few. Amrita is ready to leave her mark on this world, by wholeheartedly giving her best and understanding very well the weight of responsibility settled on her.
The employees at “The Chronicle” shared a unique bond, forged through late nights chasing deadlines and breaking news. They were a tapestry of diverse talents and backgrounds, united by their passion for storytelling and dedication to upholding the truth in a world filled with noise. Amidst the chaos, camaraderie thrived, with mentors guiding newcomers and colleagues supporting each other through the highs and lows of the industry.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the newsroom, a new chapter began. Amrita, a student of mass communication at a prestigious institute in the city, stepped into the world of “The Chronicle” for a three-month-long internship. Her arrival brought a fresh energy to the office, her presence a beacon of youthful enthusiasm and unwavering determination.
Amrita’s beauty was not just skin deep; it radiated from within, a reflection of her vibrant spirit and insatiable curiosity. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, taking in the world around her with a keen awareness. Her smile was infectious, lighting up the room and drawing others to her magnetic presence. With a grace that belied her years, Amrita moved through the newsroom, eager to learn and make her mark on the world of journalism.
As she settled into her internship, Amrita’s passion for storytelling blossomed, her voice blending seamlessly with the chorus of journalists at “The Chronicle.” With each passing day, she immersed herself in the whirlwind of breaking news and investigative reporting, her thirst for knowledge propelling her forward. She was trying to learn the whole process from collecting the news till it reaches its reader. Authenticity is the hallmark of the Chronicle. The Editor had told her on the very first introduction. Whatever she was hearing in college and society as a whole, everything is sold out and for newspapers, it is the owner or his political affiliation that decides the news content. Amrita found that is not true at least in The Chronicle. Every piece of news was checked at different levels before it went to print.
And so, amidst the tapestry of stories and the symphony of ambition, Amrita’s journey at “The Chronicle” began—a journey that would not only shape her career but also ignite a spark that would transcend time and space, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who crossed her path.
As Amrita delved deeper into her internship at “The Chronicle,” she found herself engrossed in the rhythm of the newsroom. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities for growth, and she embraced them with a fervour that caught the attention of her colleagues. She was found always taking suggestions from her seniors and they were very helpful. The team Chronicle is a family, helping each other which is the strongest point of the Chronicle
One afternoon, as she sat poring over a stack of articles, Amrita felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she met the warm gaze of Ria, a seasoned journalist known for her sharp wit and unwavering dedication to the craft.
“Amrita, I’ve been following your work closely,” Ria said, her voice tinged with admiration. “You have a natural flair for storytelling. Keep honing your skills, and you’ll go far in this industry.”
Amrita felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, her heart swelling with pride at the words of encouragement from someone she admired. Their conversation sparked a mentorship that would shape her perspective on journalism and fuel her passion even further.
As the days turned into weeks, Amrita’s presence at “The Chronicle” became a familiar sight—a beacon of enthusiasm and talent amidst the seasoned professionals. Her interactions with her colleagues blossomed into friendships, each conversation a lesson in empathy and camaraderie.
One evening, as the newsroom buzzed with the excitement of a breaking story, Amrita found herself deep in discussion with Aarav, a photographer whose keen eye captured moments of truth and emotion with unparalleled skill.
“Amrita, storytelling is not just about words,” Aarav remarked, his gaze thoughtful. “It’s about capturing the essence of a moment, freezing it in time for the world to see. Your words and my images, together, can create magic.”
Their conversation lingered in the air, a testament to the power of collaboration and shared passion in the pursuit of truth. Amrita felt inspired, her mind buzzing with ideas that begged to be brought to life on the pages of “The Chronicle.”
As Amrita’s internship at “The Chronicle” drew to a close, a sense of nostalgia settled over her. The newsroom had become a place of growth and discovery, a sanctuary where her passion for storytelling had flourished. Amidst the flurry of goodbyes and well-wishes, one conversation lingered in her mind—a chance encounter with Aarav, the photographer whose images spoke volumes of truth and emotion.
Their paths crossed once again on a bustling street corner, the city alive with the pulse of its people. Aarav’s smile was warm and familiar, his gaze lingering on Amrita with a depth that stirred something within her.
“Amrita,” he began, his voice soft yet full of unspoken words. “I’ve admired your work, your dedication to the craft. There’s a spark in your storytelling that resonates with me.”
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving tales of shared passion and unspoken connections. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the city, Amrita felt a flutter in her heart—a realization that perhaps their story was just beginning.
And so, amidst the symphony of ambition and the tapestry of stories, a new chapter unfolded—a chapter where the lines between friendship and something more blurred, where the echoes of truth intertwined with the whispers of the heart. Amrita and Aarav’s journey was just beginning, a tale of romance and discovery may be waiting to be written in the pages of their intertwined destinies.
As the end of her internship approached, Amrita reflected on her time at “The Chronicle” with a sense of fulfilment and gratitude. The newsroom had become her second home, a place where her voice resonated with purpose and her dreams took flight.
On her final day, she thought the friendships she had forged and the lessons she had learned would stay with her forever, guiding her on her journey towards becoming a storyteller in her own right. As she was about to bid farewell to her colleagues, Amrita felt a bittersweet ache in her heart when she was called by the Editor to his room. He offered her a cup of tea and an open envelope. She was surprised at what the envelope contained. The Editor said, Go ahead my dear and Amrita read the letter. This was an offer letter to Amrita and she can join The Chronicle as soon as she completes her final examination. She was shocked and so happy. She goes on to thank The Editor for the offer. The Editor told her that he evaluated her work in the last few months and was impressed with her dedication and the art of storytelling. However, The Editor repeated, If you can not keep the word you have given to yourself, please do not come to this profession at The Chronicle. Amrita promised she would keep her word to her and came out. The news spread like wildfire in the office and it seemed Aarav was the happiest of the lot. And amidst the symphony of ambition and the tapestry of stories, Amrita’s time at “The Chronicle” came to an end, for some time at least leaving behind a legacy of passion, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of truth—a legacy that would continue to echo through the corridors of the newsroom long after she had moved on to new horizons.
Rajat Chandra Sarmah
Guwahati , 29/03/2024
Mail ID: rajatchandrasarmah
musingofrajat.wordpress.com 