‘It is decided that the children below eighteen years, who have studied beyond class six, will be sent to study in Peking. Among the older students, only Ameng Tham, who is an agriculture student, will be sent to Peking University. If he wants to go, he will have to apply. Those with knowledge of tea farming will be sent to tea gardens. Those who are above eighteen will be moved to the factories. The rest will be divided into three groups and will be sent to the farms. The government will provide support for the rehabilitation of returnees, whom local relatives have agreed to keep with them. Old people will be sent to old-age homes.’ The officer halted. After looking at the returnees for some time he said, ‘You are probably not aware of the fact that China has been going through a very difficult time. We have not yet completely recovered from the famine of 1958. Because of this, we have to be extremely careful about our expenses. Keeping this situation in mind, you will have to cooperate with the government. All arrangements have been made. Everyone will be provided with a bundle of certain essentials. Everyone stand in a queue, sign on the resister and collect your bundles. Get ready. After four hours you will be sent to your respective places.’

The people looked at each other. They grabbed each other’s hands.

Those who had come from Kalimpong and Siliguri would be sent to the farms in Jiayi. Siu would go away with Chun Fu Thien.

Mei Lin’s father was sitting on his bed with Mei Lin’s grandmother’s and uncle’s family. Mei Lin stood near her father, trying to appear as strong as she could. Her friends came in.

Mei Lin’s father looked at them and smiled calmly.

‘I might not be able to see you all again. Live always like a family. Do take care of Mei Lin. She doesn’t have anyone other than you.’

No one said anything. After sitting in silence for a few moments Mei Lin’s father stood up. Placing a hand on Tung Chin’s shoulder, he said, ‘Time never remains the same. Good days will come. Don’t lose your patience, Tung Chin.’

Then he walked over to Ameng.

‘In this land, you have your friends. There can’t be anyone dearer to you than a friend. Never think that you are alone. I –’

The sound of a whistle came from the ground floor.

First to leave were the children. Then the returnees who were to go to the Jiayi farm. Ko Fuk’s family and Siu went away with them, weeping. Tung Chin left to work in a cloth mill. Many other young boys also left to work in different factories. After the old people left for the old-age homes, Mei Lin and the rest got into the trucks to go to the railway station for their journey.