Us Against The World

 

"through chaos as it swirls

It's us against the world"

28th May,1953,7.30 pm.

South Base Camp, Mt. Everest

17,598 ft.

Khumbu Glacier,

Nepal.

I was walking back and forth, the walkie talkie clutched in my hand like a prized possession. Although it did not show any hint at producing a beep, I was sure it would, soon. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had left a few hours earlier to reach the pre-summit camp at 27,900 ft. The New Zealander and the Sherpa were carrying the hopes of humans yet again, although their predecessors had shattered them umpteen number of times before. 

I broke out of my reverie and stepped out overlooking the base camp loaded with fresh snow. Being a journalist for the Sunday Times, I was to portray their thrilling story for the rest of the globe to read and live. I stared around. White. As if giant princesses wearing white gowns were standing majestically, and I was nothing but a small living creature nestled within their wide, somewhat reassuring, but dangerous arms. It was so still and serene, I wondered whether this was what being in another dimension felt like. 

Beep!

There it was. I put it to my ears, and confirmed the news of the duo reaching pre-summit camp. I let out a sigh.

The next few hours were crucial in the history of mankind. All of us, my assistants, a few Sherpas and the rest of the duos team were huddled up in the main tent. Nobody was talking. At least verbally. Inside, there was a rupture of emotions, and anxiety had soon got the better of us. Since 1921, many renowned mountaineers had made it this far, but not escaped from the mountains deadly clutches. So what was the guarantee that these two would make it?

The world awaited with bated breath. Minutes passed. Hours. My assistant handed me a cup of tea. I was just about to take a sip when it beeped. Again. And again.

I hastily put the walkie talkie to my ear.

It was May 29, 11.30 am, and they had done it. 

History had been created. The great impenetrable Everest, was finally conquered.

There, as I stood between the snow, I realized that such a life was worth living. Today, humans, without the barriers of nationality, caste, creed, color and religion had won against mighty nature. Two men, belonging to very different walks of life, had proved that teamwork and confidence could defeat any hurdle. Together, they had made humans proud. Together, they had conquered, not the mountain, but themselves. 

 I looked at the continuous range of mountains stretch before me, like a vast endless ocean. I had learnt a crucial lesson. These mountain climbers had undergone harsh , life threatening situations, but their passion outshone it all. These mountains stood together firmly and no force could break them apart. It made me realize, that we, as humans, are stronger together. Never giving up. I'd learnt something that no one ever ought to forget.

Every mountain is within our reach. All we have to do, is keep climbing.

                                                                                                                                              ~Nupur Bapaye