THE LIFELINE
THE LIFELINE AN INITIATIVE BY TEAM VANGURDS OF ROTATOMORROW 3.0 OF THE ROTARACT CLUB OF UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA.
The Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya which strives to give spirit and life to numerous projects since 2010 originated under the Career Guidance Unit of University of Kelaniya, is an active club in the Rotaract in Rotary International District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives. Our club is guided and directed by its parent club, the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown. The Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya, since its inception, has been able to render a great service to the community for over a decade while insulating the values of fellowship, through the number of projects that have been completed up-to-date. Our club has also provided opportunities at a large scale for thousands of undergraduates to gain experiences, create and build up talents and skills of leadership hidden within themselves. The Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya has been titled the "Most Outstanding Rotaract Club of the Year" at the Rotaract District Training Assembly of the Rotaract in Rotaray International District 3220 Sri Lanka & Maldives, for two consecutive years. Having won eleven prestigious awards last year, our club has undoubtedly marked its superiority and established a brand name for itself when it comes to serving the community through innovative, purposeful and sustainable projects. 1
AWAKE & ALIVE ''AWAKE & ALIVE" is a project initiated by the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya under the initiative RotaTomorrow 3.0 organized by the Member Relations Avenue. Project AWAKE & ALIVE focuses on addressing a major issue that the community is diving into. The use of drugs is increasing in a rapid phase and in order to spread awareness and gain attention towards facing this darkness that is conquering humanity. AWAKE & ALIVE organized by team Vanguards which is the team 02 of RotaTomorrow 3.0 is conducted under four phases themed under the topic drug prevention and rehabilitation. Phase one was a digital art and poster competition where a number of unique digital creations were received and the winners of each category was awarded. Phase two was an awareness session conducted for school students in order to enhance comprehension on the adverse effects of drug addiction and prevention of drugs. The third phase is a remarkable short film based on the theme of the project with unique artwork and creativity. The publication of this book; "The Lifeline" is the fourth and final phase of project Awake & Alive. Thus, our main focus is spotlighting the SDG Goal of "Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation". 2
AWAKE & ALIVE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Mentor Rtr. Rahma Zuhri Team Leader Rtr. Adeesha Abeydheera Co-Chairperson Rtr. Dinelka Madushani Co-Chairperson Rtr. Buddhika Perera Secretary Rtr. Dilki Dissanayake Secretary Rtr. Christine Hammit Treasurer Rtr. Chathuranga Mendis Chief PR Coordinator Rtr. Mahela Dissanayake PR Coordinator Rtr. Umayangana Cooray PR Coordinator Rtr. Ishara Gunarathna Project Coordinator Rtr. Hasini Pamodya Membership Coordinator Rtr. Gihan Lakmal ER Coordinator Rtr. Manuja Rathnayake Story by Rtr. Adeesha Abeydheera Design by Rtr. Rahma Zuhri Art by Amalki Weerasinghe Formatted by Rtr. Buddhika Perera 3 AWAKE & ALIVE THE LIFELINE
Jehan gets a call. He answers the phone and tears burst out of his eyes. He wanders the room out of confusion while he felt a shiver throughout his body and guilt was filling his mind. ***** I am Jehan. When I was 8 years old, my father told me that the life we live is a creation of the choices we make. You, and you only can choose your outcome. Now I’m not an old wise man to vouch for that statement, but I’ve made some decisions myself to know that choice can change you; for the better, or the worse. This is my story, a past which battled a hidden darkness which we don’t give enough attention to. PROLOGUE 4
Life is a gift they say, many wonderful things to cherish in this world, and I appreciated every bit of it. I used to be a good kid, who always played by the rules, never got myself in trouble at all. But some things don’t remain the same. Matter of fact, they change. Shanil was a dear friend of mine who had been through different stages of my life since my childhood. One fine day while my mind was wandering, Shanil asked me, “Machan, why do you look so depressed?” I was not depressed but was confused by his question. “Depressed? I’m not depressed. It’s just that life’s been a bit boring lately. Nothing eventful at all.” “I know right. You wake up, have your breakfast, shower, come to school, go home, eat, sleep and that’s a day. The same dull routine over and over again.” Well, Shanil understood it really well, “There you said it.” I replied. And then he continued, “Machan, I think I know how to fix this. I’ve been wanting to have this conversation for a while now.” And that statement from him puzzled me, “Yeah? I mean I’ve been giving thought to start writing at my leisure time. What do you suggest?” “Writing? C’mon now that’ll be even more boring. What I’m talking about is a cure. I know a guy who sells this stuff. Word on the street is that this stuff makes you so hyped.” I was shocked to the core. “Come at me again? This stuff you’re talking about, it’s not illegal right?” “Does it even matter? I’m pretty sure a lot of people use those stuff. Plus, it’ll help you grow your network of friends. C’mon for once we can be the cool guys.” Shanil didn’t seem to be bothered and he took up the challenge to convince me, and so the conversation continued. “I don’t know about your network of friends, but I’m good for now.” “Look you said it yourself, life’s boring enough. This is a good getaway.” This is when I had to shoot the question directly, “You don’t even know that. You haven’t even tried it yet.” But at that point Shanil’s face was occupied by an awkward sense of guilt which made me realize something. “So you have tried it! Shanil! are you out of your mind?” “Yes! I have, and it has helped me a lot alright. If you don’t want it, fine then! I’m just offering to help cause I’m your best friend. If you change your mind by any chance, you have my number.” Shanil got up and left annoyed while I sighed and nodded my head out of disbelief. Over a decade of friendship and that’s the first time Shanil’s ever shown any kind of aggression. Like he said, if anything, he must’ve wanted to help me, I thought. CHAPTER ONE 5
For some reason I couldn’t help but think about the conversation I had with Shanil. What if the things he said about those stuff was true? I kept questioning myself whether I had made the right call or not. It was a day when I was waiting for Shenaya. I impatiently walked back and forth looking at my watch from time to time. After waiting for a few minutes, I took my phone to make a call to Shenaya. “Hey Jehan” I was quite impatient, “Hey, what’s taking you so long? The movie must’ve already started by this time.” “The movie? I told you that I won’t be able to make it today” she replied. “What? No, you didn’t.” “I left you a message in the morning.” As I was on the call I opened Sheanaya’s chat out of confusion and saw that indeed she had left me a message. “A mess…. Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t check it. It’s just this thing had me bugging out the whole day.” Shenaya has always been such an understanding person. “Don’t apologize! I should’ve called you. And by the way, are you alright? What is this thing you’re talking about?” Something stopped me from telling her about what Shanil had told me. “Oh, no it’s just nothing. Anyways I’ll see you later then.” “Right. Leave me a message once you get home. Bye.” If only had Shenaya made it that day, or at the very least I had checked my messages, my life would have taken a whole different path. I don’t know what made me do it, but I called Shanil that day. Shanil answered. “Hello” “Hello machan. I might’ve changed my mind. Are you still going to meet that guy?” “That’s the spirit machan! Of course, I’m going. Mahesh is also with me. I’ll send you the location and let’s meet there.” “Okay. Mehh,,, also you’re sure that this is safe right? Will I be caught in any trouble?” “What trouble? I’ve been doing this for a while now.” “Right then, I’ll you meet you there.” Interesting, isn’t it? How such an insignificant event can possibly change one’s life. CHAPTER TWO 6
I met Shanil and Mahesh that day, but it was no ordinary meetup. I was still not sure if I was doing the right thing and kept asking questions continuously. “You sure the place is right? What if he’s late?” Shanil replied calm and cool. “He won’t. These people work on time. We’re a bit early. Give it a couple of minutes and he’ll be here.” A tall and big built man appeared in no time. Shanil then asked me and Mahesh, “You guys brought cash right?” We nodded and handed over the cash to him. “Yeah, this’ll be enough” Shanil said looking at the cash he had in hand. He approached the dealer and handed over the cash while Mahesh and I were looking at the two of them eagerly. “You got the good stuff right?” questioned Shanil, for which the drug dealer answered “I always have the good stuff.” The dealer took the cash and handed over the drugs to Shanil. He also tried to tell something “Also be careful, you use too much of this and …” but Shanil interrupted. “Yeah yeah we’ll be just fine” The dealer then just nodded and left. Mahesh then questioned Shanil about what the dealer was going to say, “What did he just say about using too much of these?” I joined Mahesh. “Yeah, is this even safe at all?” Shanil ignorantly answered, “You guys need to stop worrying. Like I said, it’s all going to be fine. If you want, you still have time to opt out of this.” CHAPTER THREE I just sighed and replied to him with no idea to opt out of this. “Whatever. Give me that. After all if this helps, I guess I won’t be bored all day.” All I needed was a distraction to keep myself engaged, but the only thing I got distracted from, was reality. 7
“I’m not sure about this whole thing.” I spoke out my mind but Shanil firmly stood and replied, “Look now, there’s nothing to worry. How many times do I have to tell you this? Also I know you want it. Like I said, same time, same place. Mahesh will join us as well.” I don’t know, I really don’t know why I nodded once again. I should have said no. A defiance that would have changed my life. On that day Mahesh was missing. When I asked Shanil about it he replied “Oh he just had this thing so he won’t come. It’s fine though, we’ve got each other right?” I just got myself fallen into a rabbit hole. I didn’t even realize that I was addicted. Mahesh never joined us since that first day, but my mind wasn’t rational enough to question that. I didn’t feel well mentally or physically. There were times when my pocket money was too much for me. But now I don’t have anything left. I barely ate or drank but was captured by this monster. It was late begore I realized my life has taken a bad turn into the darkness. CHAPTER FOUR As days passed by, one day I met Shenaya. At the time I neither responded to her messages nor contacted her at all. “Hey, how are you doing?” “I’m alright.” Shenaya didn’t seem to believe my words. “You sure? I thought you’d leave a message when you got home last Friday. I even called you twice.” “Oh, I think something’s wrong with my phone. Maybe that’s why I didn’t see your message that day.” Shenaya has never blamed or fought with me but has always been by my side. “Hmmm. Or maybe you were busy with the assignment that was due yesterday. After all, you always wait till the last moment, don’t you? Anyways I was worried for you.” “Assignment? It was due yesterday? I…. I forgot….” Shenaya: was confused about what I said. “You forgot? Are you sure you’re alright? You seem a bit different.” “Look I’ll meet you later, I need to go now.” I rushed out while Shenaya stood puzzled. I headed straight to Shanil. “Hey, I don’t seem to remember a lot since I took that stuff.” Deep inside I felt a bit scared too on what has happened. But Shanil didn’t consider it to be a big issue. “Oh that’s common. You’ll get used to it. We’ll meet the guy today at the same time.” 8
Shenaya met me again after some time. “Jehan, we need to talk” I replied in difficulty as I was continuously coughing. “Look I’m a bit busy. Let’s talk later.” “I know what you have been up to, and I can help.” I pretended as if I didn’t understand what she was talking about, “What are you talking about? And what do you mean help? I’m doing just fine by myself.” Shanaya looked into my eyes and spoke, “You’re not fine! You’ve changed. You barely attend lectures, you barely even talk to me. Mahesh told me everything about what you have been taking.” “That snitch! No wonder that coward didn’t return.” Shenaya was concerned about me. I knew that. “Hey, you need to stop this immediately. And I told you, I can help.” But I was not ready to get any help from anyone. “You have no clue what you’re talking about! And I said it once already! I don’t need anyone’s help.” I pushed Shenaya and walked away from her. Even today I regret that. I regret it with all my heart. All she was trying to do was help me. He loved and cared about me and what did I do? I insolently pushed her away. CHAPTER FIVE 9
I intensely kept thinking in a troublesome demeanor. The worst thing about delusion is that you never know that you’re wrong. When you’re under influence, you step away from reality. I failed to see how repulsive I’ve become. My health deteriorated and my mind was never at ease. I couldn’t notice that I’ve spent loads of money on some poison that sucks every bit of my energy. Shanil was back. “Hey, you’re coming today right? The dealer we knew didn’t respond so I found a new one. And guess what? He’s got even more cool stuff.” By this time I started questioning myself. “I don’t know. I’ve become sick I started taking those stuff and…” But Shanil was always ready to convince me. “C’mon now. You’re not gonna back out after all this time right?” “I.. I don’t know…” I paused and so did Shanil. We looked at each other. I didn’t feel anything right. I felt the urge to speak my mind. “This was WRONG!” “NO! I’m done living like this. I’m not gonna take anymore of it. If anything my life’s become miserable since I agreed to join you” I went on.” Shenaya tried to help me but I wasn’t sober enough to understand her. I have to change things.” I held Shanil by his shoulder and spoke to him. “Look you can change as well. Your face is pale. You shouldn’t take more of that stuff anymore.” Shanil didn’t listen to me. He pushed me away just like I pushed Shenaya. “I thought we were best friends. You’re gonna take some girl’s advice over me? I do whatever I want!” Alone Shanil rushed out, he was not ready to hear me. And that was the day I put an end to my curse. I started taking rehab and things started to heal. But since that day I never saw Shanil. CHAPTER SIX 10
One month later here I am trying to correct my mistakes. ********** Jehan gets a call. He answers the phone and tears burst out of his eyes. He wanders the room out of confusion while he felt a shiver throughout his body and guilt was filling his mind. He grabs a photo of himself and Shanil together and stares for a while. “Death is said to be unpredictable. Yet sometimes I wonder if that’s just an excuse to get past the shortcomings of us humans. Sometimes we dig our own graves. I was filled with guilt when I heard the news of Shanil. Truth of the matter is my best friend didn’t die that day. I lost my best friend way before, when he first took drugs.” CHAPTER SEVEN “Jehan, I’m sorry about Shanil. How are you holding up?” Shenaya was still beside me giving all the support and care I needed. “I’m alright. I.. I could’ve helped him. He was my best friend.” I feel guilty. I couldn’t stop him from being showed to the darkness.” Shenaya confronted me “Hey.. It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.” Mahesh approached the two of us as we were talking about Shanil. “She’s right Jehan. Since the first day we took that stuff, I tried to convince him to stop. At the time he had taken too much of it and he wasn’t in his senses.” I nodded and displayed my agreement as a response. 11
“Sometimes the hardest choice in life might be something simple as saying “No” It took me a lot of courage to resist; to say No! I could’ve met with Shanil’s fate if I didn’t have the courage to say No. Here I am though 6 months sober and clean.” My companions in rehab started clapping. I smiled and walked out of the rehab center. On the way I was shocked to meet a person and identified him as the dealer whom I met with Shanil on the first day. “Hey, don’t be scared. I heard every bit of what you said and I’m happy for you. I knew I had to make things right, so I changed. I’m not the person you knew anymore. I’m really sorry about Shanil. I know it’s my fault. If only I knew what I was doing.” The dealer spoke with tears in his eyes. Jehan spoke, “Maybe it’s not anyone’s fault. We’re all just victims….Have you been taking rehab as well?” “Yes. I come on Wednesdays. Rehab was the best thing that ever happened to me. I never saw myself recovering from being an addict, but here I am.” “ Well, I guess we both should be proud of ourselves. We battled the war with drugs, and we never gave in. We survived – and we won the battle.” THE END CHAPTER EIGHT 12