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 Research center

An urgent meeting is arranged, on insistence by Dr. Ahuja. Everybody was aware that it was regarding some abnormal changes in the space. But no one could have ever guessed the terrifying details he was going to share. “we are in great danger. The solar system is facing its end.” Said Dr. Ahuja in a single breath. Everyone was shocked. Dr. Ahuja was one of the renowned scientists in the world. He always spoke to the point. So, it was definite that if he said so then he really meant it. Dr. Johnson, head of the center asked “what do you mean? We thought that the danger was over. The red hot comet was safely turned away.”

 “that’s true but the danger is far from over. Not only the earth, but the entire solar system is in danger.” Replied Dr.Ahuja. he paused for a while, looked at the amused faces, waiting for his reply, and continued “it’s true that we were able to avoid it’s collision with earth, but it followed a path straight towards the sun. it is very near to it by now. And if this collision takes place, results will be terrible.” One of the scientists asked “so, what is the way out in your opinion?” “we have hardly any time left to react.” Said Dr.Ahuja. “how much time do we have in hand?” asked Dr. Johnson. Dr. Ahuja replied “with the speed with which it is approaching, I think the collision is a couple of days away.” Dr.Johnson said “Hmm…what do others have to say?” Dr. Ahuja replied “I’m in constant touch with other research centers. But unfortunately all were too late to detect this.” Dr. Johnson said annoyingly “how could this error happen? And how is it that no one the world over could detect it early?” Dr.Ahuja said “yes, I have an explanation for this. You yourself had seen those satellite pictures of the comet moving away from the solar system. It was successfully done so, but forces from sun attracted it towards itself. And since it was approaching the sun from the other end, our sensors could not detect it. It was only sometime back that when we traced the route of the comet and  got these shocking details.”

Dr. Johnson replied “the news should not be made public. It will create panic among public.” He further continued “what can be the possible impact of this collision?” Dr. Ahuja spoke “there are two possibilities. The collision can be either endothermic or exothermic.” He went on to explain “if it’s an endothermic reaction, no heat will be evolved, but it can make the entire solar system loose its heat, as it will absorb heat from the surrounding. In the other case, that is if the reaction is exothermic, there will be immense amount of heat given out.  Both the situations are dangerous, as one can chill us to death and the other can char us to death.” Dr. Johnson thought for a while and said “Hmm..any suggestions anyone?” no one could think of any solution. He then turned to Dr. Ahuja.  Dr. Ahuja said “it’s too late to do anything to stop them from colliding. We can only wait and watch and then try to bring the situation under control.”

 All the scientists world over were watching for every minute detail on it. To avoid any panic among public it was not declared as how dangerous it was but they were informed that that the comet which passed the earth few days back was still creating problem. But somehow information reached to one and all. There was tension everywhere. Research center was bombarded with queries from world over.  Addressing a press conference, Dr. Johnson tried to calm down the public by assuring them that the things were still under control. He said in the worldwide telecast “we assure you that everything will be fine. We have tackled such difficult situations even in the past.  There is nothing to panic, the situation is well in control.” However, he knew within that this time the conditions were out of control. Only some miracle could stop this collision.

While at home, Divya is watching the news on T.V. she is completely surprised to hear all this. She rushes to her room to see through the telescope. And her worst fear comes true. There is a clear arrow mark in the sky. As day progresses, the mark becomes clearer.

Dad did not return home that day. Next day, it was a usual day for all, till the news channels gave the alarming news. It was no more a secret. In fact the authorities did not have any time to do anything, because it was approaching the sun with tremendous speed and accelerating every second. There were satellite images on all channels showing the comet advancing towards sun. All the schools and offices were given half day, because the collision could take place any time now.  All were watching closely for advancement in space. All were glued to there T.V sets at home, in the office, on road or wherever they were. And finally the moment arrived when it reached the sun. It is about to COLLIDE! Oh my god! The T.V screens, around the world, were now displaying the phenomenon with the countdown. 5. 4. 3.  2. 1 and there was a massive collision. Divya shuts her eyes with fear. Though no sound is heard but the sky becomes red. Everybody waited holding their breath. Everybody was indoors now. Ready to face its outcome. Divya and her mom too had taken out all the warm clothes and blankets, in case the reaction causes temperatures to  drop. And they even had their air coolers ready to beat the heat if temp rises. But nothing of this sort happened. Few hours passed by and everything seemed back to normal. Sky was back to its usual form. Everyone took a sigh of relief that the collision ended peacefully. Neither the temp increased nor did it decrease drastically as was being predicted. Everything seemed normal.

             Everybody was glad and relieved, except for one person, Dr. Ahuja. He had found something which was worse than anything anyone had imagined.