Understanding how cells grow can be a life lesson.
It is one more day in the hot April. The rush of warm air through the windows of the virology laboratory made the place suffocating.
Mona looked at the running distilled water plant. It will take another thirty minutes to collect the required water for the test.
After much struggle, Mona succeeded in standardizing the PCR test and she found the strain that affected the liver and caused jaundice.
She did not come to the department for more than 15 days, and her guide asked her to hurry up and submit the synopsis as soon as possible. To forget whatever that had happened, she concentrated on her research project.
Sylvia always accompanied her and never left her alone. Mona came to the department early before anyone turned up and left the department early. Mona never stayed late and she planned her time in a way that did not collide with the timings of Richard and Mike.
To tell the truth, Mona felt scared at the sight of Mike.
Mike’s sarcastic smile and looks made her palpitate and she could not avoid feeling dizzy and weak whenever he threw a glance at her.
Richard also avoided Mona totally. The cold war that went on between them wished to prove that the other’s notion is not right.
The Indian beach trees around the campus looked rich with new leaves. Red colored tender leaves covered the whole tree. In the next ten days the trees will be full in bloom. Indian koels will start to sing from those trees. It will be really a treat to listen to the songs of the koels.
One afternoon, Sylvia and Mona sat listening to the love tunes of a male koel from the nearby beech tree.
“It is so sweet” Sylvia looked at Mona with a smile.
“Yes. Lovely.” Thousands of thoughts sparkled within Mona and she let out a sigh of grief.
“It is singing for me. A forlorn love song,” Mona murmured silently.
“Why do you think so? The male bird may be calling his lady love.” Sylvia replied.
“How good it will be if we can express like that bird” Mona added.
“Yes. You can. No one restricts you from doing so.” Sylvia answered back.
“Mona, have you checked the cell culture?” Dr. Vivian called her.
“Yes. Dr. I will check it out”, replying Mona started to move toward the cell culture lab.
It took another 45 minutes for Mona to check the growth of the cell culture. After switching on the UV light for ten minutes, Mona sterilized her hands and went to check the growth of the cells.
A surprise awaited her. The cells showed full growth. She can now start with the next level of her work, infect the cells with the virus and then feed the cells with antibiotics. If the antibiotics stopped the growth of the virus and allowed the cell replication again, the test will turn out to be a success.
“Syl, come here” Mona shouted with joy. The antibiotics had stopped the viral growth and the cells have started to grow again.
“Congrats. Mona, you have succeeded.” Mona gave her a broad smile.
What is the significance of cell division in Mona’s research?
Cell division indicates that the cells are healthy and actively replicating. In Mona’s study, resumed cell growth after antibiotic treatment proved that the virus was neutralized, marking a successful experiment.
Why does Mona avoid Mike and Richard in the lab?
The story suggests Mona has had a troubling experience, especially with Mike, whose presence causes her distress. Richard seems emotionally distanced, indicating unresolved tension.
What role does nature play in the story?
Nature, especially the blooming Indian beech trees and the koel’s song, acts as a metaphor for healing, longing, and unspoken emotions, mirroring Mona’s internal world.
What does the koel’s song symbolize in the story?
The koel’s song represents a form of open emotional expression that Mona envies. It becomes a symbol of unspoken love and the freedom to voice inner feelings.
