The story, “The Journey”, is about a professor and a writer who are on their way back from Kaziranga after attending a conference. Their car breaks down in a forest village, and they are taken in by an old man and his wife. The old man tells them stories of his family and his village, and the professor and the writer learn about the hardships that the villagers have faced. The story ends with the professor and the writer reflecting on the journey they have taken, both literally and figuratively.
The story is set in Assam, India, a state that has been affected by violence and conflict. The old man’s stories reflect the violence and poverty that have plagued the region. He tells the professor and the writer about his son, who was killed in a militant attack. He also tells them about the drought that has devastated the village, and the lack of education and healthcare for the children.
The professor and the writer are moved by the old man’s stories, and they begin to see the world through his eyes. They realize that the journey they have taken is not just a physical journey, but also a journey of understanding. They learn about the hardships that the villagers have faced, and they begin to understand the complex reality of life in Assam.
The story ends with the professor and the writer reflecting on the journey they have taken. They realize that they have learned a lot about themselves and about the world. They have also learned the importance of listening to the stories of others. The story suggests that the journey of understanding is a journey that is worth taking.